Three people are seated indoors having a serious discussion; one woman, possibly an Art Therapy Ph.D., gestures while holding a notebook, another woman listens intently, and a man is seen from behind.

Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership

Online

The Adler University Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership develops strategists who advance organizational culture and resilience. Grounded in the scholar-practitioner model, this program develops expertise in change management, team building, and organizational strategy.

36 credits
2-year program, full-time study
Part-time opportunities
Asynchronous learning
Thesis + capstone options
Pathway to doctorate

Apply Now REQUEST INFORMATION all programs

Admission Deadlines

Term	Final
Fall II 2025	10/6/2025
Spring I 2026	12/1/2025
Summer I 2026	4/1/2026
Fall I 2026	8/1/2026

Program overview

Organizations today face rapid change, evolving workforce expectations, and growing pressure to foster resilience and accountability. Students in this program engage these challenges directly through practitioner-led courses and applied projects, learning to translate research into strategies that create immediate impact in their workplaces.

Adler University’s online master’s in organizational leadership is designed to meet these demands, blending leadership practice with psychology and systems thinking. The curriculum emphasizes how values, strategy, and evidence-based decision-making intersect to strengthen teams and build organizations that can adapt and thrive in complex environments.

Why chose the online master’s in organizational leadership at Adler?

Adlerian lens on work: Grounded in Adlerian principles, the program integrates psychology with organizational science to promote healthier, more effective workplaces.
Flexible format: 100% online delivery with evening and weekend course options, plus part-time pathways for working professionals.
Pathway to doctoral study: A strong academic foundation that supports progression into advanced doctoral programs in psychology or related fields.
Applied learning: Practicum experiences, case studies, and applied projects that translate research into organizational strategy and measurable outcomes.
Career versatility: Preparation for roles in HR, consulting, organizational development, and leadership across public, private, and nonprofit sectors.

Thesis + CAPSTONE

Adler’s Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership gives students the choice between a thesis or capstone project. This work advances critical thinking, research fluency, and scholarly writing, while positioning graduates to influence organizational strategy and contribute new insights to the field of leadership.

Thesis

An original, student-driven research project guided by a faculty chair and ceader. Students design and execute a study that advances knowledge in organizational leadership while aligning with their professional focus and the program’s curriculum.

Capstone

Instead of a thesis, students can conclude their program with an applied research project focused on addressing real-world organizational challenges. Through a critical analysis of existing literature, students generate meaningful insights, demonstrating the depth of their knowledge and the impact of their leadership.

Careers That RedefinE leadership + systems

Graduates of the online master’s in organizational leadership program are the leaders of tomorrow. They go on to shape strategy, culture, and change.

A woman in a maroon jacket sits across from a person in glasses, engaged in conversation—perhaps an Art Therapy session—in a well-lit room adorned with artwork on the wall.

MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT

Partner with organizations to evaluate challenges and uncover opportunities for improvement. By analyzing operations, strategy, and structure, Management Consultants deliver evidence-based recommendations that enhance organizational efficiency, innovation, and growth.

Two people sit facing each other in conversation; one woman with a Ph.D. in Art Therapy smiles while holding a microphone and sitting on a light-colored chair.

CORPORATE RECRUITER

Manage the entire hiring process, from identifying staffing needs to sourcing and interviewing candidates. Corporate Recruiters play a key role in building strong teams by selecting individuals whose skills and values align with organizational goals.

A woman with a Ph.D. stands and speaks to four colleagues seated around a table in a glass-walled office during a meeting.

Operations Manager

Oversee the daily workings of a business or department to ensure resources are used effectively. Operations Managers coordinate people, budgets, and processes while aligning everyday tasks with broader organizational strategies.

Strategic Planner of Innovation

Identify emerging opportunities and design long-term initiatives that help organizations stay competitive. Strategic Innovation Planners link creative ideas with actionable strategies, guiding teams toward sustainable change and growth.

A man with a Ph.D. stands and speaks to two women in an office setting, surrounded by plants, binders, and natural light—discussing the practical applications of Art Therapy.

Performance Management Consultant

Help organizations measure and improve effectiveness across teams and departments. Performance Management Consultants design systems to track progress, provide feedback, and align performance goals with strategic priorities.

