Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership

All applicants to the Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership program must possess either an associate’s degree or a minimum of 60 credit hours from an accredited institution. Applicants who meet the eligibility requirements will be considered for admission.

Applicants with insufficient college credits may explore eligibility for applied Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) based on credentials, certificates, or relevant work experiences, up to the equivalent of 30 credit hours. Contact orgleadership@butler.edu after application submission. The review committee will assess program eligibility for individuals falling below the 60-credit minimum, aligning with our commitment to recognizing diverse learning pathways.

To complete their application for the Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership program, prospective candidates are required to provide official transcripts from all prior educational institutions. These documents are essential components of the admissions process, as they offer valuable insights into an applicant’s academic background and professional experiences

ORGL 201: Professional Leadership Development (3 credits)

This course provides an introductory overview of the Organizational Leadership major and familiarizes students with the various student services available at Butler University. 

Course Highlights

1. Assess current personal and professional leadership behavioral styles and effectiveness.

2. Analyze key Sessions, concepts, and theories associated with leader and leadership development.

3. Write a measurable Professional Leadership Development Goal Setting Plan that provides motivation and increased likelihood of completion of professional development aspirations.

4. Design a research-supported written and oral Individual Leadership Development Plan Baseline Practicum using relevant theoretical frameworks that reflect practical application outcomes when leading organizations.

Service areas featured in the course: Career for Academic Success and Exploration, Career and Professional Services, Library Services, Counseling and Consultation Services.

MK 280: Principles of Marketing (3 credits)

A survey of marketing planning and implementation, with special emphasis on product/service development and management, as well as distribution, pricing and promotion practices. Not for majors in LSB; not a substitute for MK 380 in LSB curricula. Background in economics and accounting helpful, but not required. (U)(3) Fall and spring. 

Course Highlights

1. Define basic marketing terminology, principles and concepts and explain the significance and value of the “marketing concept” as a business philosophy.

2. Explain how organizations search for and exploit new marketing opportunities and describe the strategic marketing planning process.

3. Understand the impact of changing social, economic, technological, competitive, public policy and natural environment trends on the marketing process.

4. Identify and explain a marketing strategy that includes appropriate segmentation, targeting, and positioning elements.

5. Describe how the marketing mix elements: product, place, price and promotion are utilized to create, communicate and deliver customer value to a specified target market.

MS 100: Business Applications with Excel (2 credits)

This course introduces students to the business uses of Microsoft Excel. The course should be taken by first-year business students seeking foundational understanding and skills in the many uses of Excel within their desired fields. These uses include aggregating and visualizing data, creating and analyzing data models, and generating and publishing reports. (P/F)(U)(2) Fall, spring, and summer

Course Highlights

1. Create and utilize online file storage locations for data and files.
2. Create and maintain basic Excel spreadsheets.
3. Use Excel formulas and functions to perform business-focused and personal finance calculations.
4. Input, aggregate, and present data using Excel.
5. Assemble and analyze data from internal and external sources to produce meaningful results.
6. Create, share, and collaborate with online spreadsheets simultaneously with other Excel users.

ORGL 215: Business and Professional Writing (3 credits) 

In today’s fast-paced professional world, effective communication is a cornerstone of success. In combining principles of clear and concise communication with professional document design, this course equips students with the essential communication skills to excel in the world of business, leadership, media, and beyond.

Course Highlights

1. Identify writing formats commonly found in the professional world —business, government, media, etc.—and then produce work using these formats that would be acceptable in a professional context.
2. Write about business matters in Plain English—that is, in a clear, concise, readable way;
3. Employ professional document design—standard formats, layout, use of graphics;
4. Research, write, design, and revise a variety of professional documents, including letters and promotional materials;
5. Integrate professional writing as a strategic tool for organizational leadership by effectively communicating visions, goals, and initiatives to inspire and align team members towards collective objectives.

ORG 362: Leadership and Communication (3 credits)

This course introduces students to the theories and practices of leadership from a communication perspective. Students will learn concepts of interpersonal, organizational, public and team leadership. Concepts of power, diversity, charisma, and ethics will be featured. Leadership styles of both historical and contemporary leaders will be examined. (U)(3) Fall

Course Highlights

1. Identify leadership and communication effectiveness that achieve intended organizational outcomes.
2. Analyze leadership and communication research theories within organizational contexts.
3. Evaluate and judge organizational leadership: Power, influence, diversity, and ethics.
4. Create a research-supported portfolio of leadership and communication theories and concepts reflecting practical application when leading organizations.
5. Demonstrate design thinking within a group that evolves into an effective team.

