Online Master's in Organizational Leadership Degree in Buffalo NY: Drive Positive Change in Management and Business, Enabling Organizational Innovation

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Organizational Leadership (MAOL)

This master's degree program invites you to explore the practical application of organizational leadership and develop expertise in communication, systems thinking, decision-making, conflict resolution, creative problem-solving and change management. Meet our leadership faculty.

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MBA & MAOL Programs Make U.S. News & World Report Lists for Best Online Programs

Our MBA and MAOL programs made the 2022 U.S. News & World Report lists for best online programs across the country. Programs recognized on the list have strong traditional academic foundations based on the excellence of entering students, graduation rates and instructor credentials. They also excel at educating distance learners while offering robust career and financial support.

MBA Program Recognition | MAOL Program Recognition

I love and appreciate having the opportunity to share what Medaille means to me. Going to school at Medaille changed my life for the better, and it made me reconsider how I feel about education as a whole. I love that the Medaille community embraces both students and alumni from different walks of life while giving them lifetime opportunities to grow and engage with other motivated professionals. The collaborative learning environment made me feel like I was more than just a number. Of the five colleges I have attended, it was truly the best. I mean that from the bottom of my heart. Medaille offers countless networking opportunities, unique courses, engagement opportunities and certifications that may propel you into a future filled with incredible experiences.

Natalie Sleap-Wasieczko, MAOL, ’19, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Program Coordinator at Erie County Medical Center (ECMC), Alumni Association Board Member

About the Program

A Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from Medaille College demonstrates that you are prepared for the challenges and opportunities associated with leading and managing in a rapidly changing business environment. You will explore the practical application of organizational leadership and develop expertise in communication, systems thinking, decision-making, conflict resolution, creative problem-solving and change management. The program is designed for those who wish to drive positive change and enable organizational innovation.

Online Programs: Medaille College Agrees to Professional Licensure Disclosure

What Makes the MAOL Different from the MBA?

While MBA programs typically take an analytical approach to management and focus on areas like finance, accounting, marketing and statistics, the master's in organizational leadership program focuses on critical thinking, mentoring and coaching, organizational behavior and change, communication, emotional intelligence, team building and leadership development. The MAOL curriculum is designed to cultivate skills associated with effective leadership.

Compare our graduate business programs: MBA, MAOL and MSA

Business Woman Organizational Leadership

Courses, Requirements & Policies

See the Academic Catalog

Delivery

Seven-week terms

Fall, spring and summer starts

Online: No scheduled class times – while there are weekly due dates, you complete your coursework on a schedule that works best for you.

I use what I have learned in the MAOL program every day. My approach to my team, to change, to making decisions, and even to offering my assistance and mentoring has evolved because of the organizational leadership program. For instance, organizational change is huge, and it can be very scary; through the program, you are given the tools to understand what organizational change is and why it occurs. You learn that it is actually very healthy for a business and its employees to go through change. The program gives you the skills to successfully lead in situations such as this.

Jennifer Graesser '15

Which Graduate Business Program is Right for You?

Compare our Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership (MAOL) and Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) programs below:

At a Glance: Master of Business Administration (MBA)	At a Glance: Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership (MAOL)	At a Glance: Master of Science in Accounting (MSA)
Campus: Buffalo, Online	Campus: Buffalo, Online	Campus: Buffalo
Credits: 30-42* (10-14 classes) *Depending on waiver eligibility	Credits: 30 (10 classes)	Credits: 30 (10 classes)
Formats: Evening Online Hybrid	Formats: Evening Online Hybrid	Formats: Evening
Program Length: 1 - 2.5 years, depending on waivers and if student takes one or two classes at a time.	Program Length: Designed as a 1-year program, but students may choose to take only one course at a time, completing the degree in 18 months.	Program Length: Less than 1 year.
MBA Program Focus: Develop the skills you need to advance your career. You will work on solving strategic management problems, enhancing your analytical, interpersonal and decision-making skills, and developing managerial and analytical skills, providing tools in class that you can apply on the job the very next day.	MAOL Program Focus: Medaille's MAOL program focuses on practical and applied curriculum, aimed at expanding a student's knowledge of effective leadership. Students are able to apply leadership concepts and strategies to ensure peak performance and achieve organizational goals.	MSA Program Focus: Medaille's MSA program focuses on developing fiscal management skills sought by top employers. Combined with the undergraduate degree, the MSA meets the New York State Education Department's requirements for students, qualifying you to sit for the CPA exam.
Opportunities: Our MBA graduates work as brokers, program managers, CEOs, technical operations managers, diagnostic technicians, executive directors, analysts, entrepreneurs, sales managers, marketing managers, corporate recruiters and engineers for major companies in a variety of fields – healthcare, finance, information technology, international business and more.	Opportunities: Our MAOL graduates work as project managers, computer and information systems managers, human resources managers, management analysts, medical and health services managers, presidents, leadership practitioners, with technical support companies, for consulting agencies and in higher education.	Opportunities: Our Master of Science in Accounting graduates work as certified public accountants, financial managers, corporate accountants, chief financial officers, controllers, compliance officers and financial advisors.
Final Project: Students will create, evaluate and present a comprehensive business plan.	Final Project: Students will use the skills and knowledge gained to create a plan of change for an organization that improves a process or solves a complex, business-oriented problem, as well as create an individual leadership portfolio.	Final Project: Upon completion of the requisite credit hours, MSA students are eligible to sit for the four-part uniform Certified Public Accountant exam in New York State.
Why is this program right for you? If you are looking to advance your career in a big way, or are new to an organization and looking to move up, Medaille's MBA program is for you. An MBA is universally recognized as an indicator of someone who is good at problem analysis, problem-solving, decision-making and quantitative skills, on top of management and leadership skills.	Why is this program right for you? You aspire to be an effective leader and aim to develop the skills necessary to advance in your career. You may also be in a high-level position at your organization and strive to advance to the top. This degree exposes you to cutting-edge curriculum that will help you develop and refine the skills you need to be a more strategic leader and manager.	Why is this program right for you? You want an exciting career with serious growth potential and know that effective financial management is critical to the success of all organizations. Or, you are already part of an organization and wish to further contribute to its growth and success.

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On Campus
Email: ptgo@medaille.edu
Buffalo campus: (716) 880-2568

Online
Email: enrollment@medaille.edu
Call: (716) 880-2641

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Public Disclosure of Student Achievement for IACBE Accredited Programs

Medaille College’s MAOL program is accredited by the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE)