Climb the ranks in your organization while benefitting your company and your career.
Take your leadership to the next level with an executive master’s in organizational leadership. Build on your experience in strategic thinking, problem-solving, and motivational leadership in this hybrid-format organizational leadership degree program. If you need a degree program that teaches you how to tackle business challenges while you refine your organizational leadership career aspirations, then Cumberlands is the place.
An Executive Master of Science (MS) in Organizational Leadership is designed to help professionals like you navigate entry into (or advancement within) an organization, fulfilling leadership roles with excellence. Coursework examines all facets of organizational leadership, from human resource management to operational strategy.
By the Numbers
Programs & Requirements
Executive Master of Science in Organizational Leadership (EMSOL)
The executive master’s in organizational leadership degree program at University of the Cumberlands is designed to equip professionals to advance in – or take on the new challenges of – a leadership role within their organization.
This executive MS degree curriculum enhances foundational organizational leadership theory and methodology by exploring specialized areas of leadership, as well as a deep understanding of approaches to leadership in different organizational settings – private, public, for-profit, and non-profit.
Course Requirements
- LEAD 530 - Foundations of Organizational Leadership
- LEAD 531 - Introduction to Non-Profit Management
- LEAD 532 - Research Methods and Analysis
- LEAD 639 - Organizational Leadership Capstone
- BADM 532 - Organizational Behavior
- BADM 632 - Advanced Human Resource Management
- BADM 631 - Managing in a Global Environment
- BADM 645 - Strategic Leadership
Choose 2 of the following courses:
- ADOL 655 - Team Leadership
- EDOL 631 - Advanced Human Development, Learning Behavior
- CROL 677 - Applied Leadership
- ITS 630 - Organization Leadership and Decision Making
- ITS 631 - Operational Excellence
- HHP 537 - Coaching and Fitness Leadership
- HHP 631 - Advanced Coaching and Fitness Leadership
- MMOL 634 - Christian Leadership Development
- LEAD 699 - Applied Practical Learning* or INTR 599 ** (1 credit hour)
*All online students who are seeking to earn this degree must take this course in lieu of INTR 599, in addition to meeting all program degree requirements. Executive format students can substitute the required INTR 599 course in lieu of LEAD 699 as part of their program degree requirements.
** Executive format programs have an applied learning component (internship or practicum) that is an integral and essential part of the established curriculum. Due to the applied learning component required for the degree program, Executive format students must enroll in INTR every term of enrollment.

Executive Student Resources
UC's Department of International Graduate Services enjoys providing support resources for our international students. Find tutorials and information regarding offices and policies for the International Graduate Students and programs.
Executive Program Format
Our Executive Programs include hybrid course days designed for international graduate students studying in the U.S., or domestic students seeking a hybrid-format program. We strive to incorporate professional experience and real-world application of course curriculum into our programs to enhance the learning experience. Practical Training is an integral part of program coursework and available to all students. At the University of the Cumberlands our degree programs focus on quality education at an affordable price.
Executive Program students take three (3) courses per semester. The program semester is based on the existing UC semester calendar, with three (3) annual semesters: fall, spring, and summer. Two of the courses each semester focus on the specific program content. Additionally, students will be required to attend an intensive residency weekend as part of their course enrollment each term. The third class includes an Applied Learning Practicum, in which students apply what they are learning in their other two courses to the real world via work or internship experiences.
Residency FAQs
Residency Session dates are determined by the course that you are registered for. It is very important that you make note of the class you registered for, as well as the designated residency weekend for that course as each course will only meet one weekend for the duration of the semester.
Even though we will only be meeting one weekend per semester, we will have the same number of contact hours with you. This will enable the instructors to make residency weekends much more valuable. This change will allow us to have meaningful projects on residency weekends.
You can view your semester schedule in your self-service portal in your Student Profile. Once you log into your MyUC account, click on Academics, then click on Current Schedule. Your schedule details will indicate the date and location of your residency weekend.
You can find information on the residency site locations on our website.
Yes, all three days are mandatory, and requests to arrive late or leave early will not be approved. Should you not be in attendance for the full session, you will be counted absent for the entire session. Please plan travel accordingly!
Attendance to each executive residency class session is mandatory. Students may make up no more than one (1) residency session throughout the duration of their academic program. Missing a second residency will result in the student being dismissed from the university.
A missed session will result in the student attending a make-up session, and paying a $300 residency make-up fee. In addition, the student may be asked for documentation from the program department providing an explanation as to why the scheduled residency session was missed. Make-up sessions must be completed prior to the end of the term. Noncompliance with this policy will result in dismissal from the executive program.
