PLNU’s Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership (BAOL) is a multidisciplinary undergraduate degree designed to change the way you think about leadership. You will be equipped with highly sought after skills desired by employers across any organization and nearly any industry. The BAOL explores key concepts including leadership, management, human resources, marketing, cultural and diverse influences, data-driven decision making and operations. Students will develop skills in leadership communication, team development, organizational change, driving innovation and leading through organizational crises.

• A multidisciplinary approach prepares students for a wide range of for-profit and nonprofit organizations
• A focus on both knowledge and practical application of concepts, skills and tools to help you move ahead in your career
• The PLNU approach to leadership is represented in coursework focused on ethics, sustainability and values designed to broaden your learning and deepen your personal and professional growth
• Become a thoughtful and innovative leader with the ability to identify, analyze and communicate solutions to diverse audiences

Personalized Guidance

A counselor and coordinator will journey alongside you through the entire process, from assisting you with transferring previously earned credit to working alongside you with care and encouragement as you earn your degree.

Convenience to Fit Your Life

The curriculum is designed with busy, working professionals in mind. Coursework is designed to be flexible to your needs and help you balance your other life commitments.

Hybrid Format

For those who prefer in-person learning, PLNU is available at various locations across San Diego County, bringing professors directly to a campus near you one night a week with the rest online. Additionally, you won’t have to worry about enrolling in new classes or adapting to a new schedule each semester. For the BAOL, 24 of the 48 semester units of coursework required to be taken at PLNU is available face-to-face.

Online Format

If you prefer the flexibility of online learning and the ability to set your own schedule, the online format is for you! Students applying for the online BAOL program can start the program with as little as zero college credits completed. In the online format, PLNU offers all general education, elective, and pre-requisite courses needed for completion of the BAOL program (courses are fully online). With entry points every eight weeks, you can start whenever you're ready!

*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):

• Summer 2023 Quad II — July 3, 2023
• Fall 2023 Quad I — August 28, 2023
• Fall 2023 Quad II — October 23, 2023
• Spring 2024 Quad I — January 8, 2024
• Spring 2024 Quad II — March 11, 2024

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

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