MA 162: Elementary Statistics (3 credits) – ALLIED

An introduction to inferential statistics with applications in the natural, social, and managerial sciences. This course is especially designed to meet the needs of students who will later pursue postgraduate studies in social and natural sciences or professional programs in medicine. The course introduces elementary probability and uses it to develop a sound understanding of confidence intervals and hypothesis testing. Topics include data analysis, descriptive statistics, linear regression, chi-square tests, analysis of variance, and tests and confidence intervals for means and proportions. The analytic reasoning core requirement is waived for students who successfully complete MA162. Credit will not be awarded for both AR210-MA and MA162. Prerequisite: MA101((this will not be a pre-req very soon- the paperwork is in!) or equivalent. (U)(3) Fall and spring

Course Highlight

Specifically, students will gain expertise on:

1.  Graphical presentation of data.
2.  Explanation of numerical summaries.
3.  Correlation and regression analysis.
4.  Probability, random variables, and probability distributions.
5.  Sampling distributions with applications
6.  Statistical inferences and applications.
7.  Regression analysis.
8.  Analysis of Variance (ANOVA).
9.  Statistical package R

ORG 315: Business and Professional Communication (presentation focused) – 3 Credits

This course is designed to help students critically develop and refine business communication skills in order to become more innovative professionals and effective leaders. Students will gain experience with applied techniques in business communication, and learn to effectively integrate and manage new technologies in various professional contexts. Prerequisites: COM101 or ORG215 and sophomore standing or above. (U)(3) Spring

Course Highlight

1. Develop effective verbal and nonverbal presentation skills.
2. Engage in sustained active listening.
3. Provide as well as respond to critical feedback.
4. Refine research development, evaluation, and synthesis practices.
5. Advance critical problem solving and analytical abilities.
6. Establish a grounded set of strategies for effectively communicating in public environments.
7. Demonstrate strong professional written communication including but not limited to: emails, business proposals and application of enhanced attention to grammar.
8. Identify the appropriate technique, tool, or concept needed to analyze and solve a business problem or make a business decision.
9. Interpret or evaluate the results of quantitative analysis to solve a business problem or make a business decision.
10. Apply technological concepts to organize, streamline, or improve contemporary business events.
11. Articulate possible solutions to the problem, dilemma, or issue, supporting each with data or analysis.
12. Select and defend the best solution to the business problem, issue, or dilemma.

ORG 359: Intercultural Communication – 3 credits

The purpose of this course is to lead students to acquire the concepts and skills needed to manage effectively communicative encounters in which intercultural factors make a difference. Prerequisite: Sophomore status or above. (U)(3)

Course Highlights

1. Understand and respect the values and behaviors of various cultures
2. Critically evaluate your own cultural identities, beliefs, and assumptions
3. Skillfully apply knowledge of intercultural communication in your interactions with people from various cultural backgrounds

LE 264: Business Ethics (3 credits)

Examines the conceptual foundations for resolving ethical challenges associated with business activity. Areas addressed in the course include the economic arrangement of a business organization, the treatment of its stakeholders, and the treatment of the environment.  (U)(3)

Course Highlights

1. Engage in discussion of important ideas regarding ethics and its relationship to business activities.
2. Recognize and apply five (5) major considerations for ethical decision-making: rights, justice, utility, care, and virtue.
3. Demonstrate  the relationship between law and ethics.
4. Practice resolving ethical dilemmas through the close analysis of both real-life and hypothetical cases.

ORGL 320: Writing with Visual Impact (3 credits)

This course combines theory and practice to heighten students’ rhetorical awareness, visual literacy, and graphic design know-how. Upon successful completion of this course, students will have a diverse toolkit of storytelling strategies as well as the visual and digital confidence needed to add distinctive flair and creativity to their workplace writing. 

