Quick Facts
Next Start Date:
August 24, 2026
The Ball State University Online Certificate in Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness bridges the gap between foundational business operations and modern leadership strategy. You'll master the "language of business" alongside the "human element” of the business world, and develop a versatile toolkit required to lead teams and drive organizational growth in any industry.
What Business and Organizational Skills Will I Gain?
The skills you gain from your courses can be used immediately in your workplace. With the Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness certificate, you’ll gain skills in:
- Strategic Decision-Making
- Problem-Solving
- Leadership
- Innovation
- Financial Management
- Ethical Leadership
- Entrepreneurial Leadership
- Design Thinking
- Critical Thinking
- Business Technology
What Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness Courses Will I Take?
Every course (all 12 credits) in this certificate counts toward the Bachelor of General Studies (BGS). Earn the certificate now, and the credits follow you.
Ball State focuses on your student experience and getting you closer to reaching your goals. Choose 12 credits from the following:
ACC 201 Principles of Financial Accounting (3 credits) - Learn the basic principles underlying the accounting cycle, including preparing reports and financial statements.
ENT 241 The Entrepreneurial Experience (3 credits) - Explore all aspects of entrepreneurship, innovation, and entrepreneurial leadership through a hands-on, real-world learning experience. You’ll participate in workshops in creativity, design thinking, self-discovery, personal mission, selling, innovation, and new venture ideation towards building transferable skills.
ISOM 210 Business Information Systems (3 credits) - Explore the role of information technologies and computer systems used in the planning, management, and evaluation of information services in business organizations. You’ll use managerial decision making and creative and critical thinking to solve real-world business problems.
MCOB 150 The Beneficences of Business (3 credits) - Reflect on personal values, biases, and privileges that influence perceptions and actions in addressing societal issues while embodying the Beneficence Pledge as a guiding principle. You'll understand the interconnectedness of local and global challenges and become equipped with the skills and perspectives necessary to become a responsible, ethical, and effective leader in business and society.
MGT 250 Lessons in Leadership (3 credits) - Dive into what makes an effective leader through an overview of leadership theories and concepts. Topics include defining leadership, understanding the importance of leadership, and characteristics of effective leaders.
View Course Catalog
Benefits of a Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness Certificate
Learn from experienced professionals: Your professors are experienced professionals in the communication field who take the time to get to know you, your career goals, and help you achieve them.
Fast-track: This undergraduate certificate is a 12-credit fast-track designed for returning students ready to turn their professional experience into an academic credential.
Counts as a BGS emphasis area: If you are currently pursuing your Bachelor of General Studies (BGS), all credits from completing the undergraduate Certificate in Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness will count toward an emphasis area.
More about Online Learning
Ready to Apply?
An application and all required application materials must be received two weeks prior to the start of classes for a given term in order to be considered for admission to Ball State. Our semester start dates can be found in Ball State’s academic calendar.
Whether you are transferring credits in from another university or have never taken college courses before now, we invite you to learn about Ball State's admission requirements and how to apply to this program.
GET STARTED
Ball State is authorized by the U.S. Department of Education to accept online students from all U.S. states. However, if you are considering a program that leads to professional licensure, some states may have additional regulations. Review our state authorization website if you live outside of Indiana and contact us if you have questions.
Want to Learn More?
Do you have questions about this program or online learning? We're here to help! You may request more information using our online form, or feel free to reach out directly to one of our staff.