Admissions requirements

Apply Now

Eligibility

Applicants of the master’s in organizational leadership program must meet the following requirements:

A baccalaureate degree, by the date of matriculation, earned from an accredited college or university, or an equivalent degree from an international college or university.
A GPA of 3.0 or better (on a 4.0 scale) in their baccalaureate degree.
- Applicants with a GPA between 2.5 and 2.99 will be considered for conditional admission by submitting two letters of recommendation from a current professor, supervisor, and/or someone who can attest to the applicant’s ability to be successful in a graduate program. Exceptions may be made for applicants with a conferred graduate degree.
- Applicants with a GPA below a 2.5 will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Two letters of recommendation**

**Letters of recommendation may be waived based on cumulative grade point average from your degree-granting institution. Letters of recommendation should be submitted by professional references on letterhead.

Conditional Admission Status

Applicants admitted on a conditional basis must achieve a 3.0 cumulative GPA in their first two courses in order to achieve full admission status and continue in the program. Applicants not meeting this standard may be dismissed from the university. Applicants admitted on a conditional basis are not eligible to repeat coursework until they achieve a full admission status.

Provisional Admission Status

Applicants admitted on a provisional basis must submit all outstanding collateral, as defined in their acceptance letter, prior to the end of their first course to achieve full admission status and continue in the program. Applicants not meeting this standard may be dismissed from the University.

How to Apply + Submit Transcripts

Visit Adler University’s online application portal, create an account, and submit your application, fee, Statement of Intent, resume/CV, and references’ details.
Have official transcripts sent directly from each issuing institution or approved service to the Office of Admissions prior to the application deadline. Do not upload official copies to the portal.

Official electronic transcripts should be sent to admissions@adler.edu.

Physical transcripts should be sent to:
Adler University – Office of Admissions
17 N. Dearborn Street
Chicago, IL 60602

Curriculum | Internships | practicums

The organizational leadership program is offered entirely online and can be completed in 24 months, making it an attractive option for students who may be currently employed. Our asynchronous learning model allows for convenience and flexibility. Completion of the program includes the courses below, along with additional requirements outlined in the Adler University catalog.

Adler University course catalog

CORE COURSES

Leadership and Management Philosophies

This course explores fundamental leadership and management concepts at the individual, team, and organizational levels. This course will give students the opportunity to explore leadership and followership dynamics, as well as the role it plays in enhancing leadership capabilities and experiences.

Organizational Culture and Design

This course explores organizational culture at the interface of theory and practice to bring clarity, context, relevance and understanding to the topic. Future leaders will be prepared to use their knowledge as a powerful tool in creating a sustainable high performance organization.

Leading High Impact Teams

In this course, students will learn how to lead high performing teams that are collaborative, consistently learning, and able to achieve bottom line results. Specifically, students will learn best practices for composing a team and aligning individual and team goals.

Innovation Process

Understanding how innovation occurs within and outside of individual organizations is essential for entrepreneurs, policymakers and researchers. Innovation the creation and implementation of a new product, process or service – occurs within complex systems and system characteristics can help or hinder innovation.

Leadership Assessment and Feedback Coaching

This course introduces students to the principles of individual assessment and their role in leadership development.

Entrepreneurship

This course introduces students to entrepreneurship and the development of the entrepreneurial mindset. Students will learn about the entrepreneurial process, skills required and the necessary resilience to meet their business goals.

Research Methods

This course explores the fundamental concepts of social science research methodology within the field of applied psychology. Students will learn how to conduct literature reviews, establish and evaluate sampling methods and research designs, and recognize variables related to systems evaluation.

Adlerian Theory in Socially Responsible Practice

This seminar course provides students with an overview of the principles of Adlerian theory as they relate to socially responsible professional practice in the areas of leadership and applied psychology.

ELECTIVES

Students select three elective courses for a total of 9 credits.

Statistics

This course prepares students to conduct statistical analyses using SPSS. Descriptive, inferential, and multivariate statistical techniques will be examined as they relate to decision-making and problem-solving in organizations and systems.

Systems Thinking

Complex challenges and issues involve the interplay of a multitude of stakeholders, organizations and institutions. Students will be introduced to systems design, theory and methods to identify and design systemic interventions for social, policy, and business change.

