Students graduating with an online master’s in organizational management can seek high-level administrative jobs to help organizations improve their people, processes, and productivity. Organizational managers can find work in various settings, including education, corporations, and self-employment.
The cost of tuition for an online master’s in organizational management will vary for each student. However, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average graduate school tuition is $12,596 at public institutions and $28,017 at private institutions.
How to Choose an Online Master’s in Organizational Management Program
Choose your area of study
Clarifying personal and professional goals will help students choose the right path. Each path may require a different type of master’s degree, like one of the following:
- Master of Science in Organizational Leadership
- Master of Science in Human Resource Management
- Master of Business Administration in Organizational Management
Many programs offer concentrations that allow students to focus their studies on a particular industry or aspect of management, such as healthcare administration, strategic communication, or business analytics. If you already know exactly what you would like to do after you graduate, look for programs that match your specific career goals.
Research schools and programs
You should only consider institutions that have been approved by a DOE-recognized regional accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. These organizations evaluate schools to ensure they provide students with a high-quality education. Those who attend a school that isn’t regionally accredited may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed.
Ideally, your master’s in organizational management program will also be accredited by a respected industry group like the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). This programmatic accrediting organization has particularly high standards for business education.
To learn more about any schools that you’re interested in, you can visit the school’s website, contact an admissions counselor, follow the school on social media, or attend an in-person or virtual open house.
Make a list of questions and seek the answers. Helpful questions include:
- Who are the faculty, and what are their credentials and experience?
- Do courses match your learning style?
- Are graduation timelines flexible?
- Are there networking opportunities?
- What are the graduation requirements?
Prepare for tests and applications
Application requirements vary by school and program. Generally, graduate programs require proof of a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Undergraduate transcripts will show evidence that a student graduated and their overall GPA. Typically, programs require a 3.0 or higher.
For this degree, schools may also require that students submit Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores. Find out which programs need it early in your search to avoid missing testing dates and application deadlines. Additional application materials to prepare include:
- Resume
- Personal statement
- Letters of recommendation
- Application and fees
Before submitting an application, always contact an admissions counselor to ensure you have the most accurate information regarding requirements and deadlines.
Select your program
Once you’ve compiled all your research on various schools, narrow down your options to the programs you’ll apply to. Applying to multiple schools will improve the odds that you get accepted into at least one of your top choices.
Before making your final decision, review your needs and goals again. Do you plan to attend school full-time or part-time? Are you only interested in 100% online programs, or are you fine with a hybrid program that has a few in-person requirements? Some programs offer asynchronous courses, which can be completed at your own pace, while others only offer synchronous courses, which involve remotely attending lectures and completing assignments at the same time as other students — which of these two online learning formats do you prefer? Your school should accommodate your scheduling needs and learning preferences.
Determine how you’ll pay for the program
There are numerous financial aid opportunities available to students. Every student should submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine their eligibility for institutional aid, such as scholarships and grants, federal student loans, and work-study funding. Also, individuals who are employed while enrolled in school should check with their employers about tuition assistance options.
Be sure to speak to financial aid counselors at the schools you’re interested in for the most accurate and specific information about program cost.
Best 50 Accredited Online Master’s in Organizational Management Programs
Discover More Options
How We Rank Schools
Our research focused on finding the best master’s-level programs in organizational management. This list includes Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MS), and Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees.
To ensure accessibility for the greatest number of students, we specifically sought programs that can be completed fully or primarily online. In cases where courses are offered both online and on-campus, students may be able to complete the degree through a combination of distance learning and in-person classes.
As a measure of quality, we only included programs offered by regionally accredited institutions. A number of these options also have programmatic accreditation from organizations such as the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
We evaluated each program based on its reputation, outcomes, cost, flexibility, and faculty. Then, we calculated an Intelligent Score for each program on a scale of 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.
What Can You Expect from an Online Master’s in Organizational Management Program?
Students can expect to complete at least 30 credit hours of core curriculum, electives, and practicums. Most programs take full-time students two years to complete and part-time students three years or more. However, students in an accelerated program can complete the program in less than 18 months.
