Graduate Studies

Organizational Development & Leadership Master's & Certificate Programs

Through a flexible, 100% online program, you'll develop into a valued leader and change-maker in your current (or future) organization. 

Program Overview

Pursue Your ODL Master's Degree to Gain a Competitive Edge in Today's Fast-Paced Job Market

Through 100% online courses, you can graduate with your ODL master's degree in one year or finish at your own pace. Either way, you'll acquire the skills to effectively lead teams in a wide range of organizational settings.

Customize Your ODL Degree with a Specialization

  • Human Resources Leadership: Designed for current and future HR professionals, this specialization prepares you for advanced work in a variety of industries, including non-profit, for-profit, health care, education, and government. Your experience will equip you to foster a productive work environment and establish and maintain positive relations with employees. 
  • Organizational Equity & Inclusion: Designed for current and future leaders in organizations across multiple industries, including nonprofit, for-profit, health care, education, and government, this specialization equips you to create and sustain a diverse and inclusive workforce. 

Start with a Certificate Program to Gain the Specific Skills You Need to Advance

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. All credits roll into the master's degree—you can even complete the master's degree by combining (or "stacking") certificates and taking a capstone course. Completing the master's program this way will afford you significant savings, as certificate courses cost 50 percent less than master's courses.

  • Leadership in Organizations Certificate: Gain leadership skills by examining organizational theories, learning how to address ethical challenges organizations face, and developing persuasive oral and written communication skills. 
  • Innovation in Organizations Certificate: Delve deeper into the study of innovative organizations, current issues in organizations, and how to communicate persuasively to ensure change.
  • Human Resources Leadership Certificate: Prepare for the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) certification and position yourself to compete in a rapidly growing HR job market.
  • Organizational Equity & Inclusion Certificate: Develop advanced skills to meet the growing demand for professionals who can build and execute a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace.
  • Workforce Development in Organizations Certificate: Prepare to increase your knowledge and skills to support organizational initiatives in adult learning, group dynamics, and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).

Not sure which option is best for you? Our admissions team can customize your educational plan to meet your personal and professional goals. Contact us today to learn more. 

Curriculum & Coursework for Program Options

View the Loading....

    Total Credits = 30 

    Find the curriculum & coursework requirements for our two ODL specializations: 

    Total Credits = 30 

    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 combine multiple certificates to reach your master's degree at a reduced cost. No matter what program you choose, you'll acquire the skills to become a valued leader in your organization.  

    See the curriculum requirements for our 9-credit certificate options:

    After earning each certificate, you can apply your credits to the master's degree in organizational development & leadership. Completing the master's program this way will afford you significant savings, as certificate courses cost 50 percent less than master's courses.

    See also Ways to Save on the Master's Degree

    Admissions Information

    No application deadline (rolling admissions)

    No application deadline (rolling admissions)

    Looking for ways to make your master’s degree more affordable? 

    • Earn your master's degree by completing 3 organizational development & leadership certificates and roll your credits into the master’s degree, which you'll earn after taking a final capstone course. Entering the master's program this way will afford you significant savings, as certificate courses cost 50 percent less than master's courses.
    • Explore tuition remission benefits through your employer.
    • Check out our employer partnerships for discounted tuition rates for local organizations and corporations. If you don't see your organization listed, reach out to your HR department to advocate for a partnership.   

    Regardless of your situation, our admissions team is prepared to help make your education affordable. We can advise you on financial aid opportunities and payment plan options that will meet your needs. 

    Program Highlights

    Prepare for greater leadership as you focus on organizational ethics, stability and change, managing diverse teams, and more.

    Female business leader

    Earn a Degree That Adapts to You

    No two careers look the same. So why should you enroll in a one-size-fits-all graduate program? At Widener, your degree will adapt to you. Complete your program at your own pace. Take 100% online courses on the day and time that works for you. Choose a master's specialization or pursue a specialized certificate. With guidance from our admissions team, you'll earn a custom-made graduate degree. 

    Business graduate students walking

    Take Courses That Matter

    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 
    Faculty member mentoring student at table with open book

    Experience Built-in Academic Support

    Outside the classroom, you'll work closely with an academic advisor who will guide you in selecting courses that meet your career goals. Inside the classroom, you'll learn from faculty members with advanced degrees in their field. These professors will prioritize your success and help you gain the knowledge, skills, and support network you need to lead a rewarding career.

    Faculty

    Your Inside Track to Success

    Your Inside Track to Success

    Move on, move up, or break through with a degree that prepares you to leads groups, teams, and organizations.

    Outlook & Outcomes

    Potential Careers

    • Organization Development & Training
    • Human Resources & Talent Management
    • Compensation & Benefits
    • Public Relations

    Industry Growth

    Management Occupation jobs are expected to grow by 8% from 2021 to 2030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

    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
    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

    Take the Next Steps

    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.