Organizational Development and Change

This course examines the vital role of organizational development (OD) to help organizations evolve to meet business challenges. Through case study and interactive discussion, students learn about the phases of planned change.

Training Theory

The course provides students with a thorough understanding of the role of a training and development practitioner. Students will be provided with an analysis of current best practices as they relate to adult learning, instructional design/ strategy, and program evaluation.

THESIS OR CAPSTONE

Students select either the capstone course, or the thesis series.

Thesis

Course may be taken multiple times for credit. The M.A. Thesis is a student-directed study conducted in consultation with an assigned Chair and Reader in an area of organizational leadership with relevance to the curriculum.

Capstone

The Capstone course provides students with a unique opportunity to complete a project that will reflect their learning and training experiences throughout the program.

SOCIAL JUSTICE PRACTICUM

Your opportunity to create lasting change on local and global systems, almost from day 1.

The Social Justice Practicum (SJP) at Adler University is a first-year non-clinical, community-based experience that reflects Alfred Adler’s concept of social interest. The practicum places students with mission-driven organizations where they complete a minimum of 200 approved hours across two semesters, typically 8–10 hours per week. Alongside their placements, students participate in required workshops. Each practicum is evaluated through midterm and final supervisor reviews, student self-assessments, and feedback on the site and project, with grades of High Pass, Pass, Remediation, or Fail. The experience culminates in a campus-wide presentation of outcomes, assessed by multiple evaluators, offering students both applied training and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful community change.

Marianne Cabrera, Ph.D. Program Director, Organizational Leadership programs

“My teaching style and thought process revolve around integrating academic and practitioner-related concepts into the learning experience to help students best understand and apply what they are learning in both the classroom and in their every day life. In both online and classroom-based learning, I believe that communication and engagement are key to having a successful and effective learning experience. Developing relationships and understanding what the lessons mean to my students are a top priority for me, as I try to find ways to help them connect with the material in the course and in their overall learning in the program.”
– Marianne Cabrera, Ph.D.
Program Director

Meet Dr. Cabrera

Change Agent Nazanin Fasihi, in a white blazer, sits on the arm of a yellow sofa in a brightly lit living room adorned with colorful cushions and vibrant artwork on the walls.

Financing your degree

Use our tuition calculator to help you start to plan your budget. Financial aid from the government, scholarships, or part-time employment can help you more easily afford your degree.

Financial Aid + Scholarships

$67,644

$2,400

$70,044

$2,400

Clinical Psychology | Psy.D.

$6,606

Clinical Psychology | Psy.D.

$56,574

$2,140

$58,714

Fall

$20,205

$1,060

$21,265

Spring

$18,858

$540

$19,398

Summer

$17,511

$540

$18,051

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Clinical Psychology | Psy.D.

$56,574

$6,340

$62,914

Fall

$20,205

$2,460

$22,665

Spring

$18,858

$1,940

$20,798

Summer

$17,511

$1,940

$19,451

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Clinical Psychology | Psy.D.

$32,328

$2,140

$34,468

Fall

$10,776

$1,060

$11,836

Spring

$10,776

$540

$11,316

Summer

$10,776

$540

$11,316

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Clinical Psychology | Psy.D.

$32,328

$6,340

$38,668

Fall

$10,776

$2,460

$13,236

Spring

$10,776

$1,940

$12,716

Summer

$10,776

$1,940

$12,716

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Clinical Psychology | Psy.D.

$26,940

$4,834

$31,774

Fall

$10,776

$1,060

$11,836

Spring

$12,123

$540

$12,663

Summer

$4,041

$3,234

$7,275

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Clinical Psychology | Psy.D.

$26,940

$9,034

$35,974

Fall

$10,776

$2,460

$13,236

Spring

$12,123

$1,940

$14,063

Summer

$4,041

$4,634

$8,675

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Clinical Psychology | Psy.D.

$24,246

$2,140

$26,386

Fall

$9,429

$1,060

$10,489

Spring

$5,388

$540

$5,928

Summer

$9,429

$540

$9,969

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Clinical Psychology | Psy.D.

$24,246

$6,340

$30,586

Fall

$9,429

$2,460

$11,889

Spring

$5,388

$1,940

$7,328

Summer

$9,429

$1,940

$11,369

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Clinical Psychology | Psy.D.

