Online Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and Learning
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Online Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and Learning
The bachelor's in organizational leadership and learning (BSOLL) is an ideal way for adult professionals with extensive work experience to complete a highly versatile bachelor’s degree and propel their career forward.
UofL's online Organizational Leadership and Learning bachelor's is a skills-driven degree completion program designed to prepare you for career advancement or changes in today’s competitive and evolving workforce.
Choose from six specialized tracks to fit your career goals and become an even more valuable member of any company or organization.
U.S. News & World Report recognition
The online Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and Learning is offered by the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Louisville. For over a decade, UofL Online bachelor’s degrees have been recognized as "Best in the Nation" and "Best for Veterans," by U.S. News & World Report, reflecting the university’s focus on academic excellence and student support.
Earn Credit for Prior Learning!
Enrolled BSOLL students can earn college credit for prior learning and work experience through a designated course and assessment. This provides an opportunity to earn up to 48 credit hours tuition free – up to $27,264 in savings – and graduate faster.
Free Tuition for UofL Health Employees!
Contact your ULH education liaison or HR representative to receive information about tuition remission options.
Quick Facts
Online Courses
Up to 48 hrs. Tuition-Free
Credit for Prior Learning
Per Credit Hour
Aug/Oct/Jan/Feb/May
Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and Learning, 100% Online
The Big Picture
UofL's online Organizational Leadership and Learning bachelor's (BSOLL) is a skills-driven degree completion program designed to equip you with the knowledge required for career advancement or change in today’s competitive and evolving workforce.
This is a 120 credit-hour program, with six specialized tracks and online courses delivered asynchronously (anytime, anywhere) in 8-week terms.
Your previous education, training and work experience can count toward UofL’s online BSOLL degree requirements. You could earn up to 48 credit hours (or 16 courses equivalent) tuition-free for prior learning, which can save you up to $27,264 in tuition cost and time to graduation.
BSOLL Online Degree Highlights
- Acquire in-demand skills such as leadership, project management, talent development and organizational change
- Gain resume-boosting digital badges from industry partners including IBM, Google, Microsoft, Adobe and more, included in various courses at no additional cost to you
- Finish your bachelor's degree online within three semesters (with full-time enrollment status)
- Choose from six specialized tracks:
- Leadership, training & organization development
- Health care leadership
- Project management for the modern workforce
- Human resource development
- Counseling and human relations
- Interdisciplinary early childhood education
*Learn more about these tracks on the Degree tracks tab!
8-Week Classes Designed With Your Busy Schedule in Mind
The Online Organizational Leadership and Learning degree is intentionally built to support the realities of working professionals balancing full lives and multiple responsibilities, just like you.
Our 100% online courses are delivered asynchronously in 8-week terms, giving you the flexibility to learn on your own time, from anywhere. You can also access our university's array of support services designed for your academic, professional and personal success.
Online BSOLL Transfer Credit
If you previously started a bachelor's degree but didn't finish, UofL's online organizational leadership and learning bachelor's is designed to help you achieve degree completion. Transfer up to 60 hours from a community college and up to 90 hours from an accredited four-year college. You can also take all your general education requirements online at UofL. UofL academic advisors are available to assist with your degree planning.
Are You a KCTCS Student?
Students who have been enrolled at a KCTCS school and have fulfilled all general education requirements can have them transferred in their entirety and may begin immediately with online upper-level coursework at UofL. Visit our KCTCS Transfers Page for more information.
Online Student Success Coaching
As an online student enrolled in the BSOLL program, you will have the opportunity to get additional support from our Online Student Success team to help you build strong academic habits, stay motivated and make progress toward your goals while connecting you with peers and the broader Cardinal community.
Whether you’re balancing school with work, returning after time away or facing academic or personal challenges, our team provides one-on-one guidance, access to resources and personalized strategies to help you succeed.
I Found My "More"
"I was very much in a place of seeking. I was trying to identify what was next... This program unlocked freedom for me. It helped me see inside, to identify what my unique passion and gifts are."
David Beumer
Online BS OLL graduate
Leadership learning and growth should fit real life and so should your bachelor’s degree. Take the best next step for your future today and set your aspirations in motion!
What is Credit for Prior Learning?
