Master of Arts in
Organizational Leadership
The Masters of Arts in Organizational Leadership program is designed to bring out the best in your leadership. Through this program, leaders will be equipped with executive administrative skills using leadership models, theories, and practical application. You will gain outstanding verbal and written communication skills, superior business and leadership acumen, strategic leadership and management techniques, change management, and to be poised under pressure in high stress and fast-paced business environments. This degree focuses on the human side of leadership drawing upon such fields as sociology, psychology, philosophy, anthropology, and management.
Online Graduate Start Dates
February 18, 2025
Refine & Extend Your Calling as You Continue to Make an Eternal Impact
With Grace Christian University’s online master’s degrees, you can further your education no matter where you are. Our online programs are designed to help you become equipped for the Lord’s calling on your life, while working through your classes anytime, anywhere.
Grace’s online master’s degrees offer a high-quality level of education aiming to develop passionate servants of Jesus that emphasize the integration of character transformation, ministry experience, and biblical truth. No matter what track you choose, you’ll graduate with a deeper knowledge of God and His Word, prepared to make an eternal impact wherever you go.
Experience an Education with a biblical foundation
Develop Godly Friendships that will last a lifetime
Feel Confident and Prepared for your ministry career
Learn from instructors who really care
What to Expect
Excellence in Organizational Leadership, Grounded in Faith
At Grace, our curriculum goes beyond conventional education, weaving biblical principles into every facet of learning. We aim to develop passionate servants of Jesus that emphasize the integration of character transformation, ministry experience, and biblical truth.
2024–25 Tuition Cost
An Affordable Organizational Leadership Degree
Explore the pathway to an affordable yet exceptional Organizational Leadership degree. With a range of financial aid options and competitive tuition rates, we’re dedicated to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to excel in the pursuit of their calling without the burden of overwhelming student debt.
$495
Master Degree Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour
$250
Master Degree Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour
Military Personnel (active duty, veterans, spouses, dependents 23 or under)
$0
Online Application Fee
(Wavied for Adults Students)
$150
Online Resource Fee per 3-Credit Course
(Covers all textbooks and other resources required for Grace Online students)
20
Months*
30
Credit Hours
6
Week Courses
Career Paths
Organizational Leadership Career Paths
Organizational Leadership students will be equipped with a versatile skill set that opens doors to a variety of career opportunities. Whether you’re drawn to strategic development, talent management, organization development, or beyond, the possibilities are vast.
Here are just a few examples of the diverse paths our alumni have pursued after completing their studies:
- Training and Development Manager
- School Principal
- School and Career Counselor
- Instructional Coordinator
- Postsecondary Education Administrator
- Human Resources Manager
- Administrative Service Manager
- Sales Manager
- Management Analyst
- Top Executive
- Chief Executive Office
- Chief Financial Office
- Chief Information Office
- International Team Manager
- Management Analyst
- Corporate Recruiter
- Talent Manager
- Knowledge Manager
- Vice President
- Human Resources
- Management Consultant
- Quality Systems Director
- Compliance
- VP of Marketing
- Global Trade
- Strategy Consultant
- Health Services Manager
- Education Administrator
- Strategic Planning
- Organization Development
- Consultant
- Strategic Planner of Innovation
- Social Entrepreneur
- Law Enforcement
- Consulting
- International Relations
Benefits of Our Online Master Programs
Students in the online master’s degree programs:
- Attend classes on a flexible schedule that allows for work and family responsibilities
- Expand career and ministry opportunities with a degree that opens doors
- Obtain an affordable, high-quality education
- Gain collaboration skills through working with classmates and professors
- Achieve an educational goal
Course Descriptions
Organizational Leadership Courses
Our Organizational Leadership Program integrates practical leadership skills with Bible-centered values, emphasizing servant leadership, integrity, and ethical decision-making. Students dive into coursework covering leadership theory, organizational behavior, and strategic planning, while also exploring the integration of faith and leadership principles. Students are equipped to lead effectively in diverse organizational settings while upholding Christian values and making positive contributions to their communities.
The Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership is a fully online, 30-credit graduate degree designed to expand the student’s ability to serve and be effective in any organization, whether for-profit or nonprofit. The MAOL degree will help the student with career advancement, improving skills as a Christian leader, and learning to see his or her work and leadership through the lens of a biblical worldview while seeking to impact others and fulfilling one’s personal calling.
Required Texts
As a Graduate student, your textbooks are automatically provided to you via two platforms: Slingshot and Perlego. Sources that are fulfilled via Slingshot will be shipped to you or accessible as an eBook through your Slingshot student portal. Books that are accessible via Perlego can be accessed through Perlego’s eLibrary.