$4,041

$2,140

$6,181

Fall

$1,347

$1,060

$2,407

Spring

$1,347

$540

$1,887

Summer

$1,347

$540

$1,887

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Clinical Psychology | Psy.D.

$4,041

$6,340

$10,381

Fall

$1,347

$2,460

$3,807

Spring

$1,347

$1,940

$3,287

Summer

$1,347

$16,954

$1,175

$18,129

Spring

$13,321

$655

$13,976

Summer

$12,110

$1,755

$13,865

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Counselling Psychology | M.A

$42,385

$7,785

$50,170

Fall

$16,954

$2,575

$19,529

Spring

$13,321

$2,055

$15,376

Summer

$12,110

$3,155

$15,265

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Counselling Psychology | M.A

$29,064

$3,696

$32,760

Fall

$12,110

$1,175

$13,285

Spring

$8,477

$655

$9,132

Summer

$8,477

$1,866

$10,343

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Counselling Psychology | M.A

$29,064

$7,896

$36,960

Fall

$12,110

$2,575

$14,685

Spring

$8,477

$2,055

$10,532

Summer

$8,477

$3,266

$11,743

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Counselling Psychology: Art Therapy | MCP:AT

$41,174

$3,516

$44,690

Fall

$13,321

$1,152

$14,473

Spring

$16,954

$632

$17,586

Summer

$10,899

$1,732

$12,631

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Counselling Psychology: Art Therapy | MCP:AT

$41,174

$7,716

$48,890

Fall

$13,321

$2,552

$15,873

Spring

$16,954

$2,032

$18,986

Summer

$10,899

$3,132

$14,031

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Counselling Psychology: Art Therapy | MCP:AT

$31,486

$3,627

$35,113

Fall

$14,532

$1,152

$15,684

Spring

$14,532

$632

$15,164

Summer

$2,422

$1,843

$4,265

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Counselling Psychology: Art Therapy | MCP:AT

$31,486

$7,827

$39,313

Fall

$14,532

$2,552

$17,084

Spring

$14,532

$2,032

$16,564

Summer

$2,422

$3,243

$5,665

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Counselling Psychology: School and Youth | M.A.

$49,651

$3,585

$53,236

Fall

$16,954

$1,175

$18,129

Spring

$16,954

$655

$17,609

Summer

$15,743

$1,755

$17,498

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Counselling Psychology: School and Youth | M.A.

$49,651

$7,785

$57,436

Fall

$16,954

$2,575

$19,529

Spring

$16,954

$2,055

$19,009

Summer

$15,743

$3,155

$18,898

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Counselling Psychology: School and Youth | M.A.

$21,798

$3,696

$25,494

Fall

$4,844

$1,175

$6,019

Spring

$4,844

$655

$5,499

Summer

$12,110

$1,866

$13,976

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Counselling Psychology: School and Youth | M.A.

$21,798

$7,896

$29,694

Fall

$4,844

$2,575

$7,419

Spring

$4,844

$58,212

$5,742

$63,954

Forensic Mental Health Leadership | M.A.

4.5

$7,277

$512

$7,789

Forensic Mental Health Leadership | M.A.

4.5

$7,277

$1,914

$9,191

Industrial + Organizational Psychology | M.A.

$21,021

$3,222

$24,243

Industrial + Organizational Psychology | M.A.

$21,021

$7,428

$28,449

Industrial + Organizational Psychology | M.A.

$15,015

$3,222

$18,237

Industrial + Organizational Psychology | M.A.

$15,015

$7,428

$22,443

Industrial + Organizational Psychology | MIOP

$32,697

$2,410

$35,107

Fall

$12,110

$1,150

$13,260

Spring

$12,110

$630

$12,740

Summer

$8,477

$630

$9,107

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Industrial + Organizational Psychology | MIOP

$32,697

$6,610

$39,307

Fall

$12,110

$2,550

$14,660

Spring

$12,110

$2,030

$14,140

Summer

$8,477

$2,030

$10,507

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Industrial + Organizational Psychology | MIOP

$13,321

$2,410

$15,731

Fall

$6,055

$1,150

$7,205

Spring

$6,055

$630

$6,685

Summer

$1,211

$630

$1,841

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Industrial + Organizational Psychology | MIOP

$13,321

$6,610

$19,931

Fall

$6,055

$2,550

$8,605

Spring

$6,055

$2,030

$8,085

Summer

$1,211

Industrial + Organizational Psychology | Ph.D.

