Take the Lead on an International Stage

Online 

2-4 Years 

120 Credit Hours 

$467 per Credit

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The Future of Global Policy Begins With You

Apply By: 05/21/26
Start Class: 06/04/26

Amplify your voice around the world with the online Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership – Global Leadership degree from the University of South Carolina Upstate. This program delivers insights into global identities, cultures and structures to help you prepare for a career in international organizations and global policy. With an emphasis on ethical leadership, courses for this program deliver skills in intercultural communication, international organizations, social behavior and global engagement.

The online global leadership degree is taught by faculty who incorporate real-world industry experience into each lesson and offer personalized attention and support. Through a convenient online learning platform, you’ll earn your degree at your pace and graduate ready to lead with integrity.

Global Leadership Degree Details

Flexible, online format for working professionals 
Broad curriculum with interdisciplinary depth
Transfer up to 90 credit hours
Intercultural competence for a global workforce

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What Will I Learn in the Global Leadership Degree Program?

With the global leadership degree, you’ll join an online community of career-driven learners and embark on a pathway to professional success, guided by outstanding faculty. You’ll have online access to course materials and assignments, plus tutoring services and study resources provided by the USC Upstate Student Success Center to ensure you graduate ready to reach your potential.

The online global leadership degree requires you to complete six concentration courses for a total of 18 concentration credits. With the maximum number of transfer credits, you can complete the program in as little as 18 months and take the next step on your rewarding career path.

Global Leadership Degree Required Courses

GLST U301 Global Cultures and Identities 3 Credits

Survey of global and transnational concepts, topics, events, social and political movements, and cultural patterns in selected societies. Special attention is given to themes such as feminism, sexuality, human rights, language, identity, and cross-cultural encounters and topics such as migration, war, terrorism, religion, global cinema and popular culture, global health policies, global climate change, and protest music and art.

POLI U330 International Organizations 3 Credits

An introduction to the structure and functions of international political and economic organizations. Particular attention is given to the United Nations and its specialized agencies and to emerging regional communities.

SPCH U380 Intercultural Communication 3 Credits

An introduction to research, theory, and practice of difference-based communication. Emphasis is placed on explicit and implicit communication processes between and among people of different national, racial, ethnic, gender, class and sexual identities in domestic and global contexts.

The online Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership program delivers an interdisciplinary skillset designed to prepare you for diverse opportunities. You’ll complete a selection of courses for your chosen concentration, plus five major core courses that help you build a foundation in organizational management. You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in either an internship or independent study to get a real-world glimpse into the industry.

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What are Career Opportunities in Ethical Global Leadership?

Industries around the world rely on expert leaders to steer organizations toward success, putting global leadership degree graduates in high demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of management is growing faster than other major industries, with thousands of new global leadership roles expected to be created throughout the decade.¹ With the online global leadership degree, you’ll harness the skills it takes to make a difference around the world through your career.

Public Relations Specialist $69,780 per year²

Arbitrator $67,710 per year³

Personalized Guidance in Every Classroom

At USC Upstate, our faculty are more than instructors — they’re mentors invested in your success. With real-world experience, advanced credentials and a commitment to personal attention, they guide you through practical learning that prepares you for a meaningful career. Small classes and low student-to-faculty ratios ensure you have the support you need to grow and thrive.

Dr. Charles F. Harrington, Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies

Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Charles F. Harrington

Dr. Charles F. Harrington is a seasoned academic leader, educator, and scholar with over three decades of experience in higher education. He holds a B.A. in Philosophy and a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration and Educational Research, both from Ohio University, as well as an M.S. in Nonprofit Administration from Drexel University. He is also a graduate of prestigious leadership programs at Harvard University, Virginia Tech, and the U.S. Department of Education. As a scholar, Harrington has authored and co-authored over 60 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters, with research interests spanning American Indian entrepreneurship, student retention, nonprofit leadership, and interdisciplinary education.

Explore More Online Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership Concentrations

With the online Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership degree, you’ll choose a career-focused concentration in either nonprofit leadership, global leadership or health care leadership. Each offers foundational major core courses, plus a selection of concentration courses that prepare you for success in your chosen industry.

Go beyond organizational theory and explore effective leadership strategies for nonprofit, charitable and service-oriented missions.

Prepare for leadership roles in the health care field with expertise in organizational theory, health systems, policy, ethics and more.

Sources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Management Occupations.” Retrieved Oct. 8, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Public Relations Specialist.” Retrieved Oct. 8, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/public-relations-specialists.htm.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators.” Retrieved Oct. 8, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/arbitrators-mediators-and-conciliators.htm.

Online Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership – Global Leadership