The cost of textbooks is covered by the resource fee for each course. Students are able to opt out of these services, but the resource fee will still be fully charged. Please refer to the Graduate Steps for Success course in Blackboard for more information.
GEN 501 – Graduate Writing and Research
- Burns, J. S., Shoup, J. R., & Simmons Jr., D. C. (2014). Organizational leadership: Foundations and practices for Christians. InterVarsity Press. 978-0830840502 (accessible via Perlego)
- Neumann, J. W. (2016). A professor’s guide to writing essays: The no-nonsense plan for better writing (2nd ed.). Edinburg, TX: Self-Published. 978-0692822524 (fulfilled via Slingshot)
- Williams, V. K. (2016). I’m not a writer…I’m just in graduate school: A guide to writing critically, clearly and coherently. Tampa, FL: Chrysalis Consulting. 978-1533392916 (fulfilled via Slingshot)
BUS 515 – Financial Stewardship
All resources for this course are provided directly in Blackboard, no required texts will be fulfilled.
LEA 505 – Organizational Ethics
- Johnson, C.E. (2021). Meeting the ethical challenges of leadership: Casting light or shadow. (7th ed.). Sage. 978-1544351643 (fulfilled via Slingshot)
LEA 510 – Coaching and Communication Strategies
- Collins, G. R. (2009). Christian coaching: Helping others turn potential into reality (2nd ed.). NavPress. 9781600063619 (accessible via Perlego)
- Hawkins, Peter (2017). Leadership team coaching: Developing collective transformational leadership (3rd ed). Kogan Page Limited. 9780749478490 (fulfilled via Slingshot)
- Stanier, Michael Bungay (2016). The coaching habit: Say less, ask more & change the way you lead forever. Box of Crayons. 9780978440749 (fulfilled via Slingshot)
LEA 530 – Foundations of Organizational Leadership
- Northouse, P. (2022). Leadership: Theory and practice (9th ed.). Sage. ISBN 978-1544397566 (fulfilled via Slingshot)
LEA 540 – Organizational Behavior
- Burns, John S., Shoup, John R., and Simmons, Donald C. (2014). Organizational leadership: Foundations and practices for Christians. IVP Academic. 9780830840502 (accessible via Perlego)
- Kotter, J. (2012). Leading change. Harvard Business Review Press. 9781422186435 (fulfilled via Slingshot)
LEA 545 – Leading with Cultural Intelligence
- Livermore, D. (2015). Leading with cultural Intelligence. AMACOM Publishing. 9780814449172 (accessible via Perlego)
- Elmer, D. (2002). Cross-Cultural connections: Stepping out and fitting in around the world. InterVarsity Press. 9780830823093 (accessible via Perlego)
LEA 550 – Leveraging Innovation
All resources for this course are provided directly in Blackboard, no required texts will be fulfilled.
LEA 560 – Leading Diverse Teams
- McChrystal, S., Collins, T., Silverman, D., & Fussell, C. (2015). Team of Teams: New rules of engagement for a complex world. Penguin Publishing Group. 9781591847489 (fulfilled via Slingshot)
- Lencioni, P. (2016). The ideal team player: How to recognize and cultivate the three essential virtues. Jossey-Bass. 9781119209591 (accessible via Perlego)
CAP 595 – Graduate Studies Capstone
Blanchard, K., Hodges. P., & Hendry, P. (2016). Lead like Jesus revisited: Lessons from the greatest role model of all time. Thomas Nelson. 978-0718077259 (fulfilled via Slingshot)
Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership
Our Organizational Leadership Program integrates practical leadership skills with Bible-centered values, emphasizing servant leadership, integrity, and ethical decision-making. Students dive into coursework covering leadership theory, organizational behavior, and strategic planning, while also exploring the integration of faith and leadership principles. Students are equipped to lead effectively in diverse organizational settings while upholding Christian values and making positive contributions to their communities.
