Organizational Development & Leadership Professor Holding Book
Adult & Continuing Studies Program​s

Organizational Development & Leadership BA

Our online organizational development & leadership bachelor's will help you climb the ladder with confidence and become a more valued leader in your organization.

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At a Glance

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Offered as

Bachelor's

Format

100% Online

Part-Time

Credits

Bachelor's: 120

Transfer up to 90 credits for BA

College/School

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Explore the Organizational Development & Leadership BA

Advance your career by improving your leadership, communication, and organizational effectiveness skills.

In Widener's part-time and 100% online organizational development & leadership (ODL) program, you'll prepare to assume a supervisory or leadership role in a diverse range of professional settings, including corporations, service industries, and nonprofit organizations.

This flexible degree concentrates on the skills of critical thinking, ethics, and handling organizational stability and change. Options for studying organizational development & leadership include:

When you graduate, you'll have the practical skills, expertise, and confidence to make intelligent business decisions and lead your organization to success.

Organizational Development & Leadership (ODL) Program Options

The bachelor's degree in organizational development & leadership is not a business degree but instead concentrates on the skills you need to develop into a coveted leader of people.

You'll take practical courses that put you on the inside track to a supervisory role and add sought-after skills to your resume like ethical decision-making, communication across teams, change management, and more. Plus, with the ability to transfer up to 90 credits—including college credits and prior life experience—you can complete your degree in a fast, convenient, and affordable way.

As you learn to lead from different perspectives, you'll prepare for a wide range of leadership roles and career opportunities.

View the Loading... for curriculum and coursework requirements for the ODL bachelor's degree.

If you’ve ever thought about earning your master’s degree, take advantage of our accelerated graduate program options. Once admitted into the program, you will take up to 9 credits of graduate-level courses that will count towards both your undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Complete your master’s degree in as little one year in one of the following areas: 

You may apply once you reach 90 credits in your bachelor’s program or upon Associate Dean approval. A 3.0 cumulative GPA is required to apply. 
 

Pair Your Organizational Development & Leadership BA with a Minor or Certificate 

Psychology Minor

Advantages

Apply an understanding of how people think and interact in a business/organizational setting.

Outcome

Training & Development Manager

Sociology Minor

Advantages

Gain a deeper understanding of how organizations work by studying how social context shapes human behavior.

Outcome

Public Relations Coordinator

Career Outlook & Outcomes for ODL Students

Potential Careers

  • Organization development & training
  • Human resources & talent management
  • Public relations
  • Organizational communications
  • Advancement & development

Industry Growth

Employment of training and development managers is expected to increase by 6% by 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Employment Projections.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Why Study ODL at Widener?

Faculty mentoring student

Build a Supportive Network of Industry Insiders

Your education will stretch beyond the online classroom as you build relationships with driven classmates, engaged alumni, and powerhouse faculty who know the keys to success—because they've achieved it themselves. As you get to know these industry insiders, you'll create a meaningful network of connections that will follow you long after graduation.

Adult student studying in coffee shop with bunder

Fuel Career Growth at Your Own Pace

With 100% online courses, the organizational development & leadership program is designed to meet the needs of busy professionals. No matter your schedule, you can complete coursework at your pace by learning in a flexible, online format that aligns with your personal and professional goals.

Student Stories

Naquawna Letman in her kitchen as executive chef

"Looking at all of the different positions I’ve worked in, I realized having a leadership degree would allow me to do anything I want."

Naquawna Letman

Class of 2022 and Class of 2023
Read Story
Kelly Quinn in an office at the Philadelphia Parking Authority

"I’ve lifted myself up. I went from dropout to summa cum laude. It’s a complete 180."

Kelly Quinn

Class of 2020 and 2022
Read Story
View all Stories

Organizational Development & Leadership Program Highlights

College of Distinction Equity and Inclusion 2024-2025 Logo

A Culture of Equity & Inclusion

At Widener, our community is celebrated and encouraged to share their unique perspectives.

Source: Colleges of Distinction
Circular badge reads 25 best training & development campus bachelor's by Great Business Schools

Top 25 in Nation

Our online bachelor's degree in organizational development & leadership was recognized as one of the 25 best programs in training and development for 2021. 

Source: Great Business Schools

Top Online College in PA

Ranked a top online college in Pennsylvania

Source: Guide to Online Schools
Logo for 2022 HEED (Higher Education Excellence in Diversity) award

Top College for Diversity

Widener received the 2022 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine for demonstrating an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion.

More about award

Our Faculty

Charlene M Brown headshot
Charlene M. Brown
Adjunct Faculty

Widener offers the opportunity to get a well-rounded perspective on a variety of excellent fields of study. In a thorough and engaging manner, Widener provides students a solid foundation for the next (or first) step in their careers and beyond.

Patrice Renee
Patrice S Renee
Adjunct Professor

Here at Widener, students aren't expected to come into the program with a plan. With a knowledgeable administration and experienced faculty, we open your mind to what is possible and guide you along your own path to success.

View All Faculty Explore Faculty Research Interests

Admissions & Aid

Our admissions and financial aid teams are here to support you every step of the way. Have a question? Ask away!

Admissions Information

  • Completed online application
  • $35 application fee (Master's program only)
  • All official transcripts from any high school, college, or trade school attended, if applicable
  • Proof of high school graduation or GED
  • Personal statement (see below)

Personal Statement (Master's program only)

Please explain why you wish to do graduate work in the field you have selected with particular emphasis on your proposed area of specialization. Please limit this essay to no more than one typewritten page. The admissions committee will assess the personal statement for content and quality of writing.

The organizational development & leadership programs accept applications on a rolling basis; there is no official deadline to apply.

Here, you can transfer up to 90 credits toward your bachelor's degree—more than most universities accept. You can also receive credit for prior learning—such as certificates, CLEP exams, military service, and more.

Our admissions team will help you make the most of college-level credits earned after high school. We maintain strong partnerships and articulation agreements with numerous local community colleges and also accept a wide range of course credits earned at accredited colleges and universities.

Curious about how many credits may transfer? Email your transcripts to transfer@widener.edu and our transfer coordinator will personally review your coursework as an unofficial credit evaluation. Applicants are given priority during busy seasons, but you don't have to apply to work with our transfer coordinator. 

Transferring doesn't have to be a guessing game—share your stats and we'll take it from there! 

Learn more about applying as a transfer student

Widener University serves as a "second home" for students from around the world.

Want to know what it's like to be an international student or need assistance navigating English proficiency requirements? We're here to help, and our international admissions director will support you through the application process. 

This support doesn't end with admissions—our International Student Support team will serve as a valuable resource throughout your Widener journey.

Learn more about applying as an international student

*Visa and financial aid not available for international undergraduate students in 100% online programs

Financial Aid

Because Widener is a private institution, we're able to offer financial assistance that brings our education within reach for individuals who might otherwise not be able to afford it.

You might be surprised how much we are able to offer.

Getting started is easy. Simply apply to Widener and submit your FAFSA to be automatically considered for scholarships and grants. "FAFSA" stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and helps identify whether you are eligible for aid awarded by Widener, the government, and other sources. Our school code is 003313.

In order to receive a financial aid offer, students must meet certain eligibility requirements. Here are the general eligibility requirements for most financial aid programs:

  • Must demonstrate financial need
  • Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
  • Be enrolled or admitted for enrollment as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program

Learn more about applying for financial aid as an adult and continuing studies student

Certificate programs are ineligible for federal financial aid, but submitting a FAFSA is still a requirement for qualifying for private scholarships from Widener.

Paths to Savings

Widener Scholarships for Adult Learners

Widener is proud to offer several endowed scholarship opportunities to currently enrolled adult and continuing studies students. These scholarships are awarded by the Center for Graduate & Continuing Studies and made possible through generous donor gifts. And the best part? Unlike loans, scholarship awards are yours to keep without the need to pay them back. Students are also welcome to reapply every year.

Learn more about scholarship and grant opportunities

Save up to 50% on Your Master's by Stacking Certificates

Widener's stackable certificates enable you to achieve your master's or doctoral degree by saying yes to one affordable certificate at a time. Here, you'll follow a more relaxed timeline and course load while earning certificate credits at a significant cost saving. Most of our certificate courses cost 50% less than master's courses.

Learn more about stacking certificates

    4+1 Students Save Time & Tuition

    In the Accelerated Advantage 4+1 program, you can save up to a year of tuition by pursuing a master's degree—resulting in thousands of dollars in savings. During your fifth year of study, you can also apply for graduate-level scholarships and assistantships to further reduce education costs. To learn more about graduate scholarships and assistantships, please speak with your academic advisor during the spring semester of your senior year.

    Employer Discounts & Tuition Reimbursement

    Widener University also partners with many local organizations and corporations to offer discounted tuition and other incentives to their employees. Don't see your company on the list? Ask them to become a partner. In addition, employers often offer educational reimbursement benefits. We encourage you to explore these opportunities and will be glad to provide any necessary documentation.

    Explore Our Employer Partnerships

    20% Discount for Widener Alumni

    (some restrictions apply)

    If you graduated with a degree from Widener, you may qualify for a 20% tuition discount. The first step to see what you qualify for is to submit your application. Widener offers students many paths to savings, and while we don't offer "double discounts", we'll make sure you'll get the biggest financial benefit you're eligible for. Only students who have completed an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree are eligible. Students who have pursued a 4+1, 4+2, or 3+3 pathway, graduate assistantship, Widener-funded scholarship, or other tuition discount may not be eligible if the financial discount granted surpasses 20%.

    Learn more about qualifying for an alumni discount

    Program Cost

    ODL Bachelor's

    $689 per credit 120 total credits $82,680 total cost

    Tuition rates are subject to change. Official costs for your first year will be determined at time of enrollment.

    Take the Next Steps

    Visit Us

    To visit Widener is, often, to fall in love with the place. To fit your timeline and schedule, we offer a variety of ways to get to know us.​

    View Admissions Events

    We offer a variety of virtual events to get to know Widener and meet with faculty and admissions staff.

    Request Information

    Have a question about Widener? Drop us a line and an admissions counselor will be in touch. We're always happy to help!​

    Apply

    Applying online is easy—and it's free! Have questions about your individual requirements? Request an in-person or virtual meeting with an admissions advisor for guidance prior to submitting your application.