Skip to main content
Penn State Berks
Hotline Give Apply Visit
  • Admission
  • Academics
    • Baccalaureate Degrees
    • Associate Degrees
  • Campus Calendar
  • Information For
    • Future Students
    • Parents & Families
    • Current Students
    • Adult Students
    • Alumni
    • Faculty & Staff
Full site navigation menu

This dialog contains the full navigation menu for this site.

Penn State Berks
Enter the terms you wish to search for.
Search type:
Hotline Give Apply Visit
  • This is Penn State
    • Campus Leadership
    • Chancellor's Welcome
    • Penn State Berks at a Glance
    • Our History
  • Academics
    • Baccalaureate Degrees
    • Registrar
    • Course Schedule
    • Academic Advising Center
    • Thun Library
  • Admission
    • First Year Students
    • Visit Us
    • En Español
    • Adult Learners
    • International Students
  • Tuition & Financial Aid
    • Scholarship Eligibility
    • Tuition & Cost Calculator
    • Paying Your Bill
  • Continuing Education
    • Adult Students
    • Services for Organizations
    • Summer Camps
    • Workforce and Professional Development
  • Student Life
    • On-Campus Housing
    • Residence Life
    • Moving In
    • Clubs and Organizations
    • Family and Homecoming Weekend
    • Student Events Calendar
  • Athletics

Find Information For:

  • Future Students
  • Parents & Families
  • Current Students
  • Adult Students
  • Alumni
  • Faculty & Staff

Helpful Links

  • Canvas
  • First Year Seminar
  • LionPATH
  • Driving Directions
  • Educational Equity and Diversity Programs
  • Faculty Directory
  • Staff Directory
  • University Police and Public Safety

Connect With Us

  • facebook
  • twitter
  • youtube
  • instagram
  1. Home
  2. Academics
Decorative image

B.S. in Organizational Leadership

The Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership (OLEAD) is a 123-credit degree program that provides a well-rounded liberal arts education with a special focus on the complex social, cultural, and organizational issues that confront organizational leaders in the world. The degree is developed specifically for adult students interested in expanding their professional horizons, enabling them to lead others effectively in any industry.

Download the degree flyer

Skills for the real world

The degree prepares adult learners to build practical work skills that can be utilized immediately, including a solid foundation in critical thinking, decision making, problem solving and team building.

Graduates of the Organizational Leadership degree program obtain a diverse and highly effective education, enabling them to enhance their opportunities and expand their career options. This program also allows for flexibility by offering electives that support and meet individual career goals. The Penn State Berks program offers accelerated hybrid seven-week courses, allowing students to attend class one evening per week and complete assignments when convenient.

Customize your education to meet your career goals

Students can add specificity to their education by complementing this degree with another, or by pursuing a minor or certificate.

Recommended double majors:

  • Business
  • Communication Arts and Sciences
  • Writing and Digital Media

Recommended minors:

  • Business
  • Communication Arts and Sciences
  • Entrepreneurship and Innovation
  • Writing and Digital Media
  • Spanish

Recommended certifications:

Accelerated Foundations of Organizational Leadership Certificate Program

This 12-credit certificate provides a solid foundation in leadership concepts and decision making. The certificate can be completed during the fall and spring semesters of one academic year. The courses can be applied to the bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership allowing you to quickly enhance your resume with in-demand leadership skills while working towards your degree

Learn more about the Foundations of Organizational Leadership Certificate >

Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM®) Certificate Programs

Students can pair a SHRM® certification with this degree program to specialize in human resources.

  • SHRM CP™ Learning System Review Course
  • SHRM SCP™ Learning System Review Course

Degree completion

The organizational leadership degree program may appeal to professionals and students who come from a variety of backgrounds with differing educational experiences and wish to transition to higher-level positions of responsibility and authority. Applicants typically:

  • occupy a managerial/leadership position, but must obtain a degree for further professional advancement.
  • have faced challenges starting or completing a college education due to life circumstances or geographical constraints.
  • are an active-duty soldier or veteran looking to advance within the military ranks or transition into civilian life.
  • are looking to expand their leadership styles from many different perspectives.
  • want to gain knowledge and skills to become an ethical leader, motivate others, think critically, and make sound decisions.

After graduation

Graduates of the Organizational Leadership degree program are prepared for a range of careers in which leadership skills and management of employees is paramount. The need for individuals who understand and can address conflict, make ethical decisions, motivate and, in general, work with people and organizations is in high demand.

You may find this degree most valuable if you are interested in showcasing your ability to lead and nurture business and professional relationships in any of the following areas:

  • human resources
  • labor and employment relations
  • operations
  • production management
  • business development and sales
  • customer service

B.S. in Organizational Leadership

  • Organizational Leadership Program Goals
  • Organizational Leadership Requirements
  • Organizational Leadership Faculty
  • Request Information about Organizational Leadership
  • Credit Programs for Adult Learners
    • Degree Completion
    • Adult Learner Mentorship Program
    • Alpha Sigma Lambda (AΣΛ)
    • Adult Learner Events
    • Summer Classes Offered at Penn State Berks
Apply Now!
Get Started
Questions or need more info?
Send an email to [email protected]

"The OLEAD program is great!  The classes offered are very relevant and applicable to the everyday work environment.  The professors are supportive and caring... Students are able to develop skills to benefit them in their career."

- Diana Vavreck

Request Information

See Also

  • Undergraduate Bulletin
  • Degree Flyer
Locations of Penn State's campuses throughout Pennsylvania with Penn State Berks highlighted

Penn State Berks

Nestled on 258 beautifully landscaped acres in Berks County and easily accessible from anywhere in eastern Pennsylvania and neighboring states.
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • youtube
  • instagram
Give Apply Visit
  • This is Penn State
    • Chancellor's Welcome
    • Penn State Berks at a Glance
    • Campus Leadership
    • Advisory Board
    • Our History
    • Freyberger Gallery
  • Academics
    • Baccalaureate Degrees
    • Registrar
    • Course Schedule
    • Academic Advising Center
    • Thun Library
  • Admissions
    • First Year Students
    • Visit Us
    • En Español
    • Dual Enrollment
    • Adult Students
  • Tuition & Financial Aid
    • Scholarship Eligibility
    • Tuition & Cost Calculator
    • Paying Your Bill
  • Research
    • Undergraduate Research
    • Research in Engineering, Business & Computing
    • Research in Humanities Arts and Social Sciences
    • Research in Science
  • Continuing Education
    • Adult Learner Admissions
    • Practical Nursing Program
  • Resources
    • Canvas
    • First Year Seminar
    • LionPATH
    • Driving Directions
    • Faculty Directory
    • Staff Directory
    • COVID Information
    • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
    • University Police and Public Safety
Penn State University
Tulpehocken Road, Reading, Pennsylvania 19610 610-396-6000

Footer Legal Menu

  • Privacy
  • Non-discrimination
  • Equal Opportunity
  • Accessibility
  • Copyright
  • The Pennsylvania State University © 2023
  • We Are Penn State