Bachelor of Science in Leadership (BSL)
Earn a Bachelor of Science in Leadership (BSL) From a 100% Online University
Our online Bachelor of Science in Leadership (BSL) degree program is designed to help students prepare to lead by exploring the information, skills, experience, and confidence needed to succeed in leadership.
While participating in our fully online bachelor degree program, you will work closely with our professional faculty as you:
- Create your own personal leadership development plan.
- Study how to effectively deal with change within organizations.
- Work to develop your written and oral communication skills.
- Work to gain critical thinking and research skills.
- Advance your education - even while working full time.
- Join a dynamic online college network.
Online Leadership Degree Program Overview
In the Bachelor of Science in Leadership (BSL) online degree program, you can prepare to effectively handle the challenges facing the leaders of today and the future. Our EdActive™ Learning Approach emphasizes the development of real-world skills and experiences, so you could be ready to contribute to your organization's success right out of college.
The Bachelor of Science in Leadership (BSL) degree program is designed to help provide Trident graduates with the skills required to ethically lead and effect change in diverse organizational environments, including for profit, not-for profit, and government applications. The program focuses on exposing students to quality leadership skills and sharpening vital critical thinking, reasoning, information literacy, and communication skills. These skills can be leveraged in students' current roles while enhancing and developing their knowledge and abilities to prepare them for future opportunities.
See the Trident University Catalog for full descriptions of all program course offerings.
Faces of Trident
Meet Emilio H., Bachelor of Science in Leadership graduate, Class of 2022.
Hear him share about his academic journey at Trident.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of their respective BSL program option, graduates should be able to:
- Articulate the leadership common body of knowledge (leader theories, leader styles, and the impact of influence on teams) in relation to organizational initiatives or processes.
- Create coherent explanations to connect to employees as a leader.
- Locate information sources to evaluate in the evaluation of alternative leadership solutions.
- Collaborate effectively with teams and stakeholders to foster organizational success.
- Utilize problem solving techniques to inform organizational stakeholders regarding local, national or international strategic initiative challenges.
- Apply ethical principles and decision-making to analyze organizational cases in a manner that promotes ethical and socially responsible practices.
This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for a specific professional license or certification that is required for employment in an occupation. As such, Trident has made no determination regarding prerequisites for licensure or certification in any state or jurisdiction.
Courses at Trident are industry-relevant. As a Bachelor of Science in Leadership (BSL) student, you will take a variety of classes, including Leadership and Change; Power, Influence, and Persuasion; and Decision Making for Leaders.
The Bachelor of Science in Leadership (BSL) requires 120 credits for degree completion. You will take 36 semester credits of program core course work and 32 credits of concentration coursework. You're also required to meet Trident's general education requirements as specified in our university catalog. You will need to complete specific courses (or their equivalent) to satisfy general education competency areas.
Have you ever thought about earning your masters degree? If so, we have a dual credit option that allows you to earn MSL degree credits while taking BSL program courses. We call it FastracDC and it is a fast and affordable pathway to a masters degree. By selecting the dual credit option you can have three of your upper division courses applied towards an MSL degree from Trident.
Choose from the following concentrations:
- Interdisciplinary Studies - This concentration emphasizes integrating knowledge from different perspectives, developing strong analytical and communication skills, and taking creative approaches to problem solving and decision-making. Students can prepare to pursue management and leadership career paths within a variety of organizations.
- Management - This concentration is designed to help develop leaders who are adept at team building, communications, and marketing. You will take courses, such as Principles of Marketing; International Business; and Strategic Management.
See the Trident University Catalog for full descriptions of all concentration course offerings.
Subject to additional college-or program-specific admissions requirements, the following standard admissions requirements apply:
- A diploma from an accredited or state approved high school or its equivalent
- Proof of English proficiency (international students only; see section on English Proficiency in the Trident University Catalog)
If you plan to transfer-in potential credit, please review our transfer policy.
Did you know, you could potentially take fewer classes and shorten time to graduation by passing a Trident Challenge Exam*? Undergraduate students can demonstrate their knowledge and, if successfully passed, earn credit toward their degree. Talk to your Student Success Advisor about this and other Prior Learning Assessment opportunities!
*The ability to reduce time in school and/or reduce tuition toward the full cost of a degree program depends on the number of Trident Challenge exams successfully passed. Trident Challenge exam credits are non-transferable. Not all programs are eligible for a reduction in time and money. Courses eligible are subject to change. Students should not rely on potential challenge exam savings or eligibility when making an enrollment decision.
The following standard transfer policies apply:
- Transfer students are required to provide official transcripts of all prior academic work without exception.
- Prior academic work will be articulated during the admission process.
- All courses, whether applied to a program or general elective in transfer will be posted to the student's permanent record.
- Transfer credits will not be included in the calculation of overall GPA.
- At the undergraduate level, students may transfer in credit no matter the date of completion. In cases where the content of a course is deemed outdated or no longer relevant/equivalent by Trident, credits for that course will transfer as general elective credits only.
- Students may formally appeal transfer decision to the Provost or designee. Appeals must be submitted in writing within five business days and must be accompanied by supporting documents or evidence.
Tuition cost for the bachelor program:
| tuition type | per credit | per course | per year* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | $415 | $1,660 | $12,450 |
| Retired Military / Veteran / And Their Immediate Family Members** | $330 | $1,320 | $9,900 |
| Military & Immediate Family Members / Department of Defense Federal Civilian Employees** | $250 | $1,000 | $7,500 |
| Active Duty, National Guard and Reserve U.S Military Service Members** | $250 | $1,000 | $7,500 |
*Assumes no transfer credits and that student enrolls in an average of 30 credits per year for 4 years. **Tuition per credit represented with applicable military grant applied.
University Fees:
- Books and Supplies: $0
- Course Materials: $0
- Diploma Copy: $30 (optional)
- Food, Housing, and Transportation: N/A
- Graduation Fee: $150
- Official Transcript: $10
- Other Expedited Shipping Fees: varies based on region
- Payment Plan Set-up: $35-$55 (non-refundable)
- Student ID Card: $10 (optional)
- Technology Fee: $0
- Other fees may apply and are subject to change without advance notice.
Seeking more information on the cost of attending Trident? Visit Trident's Financial Aid Resources page where you will find financial aid tools including Trident's Net Price Calculator and Shopping Sheet, a guide to assist in early financial planning for college.
Want to save time & money on your degree? Receive credit for eligible past experience and military service with Trident Fastrac*. Click here to learn more.
*Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Bachelor of Science Leadership (BSL) is a degree program designed to help students prepare to pursue a potential career path in organizational leadership or to further their education toward a master’s degree. Students who study in this program will explore topics related to leadership skills, critical thinking and reasoning, information literacy, and communication skills. Students may choose electives to explore areas of special interest.
Bachelor’s degree programs are typically designed to take four years to complete; however, depending on a student’s previous credits*, proficiency, and other factors, this time could be shorter or longer.
*Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.
In this program, students can take courses in a variety of subject areas including leadership change, power, influence and persuasion, and decision-making for leaders.
A BSL degree at Trident provides an opportunity to study skills applicable to leadership development and effectively addressing change within an organization. Your classes may include guidance on how to communicate effectively in written and spoken word and research skills. Upon graduation, you may seek a career path in a leadership role in a for profit, nonprofit, or a government organization.
The total number of credits required for this program is 120 credits. Coursework includes 36 semester credits of program core coursework and 32 credits of concentration coursework. Additional credits may include transfer credits from a professional certificate, diploma, or a military occupation or ranking*.
*Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.
Eligible students with military experience, active and retired, may be able to receive credit for military service*. Please refer to Trident Fastrac for more information.
*Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.
Trident offers 8-week sessions for its students pursuing associate, bachelor, or master’s degree programs. Refer to the academic calendar for a schedule of class start dates.
