PLNU’s Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership (BAOL) online program is a multidisciplinary undergraduate degree designed to change the way you think about leadership and prepare you for a wide range of for-profit and nonprofit organizations. 

Cutting-edge online leadership education

Through this flexible online program, you can become a thoughtful and innovative leader with the ability to identify, analyze and communicate solutions to diverse audiences. Whether you’re continuing your college education or just beginning, this program is designed to help you invest in your future while learning at your own pace. 

Leadership learning on your terms

This online program gives you the flexibility to learn when and where you want. You can complete coursework in the comfort of your home, favorite coffee shop, or local library while choosing a study schedule that works best for you. 

Online learning is perfect for those who learn in ways that aren’t often found in traditional classrooms — watching instructional videos, listening to audio lectures at your preferred speed, or dedicating extra study time to tricky topics. You can always connect with professors to help find the best ways to absorb and apply your learning.

Time for life’s personal and professional commitments

Learning shouldn’t prevent you from doing what you love. Coursework is designed to be flexible to your needs and help you balance your other life commitments. 

While completing this program, you’ll still be able to continue spending time with family, thriving at your full- or part-time workplace, or leisure time. 

Community connections without commuting

Commuting can be stressful and time-consuming — especially in San Diego. Thankfully, you can learn online while still benefiting from PLNU’s strong focus on community. In this program, you’ll meaningfully connect with other students online as you learn and grow in your leadership expertise.

You’ll also have access to top-tier mentorship from professors and advisors. They’ll help you to leverage your strengths to expand your connections and career opportunities. You’ll be able to access resources tailored to you and your career goals. 

A seamless transition to becoming an innovative leader

A counselor and coordinator will work with you through every step of your journey to complete your bachelor’s, from helping you transfer previously-earned credit to working alongside you with care and encouragement as you earn your degree. You won’t feel like you’re starting a brand-new program — rather, it will be a natural continuation of your previous education experience.

Students applying for this program can also start with as few as zero college credits completed — a feature exclusive to the online format. In the online format, PLNU offers all general education, elective, and prerequisite courses needed for completion of the BAOL program. With entry points every 8 weeks, you can start whenever you’re ready!

Crucial skills for today’s leaders

This program is designed to build on the foundation of your previously-earned college credits and continue investing in your future. The BAOL equips you with competitive, in-demand skills such as:

• Leadership
• Management
• Human resources
• Data-driven decision making
• Leadership through organizational change or crises

Enhance your degree with a Minor

Adding a minor to your Accelerated undergraduate program can be a great opportunity to broaden your knowledge, increase career opportunities, and foster personal growth. Explore subjects like Marketing, Organizational Leadership, Strategic Communication, Management, Creative Digital Media, and Child Development. Choosing to add a minor can make your degree more versatile, well-rounded, and appealing to future employers. PLNU Counselors are ready to help you integrate a minor into your academic plan. Discover the benefits of a minor at PLNU today!

*The B.A. in Organizational Leadership is an approved program under PLNU's WASC Regional Accreditation, WSCUC. Since it is not a business major, it is not an Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) approved program.

Program Start Date(s):

• Spring 2025 Quad I — January 13, 2025
• Spring 2025 Quad II — March 17, 2025
• Summer 2025 Quad I — May 12, 2025
• Summer 2025 Quad II — July 7, 2025

Start Application

Application Checklist

Note: The application is completed entirely online with the exception of transcripts, which can be submitted electronically or directly to PLNU, and test scores, which should be submitted electronically.

1. Submit online application for admission.
2. Submit official transcripts from each institution attended.
   
   Official transcripts must be sent to:
   Point Loma Nazarene University
   Office of Graduate Admissions
   3900 Lomaland Dr.
   San Diego, CA 92106
   
   Official electronic transcripts must be emailed to:
   gradprocessing@pointloma.edu

Start Application

State Authorization

In certain states outside California, PLNU is not authorized to enroll students in online courses and/or offer internships. If a student moves to another state after admission to a program or enrollment in an online course, continuation in the program/course will depend on whether PLNU is authorized within that state. Please refer to the State Authorization map to view which states allow online courses and/or internships.

