Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership and Administration

From the moment you inquire about the Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership and Administration (BLA) program, you will receive personal academic attention to help you move through the BLA program and graduate successfully.

This program is unique in the Ohio Valley because:

  • The courses apply topics to for-profit and non-profit organizations.
  • The courses were designed specifically for this program and for the needs of leaders.

Currently, students can start the BLA program twice a year and all the courses are located at the Highlands Center.  Students join and then move through the entire 36 semester hour program with the same classmates, one course at a time.  Three-credit hour courses meet five weeks and are supplemented with an online component, that everyone is taught to use in the Introduction course.

Students are able to enroll officially in the program only if:

  • they have completed the 36 hours of General Studies courses
  • have 60 + total hours of college credit, and
  • have at least a 2.0 grade-point average.
  • Students may also be able to receive prior learning credit through the submission and evaluation of a portfolio.

Directions to the Highlands Center:

Interstate 70, exit 10.  If coming from the east, turn right at the end of the exit.  If coming from the west, curve to the right at the end of the exit ramp.  Proceed on Cabela’s Drive past WesBanco, Wendy’s, Target, and Kohl’s.  Go straight through the last light and turn right at the end of the drive.   The WLU Highlands Center is on your right.

For the easiest parking and entrance to the second floor, the first doors on your right are the entrance.  There will be stairs immediately on your right and an elevator to your left that take you directly to the WLU entrance.

Classes meet Saturdays, 10 a.m.  – 2 p.m.

BLA 300 – Intro to Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership & Administration
BLA 302 – Perspectives on Leadership
BLA 304 – Organizational Communication and Negotiation
BLA 306 – Current Theories of Leadership and Management
BLA 308 – Organizational Ethics
BLA 310 – Leadership in Literature and Film
BLA 400 – Marketing for Leaders
BLA 402 – Research Methods and Design
BLA 404 – Finance for Administrators
BLA 406 – Organizational Psychology
BLA 408 – Human Resources for Administrators
BLA 410 – Legal Issues in Organizational  Leadership and Administration
BLA 412 – Capstone: Applied Research Project

Dr. Michaud, Dean, School of Professional Studies

BLA Faculty

Accepted RBA & BLA Students:

To submit formally and officially a portfolio for a Prior Learning Assessment in “major” areas (not for General Studies courses) student must have applied and been accepted, and have at least 64 credit hours completed, which includes at least 24 General Studies hours.

New Students (not accepted yet):

An estimate of the credits for prior  learning experience will be made on the basis of a preliminary portfolio.  This will be an unofficial estimate and include “major” and general studies course credits.  The student need not have applied and been accepted for this estimate.

After students have applied and been accepted:

Official prior learning credits for General Studies and major courses will be assessed on the basis of a professionally done portfolio rationale submitted by the student for the specific courses for which credit is sought.

  • There is no application fee.
  • Tuition for the program and the graduation fee will be that of the University tuition.
  • There is a one-time $200 Program Fee.
  • If you choose to pursue credit through the Prior Learning Assessment, there is an evaluation fee.  In addition, there is a nominal charge for every credit-hour for which you apply.  Inquire for current rates.
  • Financial aid is available for those who qualify.  Check out the financial aid website at WLU for additional information.  Be sure to notice the information and application for the HIGHER EDUCATION ADULT PART-TIME STUDENT GRANT (HEAPS).

Phil Zimmerman on the BLA program:

1) Why did you choose the BLA?

I had been looking for an adult education style program that really fit into my schedule.  I am an executive administrative employee for the company that I work for and a leadership program seemed to be a perfect fit for expanding my career opportunities.

2) Now that you ‘ve started the BLA, what do you think of the program?

Well, we are still very early in the program, but so far it has been very challenging.  I like the smaller class room setting.  The discussions are very informative and we draw on each others experiences and knowledge.

3) What has been your experience at the Highlands Center? or, put another way, What are your opinions about the Center?

I truly like the setting at the Highlands Center.  It is very conveniently located and I love the free parking:)

4) What would you like others to know about your program and/or the Highlands Center?

I really like the cohort setting of the BLA program.  It is nice to be together throughout almost like a team.  I would recommend the BLA program to any adult learner serious about finishing their bachelor degree.

Application Form:

You can use the linked application form to apply to for admission to the BLA program. The linked application, when downloaded to your PC is a “fill-able” form you can complete, ave, print and sign. Once you have signed the completed application you can mail it to the address on page 1 of the application or you can scan it and attach is to an e-mail to Mary Lou Conley, Program Assistant II, (304) 217-2800 (x4) [email protected]

BLA Application