Course Highlights

1. Demonstrate the ability to write with a clear rhetorical purpose.
2. Apply layout rules and techniques to effectively utilize typography and media in business writing.
3. Utilize formalist aesthetics from the fields of fine art and graphic design to inform design decisions.
4. Showcase proficiency in utilizing Adobe InDesign for design projects.
5. Source content for design projects that is appropriately licensed and legally permissible.
6. Employ project management skills that are valuable in diverse professional settings.

GHS #1

Course Highlights

1. Recognize human societies and cultures as dynamic, heterogeneous and constantly in conversation with one another.
2. Draw on a variety of sources and disciplines—including the arts, the humanities, and the social and natural sciences.
3. Recognize the role of human interactions—from the local to the global—in shaping diverse identities and inequalities.
4. Develop knowledge about historical moments, peoples, and places; and to appreciate the relationship between the past and the present.
5. Continue development of expository writing skills

ORGL 411: Leading Organizational Change (3 credits)

Students in this course will examine leadership communication in the context of organizational change. Leadership is analyzed using the concept of citizenship with a focus on communication skills needed to help construct effective experiences for an organization, team, or community, whether in the role of doer, follower, guide, manager, or leader. Students will also evaluate organizational theory and practice that links to how early to mid-20th-century management theories have shaped current 21st-century organizations throughout change. (G)(3).

Course Highlights

1. Analyze key Sessions, concepts, and theories associated with organizational leadership and communication.
2. Evaluate the evolution of 20th century organizational communication theory, and how it influences and defines 21st century organizations.
3. Describe organizational change theoretical frameworks that utilize creativity and innovation, external awareness, flexibility, resilience, strategic thinking, and vision to achieve intended results.
4. Assess leadership communication effectiveness and accountability, while leveraging diversity and building coalitions utilizing partnering and influencing/negotiating.
5. Design a research-supported leadership communication portfolio, using relevant theoretical frameworks that reflect practical application outcomes when leading organizations

GHS #2 (3 credits)

Course Highlights

1. Recognize human societies and cultures as dynamic, heterogeneous and constantly in conversation with one another.
2. Draw on a variety of sources and disciplines—including the arts, the humanities, and the social and natural sciences.
3. Recognize the role of human interactions—from the local to the global—in shaping diverse identities and inequalities.
4. Develop knowledge about historical moments, peoples, and places; and to appreciate the relationship between the past and the present.
5. Continue development of expository writing skills

ORGL 400: Inclusive Leadership – 3 credits

This course will illuminate the value of leading organizations with people from different backgrounds, beliefs, and/or experiences. We will explore interdependent, diverse perspectives for solutions and approaches to meet intended outcomes. Approaches to overcoming conflict and promoting equity in organizations will be discussed. Methods of leading people from a position of inclusion and belonging in order to positively impact organizational wellness will be examined. 

Course Highlights

1. Explain why exposure to people from different backgrounds, beliefs, and/or experiences can be valuable in enhancing group effectiveness and group functioning. 
2. Develop appropriate solutions to inclusive leadership challenges based on recognition of diverse and interdependent perspectives 
3. Analyze situations and/or conditions of others in order to promote a sense of organizational wellness. 
4. Analyze leadership approaches that foster an inclusive environment. 

ST 310: Social Studies of Science and Technology (3 credits)

This course investigates science and technology as socio-cultural processes, institutions, and products. It explores how science and technology are embedded in society as a whole and how cultural variations affect their manifestations. Attention is given to the varying methods by which social scientists study science and technology.

ED 453: Perspectives in Leadership (3 credits)

The Perspective in Leadership course is for students who want to expand their understanding of leadership. The main purpose of the course is to create a learning experience where you will come to understand leadership theories, styles and skills. You will learn leadership development is a process of leading yourself before trying to lead others. You will collaborate with university and community leaders on how leadership styles are applied and practiced. Note: for students seeking an Education Minor, this course is a capstone experience. Education minor requirements are available in the College of Education. (U/G)(3) Fall, spring, and summer

Course Highlights

1. Develop a sense of your own leadership strengths through hands-on, collaborative experiences by evaluation of our class project.
2. Compare and critique leadership styles in different eras and situations assessed by class discussions and reflections.