If you previously started college but haven’t earned your degree, UofL's online Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and Learning can help you achieve your goal of degree completion.
At UofL, we recognize that learning happens in more ways than just through college coursework. Rather than revisiting knowledge already acquired through work experience, training, military activities or professional development, at UofL you will focus on learning new information to advance your skills and progress through the program faster.
How is Credit Awarded for PLA?
Prior to the PLA course, an academic advisor will provide a degree audit identifying the number of credits potentially awarded through the course. Students can request between 9 (minimum) and 48 (maximum) credits to be awarded as credit for prior learning. Upon successful completion of the PLA course, the credit earned will be confirmed.
How Does It Work?
In the first online BSOLL core course, LEAD 300/307 Prior Learning Assessment (PLA), students evaluate and document their learning from work experiences, existing course credits and associate degrees, technical and specialized training to receive credit for the chosen specialization.
Students create and submit a prior learning assessment portfolio, then proceed to the remaining courses in the designated track to fulfill graduation requirements.
The portfolio includes:
- Workplace narrative autobiography
- Documentation and written reflection on workplace training
- Documentation and written reflection on occupational experiential learning
- Worksheet tracking hours/time dedicated to specialized learning or other knowledge, skills and competencies
- Narrative alignment of prior learning with O*Net job classification language
- Step-by-step faculty guidance on the completion process and successful submission of the portfolio
Less redundancy. More momentum. Now it’s your turn to get some credit - Get started today!
Online BSOLL: One Degree, Six Pathways to Leadership
The Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and Learning online program at UofL features six tracks to help you specialize your degree in areas such as leadership, project management, workforce development and talent management, workplace opportunities, human resources or early childhood education.
I’ve been passed over for promotions because I didn’t have a degree. I realized that it is applicable to everything I do and everything I’ve been doing for 30 years.
- Jennifer Morgan -
Online BSOLL graduate
Leadership, Training & Organization Development
This flagship track is designed for business professionals who want to gain overall leadership knowledge applicable across a broad range of industries, those who have substantial work experience and some college credit and are seeking a non-specialized undergraduate leadership degree, as well as those who are currently serving or have previously served in the military.
Develop your skills in leadership and ability to improve organizational and employee effectiveness and productivity, workplace learning, work satisfaction, performance, morale and/or quality of work life.
View UofL's Academic Catalog page for all available courses within this track.
Health Care Leadership
The online Health Care Leadership (HCL) track is designed for individuals with 2,000 hours (or approximately one year) of health care experience who are seeking a competitive advantage and the proper credential for development, increased pay or promotions within their organization.
This track features a unique set of health care leadership courses, different from the BSOLL core, tailored to expand students’ skill set for career advancement within a wide range of health care settings. It will enrich the capabilities to lead and manage organizational change adeptly and improve performance metrics.
The curriculum is based on the National Center for Health Care Leadership (NCHL) standards and is designed for those with or without a clinical background. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to earn micro-credentials from industry partners including LinkedIn, The Institute for Health Care Improvement and more. These are included in various courses at no additional cost.
Students applying to this track will need to submit a resume as part of their application.
Students must demonstrate competency by passing each class with a C- or better. A minimum 2.25 cumulative grade point average is required to complete a Health Care Leadership specialized track.
View UofL's Academic Catalog page for all available courses within this track.
Project Management for the Modern Workforce
This track is designed for business professionals who want well-rounded skills in managing a multitude of projects in any industry and those who seek a pathway to a project management role or career.
This track goes beyond traditional project management knowledge, providing students with the opportunity to expand their expertise and successfully respond to organizational change in areas of technology, logistics and personnel management, effective communication, data analysis and efficiently built structures.
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be prepared to pursue the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) or the Project Management Certification (PMP).
View UofL's Academic Catalog page for all available courses within this track.
Human Resource Development
This track is specifically designed for business professionals who want to start or advance their career in the Human Resource field.
Our courses help you develop fundamental knowledge of Human Resources as well as the analytical and strategic skills necessary for the modern HR role, focusing on coaching and talent management, mediating conflict, data analytics needed to understand human dynamics in the organizational environment, employee satisfaction and more.
