Skip to Content

About the Program

On This Page

Program Formats

Traditional Format

Online Format

In the accelerated Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership (BSOL) Program at APU, students may complete their degree in 15 months via a traditional classroom setting. The 39-unit curriculum is concentrated into 60 weekly, four-hour class sessions offered in a lock-step format that coordinates class and work schedules and enables students to begin the program as it suits their schedules. For students' convenience, all texts and materials are delivered directly to their classroom.

Courses are taught sequentially, and the rich diversity of experiences which students bring to the class result in lively discussions involving shared learning. Because students stay with the same group throughout the course of the program, they develop a strong rapport with other group members, who act as a support system through the completion of the degree. Many students find the networking opportunities that arise through participating in the program to be invaluable.

The online version of the Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership accelerated degree completion program (BSOL Online) is designed for adult learners wishing to complete their undergraduate degree without the on-campus class requirement.

Through the online format, students who may not have access to APU’s main campus or regional centers can still experience the same level of quality curriculum and experienced instructional delivery from any location. Whether due to professional/personal conflicts or geographic location, students can accomplish their degree goals through the identical curriculum and cohort model that has been so successful in the traditional BSOL Program.

The APU experience is designed to uniquely facilitate development through solid intellectual inquiry, informed decision-making, and the application of ethical principles. A focus on Christian values and ethics is infused into the curriculum and the development of learners by providing direction, purpose, and evaluation of personal and professional life actions.

Candidates for this BSOL Online Program are experienced adults looking to complete a business-oriented bachelor’s degree while maintaining the flexibility to address the demands of juggling job, family, and professional development.

In this accelerated program, new courses begin every five to six weeks. Successful students in this online format clearly recognize that, while there is flexibility in asynchronous learning, a strong commitment to consistent participation, communication, and completion of all work is critical. In order to ensure student success, a Student Orientation course, part of a non-credit proseminar, is mandatory for all online students prior to the start of their online course/cohort.

Through this online program, students will engage with the CAPS staff in one-on-one communication for academic and financial advising. A “student commons” will also be available to facilitate community within the cohort and between cohorts, faculty, and staff.

For additional information about BSOL Online, contact CAPS.

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Effectively articulate and assess one’s own experiential learning via the Kolb model.
  • Use the process of applied behavioral science research as a problem-solving tool for planning organizational change.
  • Demonstrate in writing an in-depth understanding of the organizational setting in which his/her research project will be conducted.
  • Learn what it is like to take on management responsibilities.
  • Identify and understand the fundamentals of effective oral and written interpersonal communication and business communication.
  • Identify and apply the most commonly used conflict management strategy in his or her organization.

Benefits

The Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership Program, both traditional and online, enhances communication, research, cognitive, managerial, and interpersonal skills. The following is a list of the competencies which can be achieved through completion of the BSOL Program.

Communication Skills

  • Write clearly and concisely.
  • Develop motivational and persuasion techniques.
  • Understand verbal and nonverbal symbols.
  • Lead discussion and focus groups.
  • Deliver formal presentations effectively.
  • Write reports and executive summaries.

Research Skills

  • Identify research questions.
  • Understand research designs and methods.
  • Analyze and interpret data.
  • Conduct a literary review.
  • Develop data-collection instruments.
  • Present and report findings.

Cognitive Skills

  • Develop inductive and deductive reasoning skill.
  • Expand analytical and critical-thinking competence.
  • Deepen problem-solving and decision-making acumen.

Managerial Skills

  • Develop leadership skills.
  • Develop, coach, and mentor employees.
  • Study and apply organizational analysis and development theories and practices.
  • Manage organizational change.
  • Manage conflict effectively.
  • Motivate and set goals for employees.
  • Enhance negotiating skills.
  • Manage diversity in the workplace.

Interpersonal Skills

  • Facilitate small groups.
  • Resolve conflict successfully.
  • Manage group effectiveness.
  • Hone stress-management techniques.
  • Maximize task-oriented functioning.
  • Broaden interpersonal skill development.
  • Lead team building efforts.
Note: This information is current for the 2009-10 academic year; however, all stated academic information is subject to change. Please refer to the current Academic Catalog for the most current and controlling information. For additional information, please contact the appropriate office.