ORG 356: Communication Research Methods (3 credits)

This course prepares students to become knowledgeable consumers and novice producers of social scientific and humanistic communication research. By the end of this course, students should possess introductory skills in developing research questions/hypotheses as well as gathering, organizing, interpreting, and presenting qualitative and quantitative data using appropriate, effective, and ethical methods. Prerequisite: Junior or senior status. (U)(3)

Course Highlights

1. Evaluate types of research performed in the field of communication.
2. Design and perform certain types of communication research, such as experiments, surveys, and focus groups.
3. Apply specific technical skills and knowledge related to communication research, such as sampling and questionnaire construction.
4. Critically evaluate measurement techniques in social science research

ORGL 408: Leadership Roles: Trainer, Mentor, and Coach (3 credits)

In a rapidly changing global environment, organizations must harness the potential of individuals and teams to advance strategic objectives. This course provides students with critical leadership tools that empower them to act as trainers, mentors, and coaches within their organizations. Students will examine various methods that can be used for human development to ensure personal and organizational achievement and foster change management initiatives. Further, students will learn to model training, mentorship, and coaching strategies in ways that are both ethical and culturally inclusive. 

Course Highlights

1. Identify your own strengths and areas for growth as a trainer, mentor, and coach. 
2. Apply strategies for training, coaching, and mentoring to foster change management initiatives. 
3. Compare and contrast various methods of human development across different organizational contexts and modalities. 
4. Evaluate the ethics and cultural inclusivity of various training, coaching, and mentoring strategies. 
5. Develop a personal philosophy of the leader as trainer, mentor, and coach. 

ORGL 300: Leadership in the Digital Age (3 credits)

This course is designed to empower students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel as leaders in the fast-paced digital landscape. Students will acquire the digital literacy skills necessary for critically evaluating web-based content, fostering effective online collaboration, and leveraging technology for success in the workplace. Additionally, through real-world case studies and insights from accomplished digital leaders, students will grapple with the ethical considerations, legal frameworks, and equity implications of technology adoption and implementation. 

Course Highlights

1. Apply concepts of digital and media literacy to critically evaluate digital content, digital citizenship, and the web as a collaborative tool.
2. Analyze disparities in digital access and comprehend the social and economic implications.
3. Examine ethical considerations and legal frameworks related to digital content, data protection, and intellectual property rights.
4. Apply strategic thinking and decision-making skills in digital contexts, making informed choices that align with organizational goals and drive positive outcomes in the digital realm.
5. Develop a strategy to identify and track emerging generative AI tools and potential misinformation.

ORGL 460: Organizational Leadership Capstone (4 credits)

This course requires students to develop a written and verbal capstone project inspired by the organizational leadership program learning outcomes and reflections of their experiences with practical application that includes the workplace and through our Integrated Community Requirement (ICR).  It is an opportunity to tell your story of organizational leadership experiences and/or aspirations. The capstone synthesizes your knowledge, values, skills, ability, and behavior, through perspectives of course learning gained in your degree program. The course includes a 20 hour community leadership project (ICR).

Course Highlights

1. Identify and apply current personal and professional leadership behavioral styles.  
2. Synthesize key Sessions, concepts, and theories associated with organizational leadership.  
3. Create and present a capstone presentation that captures intersection of program learning outcomes, fieldwork, and personal and professional lived experiences  
4. Apply leadership concepts and philosophy to professional and personal goals.

ORGL 430 Financial Leadership (3 credits)

The goal of this course is to provide students with quantitative skills combined with basic theoretical knowledge to make optimal financial decisions. Financial concepts and accounting principles will be introduced during the course to help non-financial managers utilize financial information to guide managerial business decisions. The focus of the course is a practical application of financial concepts and calculations through case studies, real-world problems, and class discussions. Key topics include financial planning, time value of money, cash flows, capital budgeting, and valuation. 

Course Highlights

1. Distinguish between financial and non-financial factors that guide effective decision-making for various types of entities, including for-profit businesses and not-for-profit organizations. 
2. Evaluate key aspects of financial statements and how to use information from those statements to guide management decisions.    
3. Demonstrate the importance of effective budgeting, including revenue recognition and expense management, to help ensure the long-Session viability of an organization.  
4. Evaluate investment scenarios based on projected cash flows and the timing and risk of those cash flows. 
5. Analyze factors that organizations consider when granting credit to existing or potential customers. 
6. Implement financial Sessioninology and finance concepts to effectively communicate with organizational leaders, stakeholders, and others regarding financial decisions. 
7. Investigate ethical considerations related to various financial scenarios.