Make-up residency sessions will be held at our campus in Williamsburg, KY. You will be contacted with the time and dates after your absence is reported. There will only be one (1) residency make-up session offered each semester. Failure to attend all days of the makeup session will result in receiving a failing grade for the course, as well as potential dismissal from the University, and SEVIS termination.
If you cannot be in attendance for all three days then you will be counted absent for the entire residency weekend and be required to attend the make-up residency and pay the $300 make-up fee.
The Department of International Graduate Services will contact you via your UC student email as registration for the next term approaches. Please remember that you are required to register for (one) main class, (one) online class, and Applied Learning Practicum each semester in order to maintain your F1 status – late registration will not be accepted and can result in the termination of your student status.
Once you register for a class you will want to make note of the residency weekend that your class is scheduled, as that is the only session for that class that will be scheduled for the semester. You will need to be sure to plan your travel accordingly to ensure that you are in attendance for the full residency session.
Registration is done on a first-come, first-serve basis. Once a course is full, there will not be additional seats added, as we cannot exceed classroom seating capacity; therefore, it is advised that you register for classes as much in advance as possible. As a reminder, students cannot register for future semesters until their current tuition balance is paid in full.
*Please note all times are in local time zone*
Friday
Facility will open at 4:00 p.m.
Saturday
Facility will open at 7:00 a.m.
Sunday
Facility will open at 7:00 a.m.
We ask that you please take note of the above-mentioned times and schedule your travel accordingly.
*These dates have been set; however, if any changes are made, they will be made prior to registration for that semester. Not all dates are available at each residency location.
Fall 2024 (August 26th – December 13th)
- September 27 – 29
- October 4 – 6
- October 11 – 13
- October 18 – 20
- October 25 – 27
- November 1 – 3
- November 8 – 10
- November 15 – 17
- November 22 – 24
Spring 2025 (January 6th – April 30th)
- January 31-February 2
- February 7-9
- February 14-16
- February 21-23
- February 28-March 2
- March 7-9
- March 14-16
- March 21-23
- March 28-30
- April 4-6
- April 11-13
Take the Next Step
Mission & Goals
This program aims to prepare you for academic and organizational leadership roles by providing valuable, cutting-edge knowledge and skills. The program empowers you to meet the demands of businesses, communities, and education systems.
Organizational Leadership Careers & Outcomes
All statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics
Management Analyst: $95,290
Management Analyst: $95,290
Management analysts recommend ways to improve an organization’s efficiency.
Human Resource Specialist: $64,240
Human Resource Specialist: $64,240
Human resources specialists recruit, screen, and interview job applicants and place newly hired workers in jobs. They also may handle compensation and benefits, training, and employee relations.
Project Management Specialist: $95,370
Project Management Specialist: $95,370
Project management specialists coordinate the budget, schedule, staffing, and other details of a project.
Training and Development Specialist: $63,080
Training and Development Specialist: $63,080
Training and development specialists plan and administer programs that improve the skills and knowledge of their employees.
Marketing Manager: $138,730
Marketing Manager: $138,730
Advertising, promotions, and marketing managers plan programs to generate interest in products or services.
Top Executive: $100,090
Top Executive: $100,090
Top executives plan strategies and policies to ensure that an organization meets its goals.
Common Questions
An executive master’s in organizational leadership is an advanced degree designed for professionals seeking to enhance their leadership skills and advance in their careers. The program focuses on strategic thinking, problem-solving, and motivational leadership, preparing students for leadership roles within organizations.
Typically, the program takes about one year or three semesters to complete if pursued full-time. Part-time students may take longer, depending on their course load each semester.
Yes, many institutions offer this degree in a hybrid format, combining online coursework with occasional in-person sessions. This flexible format accommodates the schedules of working professionals.
Yes, obtaining an executive master’s in organizational leadership can be highly beneficial for career advancement. It provides advanced knowledge and skills in leadership, making you a more competitive candidate for high-level positions and increasing your earning potential.
Graduates can pursue various roles such as management analyst, human resource specialist, project management specialist, training and development specialist, marketing manager, and top executive. These positions involve improving organizational efficiency, managing human resources, overseeing projects, developing employee training programs, planning marketing strategies, and leading organizations.
To enroll, you need to meet the standard graduate admission requirements, which typically include a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, professional experience, and sometimes industry certifications. The application process usually involves submitting transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and sometimes a resume or CV.
The decision depends on your career goals and interests. An MBA provides a broad business education with a focus on various business functions, such as finance, marketing, and operations. A Master’s in Organizational Leadership focuses specifically on leadership skills and strategies. If you aim to develop general business management skills, an MBA may be more suitable. If you want to specialize in leadership and organizational development, a Master’s in Organizational Leadership may be a better fit.

Executive Program Admission Requirements
All students in our executive programs are required to meet a standard set of admissions requirements for graduate students.
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