What is a Bachelor of Arts in Leadership?

Become the leader you are meant to be with your Bachelor of Arts in Leadership degree online from the University of Arizona Global Campus. If your goal is to inspire others to drive innovation, solve complex organizational challenges, lead change across industries, and create meaningful impact in an evolving professional landscape, then this workforce-aligned, IACBE-accredited online degree program is for you. Lay the foundation for your future and take the reins with your bachelor’s degree in leadership.

Accelerated 5 week courses
Transfer approved college credits toward your bachelor’s program at UAGC
1 course at a time
$0 Application Fee

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Leadership Degree Courses

Your courses in this leadership degree program include studies in psychology, communication, conflict management, and motivation. Within courses, you will connect concepts to authentic experiences, analyze challenges from your own professional or community contexts, and demonstrate learning through relevant projects and assessments while emphasizing durable skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, and collaboration.

1

Freshman Year

  • In this foundational course, students explore the principles necessary for achieving personal and career success. GEN 101 serves as a road map, guiding students as they begin their academic journey. Through self-discovery, surveying available resources, connecting with UAGC groups, and engaging with Career Services, students learn the essential skills of planning and goal setting. Students apply their personal strengths, skills, and lifelong learning strategies to develop essential career competencies. By making these meaningful connections students gain a deeper understanding of how their education relates to their desired career path.  Congratulations on embarking on this college journey filled with growth, exploration, and endless possibilities! This course is not available for non-degree seeking students.

  • This course offers an overview of digital fluency as it applies to personal, academic, financial, and professional success. Students will analyze the impact of digital technology on personal, social, and diversity issues and will develop digital skills that will assist in achieving academic, personal, and career goals. An overview of digital media is introduced with practical strategies for application in personal and professional life.

  • ENG 121 is designed to introduce students to the standards of writing in both academic and professional settings. The class will operate by first introducing, and then allowing students to practice, several written communication skills. Throughout, we will work to understand writing as a process, one that is strengthened through critical thinking, deepened by research, and built on a foundation of professional standards. As part of this process, students will also consider how emerging technologies influence contemporary writing environments and the ways writers make informed, ethical choices about their use. Students will articulate a sense of their own skills and goals and engage in collaborative conversations with peers and their instructor so as to be able to express their ideas more effectively. During the course, students will use the writing process to scrutinize their own perspectives while challenging them to embrace a wider conversation.

  • Learn and use key, practical skills that are applicable at home, at work, and in all UAGC courses! As UAGC students progress in their academic journey, strategies for personal, professional, and academic success continue to develop. This introductory course takes a two-pronged approach to setting students on a path to success. It merges fundamental informational literacy concepts with essential resources and skills that prepare students for college and career. Students learn how to identify, locate, evaluate, apply, and acknowledge information obtained through UAGC Library databases and internet search engines. By applying the research process, students sharpen critical thinking skills and learn to use information ethically. The final project is a practical and relevant opportunity for students to apply their learning in personally, professionally, and academically meaningful ways.

  • In this course, students will develop and expand their research and writing skills to communicate ideas in informed, ethical, and persuasive written documents intended for a range of audiences across a range of situations and contexts. Students will receive instruction and practice in synthesis and analysis, bolstering their written communication skills with a thorough understanding of academic research while honing critical thinking skills and effective work habits. Through writing well-structured, logical, and effective academic essays, students will explore tools and develop topics in a way that is meaningful to academic and professional lives. Prerequisite: Successful completion of ENG 121 or equivalent with a grade of “C-” or better.

  • This course is designed to aid students in understanding the dynamics of interpersonal relationships. Verbal and nonverbal communication patterns among people in personal, social, academic, and professional settings will be examined, within and between cultures, including both face-to-face and technologically mediated channels.  The nature of these interactions will be evaluated using contemporary communication theory. The course will enable students to identify their interpersonal communication skills and behaviors and to more critically evaluate their own oral communication and that of others. The primary goals of the course are to improve the quality of students’ communication in their personal and professional relationships, to enhance students’ experience and. confidence with oral communication, and increase awareness of the importance of interpersonal communication that is inclusive and equitable.

  • This course is a study of correct and incorrect reasoning involved in everyday activities. The fundamentals of language and argument, deductive and inductive reasoning and other aspects of practical reasoning are examined. 

  • In this course, students will explore how human beings create meaning through story, symbol, identity, and culture. The humanities offer powerful ways of knowing that illuminate the complexities of personal and professional life. Through modular, interdisciplinary approaches, learners will engage with timeless questions—about self, community, power, justice, and the future—while connecting them directly to their own field of study. Each week, students will choose a learning pathway tailored to a chosen major (Business Leadership, Criminal Justice, Education, Healthcare, Information Technology, Liberal Arts, or Social and Behavioral Sciences). This flexible design ensures that the course both deepens one’s perspective and stacks meaningfully with the learner’s broader academic and career goals. By the end, students will have described, analyzed, applied, synthesized, and created work that demonstrates how humanistic approaches enrich professional knowledge and practice.

