Is Organizational Leadership the right degree for you?

You may be wondering how CU Boulder’s MSOL differs from an MBA, or what makes CU Boulder’s program unique. The fully online MSOL program from CU Boulder is designed to work for you. It focuses on management and leadership skills relevant to almost every manager, no matter the organization or the industry. Learn to lead people through collaboration, manage their performance, and make thoughtful, strategic business decisions. Network and learn from industry professionals both in class and through our strong connection to the business community.

A Degree Designed for Working Adults

Life doesn’t stop just because you’ve decided to pursue an advanced degree. Our accelerated course schedule allows you to focus on one class at a time, so you can balance your education with other priorities. The model also keeps you moving through each course so you can complete your degree on a part-time basis in just five semesters, or around 19 months.

Course Structure

Our 100% online courses are presented in an asynchronous learning model which means that you can complete your coursework when it’s convenient for you.

However, MSOL courses are not self-paced, where you are left to teach yourself. Our expert faculty are very engaged and involved in every step of your course. You’ll have specific deadlines each week, but with flexibility as to when to complete the work to meet those deadlines. Also, unlike some online programs, there are no long (say, 2½ hour) lectures that you have to call into or watch! Each week, there may be a chapter or two from a textbook to read, articles or case studies to review, discussion questions to which you’ll respond in an online discussion forum, short videos to watch, etc. The format makes the classes dynamic and engaging – and more manageable in terms of when and where you do the classwork. In general, students report spending at least 15 hours per week on coursework.

Comprehensive Curriculum

The MSOL program provides you with the skills and knowledge that employers are seeking. The curriculum consists of 10 courses (30 credits) that provide academic grounding in core concepts of organizational leadership and in-depth studies in a “track” area. In addition, you can take advantage of the Professional Skills Mastery Lab (ProLab) to round out your academic coursework with professional development experiences. The program is focused so you save tuition and time – with the ability to complete your master’s degree on a part-time basis in just five semesters, or around 19 months.

Accelerated 7-Week Terms

Intensive coursework packs a lot of learning into a short time, and concentrating on a single course at a time helps you balance school, work, and life. We provide at least a week off between most terms so you may focus on family fun, pressing work projects, or use the time as an opportunity to re-energize yourself.

Customizable Program

Tailor your education to your career goals. Choose to focus your studies in one of four areas related to organizational leadership – Strategic Leadership, Human Resources, Leading Innovation, or Organizational Communication – or pursue a general, broad-perspective Organizational Leadership degree. This allows you to customize the degree to your particular interests and professional needs. We can also work with you to identify graduate courses from other colleges that you can transfer in to help customize your experience.

Network Opportunities

Connect with a dynamic learning community throughout your time in the program. You can progress through the coursework with the same group of students via our cohort model or you can take courses when it is convenient for you. Whichever way you advance your degree, you will grow a strong professional network and make connections that last beyond the program.

Connection to the Business Community

While you may be out of the physical classroom, you’re not out of the loop. Organizational leaders teach our classes, employ our students, help guide the curriculum as part of the Curriculum Advisory Committee, contribute to oversight of the program, and engage in classes as subject matter experts.

Accredited

The MSOL program is offered by the University of Colorado Boulder, which is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.

Streamlined Admissions

Getting started is easy. No GMAT or GRE required. Our simplified application requires less supporting documentation. It’s just one more way we acknowledge that you’re a busy, working professional. Apply when you’re ready and receive a prompt response. 

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