Successful completion of this program will help prepare graduates for the Certified Professional Human Resources (PHR) exam.
View UofL's Academic Catalog page for all available courses within this track.
Counseling and Human Relations
Great leadership can move an organization from adequate to exceptional. The Counseling and Human Relations (CHR) track provides opportunities to learn from world-renowned faculty who assist students with honing their natural skills and talents.
In this track, you can become a well-rounded leader by developing foundational knowledge of mental health needs, methodologies and techniques for support within culturally diverse populations as applicable to leadership and management roles. You can acquire interpersonal skills to tactfully resolve conflict, negotiate solutions, build relationships and healthy workload support systems, which culminate in authentic leadership.
Graduates can advance professionally and further their education by pursuing a master’s program in Counseling, Human Resources, Social Work or other related disciplines.
View UofL's Academic Catalog page for all available courses within this track.
Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education
This track prepares you to help at-risk learners in low-income or impoverished communities by developing core pedagogical knowledge and communication skills—allowing you to more effectively work with children as well as their families or caretakers.
You can gain a well-rounded interdisciplinary early childhood education expertise and learn to apply practical knowledge through the program’s commitment to three strategic pillars (Play, Practice, Policy).
View UofL's Academic Catalog page for all available courses within this track.
Ready to choose your leadership path? We’re ready to help you get started!
Apply Now
How to Apply to UofL’s Online BSOLL Degree
Check out the typical application deadlines for the Organizational Leadership and Learning degree program at UofL and prepare your application packet according to the requirements outlined below.
Application Deadlines
| Preferred Deadline | Term | Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| August 1 | Fall I | August |
| October 1 | Fall II | October |
| December 1 | Spring I | January |
| February 1 | Spring II | Late February |
| May 1 | Summer | May |
Note: We admit students on a rolling basis. The preferred deadlines help you complete the application process on time, be notified of acceptance and enroll before the term begins. We review applications as they become complete and admit students for a specific term up to the day classes start. We recommend you work on and submit your complete application well in advance of the preferred deadline, as obtaining transcripts and other materials may take more time.
What Are the Steps to Apply to the Online BSOLL Program?
- Start your application for undergraduate admission
- Submit $30 non-refundable application fee
- Verify your identity - provide ID/documentation as requested
- Complete any checklist items listed on your Application Portal*
- Request official transcripts from all previously attended institutions. Transcripts are only accepted directly from the institution(s) by email: adetran@louisville.edu (recommended) or mail: University of Louisville, Office of Admissions, Dept AO, Louisville, KY 40292.
- Create a financial plan
What Is Required for Admission to the Online BSOLL?
New students and transfer students with less than 24 transferable credits from accredited institutions must have:
- High school diploma from an accredited institution (GED or equivalent accepted by petition)
- Minimum high school GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale (applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA may inquire about conditional acceptance)
- Composite ACT score of 21 or higher (test optional admission is granted on a case-by-case basis)
- Minimum of 2,000 hours (approximately one year total) of work experience
- A resume demonstrating one year of health care experience is a required material for Health Care Leadership track
- A resume demonstrating one year of health care experience is a required material for Health Care Leadership track
Transfer Students with 24 or more transferable credits from accredited institutions must have:
- Minimum GPA of 2.25 on a 4.0 scale (applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA may inquire about conditional acceptance)
- Minimum of 2,000 hours (approximately one year total) of work experience
- A resume demonstrating one year of health care experience is a required material for Health Care Leadership track.
*Your Application Portal:
Once you have started an undergraduate application, you can check the status and review any additional checklist to-do items. Log in to your application using the email address you used to apply for admission and your password. Your checklist items may include additional materials or documentation that facilitate a smooth admissions process. You will also have access to important contact information and next steps after an admissions decision is made.
Start working on your application early and contact us anytime if you have questions or need further guidance.
How Much Does It Cost to Earn an Online BSOLL at UofL?
Academic Year Tuition
$568 per credit hour
$250 per credit hour military tuition rate
Please note that other fees apply – check our tuition page for all applicable costs. All online courses are assessed an additional $10/credit hour fee per University of Louisville policies.
This program is a Title IV federal financial aid eligible program. Tuition rate does not include costs associated with a specific course or program, such as textbooks.
