choosing a master’s in organizational leadership program
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7 Questions to Ask Your Future MSOL Program

If you are striving towards career advancement and leadership success, you may find that an MSOL program is the perfect next step. What is an MSOL degree, exactly? An MSOL degree stands for ‘Master of Science in Organizational Leadership.’ This degree is designed to help individuals develop both personal and professional leadership skills. With this degree in hand, you can step into executive roles, increase opportunities for promotions and raises, and gain the knowledge needed to truly direct an organization. It is clear that earning this degree can benefit you immensely, and your journey begins with choosing the right MSOL program.

When connecting with MSOL admissions, you need to be prepared with questions to ask about each prospective program. This will help you choose the right school to align with your needs and goals. Below are questions that can help you gain a grasp of what each program entails and whether it is the best option for you.

How do you accommodate already-working professionals seeking their master’s degree?

Many students pursuing their MSOL degree are doing so to advance in their current careers. This means that they are still actively working their job. Flexibility in a program, therefore, is key to being able to accommodate these already-working professionals. An MSOL program needs to offer a curriculum that can work around your busy schedule. It is crucial to find a school that values flexibility, such as Goodwin University.

Goodwin offers a fully online program for MSOL students, or a hybrid program that combines online classes and a traditional classroom format. Goodwin also offers the option to study year-round so that you can complete your degree at a pace that works for you. For those who are still working, you may consider the part-time program to balance school with other obligations. Advancing your education while handling the responsibilities of your job is no simple task. That is why it is crucial to have a program that adapts to your time and your life.

How are your classes structured? Can I take classes online?

The structure of classes that each program offers is another huge factor in your educational success. Your future MSOL program must possess an engaging and comprehensive curriculum. Leadership should be the underlying focus of every MSOL curriculum. It is also important to find out if they have the option of online classes. Online classes provide you with flexibility in your education. As noted above, this is an option in Goodwin’s MSOL program.

At Goodwin University, you will take seven core classes and three electives of three credits each, which adds up to a total of 30 credits. These leadership classes emphasize skills such as communication, strategy, self-awareness, and management. Though all of these classes can be taken online at Goodwin University, they still include class dialogue through interactive discussion boards. Finding a curriculum that is right for you will help you to grasp this important material.

Is your school accredited?

If you want to ensure that a school is trustworthy and committed to your education, you need to find out if it is accredited. Accreditation ensures a school is meeting a high standard of excellent and quality education that is designed for student success. When a school is not accredited, you have no way to verify the integrity and quality of the program. Goodwin University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Ensuring that you are attending a high-quality university is crucial when finding an MSOL program.

What career outcomes will be available to me after graduation?

The purpose behind earning your Master’s in Organizational Leadership is to provide you with more career opportunities. So, what can you do with your MSOL degree? With your MSOL, you will become a top candidate for a wide variety of industries. You will be able to find employment in areas that include Corporate Business, Human Resources, Non-Profit Management, Higher Education, Manufacturing, and State and Federal Government.

Goodwin graduates often go on to pursue leadership careers such as:

  • Chief executive of a company
  • School principal
  • Computer and information systems (IT) manager
  • Sales manager
  • Marketing manager
  • Human resource manager

These jobs offer high salary potential, with most of them making over $100,000 a year. The courses you will take at Goodwin University will provide you with the skills to be an asset in these fruitful careers.

How long will the MSOL program take to complete?

Whether you are looking to complete your degree through an accelerated or part-time program, it is important to know what options are available to you. Ask each school about their MSOL program length, and if it can be customized to meet your needs.

If you are looking to advance your career quickly, an accelerated option may interest you. However, if you are planning to work full-time, then you may be interested in part-time options. At Goodwin University, you can complete the MSOL degree part-time in as little as 20 months. Goodwin also has a hybrid (online/on-campus) MSOL program that offers accelerated, 7 ½-week sessions with a 15-week capstone. This means that, no matter the pace you want to go at, Goodwin University will help you complete your MSOL degree according to your time.

What financial aid options are available to me?

Of course, advancing your career requires a major financial investment. A master’s degree is truly an investment in your future and the opportunity to pursue your dream. Finding a program that provides you with financial resources can help you make that dream a reality. To assess whether a school is even a viable financial option, you must know exactly what kind of financial aid they offer. At Goodwin University, we do not want finances to stand in the way of you and your success. Goodwin offers grants and scholarships that can help fund your MSOL degree tuition. The financial aid team at Goodwin University strives to make it affordable for every individual to gain higher education.

What do I need to get into the MSOL program?

When deciding on the right MSOL program, you need to understand what will be required to start the program. It is important to understand every program’s expectations and how you can work towards meeting its admissions requirements.

Goodwin University has specific requirements for admissions into the MSOL degree program. To begin the program, you must first start by completing a graduate application for admission. If you are not a Goodwin University graduate, you will be required to pay a $50 application fee. You must also submit an official or unofficial transcript. This will verify that you have already obtained a bachelor’s degree from a college accredited by the Council of Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Before starting the program, you must also provide your resume and proof of immunizations. Other programs may have similar requirements to get in, however, it may differ slightly for each specific school.

Now you are equipped with questions to ask any potential MSOL degree programs. Areas such as curriculum, flexibility, financial aid, and admission requirements are all key factors to assess when deciding which program is best for you. After connecting with admissions and finding out the answers to these questions, you can decide on the MSOL program that you would like to commit to, and begin your journey towards your brighter future.

If you would like to learn more about our flexible MSOL degree program, reach out to Goodwin University today! For more information call 1-800-889-3282 or visit us online.