Degree programs in leadership can help rising executives cultivate the skills they need to succeed in today''s highly competitive business environment. Because most colleges and universities offer flexible leadership programs, professionals can often schedule their classes around work and family obligations. For working adults, a degree or a certificate in leadership can open up opportunities for promotion, advancement, or entrepreneurship.
What is a Leadership Degree?
A leadership degree is one of the most versatile degrees in that it can be utilized towards numerous fields and industries. Whether you are interested in education, healthcare, business, or arts, companies in those areas traditionally look for strong leaders that can bring success to the organization. A leadership degree can provide the career training you need to succeed in a top management position and will provide the foundation of leadership theories and styles used in business, government, and non-profit settings. Most leadership programs focus heavily on professional development, organizational dynamics, business trends, and long-range planning. Specialized leadership degree programs allow students to explore their creative abilities, while developing advanced technical skills. Students develop skills to be able to see the bigger picture and what is best for an organization. A leadership degree also caters towards entrepreneur-type business people. Graduates can use the skills to launch small businesses that sustain their families without overwhelming their schedules. Visionaries that help launch innovative companies can earn significant bonuses and stock option packages.
What Type of Career Training Does A Leadership Degree Provide?
The coursework in a leadership degree program can prepare you to understand the complex roles of being an executive. Managing a business or leading a team requires dedication and drive. Students may take standard coursework in subjects such as: psychology, finance, human relations, and computer science. Specific leadership courses may include:
- Management decision making
- Building and coaching teams
- Effective change management
- Strategic planning
- Transformative leadership
- Diversity in organization
- Leadership
- Communication
Through a leadership program, graduates can become equipped to take on the demands of upper level management roles, such as chief executive officer, vice president, as well as operational manager, and have the knowledge to succeed in the growing global economy.
The Future for Graduate with Leadership Degrees
Top executives are among the highest paid workers in the United States and their salaries vary greatly due to the responsibilities, the length of service, as well as the type, size and location of the firm.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, general operations managers earned a median salary of $103,780 in 2007. Chief executive officers earned a median annual salary of $151,370 in 2007. Employment opportunities for top executive positions should remain competitive as job growth should only reach 2 percent through 2016. In a world where business is booming and becoming more global, there is a need for leaders to take the helm of these organizations and a leadership degree can help you advance you to the top.
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