Bachelors in Leadership

Leadership programs

Leadership programs prepare students to meet the challenges of today’s competitive job market. The programs are designed to develop skills, essential to succeed in both public and private sector. Students develop managerial skills to become effective leaders. They also gain better understanding of the business world, organizations, their interactions and processes.

There are a number of traditional as well as online schools that offer leadership programs both at academic and non-academic levels. They are specifically designed for those looking to start a career demanding leadership skills or those seeking top management positions.

Benefits of a leadership degree program 

Enrolling in a leadership degree program enables students to enhance their prospects of building a long-term professional career requiring leadership skills. Equipped with leadership skills, graduates may lead in the following sectors.

• Business
• Education
• Healthcare

Skills acquired in leadership degree programs

Students can develop a number of marketable skills by enrolling in a leadership degree program. These include: 

• Decision-making skills
• Motivational skills
• Critical analysis skills
• Communication skills
• Critical thinking
• Strategic planning skills
• Teambuilding skills
• Organizational development skills

Types of leadership degrees 

Community colleges offer associate degrees in leadership while many 4-year colleges and universities offer bachelor, master and even doctoral degrees in various aspects of leadership.

Those interested in acquiring leadership skills and knowledge at the bachelor level, may enroll in the following degree programs.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Leadership
• Bachelor of Science in Leadership
• Bachelor of Arts in Business Leadership
• Bachelor of Arts in Leadership Studies

Bachelors in Leadership

The bachelor’s degree in leadership aims to produce educated leaders for businesses and organizations to provide creative vision, inspire others, make ethical decisions, and facilitate collaboration. A student in the Bachelor of Arts in Business Leadership program, for example, learns both the theory and practice of leadership through an interdisciplinary curriculum consisting of courses in strategic management, organizational behavior, conflict management, and organizational psychology. A student of bachelor in leadership program may select a specific academic track.

Concentrations

• Human Capital Management
• Non-Profit Management
• Healthcare Management

Curriculum and courses

The degree may be awarded upon successful completion of at least 120 credit hours, if not more. Out of the total, students are to take 52 credit hours in general education courses, 35 credit hours in electives, and 39 credit hours in major education courses.

There are a number of courses that are offered in a leadership degree at the bachelor’s level. They enable students to understand the challenges of being a decision maker. Students learn various leadership styles as well as learn how to lead teams successfully. Some of the courses may be titled as: 

• Strategic planning
• Transformative leadership
• Effective change management
• Human relations
• Diversity in organization
• Psychology
• Building and coaching teams
• Computer science
• Management decision making
• Communication

Admission requirements

• High school diploma or GED
• SAT/ACT scores
• Essay
• Statement of purpose
• Letters of recommendation
• Resume

Bachelor of Arts in Leadership Studies (Accelerated Program)

Adult students can complete the 4-year degree in leadership in 2 years. The accelerated path is for those who already hold an associate degree.
This is an interdisciplinary program as well which is offered by departments of communication, and psychology. Students take courses in:

• Conflict management and negotiation
• Human interaction
• Ethics
• Organizational change
• Communication
• Leadership models
• Project management

Admission requirements may be similar to admission requirements for a 4-year degree in leadership. Eligible students may further get financial assistance from government and non-government sources.

Online Bachelor in Leadership

Students, who cannot make time for on campus programs, may enroll in online bachelor’s degree in leadership. The program may be more cost-effective than the traditional program. Online learning is flexible which enables students as well as professionals to manage their studies at their own pace. However, before enrolling in any leadership program online, it is important to find out the accreditation status of the online institute. Students should also check the general reputation of an online school they are interested in so that they can be sure to get quality education in their chosen area of specialization.

Career outlook 
After completing the degree, you may qualify to pursue a variety of careers in the following fields.

• Government service
• Community organizations
• International affairs
• Business
• Public service

Position titles
The following list is not exhaustive by any means.

• Administrator
• Organizational Development Expert
• Community Organizer
• Human Resources Generalist
• Manager Supervisor
• Training and development manager
• Management analyst

Salary and job outlook
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that training and development managers earned a median wage of $95,400 per year in 2012, while their positions are expected to grow at the rate of 11% faster than the average job growth in all other sectors from 2012-2022.
Management analysts earned a median salary of $78,600 annually as of May 2012, while their positions are expected to grow 19% faster than the average job growth in all other sectors for the same time period.