Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership

Hours: 120 On-Campus Online

About

At Fort Hays State University, the study of leadership within modern organizations emphasizes adaptability and excellence both in the classroom and through practical application. By cultivating critical thinking, collaboration, and effective communication skills, the B.A./B.S. in Organizational Leadership programs prepare students to become valuable contributors in any professional setting.

Why pursue a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership at Fort Hays State University?

FHSU offers Kansas’s only undergraduate degree in leadership, blending the depth of an organizational leadership major with the flexibility of a liberal arts education. The comprehensive B.A./B.S. in Organizational Leadership programs prepare future leaders with the broad knowledge and versatile skills necessary to make an impact across various industries.

Who is this program for?

Leadership is a highly valued quality across diverse industries and career paths. With a broad curriculum and flexible learning options, the B.A./B.S. in Organizational Leadership programs are designed to meet the needs of students, professionals, and aspiring leaders alike. Those who benefit most from these programs include:

Individuals pursuing career advancement
Those seeking a global perspective
People in the nonprofit sector
Aspiring managers
Supervisors who wish to be more effective
People involved in organizational development and improvement
Anyone interested in driving positive organizational change and improvement
Professionals in human resources

Learning Outcomes

Through a comprehensive curriculum and all the activities, B.A./B.S. in Organizational Leadership students develop a versatile skill set necessary for leadership roles. The outcomes of an effective leader are vast and enable many careers. The possible skills include:

Capacity in Leadership Theories and Concepts

Graduates demonstrate a robust understanding of leadership theories and concepts applicable across civic, corporate, government, and global contexts. Through rigorous coursework, students acquire foundational knowledge in leadership principles, enabling them to analyze, interpret, and apply these theories effectively in real-world scenarios.

Strategic Planning and Problem-Solving

Upon graduation, students will be proficient in designing contextually appropriate plans to overcome leadership challenges and achieve organizational objectives. FHSU emphasizes the development of strategic thinking abilities, analytical skills, and problem-solving techniques necessary to identify opportunities, mitigate risks, and drive sustainable growth within their respective domains.

Initiative and Change Management

The programs instill a proactive mindset in students, empowering them to initiate and lead organizational change initiatives. Students exhibit initiative in introducing transformative ideas and persistence in seeing these changes through to fruition, fostering innovation and adaptability within their organizations.

Conflict Resolution and Collaboration Techniques

Students acquire proficiency in deploying appropriate influence and conflict resolution techniques for collaborative efforts within organizations. They develop the skills to navigate conflicts constructively, facilitate consensus-building, and promote a culture of cooperation and teamwork conducive to organizational success.

Real-World Applications

Fort Hays State University is committed to challenging students to adapt and succeed in real-world situations. Graduates of the B.A./B.S. in Organizational Leadership programs emerge as influential contributors through coursework focused on leadership, interpersonal skills, and practical application.

The programs emphasize critical thinking and problem-solving, preparing students to tackle complex workplace challenges with confidence. They also cultivate strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

Staying ahead of emerging trends is essential for students, which is why FHSU’s Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership integrates the latest advancements in the field into its curriculum. The programs continuously incorporate current research and theoretical frameworks, ensuring students learn from leading experts. Additionally, the curriculum is regularly evaluated to align with the evolving needs of organizations and industry trends.

Hands-on Activities

The LDRS 310 course offers students hands-on experience by guiding them through the planning and execution of a leadership project within their community. LDRS 493, the Capstone in Leadership Studies, emphasizes organizational behavior, leadership development, and corporate social responsibility.

Additionally, the B.A./B.S. in Organizational Leadership programs include six credit hours of cognate requirements, enabling students to customize their studies to align with their interests and career goals.