NOTE: All students are expected to have some proficiency with computer technology (email, Internet, word processing, etc.) and have access to a laptop or desktop computer. 

Only courses from an accredited institution where at least a grade of a “C” has been earned will be accepted by transfer. Prospective students who do not meet the minimum GPA requirement can be considered for admission under exception. Contact your enrollment counselor for details.

PLNU’s Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership (BAOL) prepares students for careers in business, management, government, and the nonprofit sector, as well as graduate-level study in business, management, leadership, education and other fields. If you’re considering earning your bachelor’s degree, PLNU’s BAOL degree is attractive to virtually all organizations, preparing you to maximize your potential to lead with creativity, flexibility, and attention to detail. If you have a passion for people and desire to develop your leadership capabilities, this field of study may be for you.

Possible Careers For Those With an Organizational Leadership, B.A.: 

• Sales and Account Manager
• General and Operations Manager
• Fundraising Manager
• Human Resources Manager
• Nonprofit Manager
• Event Planner
• Program Coordinator
• Public Relations
• Clinic Administrator
• Field Staff Supervisor
• Civilian Contractor
• Admissions & Record Specialist

What Can I Do With a Degree in Organizational Leadership? 

Career opportunities for those with a degree in organizational leadership are vast and varied, making graduates in high demand due to their diligence and wide-ranging skillset. Professionals in this field are able to address and aid workplace challenges, job satisfaction, productivity, sustainability, and much more.

The following careers are some popular jobs for those with an Organizational Leadership, B.A.: 

General and Operations Managers

2020 Median annual salary $123,880

General and operations managers are responsible for managing activities that are part of the production of services in wide-ranging fields from social media to election campaigns. Operations managers' responsibilities include human resource management, asset management, and cost management. Their indirect responsibilities can include interacting with the managers in other functional areas within the organization whose roles have an impact on operations.

What it takes to be a general and operations manager:

• Financial planning skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Leadership skills
• Communication skills
• Innovative thinking

Human Resources Manager

2020 Median annual salary: $121,220
Job outlook: Projected to grow 9% from 2020 to 2030

Human resources managers are responsible for coordinating administrative activities that take care of an organization’s workforce and employees. They work to develop new recruitment strategies, manage staff benefits and payroll, and direct personnel. 

What it takes to be a human resources manager:

• Communication skills 
• Discretion
• Scheduling
• Organizational skills
• Proactive mindset

Nonprofit Manager

2020 Median annual salary: $74,334
Job outlook: Projected to grow 15% from 2020 to 2030

Nonprofit managers' main goals are to provide a specialized service on behalf of a nonprofit’s mission, clientele, or cause. They must be knowledgeable about finance, excellent at setting and achieving goals, and able to consistently and adequately manage a large number of employees and volunteers.

What it takes to be a nonprofit manager:

• Ethical leadership 
• Strategic planning 
• Decision making 
• Communication skills

Sales and Account Manager

2020 Median annual salary: $132,290
Job outlook: Projected to grow 7 % from 2020 to 2030

Sales and account managers’ main goal is to satisfy customers’ needs and requests. They must be able to respond to their clients in a timely manner and be able to give customers a positive experience with their organization. Some of sales and account managers’ main responsibilities include managing a portfolio of accounts and generating new sales using existing and potential customer networks.

What it takes to be a sales and account manager:

• Communication skills 
• Negotiation skills
• Timeliness
• Problem solving

Using Your Organizational Leadership Degree: 

Being able to communicate and collaborate efficiently and effectively with others, and planning and problem-solving is invaluable to any organization and employer. By studying organizational leadership at PLNU, you’ll become a well-rounded individual and leader who is ready to take a step forward on whatever path you choose.  

Apply to PLNU today or get connected with one of our counselors for additional support and answers to any questions you may have.

For information about the courses required for the Organizational Leadership, B.A. program, view the PLNU Catalog. 

Course Information