Have you felt a desire for something more? Do you aspire to become the effective, supportive leader you’ve been called to be?

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and to assume a greater level of leadership and control over your future, the Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership (MAOL) will equip you to lead others with genuine confidence and balance. This program is offered both online and in-person so you can have the flexibility to earn your degree while continuing to work full-time. 

PLNU’s MAOL will equip you to fulfill your calling, building vital skills such as:

• Managing in a changing environment, 
• Negotiation and conflict resolution, 
• Team leadership and collaboration, 
• Ethical decision-making,
• And more. 

Concentrations to fit your goals

This program is designed to be flexible and customizable so you can become an effective, well-rounded leader in a wide variety of industries. We offer three (3) optional concentrations to help you specialize in the areas you’re passionate about:

• Project Management
• Global Leadership and Business
• Sport Management

Effective leadership

Becoming a leader requires a set of unique skills; the ability to understand and lead people, time, and relationships requires strength, confidence, and creativity. 

PLNU’s MAOL is a direct response to the need organizations have expressed for individuals to understand how to lead thoughtfully in today’s complex and changing social and economic environment.

In this program, you will examine the art and skill of ethical decision-making and problem-solving within the political and cultural context of an organization. 

Whether you choose the 100% online option, the face-to-face classroom experience, or a combination of both, you will work in a collaborative learning environment that will provide you the opportunity to develop a professional and personal network of people who share your goals. You will also use technology to test team building and communication skills, a dynamic that mirrors what you will experience outside the classroom in the marketplace. 

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

Are you ready to take the next step and apply?

We’re here to make the entire process a simple one. We’ll walk you through the application process, answer your questions, and get you one step closer to earning your degree.

Program Start Date(s):

• Summer 2025 Quad II — July 7, 2025
• Fall 2025 Quad I — September 2, 2025
• Fall 2025 Quad II — October 27, 2025
• Spring 2026 Quad I — January 12, 2026
• Spring 2026 Quad II — March 16, 2026

Application Deadline(s):

• Summer 2025 Quad II — June 20, 2025
• Fall 2025 Quad I — August 15, 2025
• Fall 2025 Quad II — October 10, 2025
• Spring 2026 Quad I — December 12, 2025
• Spring 2026 Quad II — February 27, 2026

All applications submitted after these dates will be reviewed based on availability of space.

Start Application

The Selection Process

The educational context at PLNU will challenge you to live a full life that integrates the pursuit of knowledge with beliefs, values, and actions. While honoring diverse perspectives and beliefs, Christian values and principles are woven into the educational experience. We understand your application is not only a reflection of you as a student; it reflects you as a person. At PLNU, we holistically evaluate your academic history, work and life experience, background, and circumstances to determine admission into a graduate program. Your undergraduate GPA is an important piece of your application. However, if you do not meet the minimum GPA requirement of 3.0, you may still be eligible for admission based on your application package and the exceptions policy.* Therefore, we strongly encourage you to contact your enrollment counselor, who will advise you regarding your qualifications and provide specific information about the admission-under-exceptions process.

To be admitted into PLNU's MAOL program, you must have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution, as evidenced by an official transcript.
If you have any questions about your qualifications or the program in general, we encourage you to contact your enrollment counselor.

*Exceptions Policy: If you have a GPA below 3.0 in your baccalaureate degree, you will need to speak with your enrollment counselor for more information on the exceptions materials needed for your particular program.

Application Checklist

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

1. Submit an online application for admissions (including $50 non-refundable application fee, which is waived for PLNU alums, current or former military and their dependents, and PLNU employees).
2. Submit official transcripts with proof of earned baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution.* (If you are a PLNU alumnus, please notify your counselor to have your transcripts retrieved. You do not need to request transcripts from the PLNU Office of Records.)
   
   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
   
   *Please note, official transcripts must be sent directly from the regionally accredited institution.
3. Provide a personal statement on why you wish to participate in the MAOL program in which you address the following:
   • Describe your current philosophy of leadership.
   • Explain your relevant academic and professional experience.
   • Describe your future career or life goals.
4. Submit professional resume.

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.

PLNU's MAOL program develops leaders who are well prepared to serve in today’s dynamic organizations. Students will gain knowledge and skills that are necessary to lead by transforming their organization through the development of people and processes, and implementing initiatives to maintain a competitive advantage.

You will be prepared for careers in business, industry, government, and the nonprofit sector. Opportunities include leadership and management positions in the following areas:

• Human resources
• Non-profit organizations
• Project management
• Healthcare
• Sport management
• Talent development
• Education
• Business operations
• Ministry

Professionals working in nonprofit organizations, government agencies, churches, community-based institutions, and businesses will further enhance their leadership competencies through this degree designed to apply leadership principles to real-world situations. Students will examine the art and skill of decision-making and problem-solving within the political and cultural context of an organization. Working in collaborative learning teams will provide students the opportunity to use technology to test team-building and communication skills, a dynamic that mirrors today's real-world work environment.

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

Course Information