What you can do with a Bachelor of Science 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.

Take the step today to advance your education and be ready for the workforce of tomorrow!

START YOUR APPLICATION     REQUEST INFORMATION

Online BSOLL Application Deadlines

Preferred 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

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.

How to Apply to the Online BSOLL Program

1. Start your application for undergraduate admission
2. Submit $30 non-refundable application fee
3. Complete any checklist items listed on your Application Portal*
4. 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.
5. Create a financial plan

START YOUR APPLICATION     REQUEST INFORMATION

Online BSOLL Admission Requirements and Materials

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 healthcare experience is a required material for Healthcare 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 healthcare experience is a required material for Healthcare Leadership track.

*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.

Additional Program Requirements

Applicants applying for admission to Organizational Leadership and Learning must meet the following criteria, in addition to the admission standards listed above.

• The Career and Technical Education track within the BS OLL program is designed for Kentucky certified teachers in Career and Technical Education to earn their Rank 1 certification. Applicants must meet the requirements for professional license.

Start Your Application

Online BSOLL Concentrations

• Leadership, Training & Organizational 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 work experience and/or some college credit and are seeking a non-specialized leadership bachelor’s degree, and 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 track courses.

• Healthcare Leadership

  The online Healthcare Leadership (HCL) track is designed for individuals with 2,000 hours (or approximately one year) of healthcare 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 healthcare leadership courses, different from the BS OLL core, tailored to expand students’ skill set for career advancement within a wide range of healthcare 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 Healthcare 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 Healthcare 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.

  View track courses.

• 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 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 track courses.

• Digital Leadership/IT

  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.

  View track courses.

• Diversity, Inclusion, Community Engagement, Equity

  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.

  View track courses.

• Human Resource Development

  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.

  View track courses.

• Counseling and Human Relations

  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.

  View track courses.

• Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education

  View track courses.

• Career & Technical Education

  This track is designed specifically for occupation-based career and technical education instructors in Kentucky technical centers or secondary schools who want to pursue a change in rank. Courses focus on teaching career and technical education, evaluation, instruction, and classroom management skills. Graduates receive a Rank I from the Kentucky Educational Professional Standards Board by completing the CA-1 form.

  Qualifying individuals have been accepted to the New Teacher Institute program through the Kentucky Department of Education Office of Career and Technical Education.

  The BSOLL Career and Technical Education Grades 5-12 Rank Change program requires completion of the NTI induction program, as well as up to 24 hours of the degree core courses, for a total of 120 hours with an overall grade point average of 2.25 and a grade point average of 2.5 and a C or better earned in all major courses. If you have any questions, you can contact Mary Stratton at mary.stratton@louisville.edu.

  If you are interested in learning more about occupation-based teacher certification through the New Teacher Institute, please contact:
  Chris Smith:
  KY Department of Education
  Phone: 502-564-4286 extension 4204
  Email: chris.smith@education.ky.gov

  View track courses.

Online BSOLL Courses

The online Bachelor’s of Science in Organizational Leadership and Learning from UofL is a 120 credit hour program. Courses are delivered asynchronously in 8-week terms. General Education requirements (Cardinal Core) may be delivered in 8-week or standard term lengths. See below for curriculum components:

1. Cardinal Core requirements– transferred credits or completed at UofL (31 credit hours)
2. OLL Program Core Courses (24-29 credit hours)
3. Work Specialization/CPL Award (up to 48 credit hours)
4. Track Courses (12-15 credit hours)
5. Elective Courses (5-44 credit hours)

Cardinal Core Requirements

The Cardinal Core program at the University of Louisville prepares students to do the advanced work needed for their baccalaureate degrees and prepares them to contribute to society throughout their lives through their professional work and civic engagement. The program emphasizes the development of key intellectual skills relevant to any career path: critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, effective communication, and the understanding of historical, social, and cultural diversity. Learn more here .

Course List	Hours
Cardinal Core Requirements	31
OLL Core Courses	24-29
LEAD 300 Prior Learning Assessment (take within the first year)	3
LEAD 311 Needs Assessment	3
LEAD 316 Instructional Strategies and Group Facilitation Techniques	3
LEAD 341 Managing Projects in the Workplace	3
LEAD 411 Human Resources Fundamentals	3
LEAD 442 Supporting Organizational Change	3
LEAD 578 Workplace and Information Ethics	3
LEAD 540 Program Exit (Culminating Undergraduate Experience/Practicum)	3 - 8
Work Specialization (credit hours needed will vary on hours earned through the Prior Learning Assessment portfolio process)	9-48
LEAD 290 Occupational Courses	2-24
LEAD 291 Occupational Learning	2-24
LEAD 390 Advanced Occupational Courses	2-18
LEAD 391 Advanced Occupational Learning	2-18
Track Courses (choose 1, see accordion below for individual track courses)	12-15
Leadership, Training and Organizational Development
Healthcare Leadership
Project Management for the Modern Workforce
Digital Leadership/IT
Human Resource Development
Diversity, Inclusion, Community Engagement, Equity
Counseling and Human Relations
Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education
Career and Technical Education
Electives	5-44
Total Credit Hours	120
Healthcare Leadership Track Courses	36
The Healthcare Leadership Track has a different set of course requirements. Click here to learn more.