Graduate Writing and Research
GEN 501LDesigned to give students the skills they need to complete successful written projects and research in graduate-level courses within the context of a biblical worldview. Students who pass this course will demonstrate proficiency in critical thinking, expressed through solid research and clear writing, which serves as the foundation for further studies in the University’s graduate programs. Includes research tools and methods for scholarly research. The successful completion of GEN 501 is considered a prerequisite for all other graduate courses. Students who are unable to earn a minimum grade of B- in GEN 501L after three attempts will be administratively dropped from their next session and must appeal to be allowed to re-enter the Graduate program. |
3Credit Hours |
Foundations of Organizational Leadership
LEA 530An examination of leadership theories in order to develop an effective foundation for leading self, and organizations. Theories to be studied include: Trait Approach, Skills Approach, Behavioral Approach, Situational Approach, and Leader-Member Exchange Theory. Other theories such as, Transformational Leadership, Authentic Leadership, Servant Leadership, Adaptive Leadership, and Followership, will be included. Organizational learning concepts and case studies will be analyzed; And lastly, students will have the opportunity to participate in leadership questionnaires, to explore their personal leadership style, and to develop a personal, and organizational, leadership philosophy. |
3Credit Hours |
Organizational Behavior
LEA 540Organizational Behavior is the study of the behavior of individuals, teams, and organizations, within for profit and nonprofit arenas, which is based on current management and leadership theory. Emphasis is given to understanding, predicting, motivating, and changing work-related behaviors in organizations, as well as encouraging effective behaviors that help the individual, team, and the organization to flourish. Key topics include: managerial and leadership careers related to students’ work and calling, decision making, organizational change, leading and mentoring teams, conflict and negotiation, and cultural intelligence. |
3Credit Hours |
Organizational Ethics
LEA 505Examines ethical perspectives, elements of the leader’s character, systematic ethical decision making, and the impact of logic, emotions, biases and cultural influences on individual and organizational ethics. Methods will include research, case studies, self-assessment, and application of a biblical worldview. |
3Credit Hours |
Leading Diverse Teams
LEA 560The study of teams within for-profit and nonprofit organizations based on current management theory. The emphasis in this study will be on horizontal structures and creating, managing, and leading agile teams. Key topics include Complicated and Complex Theory, leadership and delegation, relationships, organizational silos, Gardening Theory, Natural Church Development Theory, and shared consciousness. |
3Credit Hours |
Leading with Cultural Intelligence
LEA 545Cultural Intelligence (CQ) is the capability to function effectively in a variety of cultural contexts. Students will examine literature and perspectives from the fields of anthropology, sociology, and organizational leadership as well as study cultural engagement in light of the biblical narrative. |
3Credit Hours |
Financial Stewardship
BUS 515Introduces the principles of financial management. Students will review basic concepts of financial management, financial analysis and control, capital investment decisions, cost of capital, sources of long-term funds and cash management principles, accounting, review of basic organizational financial statements, ratio analysis, debt and equity securities, security valuation, and Time Value of Money. It is a study of the fundamentals of corporate finance as they relate to non- financial managers. |
3Credit Hours |
Coaching and Communication Strategies
LEA 510Teaches practical skills of personal and professional coaching necessary for moving organizations forward to achieve strategic goals and objectives. Students will practice fundamental coaching skills in the context of direct coaching relationships, with applications to team leadership, conflict management, and strategic planning. |
3Credit Hours |
Leveraging Innovation
LEA 550Introduces students to the topic of Innovation and Innovation Management. Innovation, by its very nature, requires an acceptance and regard for the new, the different, and the creative. Without an innovative mindset in an organization (which includes its levels of leadership, teams, and individuals), the organization can become stagnant, settle for the status quo, and not flourish as it once did. In this course, students will study strategies related to innovation, and consider concepts, models, or tools applicable to managing or leading innovation, which may positively impact the organization’s future and growth. |
3Credit Hours |
Choose One
Graduate Capstone
CAP 595The Graduate Capstone is a six-week course with assignments that include discussions and reflections on the scope of the student’s discipline, reviews of recent literature on leadership, and the creation of a final essay of 10 pages in which students write about guiding principles such as life purpose, core values, goals, and vision, as well as identifying key principles of leadership gleaned throughout their courses of study they plan to apply in the future. Prerequisite: Completion of all degree requirements with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00. |
3Credit Hours |
Graduate Capstone Experience
CAP 596The Graduate Capstone Experience is a six-week course that is built on the foundation of a hands- on experience in the student’s chosen discipline. The experience will reflect the scope of the degree studies, reviews of recent literature on the topic, and will demonstrate an area of the student’s specific passion in the discipline. The experience will be described in a final essay of 20 pages in which the student describes the experience in detail and how the understanding gained through the experience will be applied in future work and ministry. Prerequisite: Completion of all degree requirements with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 and approval of the Provost or designee. |
3Credit Hours |
Graduate Capstone Thesis
CAP 597The Capstone Thesis is a 12-week course that highlights the student’s independent scholarship in investigating and developing a chosen topic, integrating a biblical worldview and theoretical base with a comprehensive literature review. Students will work directly with a faculty thesis advisor to produce a 40 – 80 page scholarly work. Prerequisite: Completion of all degree requirements with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 and approval of the Provost or designee. |
3Credit Hours |
Testimonials
What Our Students Are Saying
We believe education is more than just academics. Check out firsthand accounts from students like you who have been impacted by our vibrant community, transformative education, and unwavering commitment to faith.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Master's Program for?
