Psychology Minor
Advantages
Apply an understanding of how people think and interact in a business/organizational setting.
Outcome
Training & Development Manager
Adult & Continuing Studies Programs
Organizational Development & Leadership BA & Certificates
Our online organizational development & leadership bachelor's and certificate programs will help you climb the ladder with confidence and become a more valued leader in your organization.
At a Glance
Click to Open
Offered as
Bachelor's & Certificates
Format
100% Online
Credits
Certificates: 9
Bachelor's: 120
Transfer up to 90 credits for BA
College/School
Explore the Organizational Development & Leadership BA & Certificates
Advance your career by improving your leadership, communication, and organizational effectiveness skills.
In Widener's 100% online organizational development & leadership (ODL) programs, 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:
- The organizational development & leadership bachelor's degree
- Two stackable ODL certificates—human resources leadership and organizational equity & inclusion—which are offered at a discounted tuition rate and easily roll into the bachelor's degree
- An accelerated option to earn your ODL MA (or another master's degree) with as little as one additional year of study
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're not ready to commit to a bachelor's program, you can start in one of our two 100% online, 9-credit organizational development & leadership certificates. Every course you take is eligible to seamlessly roll into the bachelor's program, affording you significant savings as certificates are offered at a discounted tuition rate per credit. You can even take both and stack your way to even bigger savings towards the bachelor's degree!
Note: Transfer credits may impact the ability to pursue the certificate options towards degree completion.
Certificate options include:
- Human Resources Leadership Certificate:
Learn how human resources leaders function effectively and successfully lead their organizations in developing strategic and productive workforces through a human development approach to working with staff. You'll study change leadership, talent management, legal & ethical aspects of HR, and more. See Loading.... - Organizational Equity & Inclusion Certificate:
Increase your knowledge and skills in creating and sustaining diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the workplace. You'll study historical foundations of DEI programs, change leadership theory, and cross-cultural strategies for developing cultural competency. See Loading....
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:
- Allied Health Education (MEd)
- Business Administration (MBA)
- Criminal Justice (MCJ)
- Counselor Education
- Higher Education Leadership (MEd)
- Organizational Development & Leadership (MA)
- Public Administration (MPA)
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
Career Outlook & Outcomes for ODL Students
Why Study ODL at Widener?
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.
Fuel Career Growth at Your Own Pace
With 100% online courses, the organizational development & leadership programs are designed to meet the needs of busy professionals. Choose to start with a certificate, add a minor to your BA, or level up to your master's degree with just one additional year of study. 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
Organizational Development & Leadership Program Highlights
Our 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.
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.
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
- 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
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 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!
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.
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%.
Program Cost
Tuition rates are subject to change. Official costs for your first year will be determined at time of enrollment.
Adult & Continuing Studies Admissions Office
-
Hyatt Hall
1 University Place
Chester, PA 19013 - 610-499-4282
- gcs@widener.edu
Center for Graduate & Continuing Studies
-
Hyatt Hall
- 610-499-4507
- gcs@widener.edu
- 610-499-4369
Sharmane S. Walker
Associate Director of Academic Affairs
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Hyatt Hall, Office #211
- (610) 499-4394
- sswalker@widener.edu