• Leadership, Training & Organizational Development
  
  

  Leadership, Training and Organization Development Track Courses (Choose 4)	Hours
  LEAD 301 Individual Strategies for Success	3
  LEAD 312 Designing Learning	3
  LEAD 314 Diversity in the Workplace (SB) (D1)	3
  LEAD 332 Measuring & Evaluating Effectiveness	3
  LEAD 412 Coaching & Talent Management	3
  LEAD 420 Conflict Management in the Workplace	3
  LEAD 460 Adult Learning & Diversity	3
  LEAD 490 Leadership and Management	3
  LEAD 575 Instructional Technology	3
  Total Credit Hours	12

  
  
• Healthcare Leadership

  Course List	Credit Hours
  LEAD 307 Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) for Healthcare Leaders	3
  LEAD 308 Needs Assessment in Healthcare Organizations	3
  LEAD 309 Managing Projects in Healthcare Organizations	3
  LEAD 410 Fundamentals of Healthcare Human Resource Management	3
  LEAD 413 Management of Diversity in Healthcare Organizations	3
  LEAD 415 Organizational Change in Healthcare	3
  LEAD 416 Principles of Healthcare Leadership and Management	3
  LEAD 430 Healthcare Finance and Accounting	3
  LEAD 431 Healthcare Information Management	3
  LEAD 432 Healthcare Quality Evaluation	3
  LEAD 433 Healthcare Law and Ethics	3
  LEAD 450 Healthcare Leadership Culminating Undergraduate Experience	3
  Total Required Credit Hours	36

• Project Management for the Modern Workforce

  Project Management for the Modern Workforce Track Courses	Hours
  LEAD 220 Data Analytics in Organizations	3
  LEAD 314 Diversity in the Workplace (D1, SB)	3
  LEAD 412 Coaching and Talent Development	3
  LEAD 490 Leadership and Management	3
  Total Credit Hours	12

  
  
• Digital Leadership/IT
  
  

  Digital Leadership/IT Track Courses	Hours
  LEAD 220 Data Analytics in Organizations	3
  LEAD 256 Technology in our World Today Level 1 - SB	3
  LEAD 257 Technology Industries Badges II	3
  Select ONE course from list below:	3
  LEAD 314 Diversity in the Workplace (D1, SB)
  LEAD 412 Coaching and Talent Development
  LEAD 490 Leadership and Management
  Total Credit Hours	12

  
  
• Human Resource Development
  
  

  Human Resource Development Track Courses (Choose 4)	Hours
  LEAD 220 Data Analytics in Organizations	3
  LEAD 412 Coaching and Talent Development	3
  LEAD 420 Conflict Management in the Workplace	3
  LEAD 490 Leadership and Management	3
  LEAD 522 Promoting Workplace Health, Safety and Security	3

  
  
• Diversity, Inclusion, Community Engagement, Equity
  
  

  Diversity, Inclusion, Community Engagement, Equity Track Courses	Hours
  LEAD 314 Diversity in the Workplace	3
  LEAD 324 Antiracism: A Fundamental to a New System	3
  LEAD 424 Organizational Partnership and Community Engagement	3
  LEAD 460 Adult Learning and Diversity	3
  Total Credit Hours	12

  
  
• Counseling and Human Relations
  
  

  Counseling and Human Relations Track Courses	Hours
  ECPY 304 Mental Health and the Helping Professions	3
  ECPY 319 Theories of Counseling	3
  ECPY 363 Culture, Social Justice, and Advocacy	3
  ECPY 412 Stress, Coping & Resilience	3
  ECPY 422 Emotional Intelligence	3
  Total Credit Hours	15

  
  
• Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education
  
  

  Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education Track Courses	Hours
  EDSP 427 Inquiry into Early Childhood Education and Child Development	3
  EDSP 435 Administration and Consultation in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education	3
  EDSP 438 Emergent Curriculum	3
  EDSP 439 Guidance for Young Children	3
  Minimum Total Hours	12

• Career & Technical Education
  
  

  Career and Technical Education Track Courses	Hours
  EDTP 420 Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum	3
  LEAD 510 Teaching Career and Technical Education	3
  LEAD 574 Using Productivity Tools	3
  LEAD 596 Seminar	3
  Choose one of the following: ECPY 507, EDSP 540, or EDSP 545	3
  Total Credit Hours	15

  
  

Online BSOLL Course Descriptions

Online BSOLL Success Team

FEATURED FACULTY

If this education opportunity matches your needs and goals, contact us today and we’ll help you get started on the path to success!

