Master of Leadership vs. Master of Business Administration—What’s the Difference

You want to make a difference in the world? Start by becoming the leader your workplace and community need.

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Organizational Leadership offer two paths to reach your leadership potential. While both programs build essential skills, they focus on different aspects of leadership. Which path is right for you?

Let's break down each.

What's an MBA?
An MBA provides a foundation in business and management, equipping you with essential leadership and managerial skills for upper management in corporate careers. Olivet's MBA program offers specializations in Leadership, Healthcare Leadership, Corporate Communications, and Nonprofit Management. Graduates often pursue careers in finance, marketing, or operations, where they oversee business strategy, manage resources, and drive financial growth. The MBA has a stronger focus on finance, accounting, and data analytics, making it a great fit for those with a background in business management or finance.

What's a Master of Organizational Leadership?
A Master of Organizational Leadership focuses on developing leadership skills, emphasizing the human side of leadership. At Olivet, the Master of Organizational Leadership program matures your leadership, communication, and strategic thinking. It's designed for those who want to build strong teams, shape organizational culture, and drive change. A Master of Organizational Leadership appeals to individuals with diverse educational backgrounds who aspire to leadership roles. If your goal is to inspire and lead others then a Master of Organizational Leadership might be your perfect fit.

How Are They Different?
The MBA program builds analytical skills for corporate management, teaching you how to analyze data to make informed business decisions through accounting, economics, and finance courses. In contrast, the Master of Organizational Leadership emphasizes leadership, interpersonal skills, and organizational fluency, focusing on people and professional development.

A key difference is that the MBA takes a quantitative approach, while the Master of Organizational Leadership program is more qualitative. If you're driven by connecting with people and fostering a positive work environment then a Master of Organizational Leadership is likely a better fit. The Master of Organizational Leadership prepares you for various leadership roles, including nonprofit management, HR, and training. You'll gain practical tools for driving organizational change and applying management principles in real-world settings.

How Are They the Same?
For both programs, the emphasis is placed not so much on what to think, as how to think. Real-world issues and challenges take center stage in the classroom, where professors serve as agents of discover, debate, and discourse. With an eye toward optimizing your leadership, both the MBA and Master of Organizational Leadership prepare you to write, speak, communicate, debate and think critically.

The programs are fully online, require 36 credits, and offer completion options in 12, 18, or 24 months. This flexibility allows you to balance your studies with work and personal life-all for under $12,000.

Which Degree Fits Your Career Path?
When deciding between an MBA and a Master of Organizational Leadership degree, consider your current occupation and how each degree may benefit you. An MBA can teach you how to lead and administratively support a business, while a Master of Organizational Leadership degree can enhance your leadership and how you help develop leaders around you. MBA programs are often best for those with a degree in business or business experience, whereas a Master of Organizational Leadership program may be more accessible to individuals from a wider range of undergraduate backgrounds.

How Do I Decide?
To determine which program is right for you think about your career goals. Here are some questions to guide your thinking:

MBA:

• Are you aiming for a strategic role in managing business?
• Do you want to build a strong set of core business skills?
• Are you interested in areas like finance, marketing, or operations?

Master of Organizational Leadership:

• Do you want to lead teams and make a positive impact?
• Are you excited to learn about strategic planning and growing organizations?
• Do you find topics like leadership dynamics interesting?

Ready to Make a Difference?
Your choice of post-graduate studies can pave the way for your future. An MBA prepares you to step into the corporate world, applying your skills in finance and management to drive success. On the other hand, a Master of Organizational Leadership empowers you to inspire and guide teams, creating positive change. Both programs equip you to make a real difference in the world by preparing you to change society rather than merely participating in it.

Choose the program that aligns with your ambition to make a difference in the world.

We Believe. You Belong Here.

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