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Skills Employers Actually Want: How an Online Leadership Degree Builds What Modern Organizations Need

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Skills Employers Actually Want: How an Online Leadership Degree Builds What Modern Organizations Need

By: Marian University Partner | Published: January 24, 2026 | Categories: Education

Do you aspire to be an inspirational leader who drives growth while making a positive difference in team members' lives in both public and private sectors? If so, it may be time to bridge the gap between your academic credentials and today's workplace demand with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Leadership that emphasizes quality education.

By building the skills employers look for in leaders, such as strategic thinking, stakeholder communication, operations insight, ethical leadership and change management, particularly with health care you may be better prepared to lead teams across a variety of sectors. The key, of course, is to find the leadership program that best aligns with your own professional goals and interests.

Whether you're interested in leadership roles in social sciences, healthcare, business, nonprofits, or anywhere in between, the right education in human resource management can make all the difference in preparing you to be a strong leader. So, what should you look for when choosing an online leadership program? We've got you covered.

Rewriting the Path to Career Growth

These days, there's really no such thing as a "typical" college student — especially as adult learners continue to redefine the college experience. Many professionals are now returning to school to gain skills that may keep them competitive in their respective markets. In fact, one study by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) found that students aged 25 and older now make up about one-third of all enrolled college students.

If you've been thinking about returning to school as a working professional, Marian University's Bachelor of Arts in Leadership online offers a flexible, career-driven program to suit your busy life.

Here's how a leadership degree built for adults can accelerate your career momentum and unlock new opportunities.

The Leadership Skills Employers Are Looking For

An online degree in leadership gives working professionals the opportunity to build the leadership skills employers want across a wide range of industries and sectors, preparing them to motivate and inspire teams. Pursuing an advanced degree will enhance their career potential significantly.

Emotional Intelligence and Self-Awareness

Many employers cite "soft" skills such as empathy, communication, and self-awareness as top leadership traits. In fact, research studies have suggested that a strong sense of empathy can greatly enhance the effectiveness of leadership. Emotional intelligence is also critical in modern leadership, as it fosters stronger collaboration while reducing conflict and boosting morale.

At Marian University, our leadership development online programs empower students to build the skills employers look for in leaders through coursework that centers on reflection, feedback, and interpersonal growth.

Strategic Thinking and Problem-Solving

In addition to emotional awareness, modern leaders must also be able to quickly evaluate data, proactively anticipate challenges, and make sound decisions with organizational values in mind.

In Marian University's leadership degree, students explore coursework that emphasizes decision-making frameworks and systems thinking, forging pathways for professionals to identify opportunities for innovation and growth within their own organizations.

Communication and Collaboration

Strong written and verbal communication skills also go a long way in today's world of business leadership, with some experts arguing that "the most crucial tool for leaders to lead effectively is their communication." Excellent leaders also tend to be team players who can collaborate and unify teams to work toward a shared objective.

As part of the Marian University leadership program, students engage in group projects and leadership simulations that are specifically designed to strengthen communication and collaboration skills.

How an Online Leadership Degree Builds These Skills

At Marian University, our Bachelor of Arts in Leadership online program enables students to develop critical leadership skills without putting their professional lives on hold.

Hands-on, Applied Learning

Students in the Marian University bachelor’s degree organizational leadership program participate in classes that incorporate real case studies, projects, and simulations. Rather than simply listening to lectures on abstract leadership theories, students gain practical experience leading teams, managing change, and presenting solutions — all of which prepare them for the challenges and opportunities of working in leadership roles across a variety of sectors.

Unlike other leadership development online programs that are heavy on theory, students in our online program enjoy plenty of opportunities to put theory into practice for critical thinking themselves, even if they have not yet earned college credit. This enhances comprehension and recall, setting aspiring leaders up for success within their own organizations.

Mentorship from Experienced Leaders

Along with ample opportunities for experiential learning, students in Marian University's online leadership program receive plenty of support and guidance from our knowledgeable faculty members, including those with expertise in current technology for business, preparing them for success in graduate school. Our faculty bring leadership experience from numerous industries, ranging from education and business to nonprofit and community sectors.

With guidance and mentorship from our dedicated team, students can more readily connect academic concepts to real organizational challenges. Meanwhile, Marian University's Franciscan values frame leadership as a service and responsibility, setting future leaders up for purpose-driven careers.

Flexible Design for Working Professionals

At Marian University, we understand that returning to school while working full-time can present some unique challenges, including the need to submit test scores. Likewise, the number of credits you need to complete the program along with other responsibilities (like caring for a family) can make committing to school an even bigger obstacle.

The good news? With its 100% online format, our online leadership degree makes it easier for working professionals and busy adults to pursue a meaningful education without putting other aspects of their lives on hold. In fact, our curriculum, which includes a total of credit hours that may be tailored to meet various needs, is specifically designed to support full-time work, family, and community commitments in a close-knit cohort community that gives valuable feedback, accountability, and networking.

Why Leadership Education Matters in Modern Organizations

In the modern business world, employers are looking for ethical and purpose-driven leaders who have the people skills to back up their business acumen and make a real difference.

Bridging Business and Human Skills

A leadership degree builds a combination of technical acumen and people-first management skills, preparing future leaders to motivate and inspire teams while making ethical decisions backed by proven business insights, and effective project management, paving the way for a successful career path.

Marian University's leadership program strives to build both business and human skills through interdisciplinary coursework in topics such as group dynamics, business ethics, psychology, and more.

Adapting to Change and Innovation

In addition to business sense and people skills, employers today are looking for leaders who can guide teams through times of uncertainty, change, and technological shifts, as well as excel in conflict management. Through dedicated coursework in adaptive leadership and change management, Marian University's online Bachelor of Arts in Leadership degree prepares students with the versatile leadership skills employers want.

Building Ethical and Purpose-Driven Leaders

Of course, being a leader isn't just about motivating teams and driving results. It's about joining something you feel truly passionate about — something that feels more like a calling, rather than "work," especially when you consider the admission requirements and options like transferring credits in order to further your education.

At Marian University, our mission integrates faith, ethics, and service into every leadership course, guiding professionals to lead with a true sense of purpose, responsibility, and community-minded values.

Take the Next Step: Lead With the Skills Employers Need

The modern workplace needs more purpose-driven, ethical leaders — and Marian University's Bachelor of Arts in Leadership online program is built around the skills that make leaders excel. With coursework that builds critical communication skills, emotional intelligence, and empathy — as well as plenty of opportunities for practical, hands-on learning — you can immediately apply what you learn to your everyday work. And with a 100% online format, you can enjoy the flexibility you need to pursue your degree while remaining on top of your professional game.

Get in touch to learn more about our online leadership degree program, or get the ball rolling and apply now. You can also explore related degree and certificate programs, including our: