Online Bachelor of Arts in
Organizational Leadership

Prepare for Leadership in a Dynamic World  

CSUSM's Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership helps you become the leader you aspire to be. Whether you're looking to advance in corporate settings, educational institutions or nonprofit organizations, this degree prepares you to step into leadership roles where you can make a real difference. 

Learn entirely on your terms with this fully online, asynchronous program. Fit your education around your life, not the other way around. 

You'll gain essential leadership skills that employers value in just about any workplace, including strategic planning, team building and conflict resolution. Graduates will be prepared to pursue rewarding careers across diverse sectors, from business and education to government and nonprofit organizations, in prominent roles such as human resources manager, project manager or school administrator. 

 

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Attend an Information Session

Join an Online Information Session 

Learn more about the 100% online Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership program through a brief, informal webinar and Q&A session: 

• Please check back for upcoming information session dates

Admission and Costs

Admission

This is a degree-completion program. Students must complete required prerequisite courses and 60 transferable semester units (or 90 quarter units). Additionally, applicants are required to meet the CSU general education transfer standards. View all admission requirements.

Costs and Financial Aid

• $420 per unit
• Eligible for financial aid

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Curriculum Highlights

The BA in Organizational Leadership at CSUSM prepares students to become adaptable, ethical leaders in diverse professional settings. This interdisciplinary program combines courses from business, education and social sciences to equip students with the tools needed to lead effectively and drive organizational success. 

 

Careers and Job Outlooks

 

FAQ

• What is a degree-completion program?
  Degree-completion programs at CSUSM cater to individuals who have initiated, yet not completed, their four-year undergraduate degrees. If you have earned at least 60 transferable units, you are eligible for this coveted BA degree in Organizational Leadership from Cal State San Marcos.  
• What is a cohort?
  Students in the organizational leadership bachelor’s program progress through the curriculum as a unified group, fostering collaboration and professional networking opportunities. This cohort model ensures consistent peer support throughout the 60-unit program.   
• Will my diploma say "online"?
  No, your diploma will not specify that your degree was earned online; it will simply indicate that you received a bachelor’s degree from California State University San Marcos, the same as traditional, on-campus students. 
• What is the mode of delivery for this program, and what does "asynchronous" mean?

  This program is offered fully online in an asynchronous format. Asynchronous learning means students do not need to attend live classes at specific times. Instead, they can access pre-recorded lectures and course materials, and complete assignments at their convenience within set deadlines, providing flexibility to accommodate their schedules. 

• What are the key features of this degree?
  The Organizational Leadership B.A. focuses on leadership theories and practices applicable in education and business contexts. It prepares students to lead organizations effectively while supporting organizational success. The interdisciplinary curriculum includes courses from business, education and social sciences. 
• Who is the target audience for this program?
  This program is ideal for working adults, active-duty military personnel and individuals with some college credits but no degree. It aims to help them complete their undergraduate education while balancing other responsibilities. 
• What is the Capstone Leadership Project in this program?
  The Capstone Leadership Project is a 5-unit culminating experience designed to integrate and apply the leadership theories, frameworks and skills developed throughout the program. Students will work on a comprehensive project that addresses real-world organizational challenges, demonstrating their ability to lead effectively, make data-driven decisions and promote equity and inclusion within an organization. This project serves as a practical demonstration of students' readiness to take on leadership roles in diverse professional settings. 
• What career opportunities are available for graduates of this leadership program?
  Graduates can pursue careers in various fields such as human resources management, organizational leadership roles, project management, public administration and more. The skills developed are applicable across industries including business, healthcare, government and nonprofits. 
• What services do you offer to active military, veterans and dependents?

  Please visit our military and veteran services page to learn about the support and resources available to active-duty military, veterans and their dependents.

• What is Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) and how can it benefit me?

   Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) allows you to earn academic credits for skills and knowledge you've acquired outside of a traditional classroom. This can help reduce the number of courses needed for your degree, saving you time and money while accelerating your path to graduation.

• How do I apply for CPL?

  Start by contacting your CSUSM advisor, who will guide you through the CPL process. You’ll need to provide proof of your certifications and/or provide supporting documentation demonstrating your learning, knowledge or skill acquired through experience. Once the appropriate paperwork has been received, the department faculty will assess which credits you qualify for.

• Can other forms of experience besides certifications count towards CPL?

  Yes, beyond certifications, prior experience such as work or military experience may also qualify for credit. Faculty at CSUSM will review these experiences on a case-by-case basis to determine eligibility.