Leadership and Organizational Studies

The Leadership and Organizational Studies (LOS) major serves as the undergraduate anchor complementing Carroll’s masters programs in Educational Leadership and Organizational Development and Learning, as well as the Ph.D. in Leadership and Organizational Development. Together, these programs provide an undergraduate-to-doctoral pathway in leadership.

About the Program

Students will understand how people and systems interact to shape organizational effectiveness through the LOS program. Grounded in theory and applied practice, the LOS program develops ethical and adaptive leaders who can foster collaboration, advance organizational learning and strengthen capacity across business, nonprofit, education, healthcare and public service settings. The LOS program integrates leadership, business, psychology, communication and ethical reasoning, making an ideal double-major or second field of study for students across the University. In this way, the LOS major serves as a career multiplier, equipping graduates with transferable skills that enhance any professional pathway.

Minor

A minor in Leadership and Organizational Studies extends these opportunities to students seeking to strengthen their leadership and organizational competencies alongside another major. The LOS minor provides foundational learning in leadership identity, interpersonal effectiveness and leadership theory, supported by elective options that allow students to explore organizational behavior, communication, conflict management, consulting and leading others. The LOS minor complements programs across the University, including Business, Psychology, Communication, Education, Health Sciences and Arts Management. An LOS minor also enhances students’ professional readiness and provides a leadership-oriented skillset that is valued across sectors.

Career Outlook

Regional workforce data demonstrates strong demand for graduates with leadership and organizational skills. Management occupations in the region are projected to grow approximately 12-13% in the coming decade (Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, 2024). National employer surveys also indicate that leadership, communication, teamwork and problem-solving rank among the top competencies sought in new graduates across industries (National Association of Colleges and Employers, 2023). These trends align with the LOS major’s emphasis on developing transferable, career-enhancing skills that support long-term professional growth.

Graduates of the LOS major will be prepared for leadership-related roles such as project manager, nonprofit coordinator, organizational development specialist, human resources professional, training and development coordinator, and team leader, as well as for advancement in any career field they pursue.