Organizational Leadership and Development, B.S.
The B.S. in Organizational Leadership and Development under the new Learn and Earn in 3 (LE3) model is an accelerated degree program designed for working adults that have participated in Accelerate U and have gained employment through their rigorous certificate program. This program is appropriate for all Accelerate U completers as it establishes strong leadership and organizational development skills that serve students across all industries. The B.S. in Organizational Leadership and Development under the LE3 model supports almost all professions by providing individuals with a strong foundation in leadership, communication, problem-solving, and ethical decision making as well as a versatile set of skills. This degree focuses on leadership skills, adaptability and change management, communication and collaboration, critical thinking and problem-solving, ethical decision making, strategic planning and execution, and employee development.
Program Details
- Requires 180 QH, including 60 QH of General Education, for completion
- Requires full-time employment to participate in the program
- Requires completion of all courses in the program major at NLU with a grade of "C" or better except for Professional Seminars, which require a grade of "B" or better
- The program allows the maximum of 30 QH of transfer credit that is restricted only to the general education courses completed with a grade of "C" or better at an academic institution accredited by a recognized accreditor
- Requires Professional Seminars:
- Students receive 5 QH per term for time spent in employment through completion of Professional Seminars coursework
- Students demonstrate their learning to LE3 instructors and employers through Experiential Learning Portfolio (ELP) required for each Professional Seminar. Through ELP, students will report on what they are experiencing at work and provide artifacts and evidence of competencies.
- Over the course of the three-year degree, students will earn 45 QH for time spent at work
Program Learning Outcomes
At the completion of the program, students will be able to:
1. Exhibit proficiency in durable skills by integrating academic knowledge with real-world work experiences, solving complex organizational problems, and creating an Experiential Learning Portfolio showcasing mastery of these skills.
2. Employ the ability to connect work experience and academic knowledge to community initiatives, and provide evidence of the impact on local, state, and global communities.
3. Apply leadership theories and ethical principles in real-world organizational settings.
4. Analyze the alignment between personal efforts and the objectives of the workplace or community.
5. Engage in continuous self-assessment and career development by setting and achieving personal and professional growth goals, leveraging technology to enhance productivity, and adapting to changing work environments with resilience and creativity.
6. Demonstrate flexibility and resilience by responding to new challenges and changes in the workplace using creative, data-driven, and theory-informed strategies.
Admission Requirements
In addition to the Undergraduate admission requirements, program requires:
• Automatic admission for Accelerate U completers
• Students must be graduates of one of the Accelerate U certificate programs
• Full-time employment is required to participate in LE3. Students who are actively seeking employment and have a part-time employment status will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Required Courses
General Education Requirements - 60 QH
| ENG 250 | Write with Impact: Clarity, Confidence, and Authenticity | 5 |
| ENG 255 | Public Speaking and Presence: Inspire with Confidence | 5 |
| HUM 150 | Ethical Dilemmas in Leadership: Navigating Real-World Challenges | 5 |
| HUM 155 | Thinking Critically: Cutting Through Complexity | 5 |
| HUM 250 | Creativity at Work: Art, Culture & Innovation | 5 |
| MTH 150 | Data Literacy: Turning Numbers into Stories and Insights | 5 |
| PSY 150 | The Human Side of Change: Unlocking Dynamics for Growth | 5 |
| SCI 250 | Nature's Blueprint for Leadership: Adaptation and Resilience | 5 |
| SCI 255 | Climate & Strategy: Leading with the Planet in Mind | 5 |
| SOC 155 | Building Collaborative Cultures: Organizational Design and Behavior | 5 |
| SOC 255 | Leadership Through Storytelling | 5 |
| RES 150 | Human Insights: Making Informed Decisions with Data Beyond Numbers | 5 |
Major Requirements- 90 QH
Major Core- 45 QH
| ORG 101 | Foundations of Personal Leadership | 5 |
| ORG 105 | Communicate with Impact: Listening, Tone, and Adaptability | 5 |
| ORG 110 | Chaos & Wisdom: Tackle the Messy Stuff | 5 |
| ORG 200 | Lateral Leadership Influence Without Authority | 5 |
| ORG 205 | Collaborate and Resolve Conflict Effectively | 5 |
| ORG 300 | Team Leadership: Building and Motivating High-Performing Teams | 5 |
| ORG 305 | Inclusive Leadership: Navigating Power Dynamics | 5 |
| ORG 400 | Innovation in Action: Disruptive Thinking to Design Thinking | 5 |
| ORG 405 | From Ideas to Impact: Keeping the Innovation Pipeline Flowing | 5 |
Professional Seminar- 45QH
Program Electives- 30 QH
Students receive 25-30 SH of elective credit for their participation in Accelerate U certificate programs. Any additional program electives must be completed at NLU as approved by the Program Chair.