Avg. Salary
$120,000
per year (2022 median annual wage) for training and development managers
Graduate Programs
Organizational Development & Leadership Master's & Certificate Programs
Through a variety of flexible, 100% online programs, you'll hone the organizational development and leadership skills necessary to thrive as a valued change-maker in your current (or future) organization.
At a Glance
Click to OpenOffered as
Master's & Certificates
Format
100% Online
Credits
Certificates: 9
Master's: 30
College/School
Explore the Graduate Organizational Development & Leadership Programs
Ignite your career as a leader and innovator when you study organizational development and leadership (ODL) at Widener. All programs are 100% online, designed for working adults who are the current and future leaders in industries including nonprofit, for-profit, health care, education, and government.
Our master's in organizational development will prepare you to effectively lead teams across a wide range of industries, settings, and situations. You can pursue the traditional ODL or a specialization in human resources leadership or organizational equity & inclusion. In all master's programs, you'll prepare for greater leadership as you study organizational ethics, stability and change, managing diverse teams, and more.
If you want to follow a more relaxed timeline or don't want to commit to a master's program, you can pursue one of our ODL certificate options to gain the specific skills you need to advance your career today. Certificate courses are offered at a discounted rate from master's courses, and all credits easily roll into the master's degree. Programs include:
- Human Resources Leadership Certificate
- Innovation in Organizations Certificate
- Leadership in Organizations Certificate
- Organizational Equity & Inclusion Certificate
- Workforce Development in Organizations Certificate
We're here to help you customize your academic journey to meet your personal and professional needs and goals. Get in touch today to find your path in our organizational development and leadership programs.
Master's in Organizational Development & Leadership (ODL MA) Program Options
To move into a supervisory role, you need relevant, meaningful training. That's why we filled our curriculum with practical courses focused on practical outcomes. You will:
- Hone your ability to manage and lead in various organizational roles
- Learn to communicate across and within units of an organization
- Explore best practices for leading teams and groups
- Apply ethical leadership principles to organizational change
- Prepare to deliver effective employee evaluations and assessments
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Designed for current and future HR professionals, this program will equip you to foster a productive work environment and establish and maintain positive relations with employees. You'll study best practices in HR leadership, talent management and development, and legal and ethical issues in HR.
View the curriculum & coursework requirements for the ODL MA specialization in Loading...
This specialization equips you to create and sustain a diverse and inclusive workforce. You'll study theoretical foundations in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI); best practices for leading inclusive organizations, and cross-cultural leadership skills.
View the curriculum & coursework requirements for the ODL MA specialization in Loading...
Organizational Development & Leadership Certificate Program Options
Prepare for the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) certification and position yourself to compete in a rapidly growing HR job market. You'll study organizational development theory and practice, leadership of change, talent management, workforce development strategies, and legal and ethical aspects of human resources.
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Delve deeper into the study of innovative organizations, current issues in organizations, and how to communicate persuasively to ensure change. As you learn how to assess and evaluate programs and initiatives, you'll explore the relationships among innovation, strategic planning, organizational analysis, and performance improvement.
View curriculum and coursework requirements for the certificate in Loading...
Gain leadership skills by examining organizational theories, learning how to address ethical challenges organizations face, and developing persuasive oral and written communication skills. You'll learn how to overcome challenges at individual, organizational, and societal levels as you study the relationships between strategy, technology, politics, and more that affect organizational structure and design.
View curriculum and coursework requirements for the certificate in Loading...
Develop advanced skills to meet the growing demand for professionals who can build and sustain a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. You'll study historical foundations and contemporary DEI practices, change leadership theory and practice, and cross-cultural strategies for developing cultural competency within organizations.
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Prepare to increase your knowledge and skills to support organizational initiatives in adult learning, group dynamics, and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). As you study adult learning and motivation theories, you'll identify best practices for leading diverse teams and finding creative solutions to institutional challenges that face workforce populations.
View curriculum and coursework requirements for the certificate in Loading...
Career Outlook & Outcomes for Organizational Development & Leadership Students
Why Study ODL at Widener?
Fuel Career Growth
If you're not ready to commit to a master's degree, pursue a standalone certificate to take your career to the next level or stack multiple certificates to reach your master's degree at a reduced cost. All certificate credits can be applied to the master's degree in organizational development & leadership (some exceptions apply depending on specialization).
Save money and learn valuable new skills while you grow as a valued leader in your organization.
Build a Supportive Network of Industry Insiders
Your education will stretch beyond the online classroom as you build relationships with accomplished guest speakers, driven classmates, engaged alumni, and faculty mentors who infuse their teaching with the latest trends, technology, and thinking. As you get to know these industry insiders, you'll create a meaningful network of connections that will follow you long after graduation.
Student Stories
Organizational Development & Leadership Program Highlights
Our Faculty
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.
Recent News
Widener Offers New Graduate Programs and Certificates to Prepare Students for Career Growth
More and more professionals are turning to Widener for an array of new and existing graduate programs and flexible certificates under the newly named Center for Graduate and Continuing Studies and the College of Health and Human Services.
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
- Online application
- $35 application fee
- Resume
- Two letters of recommendation*
- All baccalaureate official transcripts
- Personal Statement (see below)
- Undergraduate cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher
*only for master's applicants, not required for admission to certificate programs
The certificate and master's program accept applications on a rolling deadline; you're welcome to apply at your convenience.
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.
HOW TO APPLY AS A GRADUATE INTERNATIONAL STUDENT
- Complete your online application
- Submit your official transcripts from all college/university post-secondary institutions. A course-by-course credential evaluation completed by a NACES certified organization will be accepted if the transcript is not in the English language.
- Fulfill the English Proficiency requirements
Learn more about applying as a international graduate student
Visa & financial aid assistance not available for online graduate programs including this one.
Financial Aid
NOTE: The certificate programs do not qualify for federal financial aid if taken alone. Submit your FAFSA to be eligible for aid directly from Widener, and see below for other paths to savings including Widener scholarships, employer partnerships, and an alumni discount.
Paths to Savings
85% of Full-Time Grad Students Receive Aid
Simply apply to Widener and complete the financial aid process to be automatically considered for scholarships and grants. Because Widener is a private institution, we are 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 at how much we are able to offer in assistance.
Applying For Financial Aid as a Graduate Student
In order to receive your part of the financial aid pie, all you have to do is submit your FAFSA. "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.
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
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
Graduate Admissions Office
-
Hyatt Hall
14th St
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
Executive Director for the Center for Continuing Studies
-
Hyatt Hall, Office #211
- (610) 499-4394
- sswalker@widener.edu