Anyone who has completed a Bachelor's degree and is seeking quality Christian Higher Education. We offer tuition discounts for military personnel, alumni scholarships, and payment plans for cash paying students. Our program is excellent for those receiving tuition reimbursement from an employer as well as anyone seeking to utilize Federal Financial Aid.
What is the Grace Christian Difference?
Academic Rigor
The program will teach and develop graduate-level research, writing, critical thinking, leadership and communication skills. Beginning with the Program Seminar, the program is designed to acclimate students to graduate-level work and prepare them for the kind of reading, writing, and thinking skills they will need for the remainder of the program.
Student-Centered
The application of constructivist learning theory puts the responsibility of learning in the hands of the students. Whenever possible, students will be allowed to choose what they will learn, how they will learn, and how they will assess their learning in terms of their ministry and professional goals.
Best Practices
As a fully online program, Graduate Studies at Grace Christian University adheres to the best practices of online education, including, but not limited to: online presence, creating a supportive online community, a variety of individual, small group, and large group learning experiences, and clear communication in the online environment.
What Can I Expect from the Professors of this Program?
Your professors have first hand knowledge working in their areas of instruction, along with advanced degrees and higher education experience. They are eager not just to instruct, but to guide you on your faith journey and pray for you throughout your time here. Their desire is to help you succeed and equip you for where God has called you.
What are the Benefits of the Program?
Students in the Online Master's programs will be able to:
- Complete a Master's degree in as few as 20 months
- Attend class asynchronously online and minimize interference from work schedules and family responsibilities
- Improve writing skills through our university Writing Center at our virtual Academic Center for Excellence.
- Enhance virtual presentation and technology skills to maximize ministry effectiveness and/or leadership skills
- Meet in a collaborative format and benefit from the varied experiences and ideas of classmates
- Obtain a degree that opens a wide range of opportunities, including pursuing doctoral studies
- Attend small virtual classes with the same students, developing teamwork skills and mutual support
- Receive individualized instruction and specific attention
- Gain satisfaction by fulfilling an educational goal
What Flexibility Does the Master’s Program Offer?
One course at a time, on your own time, in as little as 20 months. Students may enroll full-time or part-time and complete their coursework throughout the week at a time of day that is convenient for them.
Why Should I Study Online at Grace?
Advance your career from the comfort of your own home.
Our online master’s degrees are designed for busy professionals who desire to advance their careers. Through our flexible classes, our professors will encourage and mentor you as you expand your current pursuits.
Experience a caring community.
Connect with professors and students who will come alongside you as you pursue higher education and growth in Christ. At Grace, we’re passionate about equipping and supporting you to serve the Lord and others in all that God has called you to do.
Strengthen your biblical foundation.
At Grace Christian University, the Word of God is taught, valued, and celebrated. Deepen your knowledge of God’s Word as you receive an education grounded in objective Biblical truth.
The Grace Experience.
As closely as possible, the Graduate Studies program will reproduce the experience of undergraduate students (On Campus and Online) in an authentic Grace Christian University experience, expressing the ethos, core values, and historic mission of the University. This includes the University’s commitment to being a Bible-centered institution, committed to our historic Grace theological position, which values transformative relationships and service to church and society.
What Sets Our Master's Programs Apart?
Our Enrollment Advisors are there for you.
One-on-one coaching through the admissions process and the first class with your assigned Enrollment Advisor. Your advisor will want to know:
- Your passion
- Your path and goals
- Life circumstances that could help or hinder your success
- How can they pray for and with you
Your advisor will take this information seriously and provide tailored care as you get started with your degree.
We Prioritize You
Your goals and giftings are prioritized so they drive your success; this is opposed to a one-size fits all mentality & communication.
We take care of all class registration and your personalized education plan is created when you begin your program, so you are able to see all courses required until your graduate date.
One Class at a Time
No required log-in time (you log in throughout the week when it works best for your schedule!)
Students finish their online degrees in the same period as if they were attending an on-campus program.
Our Professors Care
Staff and faculty care about each student's eternal impact, which influences the care and resources we provide. Professors care and are easily accessible.
Low professor-to-student ratio:
- Online Undergraduate - 9.3 students per course section
- Online Graduate - 7 students per course section
The Bible is Central
All classes are taught from a biblical foundation, regardless of subject, with weekly devotions.
Low Cost Quality Education
Low tuition for a private Christian education.
Take the Next Step
Your Calling to the World Awaits
Join the Grace community and embark on a transformative journey of faith, learning, and personal growth as you pursue your calling in the organizational leadership field.