  • This course introduces students to the interdisciplinary field of social sciences and some of the disciplines that comprise this field, including anthropology, psychology, economics, sociology, political science, and history. In this course, students will learn important social science concepts and theoretical approaches, along with the research methods that social scientists use to study human behavior. They will also learn how research and findings from the social sciences can be applied broadly throughout society. Throughout the course and through a summative assignment, students will examine how social factors shape social behavior and some of the consequences of current social problems.

  • This course serves as a general survey of U.S. government and political institutions within social, historical, and contemporary context. Students will discuss the basic principles of constitutional democracy within the United States with regard to founding documents, political institutions, the separation of powers, federalism, civil liberties, civil rights, and political participation. Students will also evaluate how the history of the United States shapes contemporary U.S. society and political debates.

2

Sophomore Year

  • This course explores the complex relationship between human societies and natural systems. Students will learn about ecology, natural resources, climate change, energy, sustainable technologies, and environmental justice while investigating sustainable challenges and solutions through an interdisciplinary lens.  Students will research and propose solutions to environmental challenges at both a local and global scale with a focus on applications across multiple economic sectors, careers, and geographic regions.

  • In this course, students will explore a wide range of Algebra topics. Topics will include study of linear equations, linear relationships, slope, polynomials, and functions, including graphing relations and solving systems of equations. Emphasis will be placed on developing an awareness of historical and current uses of algebra in real life settings, in various careers, and in solving important societal problems.

  • This course introduces the fundamental principles of leadership, leadership theories, and skill development, beginning with the distinction between management and leadership. Students will learn and apply leadership theories through self-assessment and self-reflection on their own leadership styles while applying them to organizations on a wide range of topics. The importance of  diversity and inclusion, along with factors directly related to ethical leadership will be examined. Cultural dynamics,  organizational politics, and managing change in crisis as part of strategic leadership and high-performing organizations will be explored and evaluated.
     

  • This course explores Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), sustainable practices, and the emerging area of ESG (environmental, social, and governance) in business and society, while emphasizing the importance of stakeholder engagement, ethical governance, and responsible decision-making. It examines the interconnectedness of sustainable business practices, purpose driven initiatives, and the role of leadership in fostering positive change in today’s world. By the end of the course, students will have a comprehensive understanding of how business can effectively integrate CSR and sustainability into their operational strategies, promoting ethical practices and contributing to the global drive for a more sustainable and responsible future.

  • This course is an introduction to financial accounting for non-accounting business majors. Emphasis is on accrual accounting procedures and the development and use of financial statements.

  • This course presents an introduction to management theory and practice, including the inter-relatedness that the planning, organizing, leading, and controlling functions play in the multicultural, technology-driven, and global organizations of the 21st century. The emphasis is on the application of management theory to real-life situations in the workplace. Please note, students who have successfully completed BUS 201 prior to 5/27/2025 will be waived from MGT 330.

  • This course studies the factors influencing individual and group behavior, as well as their interactions with each other and management. It examines how organizations manage their internal environments to boost productivity, efficiency, and communication among members. The course emphasizes applying knowledge of organizational behavior to improve productivity and job satisfaction in the workplace.  Prerequisite: BUS 201 or MGT 330.

  • An introduction to the field of human resource management. Topics to be discussed include 
    communication, motivation, and management of personnel. The course will include a review of current standards and practices as well as the legal environment as it pertains to the human resource field.

  • This course examines the evolution of the marketing philosophy. Subject matter expands on the steps marketers take to understand the customers, determine their needs and wants, and develop a marketing plan. In addition, an examination of external and internal environments impacting marketing decisions, the elements of a marketing program, and issues in ethics and social responsibility are discussed. (Equivalent to MGT 350).

  • In today's business world, effective communication hinges on the proficient use of technology. This course equips students with the skills to compose, format, and manage various forms of business communication, including letters, memos, reports, emails, and resumes. Students will learn to utilize software tools to access and assess information quality, ensuring that the information they share is accurate and effective. Additionally, the course covers the creation of electronic presentations to enhance information delivery and engagement. Through practical exercises and real-world applications, students will become adept at navigating the technological landscape of contemporary business communications.

3

Junior Year

  • In this course, students explore the central role of communication in conflict and conflict resolution. Students will analyze the many constructive and destructive dimensions of conflict, apply communication concepts to conflict scenarios, explore the ethical dimensions of conflict, evaluate conflict resolution techniques for their effectiveness, and examine the role of culture in conflict, at the interpersonal, small group, and organizational levels. Prerequisites: ENG 121 and ENG 122 or equivalents.

     

  • This course provides an in-depth exploration of leadership as a dynamic, ethical, and strategic practice within organizations. Students will analyze the principles of leadership across persons, processes, and systems. The course emphasizes ethical leadership, corporate social responsibility, and the development of high-performing organizational cultures. Students will examine theories of organizational behavior and followership, cultivate strategies for leading teams, and foster resilience through effective communication and persuasion techniques. Key topics include the strategic creation and implementation of leadership initiatives, the navigation of organizational power, politics, and conflict, and leading transformational change using evidence-based models. Special attention is given to cultivating openness, ethical influence, innovation, and adaptability in response to emerging technologies and global challenges. By the end of the course, students will be prepared to lead ethically and strategically across complex and evolving organizational landscapes.  Prerequisite: BUS 119 for the BA Business Leadership and BA Organizational Management programs.   

