MAOL FAQs

The Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership is a graduate program designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to lead and manage organizations effectively. It draws from fields like psychology, sociology, and communications to prepare students to be dynamic, influential and ethical leaders. 

• Analysis and Evaluation: Develop the ability to assess organizational dynamics and apply leadership theories in a variety of contexts.
• Leadership and Decision-making: Gain skills in leadership, negotiation, and team building within a variety of institutional settings.
• Practical Application: Learn to apply leadership concepts to real-world challenges through case studies, simulations, and project-based learning.
• Interdisciplinary Approach: Draw on insights from psychology, sociology and communications to understand and shape organizations.

The College of Idaho’s MAOL program is designed for aspiring or new professionals and for mid-career or seasoned professionals looking to advance their leadership practices in their role in any organization.

The College of Idaho’s MAOL program covers the following core areas:

• Organizational Dynamics: Understanding organizational behavior and the impact of values on organizational success.
• Effective Communication: Strategies for developing and sustaining effective relationships with a variety of stakeholders.
• Ethical and Equitable Methods: Applying socially responsible and ethical criteria in communication and leadership practice.
• Leadership Theory and Practice: Strategies for driving positive change within organizations.

For more information, review our MAOL Curriculum.

A degree is organizational leadership helps graduates understand the need to put the development of people first. By focusing on cultivating, supporting and growing colleagues and employees, you will drive positive outcomes for any organization at which you work.

The wonderful things about the Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership is that it is universally applicable across a multitude of organizational and career interests.  Graduates cover every industry within every sector from government agencies, healthcare, technology, manufacturing, creative, service, nonprofits, education, consulting, and more.  So, whether you are an employee working in the corporate sector, nonprofit sector or public sector, or at religious institutions, educational institutions or healthcare institutions, you will benefit from this degree. 

Yes.  The College’s MAOL program is a fully online program, offering instruction asynchronously.  This flexibility is particularly useful for working professionals who want to pursue the degree while maintaining their current jobs.

As the degree itself is inherently relational, leveraging peer-to-peer learning and relationships is still an important aspect of this degree.  As such, the College will offer in-person immersion opportunities for you to connect with the students in your cohort.

The College’s MAOL program is 36 credits or 9 courses. Students take three courses per term over three terms, completing the degree in just 12 months.  Our MAOL program launches a new cohort each fall.

The College of Idaho’s MAOL program is one of the most affordable organizational leadership-related degree programs in the country.  Our team took great care in crafting a rigorous, high-quality program, but with cost in mind, to ensure that its program is accessible.  As a graduate degree program, financial aid is available, and The College of Idaho offers scholarships for eligible students.

Since its founding in 1891, The College of Idaho has embodied the mantra of its founding President William Judson Boone: “Let them come, let them all come, and we will see what they can do.” The College therefore focuses on affordability for all of its programs to ensure cost isn’t a barrier to access to an excellent education. 

For more information, review our MAOL Tuition & Fees.

If you want to be a dynamic, influential and ethical leader helping an organization thrive in our ever-changing world, then The College of Idaho’s MAOL program is a great fit for you.