Standard and military tuition rates, fees and charges are subject to change and effective on the date enacted. For additional information on educational expenses and the cost of attendance, please visit the Student Financial Aid Office website.
Free Tuition for ULH Employees!
Contact your education liaison or HR representative to receive information about tuition remission options.
Does Your Employer Offer Tuition Reimbursement?
It’s a good idea to check your company policy regarding tuition benefits. You may be required to submit a request for tuition reimbursement.
What Will You Learn in the Online BSOLL?
The online BSOLL is a 120 credit-hour program delivered asynchronously in 8-week terms.
General Education requirements (Cardinal Core) may be delivered in 8-week or standard term lengths.
Curriculum Components:
- Cardinal Core requirements – transferred credits or completed at UofL (31 credit hours)
- OLL Program Core Courses (24-29 credit hours)
- Work Specialization/CPL Award (up to 48 credit hours)
- Track Courses (12-15 credit hours)
- Elective Courses (5-44 credit hours)
Choose one of the six tracks available to specialize your education and create a career pathway aligned with your goals.
To see all available online courses and degree completion requirements, please visit UofL's Academic Catalog page (select Degree Requirements tab).
Ready to start working on your bachelor's degree completion goal? We are here to help!
What Will You Do With a Bachelor’s in Organizational Leadership and Learning?
UofL’s online BSOLL is a worthwhile investment, especially in today’s job market and economy. It is designed to be a fast and affordable option for completing your bachelor's, with Credit for Prior Learning allowing you to earn tuition-free college credit towards your degree, from your work experience. You will learn the skills needed to position yourself for a multitude of career advancement opportunities.
Our BSOLL graduates are employed in a variety of roles in leadership, training and development, human resources and workforce development including:
- Director of Training and Marketing
- Manager of Training and Team Development
- Senior Business Solutions Consultant
- VP of Human Resources
- VP of Operations
- Senior Process Improvement Manager
- Assistant Director
- Chief Executive Officer
- Chief IT Officer
- HR Specialist, Education Manager
- Senior IT Systems Analyst
- District Sales Manager
- Senior VP and General Manager
- Technical Trainer
- Supervisor, Vocational Rehab Counselor
- Diversity and Inclusion Manager
… and more!
Companies and organizations where you can find our BSOLL alumni include Brown-Forman, UPS, Humana, YUM! Brands, United States Army, UofL Health, Mercer, Mitchel International, CHI St. Joseph Health, Harrah’s, Farm Credit Mid-America, ADP, Medtronic, Cigna, United States Soccer, Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and more.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs requiring a bachelor’s degree are projected to grow by 6% between 2024 and 2034, with bachelor’s degree holders earning, on average, 46% more than those with only an associate degree. With more than 300,000 job openings each year seeking candidates with a bachelor’s degree, there’s no better time to start or finish your degree.
"While I was working in a training role during my time at UofL, the skills I learned and applied at work allowed me to advance to a higher instructional design role within a year of my graduation date."
Brittany Geisenburg
BSOLL Graduate
Take the step today to advance your education and be ready for the workforce of tomorrow!
What Your Support Network Looks Like
From application through graduation, BSOLL students are backed by a knowledgeable team that understands the demands of working professionals. Enrollment counselors, academic advisors, program leadership staff and faculty collaborate to provide clear guidance, timely support and practical insight so you can stay focused, confident and on track throughout your degree.
| Name | Title | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Jennifer Ferguson | Online Enrollment Counsellor | online@louisville.edu | 800.871.8635 |
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Emily Lorenzana | Academic Advisor (Last names A-K) | emily.lorenzana@louisville.edu | 502.852.5597 |
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Jennifer Huff, MA | Academic Advisor (Last names L-Z) | jennifer.huff@louisville.edu | 502.852.2547 |
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Mary Jo Gonzalez | Program Director (BS OLL) Executive in Residence, Clinical Associate Professor | mary.gonzales@louisville.edu | 502.852.9044 |
Featured Faculty
| Name | Title |
|---|---|
| Matt Bergman, Ph.D. | Assistant Professor |
| Roger Buskill | Professor |
| Deborah Dalzell-Murphy, Ph.D. | Clinical Assistant Professor |
| Mark Leach, Ph.D. | Dept Chair and Professor, Counseling and Human Development |
| Ann Herd, Ph. D. | Professor |
| Thomas Teague, Ph. D. | Professor |
Whether you need more info or are ready to apply and need further guidance, reach out to us – we are here for you!
