Category: Business Programs

Pathways to Leadership: Online BS OLL and Online MBA

Pathways to Leadership: Online BS OLL and Online MBA

Great leaders are vital to an organization’s success, now more than ever before. Managers, innovators, motivators and force multipliers are needed in almost every industry to drive meaningful change, inspire growth and improve performance. The University of Louisville recognizes this demand and offers online programs like our Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and Learning (BS OLL) as well as our Master of Business Administration (MBA), both curated to help students who are emerging leaders develop the skills they need to succeed.  

One such student is Melissa Hill, a BS OLL graduate and a current online MBA candidate. She came to UofL with decades of career experience which earned her Credit for Prior Learning and prepared her for the next step in advancing her education. Melissa knew that she was capable of more and went on to pursue her MBA online with UofL. Melissa is on track to graduate in Spring 2026.  

Watch Melissa’s story below:  

There’s more: BS OLL and MBA program directors, Dr. Randy Whetstone Jr. and Dr. Zac Goldman discuss how these programs benefit adult learners like Melissa Hill. Watch below: 

Whether you’re just getting started with your journey in leadership or you’re a seasoned professional ready to take things to the next level, UofL has the programs to help you move along the way. Click here and jumpstart your adventure today!  

Melissa Hill Online Student Highlight (BS in OLL and MBA)

Melissa Hill Online Student Highlight (BS in OLL and MBA)

Online BS in OLL Graduate, Current Online MBA Candidate 

Hope is a powerful thing. It stems from a belief in the possibility of something better, of a future that can be achieved with some hard work and a little luck. Hope requires nurturing, with love and attention given in the appropriate amounts.  

Hope is the exact characteristic that Melissa Hill demonstrates in her daily life. Melissa is a graduate of UofL’s online Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and Learning (BS in OLL) and is a current candidate in UofL’s 100% online MBA program. Melissa originally started her undergraduate journey at UofL in ‘91, though she wasn’t sure that college was the right fit for her at the time. She entered the workforce and spent the next few decades raising her family and building her career. After some input from mentors and conversation with her family, she made the decision to complete her undergraduate degree online with UofL’s BS in OLL program, with a track focus on Healthcare Leadership. She didn’t stop there however; after completing her undergraduate degree, Melissa made the bold move to start up with UofL’s online MBA program, something she described initially as being out of her comfort zone.  

Melissa is a natural leader, and her story demonstrates that it’s never too late to take a leap of faith in life. Melissa had a hope for a better future when she resumed her undergraduate journey; she is now on track to graduate with a UofL MBA in May 2026. Watch her story below:   

Do you have hope for your future? Consider what that might look like with UofL’s Organizational Leadership & Learning bachelor’s and the MBA+ program, both 100% online, on your time!   

Earn Your MBA+ at UofL 

Earn Your MBA+ at UofL 

Earning an MBA is one of the most impactful decisions you can make for your career. It opens doors to new opportunities, expands your understanding of business and connects you with a network of ambitious peers who share your drive for success. 

But what if your MBA could do even more? 

At the University of Louisville, our online MBA program goes a step further. While completing your MBA, you can also earn a Graduate Certificate in one of six specialized fields at no extra cost and without extending your timeline. 

This unique opportunity allows you to tailor your MBA to your passions and professional goals. Imagine standing out in your field with expertise in: 

  • Horse Racing Business 
  • Distilled Spirits Business 
  • Franchise Management 
  • Business of Healthcare 
  • …and more! 

By pairing your MBA with a graduate certificate, you’ll graduate with both broad business knowledge and targeted expertise, making you even more competitive in the job market. 

Hear From Our Program Director 

Want to know more about how it works? In the video below, Dr. Zac Goldman, Director of the Online MBA program, explains how students are using the certificate option to gain an edge in their careers. 

Ready to Take the Next Step? 

Don’t wait—this is your chance to earn an MBA+ a Graduate Certificate at no extra time or cost. Take advantage of this unique opportunity and set yourself apart in today’s competitive business landscape. Learn more here! 

According to LinkedIn, MBAs are back in style; we say, they never left.

According to LinkedIn, MBAs are back in style; we say, they never left.

A recent LinkedIn news story shared that professionals are seeking MBAs and similar graduate business degrees once again. The story cited a recent application trends survey indicating that 2-year MBA applications had grown 19% in 2024.  

UofL’s online MBA program director, Dr. Zac Goldman, had this to say of the article:

“Given current economic uncertainties, these trends are not terribly surprising. When career or industry outlooks worsen, many people invest in pursuing an MBA to enhance their future prospects. Like anything, MBA applications can trend up or down year-over-year; but long-term, the MBA degree continues to be one of the most resilient and valuable credentials across industries. Those who earn an MBA consistently have greater access to promotions and other opportunities, while also earning more on average than those without an MBA. Our team in the College of Business at UofL is always ready to support and assist professionals who are ready to take this important next step in their careers.” 

UofL’s online MBA is designed with the future in mind. This program was created with built-in graduate certificate opportunities and innovative electives, all meant to prepare you for leadership in the workplace of tomorrow. This program also features a 10-day business trip built into the program, intentionally added to give students a global perspective from a program which can be completed from your living room, 100% online.  

This program also features the Cardinal Choice Assignment, an exciting deliverable completed throughout the course of the program which allows you to tailor your degree to the Career, Industry or Issue that matters most to you. Doing so allows you to show a prospective employer the diligent work that you completed while still a student in the program.  

If you’re interested in joining the growing number of future business leaders looking to energize their future with an MBA, learn more about our program and start your application today!  

The Priority Deadline for fall semester applications is May 1.