Leadership and Organizational Behavior, B.A.
Enhance your understanding of organizational behavior, your ability to meaningfully lead, and your influence on organizational culture and operations with a Bachelor of Arts in Leadership and Organizational Behavior offered through Saint Louis University's School for Professional Studies. Coursework in this program offers a unique combination of in-demand skills so you can develop as a leader capable of identifying problems; motivating employees, colleagues, and volunteer staff; and implementing substantive change.
No matter what type of organization you’re in – non-profit, community/civic, religious, healthcare, business, or industry – you’ll benefit from the Bachelor of Arts in Leadership and Organizational Behavior. Unlike business programs that focus more narrowly on marketing, finance, HR, economics, or even management, our program focuses on the leadership and organizational development skills necessary to improve your communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and ethical decision-making skills – no matter what part of the organization you’re in (or hope to be in).
Rooted in the fields of Industrial and Organizational Psychology, a Bachelor of Arts in Leadership and Organizational Behavior is particularly well suited for students aspiring to administrative, supervisory, and leadership positions in diverse professional environments. And those considering a career change can also take advantage of our courses that include the practical application of skills taught by faculty who are also working professionals.
As part of the School for Professional Studies, this 120-credit degree program offers future and current leaders like you a flexible option to meet your personal career goals. With six accelerated, eight-week terms offered each year through SLU online, you can begin working toward your degree at any time, making advanced education more accessible for working professionals.
Faculty
As a student in the School for Professional Studies at Saint Louis University, you’ll learn from exceptional faculty who are leading experts in their fields. They bring real-world knowledge to the classroom and are dedicated to your professional success. Learn more about the SPS faculty.
Careers
A degree in leadership and organizational behavior promotes success in career opportunities in a wide array of professional contexts/industries/fields: corporate, non-profit, health care, manufacturing, service, education, aviation, and government.
Tuition
| Tuition | Cost Per Credit |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition | |
| Standard Tuition | $650 |
| Active Duty/Veteran (TA eligible or GI Bill); First Responders | $295 |
| BJC Partnership | $333 |
Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:
Information on Tuition and Fees
Scholarships and Financial Aid
There are two principal ways to help finance a Saint Louis University education:
- Scholarships: Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need. The School for Professional Studies offers numerous scholarships and awards specifically for new students.
- Financial Aid: Financial aid is provided in the form of grants and loans, some of which require repayment.
To determine eligibility for financial assistance, submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) early for maximum consideration. FAFSA is available online at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.
For information on other scholarships and financial aid, visit the student financial services office online at Office of Student Financial Services.
- Graduates will be able to analyze data to formulate evidence-based decisions.
- Graduates will be able to apply fundamental competencies from business functions.
- Graduates will be able to evaluate organizational behavior at multiple levels.
- Graduates will be able to apply leadership principles in multiple contexts.
- Graduates will be able to evaluate ethical implications in organizational decision-making.
Admission Requirements
- Completed application
- High school diploma or composite GED score of at least 2250
- Minimum transfer cumulative GPA of 2.5 (unless qualified for conditional admittance)
- Official transcript from the most recent institution attended
- Delayed enrollment in post-secondary education
- Attends part time for at least part of the academic year
- Works full time (35 hours or more/week) while enrolled
- Is financially independent
- Has dependents other than a spouse
- Is a single parent
- Has other demands that make traditional education less feasible
Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| University Undergraduate Core | 32-35 | |
| Major Requirements | ||
| ORLD 1000 | Foundations of Effective Leadership | 3 |
| ORLD 1500 | Organizational Research Methods | 3 |
| ORLD 1800 | Organizational Behavior, Work, and Wellbeing | 3 |
| ORLD 2000 | Organizational Foundations: Business Essentials | 3 |
| ORLD 2500 | Financial Concepts | 3 |
| ORLD 2700 | Human Resources and Personnel Management ++ | 3 |
| ORLD 3300 | Organizational Behavior and Team Effectiveness | 3 |
| ORLD 3800 | Leadership Context: Culture, Structure, and Strategy | 3 |
| ORLD 4000 | Global Leadership and Organizational Behavior | 3 |
| ORLD 4800 | Leadership and Organizational Behavior Capstone | 3 |
| CIS 2300 | Data-Driven Decision Making | 3 |
| Select 2 (6 credits) of the following: | 6 | |
| Information Systems and Technology | ||
| Introduction to Entrepreneurship | ||
| Fundamentals of Project Management | ||
| Creative Thinking: Cultivating an Imaginative Mind | ||
| Working for the Common Good | ||
| Minor (or at least 21 credit hours at the 3000 or 4000 level) | 18-24 | |
| General Electives | 22-31 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
++ Academic credit will be awarded in replacement of ORLD 2700 Human Resources and Personnel Management (3 cr) by successful certification in Professional in Human Resource (PHR) or Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR).
Continuation Standards
Students must maintain a 2.00 GPA and receive a C or better in all major classes.
Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.
Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.
This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| Fall 1 | ||
| General Elective | 3 | |
| CORE Requirement | 3 | |
| Fall 2 | ||
| CORE Requirement | 3 | |
| CORE Requirement | 3 | |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Spring | ||
| Spring 1 | ||
| CORE Requirement | 3 | |
| CORE Requirement | 3 | |
| Spring 2 | ||
| CORE Requirement | 3 | |
| CORE Requirement | 3 | |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Summer | ||
| General Elective | 3 | |
| CORE Requirement | 3 | |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Year Two | ||
| Fall | ||
| Fall 1 | ||
| ORLD 1000 | Foundations of Effective Leadership | 3 |
| General Elective | 3 | |
| Fall 2 | ||
| ORLD 1500 | Organizational Research Methods | 3 |
| CORE Requirement | 3 | |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Spring | ||
| Spring 1 | ||
| ORLD 1800 | Organizational Behavior, Work, and Wellbeing | 3 |
| Science Elective | 3 | |
| Spring 2 | ||
| ORLD 2000 | Organizational Foundations: Business Essentials | 3 |
| CIS 2300 | Data-Driven Decision Making | 3 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Summer | ||
| ORLD 3300 | Organizational Behavior and Team Effectiveness | 3 |
| General Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Year Three | ||
| Fall | ||
| Fall 1 | ||
| ORLD 3800 | Leadership Context: Culture, Structure, and Strategy | 3 |
| CORE Requirement | 3 | |
| Fall 2 | ||
| CORE Requirement | 3 | |
| CORE Requirement | 3 | |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Spring | ||
| Spring 1 | ||
| ORLD 2500 | Financial Concepts | 3 |
| Minor Course | 3 | |
| Spring 2 | ||
| ORLD 2700 | Human Resources and Personnel Management | 3 |
| CORE Requirement | 3 | |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Summer | ||
| ORLD 4000 | Global Leadership and Organizational Behavior | 3 |
| SPR/THEO | 3 | |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Year Four | ||
| Fall | ||
| Fall 1 | ||
| Minor Course | 3 | |
| CORE Requirement | 3 | |
| Fall 2 | ||
| Major Elective | 3 | |
| Minor Course | 3 | |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Spring | ||
| Spring 1 | ||
| Major Elective | 3 | |
| Minor Course | 3 | |
| Spring 2 | ||
| Minor Course | 3 | |
| ORLD 4800 | Leadership and Organizational Behavior Capstone | 3 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Summer | ||
| General Elective | 3 | |
| General Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |