Apply Now!The UofL B.S. in Organizational Leadership and Learning (OLL) is an AAACE Award winning program designed for busy adults with extensive and documented work experience and/or military training, and who are seeking a bachelor's degree. This program will ignite your career and provide you with the 21st century skills required for advancement and, will provide you with the opportunity to change careers. It's the program of choice for those seeking an extra edge in today's competitive and ever-changing job market. Coupled with tremendous savings through our nationally acclaimed Credit for Prior Learning class and by providing the online or on campus options, this program will help you become even more effective and relevant in any organization. Take the first step in changing the direction of your life and Apply Today!.
Our faculty teach classes fully online as well as in-person. And, as the recipient for the Best Online Program for Veterans 2023 we're especially proud to provide a program which allows service members to leverage their military training for course credit. Hear from a Military Graduate.
"I recommend the UofL B.S. Organizational Leadership to everyone - it has sparked a new fire in me! I have advisors and mentors who are excited to see me graduate and the credentials I'm gaining are a perfect fit for any industry."
- Brandon Smith
The biggest benefit of online learning is that you can work to earn your degree from your own home while raising your family, working full time, or experiencing particular life circumstances that make commuting to campus difficult or impossible. At UofL, you are taught by the same world class faculty as our students taking face-to-face courses. You read the same textbooks, do many of the same assignments and earn the same degrees. The biggest difference is that you are able to do it in a way that best fits your lifestyle.
Be prepared for online learning. Online learning is learning that is facilitated in an online environment. Rather than attend class in a traditional classroom setting, online learning allows you to "go to class" when it's convenient for you whether that's 5 a.m. or 11 p.m.
UofL Online Learning Request Form.
Online learning is not for everyone. Successful online students...
For more information, contact online@louisville.edu
There are three components necessary to complete the Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and Learning:
This track is for business professionals who seek to develop their leadership skills as well as their knowledge in Information Technologies (IT). The curriculum focuses on organizational and employee effectiveness, work morale, and more, while also providing broad-based technology knowledge. Gain the expertise to effectively lead employees in the rapidly-changing technology field and in industries that technology impacts. UofL has partnered with several technology industry vendors including IBM, Google, Microsoft, and Adobe to provide the opportunity to earn recognized technology micro-credentials in certain courses, at no additional cost. Faculty and staff work with individual students to determine which micro-credentials are the best fit for their experience and career path. The Digital Leadership/IT track includes an applied leadership project, which can conveniently be completed within your workplace.
This track is specifically designed for business professionals who would like to start or advance their career in the Human Resource field. Develop your fundamental knowledge of Human Resources as well as the analytical and strategical skills necessary for the modern HR role. This track focuses 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.
This in-demand 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 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). According to ZipRecruiter, the national average for those holding the CAPM (Certified Professional In Project Management) is $88,185.00 plus the PMI (Project Management Institute) expects 22 million new Project Management job openings through 2027. https://www.pmi.org/learning/careers/job-growth
The counseling and human relations focused coursework aims to develop your foundational knowledge of the mental health needs of culturally-diverse populations, mental health methodology and techniques, and how to effectively apply this knowledge in your leadership and management strategies. As a student of this program you’ll gain the skillset to become an emotionally intelligent leader within your organization or community.
The LTOD track is designed for professionals seeking to develop 21st century skills in leadership and knowledge for improving organizational and employee effectiveness related to productivity, work satisfaction, morale and/or quality of work life. This option is designed for professionals across industries and the armed services who seek to and/or work with clients and/or various stakeholders to enhance workplace learning and improve organizational performance. All courses are available online, face-to-face in the evenings in Louisville
Hear From an Army Veteran and Alum
The HCL track is designed specifically for individuals with existing college credit and a minimum of 2,000 hours (1 year) of healthcare experience. The curriculum is based on the National Center for Healthcare Leadership's (NCHL.org) competency model; the first of it's kind in the United States! Plus, students capitalize on their existing knowledge and experience to receive up to 48 credit hours tuition free through our credit for prior learning portfolio class. Students in this track will complete 12 classes (36 credit hours) through 8-week online and asynchronous classes providing the flexibility adult leaners want and need.
The iECE track will provide the credentials needed to reach the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s level 3 status, for exceptional teaching practices and leadership. In addition to the level 3 status, obtaining this bachelor’s degree will also prepare you as a leader in your organization and provide you with access to higher pay and greater job security, and a path to alternative teacher certification or advanced education at a master’s level. Graduates of this program can earn additional teaching certifications by completing their Master of Arts in Teaching online at UofL. Note: Graduates of this program will not be licensed or certified to teach in K-12 classrooms. This program is designed for Pre-K classrooms.
The CTE track is designed for career and technical education instructors participating in the Kentucky New Teacher Institute. It is for professionals who have obtained positions as teachers of career and technical education in technical centers or secondary schools. Courses focus on teaching, evaluation and classroom management skills. To qualify, an individual must document 2,000 hours of prior work experience in an approved occupation. Three of the qualifying years of work experience must have occurred in the last five years of their work history. The 64-hour Rank Change program requires 21 hours in the industrial education track, 24 hours in the Occupation/Specialization, and 20 hours in general education. Graduates of this program receive a Rank II from the Department of Education by completing the TC-1 form.
To gain admission to the B.S. OLL program, students must have prior college experience or an associate's degree, a cumulative GPA of 2.25 (applicants with a 2.0 - 2.24 GPA may inquire about conditional admission) and extensive workplace experience and/or military or industry training. Please visit the Undergraduate Admissions website for details: http://louisville.edu/admissions/apply/requirements.
This degree program is open to all eligible faculty, staff, and students regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age.
New students can begin courses at multiple points in the year. All application materials should be submitted by the following dates:
| Application 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 |
Please note: If you cannot meet these deadlines, please contact us at ollinfo@louisville.edu to inquire as to whether you can still be admitted.
Do you have 90 credit hours or more? If so, you qualify for Project Graduate, which can waive your application fee, provide priority enrollment, and a fast-track application process. Visit the Project Graduate website to learn more.
Dr. Randy Whetstone
Program Director
randy.whetstone@louisville.edu
502-852-0635
Questions about ArmyIgnite or taking classes while in the military?
Visit our Center for Military Connected Students for more information
The B.S. Organizational Learning and Leadership (BS OLL) Program offers nine (9) in-demand tracks which lead to career advancement and/or career opportunities in many areas including:
Career Outlook: Earning the award-winning and adult-designed B.S. in Organizational Leadership and Learning is a worthwhile investment. In today's economy combined with technological advances, you will learn the skills needed for the 21st century workplace and position yourself for advancement opportunities or a possible career change. Graduates are employed in leadership roles in a wide range of industries and fields including healthcare, human resources, project management, information technology, early childcare education, and more. Alumni hold titles including Manager of Training and Team Development, VP of HR, SR. IT Systems Analyst, District Sales Manager, Sr. VP and General Manager, and more. Take the step today and apply. Earn up to 48 credit hours tuition free from work and/or military training and finish in 12 classes.
Review the following links for additional career and certification opportunities:
Organizations which support these careers and offer certification opportunities:
College is an investment that will pay off in higher income, expanded career opportunities, and greater personal satisfaction throughout your life. As you begin to examine the costs, make sure to check out the internal and external scholarship opportunities.
Plus, we highly recommend that you ask for assistance from the knowledgeable financial aid counselors in UofL's financial aid office. They will share details related to the FAFSA as well as communicate financial aid opportunities offered by the University. Last, make sure you visit the College of Education & Human Development page related to information about financial aid.
What is the curriculum emphasis/focus of each track?
The CTE track is designed for career and technical education instructors participating in the Kentucky New Teacher Institute. It is for professionals who have obtained positions as teachers of career and technical education in technical centers or secondary schools. Courses focus on teaching, evaluation and classroom management skills. To qualify, an individual must document 2,000 hours of prior work experience in an approved occupation. Three of the qualifying years of work experience must have occurred in the last five years of their work history. The 64-hour Rank Change program requires 21 hours in the industrial education track, 24 hours in the Occupation/Specialization, and 20 hours in general education. Graduates of this program receive a Rank II from the Department of Education by completing the TC-1 form.
All organizations perform better when their leadership is of top quality. This is true of the counseling and human relations field, in which great leadership can move an organization from adequate to exceptional. The Counseling and Human Relations (CHR) track provides a profound educational experience from world-renowned faculty to assist students with honing their natural skills and talents.
Students in this track become well rounded leaders by developing foundational knowledge of mental health needs within culturally diverse populations, mental health methodology and techniques, and the skills to effectively incorporate this knowledge into leadership and management roles. Students acquire both interpersonal and intrapersonal skills to tactfully resolve conflict, negotiate solutions, build relationships and maintain workload balances 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.
This track is for business professionals who seek to develop their leadership skills as well as their knowledge in Information Technologies (IT). The curriculum focuses on organizational and employee effectiveness, work morale, and more, while also providing broad-based technology knowledge.
Gain the expertise to effectively lead employees in the rapidly changing technology field and in industries that technology impacts. UofL has partnered with several technology industry vendors including IBM, Google, Microsoft, and Adobe to provide the opportunity to earn recognized technology micro-credentials in certain courses, at no additional cost. Faculty and staff work with individual students to determine which micro-credentials are the best fit for their experience and career path. The Digital Leadership/IT track includes an applied leadership project, which can conveniently be completed within your workplace.
This track is designed for working professionals across all industries, seeking to pioneer and efficiently implement diversity, equity, inclusion, and community engagement efforts in the workplace. The innovative curriculum is beneficial for those wanting to start or advance their career in leadership, HR, talent acquisition/recruitment, and diversity & inclusion positions. This track is also relevant for anyone seeing areas of injustice and inequity in their workplace, or finds their organization lacks diversity, inclusion and engagement in the community, and would like to be an agent of change. Gain insight on how diversity efforts support an organization’s success, develop expertise to effectively lead organizational inclusion and equity strategies, and effectively address a variety of diversity challenges in the modern workforce. Students can use these vital skills for both professional and personal advocacy.
The ECE track will provide the credentials needed to reach the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s level 3 status, for exceptional teaching practices and leadership. In addition to the level 3 status, obtaining this bachelor’s degree will also prepare you as a leader in your organization and provide you with access to higher pay and greater job security, and a path to alternative teacher certification or advanced education at a master’s level. Graduates of this program can earn additional teaching certifications by completing their Master of Arts in Teaching online at UofL. Note: Graduates of this program will not be licensed or certified to teach in K-12 classrooms. This program is designed for Pre-K classrooms.
The HCL track is designed specifically for healthcare professionals who are seeking to lead in the 21st century healthcare field. The curriculum is based on the National Center for Healthcare Leadership's (NCHL.org) competency model; the first of it's kind in the United States. Students capitalize on their existing knowledge and experience to obtain their bachelor’s degree at their own pace. This is done using the innovative method known as competency-based education (CBE). The degree will help healthcare professionals enhance their skills in leadership, organizational change, workplace development and performance, project management and advance in their organizations.
This track offers two enrollment options: flex option and term option
Flex option: Students have 32 weeks to move through the program materials at their own pace, providing more flexibility and self-direction.
Term option: Students enroll in 8-week courses and complete each course within a pre-determined time frame, offering the benefits of accelerated courses within a more traditional university structure.
This track is specifically designed for business professionals who would like to start or advance their career in the Human Resource field. Develop your fundamental knowledge of Human Resources as well as the analytical and strategical skills necessary for the modern HR role. This track focuses 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.
The LTOD track is designed for professionals seeking to develop 21st century skills in leadership and knowledge for improving organizational and employee effectiveness related to productivity, work satisfaction, morale and/or quality of work life. This option is designed for professionals across industries and the armed services who seek to and/or work with clients and/or various stakeholders to enhance workplace learning and improve organizational performance. All courses are available online, face-to-face in the evenings in Louisville
Hear From an Army Veteran and Alum
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 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).
Does the program offer any type of HR related mentorship program?
As a student you are welcome to participate in the Emerging HR Professionals Mentor Program managed by Shelly Trent who is the KY SHRM College Relations Director. If you're interested in participating contact Shelly Trent via email shellytrent@live.com.
Can I enroll in the program if I still have Cardinal Core courses to complete?
Yes, as long as you have been admitted to the College of Education & Human Development and the BS OLL degree program. The academic counselor will work with you to identify the necessary courses and options for completing courses through UofL or through the Kentucky Community and Technical College System.
No, you will earn those credits free of charge! In other words, by completing the LEAD 300 Credit for Prior Learning course (which is a 3-credit hour class at normal tuition cost), and submitting a completed portfolio in which you will document and validate your work experience (i.e., on-the-job training, professional development, etc.) and/or military and /or industry training; you will be credited (based upon Committee decision), at NO cost, up to 48 credit hours depending upon area of study chosen.
Tuition amounts may change each year as determined by the UofL Board of Trustees. For current tuition rates, please visit the Bursar's Office Tuition page.
How can I learn more about Financial Aid, Grants and Scholarships?
Please visit the Financial Aid website or contact the University of Louisville Financial Aid office at 502-852-5511. There are currently 21 outside "degree specific" scholarships and website links for additional scholarship information.
Does the University of Louisville offer payment plans?
Yes. Please visit the Bursar's Office website on tuition for details.
What is the Transfer/Adult Orientation and how do I complete it?
The orientation will help you to understand the academic culture and expectations for each academic unit and the resources available to you. You will complete this step online or on campus. Learn more by going to the online orientation website.
What educational requirements are needed in order to enroll in this program?
You must have completed a minimum of 24 credit hours with a GPA of 2.25. If you do not meet this requirement, the University has "online" and campus based options to help you get that done.
How do I obtain my college transcripts if a Kentucky college has closed?
Please contact the Kentucky State Board of Proprietary Education at 502-564-3296 ext. 227.
You can find information about translation on the World Education Services website.
Is the major track mandatory for the Leadership, Training, and Organizational Development option?
Yes. One of the requirements for graduation is satisfactory completion of the courses within the area of study chosen. Students admitted into this program, will receive a Program Sheet with the academic and exit requirements.
Yes. For example, some students will go on to a Master of Science in English, Human Resources and Organization Development, etc. The graduate program you are seeking will be the determining factor. For more information on Graduate Programs offered, visit the Graduate School website.
Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) is an efficient way of earning college credit for college-level knowledge acquired through experiences and trainings outside of the classroom. CPL can help save prospective students time and money. To learn more, check out our CPLwebsite by clicking the link below.
| Organizational Leadership and Learning | 
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| College of Education and Human Development | 
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Welcome to the CardinOLL Ambassador page! The Ambassadors are Alumni and current students from both the B.S. Organizational Leadership and B.S. Healthcare Leadership programs. They are volunteers who are ready to correspond with you via email and answer questions you have about the program, tips, and more. In addition to serving as ambassadors, they participate in professional development, mentorship and networking opportunities throughout the year.
In 2024, the following Ambassadors will serve in these roles:
Joe Hans
Vice-President of Events and Engagement
David Murphy
Vice-President Professional Development
DeAnna O'Connell
Vice-President of Mentorship
Valissa White
Past President, Professional Development
Erin Baughman
B.S. Healthcare Leadership
egbaughman95@gmail.com
Steve Beza
B.S. OLL Graduate
sbeza24@hotmail.com
Brittany Geisenburg
B.S. OLL Graduate
bageisenburg@gmail.com
Joe Hans
B.S. OLL Graduate
jwhans01@gmail.com
Bronwyn Hudson
B.S. OLL Graduate
busybronze26@yahoo.com
Samantha Jones
B.S. OLL
samantha.jones.5@louisville.edu
Stephani Lykins
B.S. Healthcare Leadership
stephanilykins@yahoo.com
Christian Loos
B.S. OLL Graduate
christian.loos@louisville.edu
Amy Moore
B.S. Healthcare Leadership
amy.moore.2@louisville.edu
David Murphy
B.S. OLL Graduate
murf0911@gmail.com
Lisa Pantoja
B.S. OLL Graduate
lredwa03@louisville.edu
Zak Rittenhouse
B.S. OLL Graduate
zdrittenhouse@gmail.com
Charles Rumschlag
B.S. OLL Graduate
charlesrumschlag@gmail.com
James Sauders
B.S. OLL Graduate
james_sauders@hotmail.com
Brandon Smith
B.S. OLL Graduate
Brandon.g.smith1890@gmail.com
Tammy Weber, CVLT, COA, OSC
B.S. Healthcare Leadership
tweber93@gmail.com
Valissa White
B.S. OLL Graduate
valissawhite13@gmail.com
Tyler Wood
B.S. OLL Graduate
twood918@me.com
The OLL program is the recipient of the prestigious 2013 Malcolm Knowles Award for the Outstanding Adult Education Program of the Year. The award is presented by the American Association for Adult and Continuing Education.
"I would recommend the program and I already have. It has been very rewarding for me and...I was able to apply the lessons learned in class to my professional life. The program enabled me to apply for a job I could not have pursued without the degree."James Wellman, Chief Information Officer at Blanchard Valley Health System