Avg. Salary
per year (2022 median annual wage) for training and development managers
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.
Master's & Certificates
100% Online
Certificates: 9
Master's: 30
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:
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.
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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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per year (2022 median annual wage) for training and development managers
Employment across management occupations is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations from 2022-2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Employment Projections.
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.
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.
"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."
"I’ve lifted myself up. I went from dropout to summa cum laude. It’s a complete 180."
At Widener, our community is celebrated and encouraged to share their unique perspectives.
Ranked a top online college in Pennsylvania
Widener received the 2022 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine for demonstrating an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion.
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.
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.
Our admissions and financial aid teams are here to support you every step of the way. Have a question? Ask away!
*only for master's applicants, not required for admission to certificate programs
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 admissions committee will assess the personal statement for content and quality of writing.
The certificate and master's program accept applications on a rolling deadline; you're welcome to apply at your convenience.
Widener transfer applicants follow the same application process as general applicants. After you apply, our admissions team will work with you to determine whether completed undergraduate and graduate coursework will count towards foundation/core courses that can be waived or substituted.
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 a international graduate student
Visa & financial aid assistance not available for online graduate programs including this one.
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:
Learn more about applying for financial aid as a graduate student
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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%.
Tuition rates are subject to change. Official costs for your first year will be determined at time of enrollment.
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.
We offer a variety of virtual events to get to know Widener and meet with faculty and admissions staff.
Have a question about Widener? Drop us a line and an admissions counselor will be in touch. We're always happy to help!
Visit our online application system to complete your app and share supplemental materials. There is a $35 application fee to apply to Widener.
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