The online Master of Science in Organizational Leadership (ScM OL) program will extend Brown University's commitment to preparing professionals to become innovative and ethical business leaders. By offering a comprehensive and flexible curriculum tailored to current industry demands, the Master of Science in Organizational Leadership program will equip graduates with the necessary skills to thrive in dynamic and competitive environments. The online Master of Science in Organizational Leadership will provide students with leadership skills that can be applied to a business, government, non-profit, or educational setting, and will fulfill Brown University's commitment to preparing professionals who can lead and innovate in various sectors. The ScM OL will cover a wide range of subjects including organizational planning, dynamics of leadership, finance, team building, conflict resolution and negotiation, communication and other management skills.
The online Master’s in Organizational Leadership will be conducted over 4 consecutive, fourteen-week semesters, including fall, spring and summer semesters. Students are required to complete the eight courses outlined below.
| OMOL 2000 | Organizational Behavior & Development | 1 |
| OMOL 2010 | Team Leadership and Collaboration | 1 |
| OMOL 2020 | Leading Strategic Change | 1 |
| OMOL 2030 | Politics, Power & Negotiation | 1 |
| OMOL 2040 | Leading with Emerging Technologies | 1 |
| OMOL 2050 | Capstone: Developing Executive Leadership | 1 |
| OMOL 2100 | Foundations of Management and Leadership | 1 |
| OMOL 2110 | Leadership Ethics & Professional Integrity | 1 |
Education Leadership Track (Effective Spring 2027)
The online Master’s in Organizational Leadership: Education Leadership track prepares current and aspiring leaders to drive thought leadership and systemic innovation across the entire education continuum. Designed for working professionals, this fully online program blends rigorous academic study with practice-based learning, equipping graduates to lead with purpose and impact in schools, districts, higher education institutions, community organizations, and policy environments. Grounded in Brown’s commitment to social responsibility and its interdisciplinary approach to education, this track cultivates leaders who are not only data-informed and equity-centered, but who also serve as thought leaders shaping the future of education. Students learn to analyze complex systems, design forward-looking solutions, and mobilize stakeholders toward meaningful, sustainable change.
Students in the Education Leadership track will complete the following eight required courses:
| OMOL 2110 | Leadership Ethics & Professional Integrity | 1 |
| OMOL 2000 | Organizational Behavior & Development | 1 |
| OMOL 2020 | Leading Strategic Change | 1 |
| OMOL 2040 | Leading with Emerging Technologies | 1 |
| OMOL 2050 | Capstone: Developing Executive Leadership | 1 |
Foundations of Educational Leadership & Systems
This course introduces students to core theories and practices of educational leadership across K–12, higher education, and community-based contexts. Students examine leadership frameworks such as transformational, distributed, and improvement science, while also exploring governance, accountability systems, and funding structures. Through case studies and applied projects, students build a systems-level understanding of how education organizations operate and the levers leaders use to drive improvement.
Education Policy
Educational leaders must navigate a complex legal and policy environment. This course provides an introduction to major areas of education law, including students’ rights, special education and disability law, Title IX, FERPA, and labor/contract issues. Students will examine foundational legal principles, landmark court cases, and federal and state policies that influence educational access, equity, and accountability. Through case studies and applied analysis, students will develop an understanding of how law and policy intersect with leadership practice and consider their implications for ethical and effective governance across the educational spectrum.
Transforming Education Organizations through Equity and Engagement
Leaders shape and sustain organizational culture, and this course focuses on building inclusive, equity-centered environments that foster learning and belonging. Students examine how culture impacts outcomes, how to lead through cultural change, and how to engage diverse stakeholders across schools, colleges, and communities. Practical emphasis is placed on developing stakeholder engagement strategies and building authentic partnerships that extend an organization’s reach and impact.