Online BSOLL FAQ

The set of questions and answers outlined below can 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. 

• Can I enroll in the program if I still have General Education courses to complete?

  Yes, as long as you have been admitted to the College of Education & Human Development and the Organizational Leadership and Learning degree program. The academic counselor will work with you to identify the necessary courses and options.

• Will I pay UofL tuition for the credits I am awarded from my work experience, prior learning, and/or military/industry training?

  No, you will earn those credits free of charge! In other words, by completing the LEAD 300 Prior Learning Assessment 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.

• Is the major track mandatory?

  Yes. One of the requirements for graduation is satisfactory completion of the courses within the major track. Admitted students will receive a program sheet that outlines academic and exit requirements.

• Upon completion of the Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and Learning degree, can I pursue my master’s in another field?

  Yes. Some graduates of the BSOLL degree continue their education and receive their Master's in Human Resources and Organizational Development, Communications and many other fields. The graduate program you are seeking will be the determining factor due to varied requirements.

• Is there a part-time option?

  Yes, you can complete this program as a part-time student.

• Is there a GPA requirement for admission?

  Yes, you must have a minimum of GPA of 2.25 (on a 4.0 scale) to be considered for admission to the program unconditionally. If you do not have a 2.25 GPA, you can be accepted provisionally. The Admissions Committee will assess applications on a case-by-case basis, carefully considering all qualifications.

• Is this program suitable for me as an out-of-state student?

  Yes, this program is applicable and available to students in other states. There are no campus requirements. The online learning platform used to deliver the course helps connect you with your peers and professors, as you would be on campus.

• How long are the courses?

  All courses, with the exception of LEAD 540, are offered in an 8-week format.

• How do I learn more about the digital badges offered in the program?

  Students will have opportunities to earn digital badges in some of the BSOLL courses from technology vendors including IBM, Google, Microsoft, AWS, and more. Each class instructor for digital badge selected courses will provide further detail and select the digital badge(s) that aligns best to each course in the syllabi.

• I’m a KCTCS student, is there a transfer pathway for me?

  Check out the transfer pathways available from our KCTCS Transfer Page for more information.

• What is an Organizational Leadership and Learning Degree?

  An organizational leadership degree is an interdisciplinary program that equips students with knowledge and skills to lead teams, projects, and organizations effectively. The curriculum provides a blend of specializations in areas like:

  • Leadership theory and development
  • Organizational behavior
  • Project management
  • Human resources
  • Communication and interpersonal skills
  • Business acumen
  • Data analytics
  • Diversity, equity, and inclusion

  Organizational leadership degrees take a holistic approach to management education and are applicable across industries and organization types. The program and its specializations are designed to cultivate strategic thinkers and agile leaders prepared for diverse real-world challenges.

• Who should apply for the Online BSOLL Program?

  The online Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and Learning is well-suited for:

  • Working professionals seeking to advance into leadership and management roles or further their current careers.
  • Members of the military pursuing leadership development or transitioning to civilian roles.
  • Individuals with some college credit but no bachelor's degree looking to complete their undergraduate education.
  • Career-changers interested in versatile training applicable across many industries.
  • Those interested in human resources, project management, organizational development and related fields.
  • Students looking for an affordable, flexible way to earn their degree 100% online.

  The broad-based curriculum is designed to serve diverse students with varying levels of work experience interested in gaining leadership competencies.

• What can you do with an Organizational Leadership and Learning Degree?

  An organizational leadership degree prepares graduates for a variety of career paths and leadership roles across industries. Typical positions include:

  • Project Manager
  • Program Manager
  • Operations Manager
  • Human Resources Manager
  • Training and Development Manager
  • Executive Assistant
  • Non-Profit Program Director
  • Sales Manager
  • Public Relations Manager
  • Business Development Manager

  The interdisciplinary curriculum provides transferable skills applicable in both for-profit and non-profit settings. Organizational leadership graduates possess strategic, analytical, and communication capabilities to advance into management and executive-level roles. The degree also establishes a strong foundation for continued graduate education.

• 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 located in beautiful Louisville, Kentucky, where southern charm meets urban innovation, creating a vibrant tapestry of culture, 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.

For more information, please contact our Online Learning Enrollment Counselor at 800.871.8635 or by email, online@louisville.edu.