Apply Now
What Else Should You Know?
The questions and answers below help you learn more about our program, delivery method, application and admission process, financial aid options and how to succeed as an online student at UofL and beyond.
What can you do with a bachelor's degree in organizational leadership?
A bachelor's degree in organizational leadership can prepare you for a variety of roles focused on leading people, managing projects, developing employees and improving organizational performance. Depending on your experience and area of specialization, career opportunities may include leadership, training and development, human resources, workforce development, project management and operations. UofL's online Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and Learning (BSOLL) is designed to develop skills in areas such as leadership, project management, talent development, organizational change, communication and data analytics. Graduates have gone on to roles including training and development manager, human resources leader, operations manager, process improvement manager, IT systems analyst and more.
What is the difference between organizational leadership and business management?
Organizational leadership and business management share many skills, but they emphasize different areas. Business management generally focuses on managing business functions and operations, while organizational leadership emphasizes leading people, developing teams, managing organizational change and improving workplace effectiveness. UofL's BSOLL program takes an interdisciplinary approach that combines leadership theory, organizational behavior, project management, human resources, communication, business acumen and data analytics.
Can I earn a bachelor's degree in organizational leadership online?
Yes. UofL's Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and Learning is offered 100% online. Courses are delivered asynchronously, meaning students can complete their coursework on their own schedules from anywhere. Most courses are offered in eight-week terms, making the program particularly well suited for working professionals and students balancing school with other responsibilities.
How fast can I finish the online BSOLL degree?
The BSOLL program can be completed online in as few as three semesters with full-time enrollment, depending on individual cases and circumstances. Your actual completion time will depend on the number of credits you transfer, your prior learning and work experience, your enrollment status and other potential factors. Students can transfer up to 60 credit hours from a community college or up to 90 credit hours from an accredited four-year institution. Eligible students can also earn up to 48 credit hours through Credit for Prior Learning.
Can I get college credit for my work experience?
Yes. UofL's BSOLL program offers Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), which allows eligible students to receive college credit for learning gained through work experience, military activities, professional development, training and other relevant experiences. Students complete a Prior Learning Assessment course and create a portfolio documenting their prior learning. Depending on their experience and the assessment, students can request between 9 and 48 credit hours.
How does Credit for Prior Learning work?
Credit for Prior Learning allows students to demonstrate college-level learning gained outside the traditional classroom. In the BSOLL program, students complete LEAD 300/307 Prior Learning Assessment and create a portfolio documenting their workplace training, occupational experience and other relevant learning. Before beginning the assessment course, an academic advisor will provide a degree audit identifying the number of credits that may potentially be awarded. Students can request between 9 and 48 credit hours, and approved credits are awarded after successful completion of the assessment process.
How many transfer credits can I bring into the BSOLL program?
UofL's online BSOLL program accepts up to 60 transfer credit hours from a community college and up to 90 credit hours from an accredited four-year college. If you have already completed some college coursework but did not finish your bachelor's degree, an academic advisor can help you determine which credits can apply toward your BSOLL degree.
Can I complete the BSOLL degree while working full time?
Yes. The BSOLL program is designed with working professionals in mind. Courses are delivered 100% online and asynchronously, allowing students to complete coursework on their own schedules. Most courses are offered in eight-week terms, and students can choose to enroll part time or full time depending on their circumstances and degree-completion goals.
Where is the online Organizational Leadership and Learning program located in Kentucky?
While the Online BSOLL Program is 100% online, the College of Education & Human Development is located in beautiful Louisville, Kentucky, where southern charm meets urban innovation, creating a vibrant tapestry of cultures, culinary delights and friendly faces that beckon you to explore.
All online BSOLL students are welcome to visit our wonderful campus at any time to meet with faculty, admissions team, career services, etc. and to participate in the university-wide commencement ceremony.
Still have questions? Contact our team today to get more information!
