Study Organizational Management: Degrees at a Glance
Organizational management, also called organizational leadership, is a balance of vision, structure, motivation, action and leadership. A master's degree or Ph.D program in organizational management will typically enable you to work in management, marketing, human resources, postsecondary education or a diverse array of related occupations. These positions come in a wide variety of settings, including non-profit institutions, corporations and many levels of state and federal government.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs for administrative services managers were projected to grow 15% from 2010-2020, which was average. At the same time, human resources management positions were estimated to grow by 13%, while compensation and benefits managers were projected to grow by three percent. The growth for medical and health services management jobs was estimated to be 22% during the same time period; as for postsecondary educators and researchers, the BLS projected that growth would be 17%.
| Master's | Doctorate | |
|---|---|---|
| Who is this degree for? | Individuals interested in organizational management careers in the public or private sector | People who want to work in academia, government and research |
| Common Career Paths (with approximate mean annual salary) | - Community college professor ($78,000)* - Administrative services manager ($87,000)* - Human resources manager ($109,000)* - Compensation and benefits manager ($52,000)* - Medical and health services manager ($96,000)* | - Most of the positions available to master's degree graduates, as well as: Postsecondary professor ($68,000)* |
| Time to Completion | 1-2 years full-time | 3-5 years after completion of the master's degree |
| Common Graduation Requirements | - Approximately 30-40 credit hours - Master's thesis/research paper - Master's exams - Internship requirement (in some cases) | Master's degree requirements, as well as: - About 4-6 more graduate level courses - Ph.D qualifier exams - Dissertation proposal - Dissertation - Internship requirement (in some cases) - Letters of recommendation |
| Prerequisites | Bachelor's degree in organizational management or a related field | Bachelor's or master's degree in organizational management or a related field |
| Online Availability | Yes | None found at this time |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2011 figures).
Master's Degree in Organizational Management
In a master's degree program in organizational management, you will come to understand the theory behind strategic organization management in the business environment. In addition to applying these learned principles to real-world problems, many programs will teach you to motivate and encourage employees and co-workers, balance the interests of stakeholders and help make your organization run at top efficiency.
You will be able to hone your skills in a multitude of areas like conflict resolution, communication, evaluation, troubleshooting, team building and group motivation. Because a master's degree program can be expensive and take a lot of time, make sure that you need the degree for the positions that you seek.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- A master's degree in organizational management can potentially provide you with the skills necessary for advancement in virtually every type of managerial occupation
- There are online options if you need them
- Programs that offer concentrations will help you concentrate on your specific career goals
Cons
- Many entry-level jobs in this field require only a bachelor's degree
- Earning your master's degree in this field can take up a lot of time and be expensive
- Many employers require years of work experience as well
Courses and Requirements
In addition to required courses, many master's degree programs in organizational management require that you tailor your education with elective courses and a research specialization. The following list represents typical courses you may encounter:
- Organizational behavior analysis
- Managerial economics
- Sports management
- Decision-making and data analysis
- Community building
- Management across cultures
- Mediation and conflict resolution
- Collective bargaining
The program may also require that you research and complete a master's thesis on your chosen area of expertise. Scholarly projects and internships may also be required or an option that can replace the thesis.
Online Degree Options
If you are currently employed in an organizational management position or can't attend an on-campus program, an online or hybrid master's degree program may be ideal. Online programs offer a flexible format for working professionals; however, you should make sure that any prospective school is accredited.
Getting Ahead With This Degree
There are a variety of ways that you can plan to get ahead while earning your master's degree in organizational management. For example, earning your licensure or certification from organizations like the Society for Human Resource Management or the Institute of Management Consultants USA can be a great boost to your resume.
Ph.D in Organizational Management
Although Ph.D programs in organizational management are common, Psy.D and Ed.D programs tend to cover the same overall subjects and themes. These degree programs tend to delve deeply into the psychology of organizational management in addition to the business side. They are very research-intensive and can lead to postsecondary teaching jobs and research positions in and outside of academia. Acceptance into a Ph.D program in organizational management is usually a more difficult prospect than a bachelor's or master's degree program in the field.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- The small class sizes in a Ph.D program in organizational management offer personal faculty attention
- This degree will open up potential jobs to you in research and academia
- In academia, you could potentially become employed in a tenure-track position
Cons
- Postsecondary job searches tend to be national, so relocation is likely to be a factor
- Graduating from a Ph.D program can be a long, arduous, stressful affair
- Tenure is hard to earn and not guaranteed
Courses and Requirements
Coursework in an organizational management Ph.D program can largely depend on your area of focus. The following are a few doctorate-level courses that you could potentially encounter:
- Cultures, systems, communities and society
- Epistemology
- Consciousness and human development
- Psychological theories
- Global business consultation methods
In most programs, coursework is only a small portion of earning a doctoral degree. In most cases, you'll also need to choose a research concentration and present a dissertation proposal before a board of advisors. After it's accepted, you'll be required to research, write and defend your dissertation.
Online Degree Options
Unfortunately, there are no online Ph.D programs in organizational management. This is due to the fact a doctorate program in organizational management is very hands-on and involves a lot of research. An on-campus program and accessibility to faculty is typically mandatory.
Stand Out With This Degree
There are many measures you can take to stand out in the job market with a doctorate in organizational management. The following are a few suggestions that you might consider:
- Attempt to have research findings from your dissertation or other doctorate writings published in a peer-reviewed academic journal.
- Staying aware of the latest corporate technologies and maintaining computer literacy cannot only be helpful, but required when applying for some jobs. Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint are just a few software programs you can benefit from mastering.
- Learning a second language like Spanish can open up new job possibilities.
Degree Alternatives
If a degree in organizational management isn't a precise match for what you're looking for, there are other options to consider. A master's or doctorate program in organizational behavior, for example, may be beneficial as well. In such a program, you'll usually study human psychology, sociology, consumer-behavior and management strategies as they relate to a variety of organizations and financial institutions.