What You’ll Learn:

Broad leadership knowledge and skills
Comprehensive leadership beyond specific management areas
Development skills to take on complex workplace challenges
Project planning and implementation
Clear communication with various individuals

How You’ll Learn:

Engaging in practical applications and adaptability
A degree tailorable to your preferences
Access to resources for academic success
Focus on critical thinking and communication
Incorporation of the latest industry advancements

Courses

The curriculum explores core concepts and contemporary issues in leadership. Students study both historical and modern leadership theories, develop essential skills such as conflict management, and gain a thorough understanding of organizational dynamics, preparing them for success across diverse industries.

LDRS 300: Introduction to Leadership Concepts

This course will actively engage students in the acquisition of information about historical and contemporary theories, concepts, and issues associated with leadership. Students will be exposed to the nature of leadership through the presentation of objective material, through group activities, and laboratory exercises.

LDRS 450: Advanced Leadership Behaviors

The behaviors and skills necessary to be effective at doing leadership will be explored through both the leader and follower perspectives. Advanced influence, motivation, decision-making, conflict/negotiation strategies, and meeting management will be examined primarily in the interpersonal context. Course materials and activities will challenge students to connect theory to practice.

LDRS 660: Global Leadership

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the emerging field of global leadership. Students will gain an understanding of the history and origins of global leadership and the theoretical approaches to global leadership in complex, modern contexts. Students will be challenged to access primary sources of global leadership literature and think deeply and critically about the current state of theoretical development in global leadership. Students will also explore various global leadership competencies and learn how to apply these competencies in various regions and cultures throughout the world.

Discover the full Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership or Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.

Career Prospects

In today’s job market, individuals with strong leadership skills and a solid understanding of organizational dynamics are highly sought after across many industries. Graduates have access to a wide range of rewarding career opportunities.

Human Resource Professional

Human resource professionals manage employment relations and strategic planning within organizations. They oversee recruitment processes, employee training, and development, and ensure compliance with employment laws and regulations.

Project Manager

Managers are essential for coordinating and executing various projects within organizations. They oversee project timelines, budgets, and resources to complete projects efficiently and meet organizational objectives.

Strategic Planner

Planners play a crucial role in shaping companies' long-term vision and direction. They analyze market trends, competitor strategies, and internal capabilities to develop strategic plans that drive growth and sustainability.

Organizational Development Specialist

Organizational development specialists focus on improving organizational efficiency and effectiveness through innovative strategies. The position involves assessing organizational needs, designing and implementing development programs, and evaluating their impact on organizational performance.

Public Relations Specialist

Public relations specialists are responsible for managing communication between organizations and the public. This role prepares communication strategies, manages media relations, and addresses public concerns to enhance the organization's reputation and brand image.

The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere

Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $3,055.95* (on-campus) or $3,975.75* (online) per semester.

*Estimated cost based on 15 credit hours at the Undergrad resident/regional tuition rate ($203.73/credit hour) for on-campus courses, or the FHSU Online Undergrad tuition rate (265.05/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.

Ready for the next step?

Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.

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Related Programs

Fort Hays State University offers additional courses designed to enhance leadership skills and prepare individuals for success in today’s society. The programs support double majors and minors in related fields, providing flexible options for students. Some comparable offerings include:

FAQ

What distinguishes the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership?

These programs offer a comprehensive curriculum in many management areas.

What is the difference between the B.S. and B.A. in Organizational Leadership programs?

Students pursuing a B.A. in Organizational Leadership are required to complete ten credit hours of instruction in a language other than English. This requirement is designed to provide students with a broader cultural and linguistic perspective.

In contrast, the B.S. in Organizational Leadership does not mandate foreign language study, allowing students to focus more intensively on technical and scientific coursework within their field of study. Despite this key difference, both degree programs share similar overall requirements in terms of total credit hours and core coursework. This equivalence ensures that, regardless of the degree path chosen, students achieve a comprehensive education within their major field of study.

How do the programs cover various aspects of leadership studies?

The programs cover various aspects of leadership studies through rigorous coursework, practical applications, and real-world scenarios.

Are there specific courses or practical experiences focused on organizational leadership within the major?

The curriculum includes specific courses and practical experiences focused on organizational leadership. For example, the LDRS 310 course allows students to gain experience through leadership projects. The programs also include 9 credit hours of electives, allowing the programs to be customized for each student.

What career opportunities does completing a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership offer?

The programs open doors to various career paths. Some examples include human resource professionals, project managers, public relations specialists, and more.

Information about the School of Criminal Justice, Leadership, and Sociology

FHSU’s School of Criminal Justice, Leadership, and Sociology brings together a diverse range of programs dedicated to preparing students for impactful careers in law enforcement, leadership, and social sciences. Our integrated approach allows students to develop critical skills across these disciplines, fostering an environment where future leaders and professionals are equipped to address complex societal challenges. The Criminal Justice programs offer flexible online and on-campus options, focusing on law enforcement, corrections, and legal systems with a strong emphasis on leadership and integrity. The Leadership programs develop essential organizational skills through interactive coursework and internships, supported by the Leadership Studies Association and VALUE program. Sociology programs delve into social life, behavior, and community issues, emphasizing research and critical thinking. Together, these programs foster cross-disciplinary learning, empowering students to lead and innovate within their communities and beyond.

Together, these programs create a robust educational experience that encourages cross-disciplinary learning and collaboration. Students are empowered to lead, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to their communities and the broader society. Whether you are passionate about justice, leadership, or sociology, FHSU’s School of Criminal Justice, Leadership, and Sociology provides the knowledge and skills necessary to make a lasting impact.

Student Organizations

Additional Information

Criminal Justice Centers

National De-escalation Training Center:

Fort Hays State University’s Criminal Justice Program and University Police joined the National De-escalation Training Center (NDTC) in August 2020 as Region 2 Central Region Training Center. As a regional center, FHSU facilitates the only Level 3 de-escalation training available in the United States.

Level 1 training includes traditional techniques of procedural justice.
Level 2 provides basic crisis intervention.
Level 3 augments traditional de-escalation and crisis intervention with rapid personality identification.

The NDTC De-escalation: Principles & Practice course is evidence-based and has increased officer confidence in utilizing de-escalation skills in working with the public.

FHSU facilitates NDTC’s three training modalities, including an 8-hour online training, two-day face-to-face training, and a 40-hour train-the-trainer program. Due to FHSU’s $2.75 million federal grant funding, the face-to-face trainings can be provided at no cost to agencies. Scholarships may be available for agencies to train officers in the online course.

NDTC training is approved by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community-Oriented Policing Services (COPS) and certified by the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (IADLEST).

Center for Empowering Victims of Gender-based Violence:

The Center for Empowering Victims of Gender-based Violence is a regional hub of collaborative research and service, housed in the Criminal Justice Programs at Fort Hays State University. The Center for Empowering Victims of Gender-based Violence aims to reduce the constraints facing survivors, to promote the freedom of economic independence, and to empower survivors to seize opportunity freely. The center commits to providing sustainable support and improvement to help survivors break the cycle of violence and transform themselves from victims/survivors to social entrepreneurs. The Center facilitates cross-disciplinary research focusing on the causes and control of gender-based violence in rural areas. It leads and facilitates collaborative networks for researchers to apply evidence-based approaches and to investigate best practices addressing gender-based violence in rural communities. The Center establishes and develops academic-community collaborations through service-learning, research, assessment, and educational opportunities and policy recommendations that enhance the well-being of rural communities.

VALUE Program:

The Voss Advanced Leadership Undergraduate Experience (VALUE) is designed to develop the most promising undergraduates into powerful agents of change. This year-long program offers curricular and co-curricular experiences with three tracks: corporate leadership, civic/non-profit leadership, and scholarship/leadership research.

CNN Heroes Advisory Board:

The Sociology Programs emphasize real-world impact through training in projects designed to help those in need. A notable project involves collaboration with CNN Heroes, individuals recognized for their exceptional work in nonprofit organizations. The CNN Heroes Advisory Board, composed of these national heroes, provides insights and advice to students based on their successful experiences in the nonprofit sector.

Organizational Leadership

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