Students in online master’s in organizational management degree programs will learn about leadership styles, business strategies, management skills, communication skills, and team-building.
Some students may need licensure or certifications depending on their career goals. An online master’s in organizational management curriculum often prepares students to take exams for certification or licensure. For example, some corporate managers seek the following certificates:
- AMA Certified Professional in Management
- Project Management Professional
- Certified Associate in Project Management
- Certified Human Resources Professional
Programs may also require students to complete a practicum in a specialty area, thesis or final project, and oral presentation to a committee of master-level faculty.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online master’s in organizational management degree program
- Foundations of Organizational Management. A foundations course sets the framework for the rest of the program. Students learn the basics of project management, technology, ethics, and business strategies as they apply to organizations. Also, students study various leadership styles and characteristics for successful team management and the different leadership levels, including top level, middle level, project level, and team level.
- Organizational Change. Students study various theories on how leaders can initiate change within an organization. They discuss why change is significant and learn factors that motivate employees to change and how to deal with employees resistant to change. The focus is on management, leadership, planning, and maintenance of changes within an organization.
- Effective Communication. Students learn the importance of effective organizational communication, including creating and exchanging information to benefit everyone. They learn critical communication concepts, such as written communication, listening skills, and verbal and non-verbal communication.
- Human Resources Management. Leaders within an organization must understand the components of hiring, firing, training, and recruiting employees. Students learn the laws and regulations regarding human resources within various organizations. They also learn to create a healthy work environment promoting positive working relationships.
What Can You Do With an Online Master’s in Organizational Management?
Career outlook
The career outlook for individuals with an online master’s in organizational management is promising, reflecting the increasing demand for skilled leaders and managers across industries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in management occupations is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations over the coming decade.
Individuals with a master’s degree in organizational management have a wide array of job options, as their education equips them with the skills to lead and manage teams effectively. These job options showcase the versatility of this degree, offering opportunities for professionals to make a significant impact in various industries and sectors. Earning potential and job responsibilities may vary based on factors such as experience, industry, and the nature of the organization.
Here are some specific job options for individuals with an online master’s degree in organizational management:
- Top executive — Coordinate the work of an organization by establishing goals, overseeing activities, and appointing department heads and managers.
- Median annual salary: $100,090
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 3%
- New job openings projected: 311,600 annually
- Management analyst — Advise organizations on how to increase revenue, reduce expenses, and improve efficiency.
- Median annual salary: $95,290
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 10%
- New job openings projected: 92,900 annually
- Human resources manager — Oversee employee relations, payroll administration, and talent acquisition and development.
- Median annual salary: $130,000
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 5%
- New job openings projected: 15,500 annually
Online Master’s in Organizational Management Degree Program Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online master’s in organizational management degree program?
Because admission requirements vary considerably, speaking with an admissions counselor before gathering all necessary materials is crucial.
One thing to keep in mind is that schools typically require official transcripts showing that you completed an undergraduate degree. Transcripts should be sent directly from your undergraduate institution either electronically or by mail in a sealed envelope.
Additional requirements may include:
How much does an online master’s in organizational management degree program cost?
There are many factors to consider when estimating the cost of an online master’s in organizational management degree. For one, private schools tend to be much more expensive than public schools. And at public schools, out-of-state students are typically charged higher tuition rates than in-state students.
How long does it take to earn an online master’s in organizational management degree?
Multiple factors determine the length of an online master’s in organizational management degree program. The number of credit hours the program requires for graduation will influence the time it takes to complete the program. An online master’s in organizational management typically requires 30-36 credit hours, which full-time students can usually complete in 1-2 years. Part-time students may need 2-3 years to finish.
Is an online master's in organizational management worth it?
Earning an online master’s in organizational management offers significant benefits for graduates of these programs. Managerial skills are crucial for career advancement, and an advanced degree can position individuals for leadership roles with higher earning potential.
An online master’s in organizational management provides theoretical knowledge as well as practical insights and skills that are directly applicable to leadership positions. The flexibility of most online programs allows professionals to continue working while advancing their management capabilities, making it a solid investment for those who wish to succeed in the business sector.