Master of Science in Organizational Leadership (MSOL)

CU Boulder’s Master of Science in Organizational Leadership (MSOL) is an online graduate program designed for working professionals who want to integrate leadership theory with practical skills to make strategic, ethical decisions that drive organizational success. Through a dynamic curriculum that blends leadership, business, and communication, students develop the insights and competencies needed to lead teams, foster change, and navigate complex challenges in today’s evolving workplace. Since its inception, the program has seen significant growth and success, culminating in the graduation of our 500th alum in the Spring 2024 semester (see photos). This milestone reflects the program’s ongoing commitment to developing leaders who drive impactful change across industries.

Launched in Fall 2018, the MSOL program is intentionally structured to be flexible and supportive. Students can choose between a cohort model, which offers a more structured learning experience with a consistent group of peers, or an independent model for greater flexibility while still participating in collaborative, peer-driven courses. Courses are delivered in 7-week terms, allowing students to focus on one class at a time while balancing their academic, professional, and personal responsibilities. Most students complete the 30-credit program in just five semesters—about 19 months. 

Leadership in Action: Bridging Theory and Practice
Students explore key topics such as organizational change, inclusive leadership, data-informed decision-making, and team dynamics, all grounded in real-world application. Courses are led by engaged faculty with professional and academic expertise, offering a learning environment that is both collaborative and career-focused. MSOL students also benefit from a unique opportunity to work with faculty from CU Boulder’s College of Media, Communication, and Information (CMCI) and the Leeds School of Business, blending leadership theory with practical skills across multiple disciplines.

The curriculum includes six core courses that provide a strong foundation in organizational leadership, covering topics such as strategic communication, performance management, and data-driven decision making. These foundational courses equip students with the essential knowledge needed to deepen their understanding for effective leadership in contemporary business and the tools to lead their organizations across diverse contexts. 

Students also choose from a variety of specialized track electives that allow them to tailor their learning to specific career goals. These tracks include Human Resources, Strategic Leadership, Leading Innovation, Organizational Communication, Corporate Communication and Public Relations, Executive Leadership, Leading High-Achieving Teams, and Organizational Training and Development. Each track consists of four focused elective courses designed to empower students as they continue to develop individual expertise and skill sets in these key areas of leadership.

The program culminates in a Capstone course, where students apply their program learning to a real-world business challenge by conducting qualitative research, analyzing data, and developing actionable recommendations to immediately benefit the business landscape. The capstone project design, through strategic interviews with recognized industry leaders, expands the student’s professional network to advance their career and explore executive opportunities.   

Many students report that the MSOL has had an immediate impact on their work, helping them communicate more strategically, lead with greater confidence, and think critically about the systems they influence. Whether learners are advancing in their current roles or transitioning into new leadership opportunities, the MSOL provides a pathway of skills, support, and structure to help them succeed in their career goals and personal aspirations.

“I recently accepted a Senior Human Resource Business Partner position…  I truly believe that the connections I made through the writing and research of my capstone made this possible.” - Meagan P., alumna

“….That's the beauty of this program; it opens more than just becoming a leader in whatever area you are already in. For me, it has opened the potential of becoming a leader outside of academia in industry.” - Alicia A., alumna

To learn more, visit https://online.colorado.edu/organizational-leadership-ms or email msol@colorado.edu