  • Leadership plays a crucial role in motivating employees to perform at their best and achieve their goals. Effective leaders understand the needs, desires, and strengths of their employees and create a work environment that fosters and sustains motivation for the purposes of increased engagement and productivity. This course examines how leaders can motivate employees in various ways while creating a positive work culture. The concepts of creating a compelling vision, demonstrating passion, and leading by example are explored through motivational contexts and processes. Prerequisite: BUS 119 for the BA Business Leadership Program.

  • This course is designed to provide students the opportunity to assess their personal leadership approach(es) using various leadership assessments and develop their personal leadership journal based on the traits, skills, behaviors, and theories discovered. The course includes foundational leadership perspectives and their evolution in the practice of leadership with a focus on what it means to be a good leader in diverse communities and environments. Students will gain an understanding of their leadership performance and their strengths and opportunities in order to develop a personal vision of the leader they are and want to be. Prerequisite: BUS 119.

  • The course overviews how, why, and when to integrate the behavioral sciences with human resource management principles to increase individual and organizational effectiveness. Students will also be introduced to many types of interpersonal, intra-group, inter-group, and organizational interventions that are used to effect comprehensive and lasting changes. Prerequisite: BUS 201, MGT 330 or HCA 459.

  • The purpose of this course is to provide an in-depth examination of light (ethical) and dark (unethical) leadership paradigms. Students will compare and contrast light and dark leadership styles while examining the effectiveness of each. Topics to be explored include dark leadership, general ethical principles, normative leadership theories, as well as, examining the challenges of ethical leadership in a global society. Prerequisite: BUS 119 for the BA Business Leadership Program.

  • Leadership Priorities and Practice is a capstone course that requires students to reflect on and synthesize the major insights gained in their study of business leadership. A substantive paper is developed to illustrate how these insights can be applied effectively in the students’ work environment. Students will demonstrate their knowledge integrating insights from each academic area in their synthesis and application of leadership principles and practices.MGT 460 is the capstone course for the BA in Business Leadership program and must be taken last in the sequence. This course is not available for non-degree seeking students.

  • Elective requirements vary by program. Review the Program Requirements section for details about elective credits and degree completion requirements. Elective courses may also provide opportunities to pursue an Emphasis that complements your major and supports your academic or career goals.

4

Senior Year

  • Elective requirements vary by program. Review the Program Requirements section for details about elective credits and degree completion requirements. Elective courses may also provide opportunities to pursue an Emphasis that complements your major and supports your academic or career goals.

Program Requirements
Credit Breakdowns
Global Campus Foundations
33*
Credits
Major Credit Requirements
45*
Credits
Electives
45
Credits
Total Credits
120
Credits

To earn your Bachelor of Arts in Leadership, you must complete 120 credits. You will need to complete 30 upper-division credits, of which 18 credits must be from the major program. A total of 30 credits must be completed at the University of Arizona Global Campus to meet the residency requirement. You may be able to transfer approved credits from community colleges, other previous college coursework, or other life experiences such as military service or job training toward your degree.

 
*In this program, 3 credits from the major may also satisfy Global Campus Foundations requirements.
Licensure and Certification Terms and Conditions

This program is not designed to meet the state educational requirements for a specific professional license or certification in any state. Students seeking licensure or certification in a particular profession shall carefully research the requirements prior to enrollment and regularly review the requirements as they are subject to change. Requirements vary by state. The University of Arizona Global Campus does not guarantee that any professional organization will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any exam for the purpose of professional certification. Further, a criminal record may prevent an applicant from obtaining licensure, certification, or employment in their field of study.

Quality Matters Certification

The Online Teaching Support Certification recognizes programs that require all online faculty to undergo training in best practices for online course delivery, provide faculty with ongoing pedagogical support, encourage faculty professional development to increase their knowledge and skill in online teaching, emphasize instructor availability and feedback to learners, and collect and use feedback from learners to improve online teaching. Learn More

The Online Learner Support Certification recognizes programs that provide all the critical student and academic services needed for learner success and use learner feedback to continuously improve those services.

Career Paths with a Leadership Degree

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U.S. Department of Labor data regarding salary ranges and job growth projections are national in nature and do not guarantee employment, any specific salary, or job growth. Also, national long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions. Top Skills are provided via Lightcast job postings data and may not align with UAGC program learning outcomes. UAGC programs are not designed to meet the state educational requirements for a specific professional license or certification in any state. UAGC does not guarantee employment placement, any specific salary from employment, or career advancement.

Other Degrees That May Interest You

You’ll find degree programs that suit a variety of interests and may enhance a wide scope of career opportunities at UAGC. Explore similar programs to find the right path for you.

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This program requires you to be a current licensed registered nurse. Please check out other programs to reach your education goals such as the BA in Health and Wellness.

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