Organizational Learning, Leadership, and Policy MS

Degree Awarded: Master of Science (MS)
Minimum Required Credits: 30 
Co-op Option(s):  None
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 13.0401
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 11-9033; 11-9039

About the Program

The Master of Science in Organization, Learning, Leadership, and Policy (OLLP) prepares professionals to lead across complex organizational, higher education, human resource, and policy systems. Students examine leadership and followership theories, systems thinking, and change management while analyzing governance, public policy, and institutional effectiveness. Core areas include diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice; ethics, power, and politics; adult learning and neuroscience; and organizational development. Learners develop competencies in strategic leadership, policy analysis, data-informed decision-making, and organizational learning. The program emphasizes critical awareness of bias, intersectionality, and structural inequities, preparing graduates to lead ethically, foster inclusive environments, and design solutions that improve organizational performance and educational outcomes.

Learning occurs through applied, problem-based experiences that connect theory to practice. Students engage in case analyses, policy evaluations, and collaborative projects grounded in real organizational contexts. Coursework integrates leadership in systems-oriented environments, diversity and social justice analysis, and neuroscience-informed approaches to learning and change. Students interpret quantitative and qualitative data, assess institutional practices, and design evidence-based strategies to address organizational challenges. Signature experiences include applied research and capstone projects in which students design, implement, and evaluate strategic initiatives related to human resource development, enrollment management, coaching, mentoring, assessment, and policy analysis. These experiences strengthen analytical reasoning, professional communication, and systems-level thinking.

Graduates are prepared for leadership roles across higher education, nonprofit, corporate, and public-sector organizations. Career pathways include positions such as academic and administrative leaders, student affairs professionals, instructional designers, human resource and talent development leaders, policy analysts, program directors, and workforce development specialists. Opportunities also exist within government agencies, higher education systems, nonprofit organizations, and corporate settings focused on organizational learning and performance. The program provides a strong foundation for continued doctoral study in education, leadership, policy, or related fields. Students may further specialize through selected post-baccalaureate certificates to expand professional expertise.

The program reflects Drexel University’s distinctive experiential learning model, developed through a rigorous, faculty-driven process informed by labor market analysis, benchmarking, and stakeholder engagement. Instruction is led by faculty with scholarly and practitioner expertise who integrate real-world challenges into the curriculum. Drexel’s experiential approach ensures that students engage in applied learning, develop industry-relevant competencies, and graduate prepared to lead organizational change, advance equitable practices, and respond effectively to evolving workforce and policy demands.

Admission Requirements

Each candidate interested in the MS in Organizational Leadership, Learning, and Policy will submit the following application materials:

• Completed application form
• Transcripts from every post-secondary institution attended
• Personal essay
• Resume
• Two letters of recommendation (professional or academic)

Admission to the MS in Organizational Leadership, Learning, and Policy program will follow the University standards for admission to graduate study including the receipt of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university with an earned GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale. Provisional admission may be granted with a GPA between 2.70 to 2.99.

Degree Requirements

 Creativity and Innovation Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

 Education Policy Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

 Higher Education Leadership and Student Success Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

 Mind, Brain and Learning Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

 Organization and Talent Development Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

 Special Education Law and Advocacy Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

Program Learning Outcomes