19.5

$19,520

$7,428

$26,948

Industrial + Organizational Psychology | Ph.D.

4.5

$4,505

$3,222

$7,727

Industrial + Organizational Psychology | Ph.D.

4.5

$21,021

$3,222

$24,243

Psychology | M.A.

$21,021

$7,428

$28,449

Psychology | M.A.

$15,015

$3,222

$18,237

Psychology | M.A.

$15,015

$7,428

$22,443

Psychology: Health + Wellness | M.Psych

$25,431

$1,867

$27,298

Fall

$8,477

$969

$9,446

Spring

$8,477

$449

$8,926

Summer

$8,477

$449

$8,926

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Psychology: Health + Wellness | M.Psych

$25,431

$6,067

$31,498

Fall

$8,477

$2,369

$10,846

Spring

$8,477

$1,849

$10,326

Summer

$8,477

$1,849

$10,326

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Psychology: Health + Wellness | M.Psych

$18,165

$1,867

$20,032

Fall

$6,055

$969

$7,024

Spring

$4,844

$449

$5,293

Summer

$7,266

$449

$7,715

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Psychology: Health + Wellness | M.Psych

$18,165

$6,067

$24,232

Fall

$6,055

$2,369

$8,424

Spring

$4,844

$1,849

$6,693

Summer

$7,266

$1,849

$9,115

**Student Care is a student led health care plan and rates are likely to change each year; opt out with proof of other insurance is available

Sex Therapy | CERT

$10,300

$666

$10,966

Sex Therapy | CERT

$10,300

$4,872

$15,172

Sport + Human Performance | M.S.

$16,170

$208

$16,378

Sport + Human Performance | M.S.

$16,170

$1,610

$17,780

The latest from our
students, faculty, and alumni

adler news

Photo of Dr. Clarkson with Cape Verde delegation

Adler alum dedicates career in public service, to help expand access to education

Today, Dr. Troy Clarkson said his time at Adler is now informing how he approaches his current role of CFO and volunteer work, including his appointment to the Cape Code Community College Board of Trustees.

Good troublemaker: Making noise to create community change

“Good trouble is simply having the will to approach life with solutions,” said Dupree, who is in her first year of the Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership through the Online Campus. “For the last decade, I’ve worked to create equity through community service, education, wellness, and art.”

Woman wearing a headset sits in front of a laptop, gesturing with her hands while participating in a video call in a home office setting, adapting during a crisis with confidence and effective communication.

Adapting, Learning, and Leading During a Crisis

Online Campus faculty and staff offer guidance for how individuals and organizations, who are able to during this time, can adapt to virtual work, stay connected, and provide leadership to ensure individual, organizational, and community health.

Still wondering?

Do you want to know more about Adler University before applying? Learn more about the University, explore programs, view admissions requirements, and review available scholarships.

Academic Programs

How to Apply

Financial Aid + Scholarships

Student Life at Adler

Adler University History

Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership

Admission Deadlines

Program overview

Thesis + CAPSTONE

Thesis

Capstone

Careers That RedefinE leadership + systems

MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT

CORPORATE RECRUITER

Operations Manager

Strategic Planner of Innovation

Performance Management Consultant

Admissions requirements

Eligibility

Conditional Admission Status

Provisional Admission Status

How to Apply + Submit Transcripts

Curriculum | Internships | practicums

CORE COURSES

Leadership and Management Philosophies

Organizational Culture and Design

Leading High Impact Teams

Innovation Process

Leadership Assessment and Feedback Coaching

Entrepreneurship

Research Methods

Adlerian Theory in Socially Responsible Practice

ELECTIVES

Statistics

Systems Thinking

Organizational Development and Change

Training Theory

THESIS OR CAPSTONE

Thesis

Capstone

SOCIAL JUSTICE PRACTICUM

Financing your degree

Art Therapy | Ph.D.

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Art Therapy | Ph.D.

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Art Therapy | Ph.D.