School of: Business
Degree Type: Associate Degree
Format: Online
Student Type: Adult Degree

Program at a Glance

$340
per credit hour
30
major credits
2.0
minimum transfer GPA
99%
of all students receive financial aid

Associate of Arts in Organizational Dynamics Degree Overview

ÍæÅ¼½ã½ã’s online Associate of Arts (AA) in Organizational Dynamics program is designed for working adults who want to pursue a professional role in a business, nonprofit group, or government entity. It’s perfect for students with little or no college experience who want to become more effective employees and organizational leaders. 

In the 100% online, asynchronous coursework, students will explore liberal arts principles and develop functional skills that can enable them to contribute to a healthy and productive organizational environment. Students will explore topics that include ethics, psychology, interpersonal communication, mathematics, and writing.

For candidates who are seeking an associate degree in organizational leadership program with a focus on building their own company, WPU offers the AA in Organizational Dynamics program with an emphasis in Christian Entrepreneurship.

Students sitting at a table looking at their laptops.

Associate of Arts in Organizational Dynamics Learning Outcomes

Graduates of our associate degree program that covers organizational leadership and dynamics principles are well prepared to make a difference in their workplace, contributing not only to improved collaboration among their team members but also to their organization’s ability to meet its broader goals. 

Upon successful completion of the Associate of Arts in Organizational Dynamics program, graduates will be able to:

  • Integrate their knowledge and decision-making skills within the larger framework of the organization, as well as in social and cultural contexts
  • Apply creativity, innovation, and change management skills
  • Display leadership and interpersonal skills
  • Communicate in the functional areas of business
  • Understand the human virtues of integrity, humility, compassion, and perseverance
  • Act on their values and ethics as foundational to good management and leadership
  • Demonstrate an increased capacity for conceptualization, strategic thinking, and problem-solving

The AA in Organizational Dynamics program can help students prepare to launch a business career or go on to earn a bachelor’s degree in a business field.

What Can You Do With an Associate of Arts in Organizational Dynamics?

Earning an AA in Organizational Dynamics can prepare you to qualify for, and excel in, professional roles across several industries. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts overall employment in business and financial occupations will grow 5% between 2024 and 2034, which is faster than the average growth projected for all occupations. In 2024, the median earnings for people over age 25 with an associate degree was $1,099 a week.

Take a look at the 2024 median annual salaries for professionals in roles related to an associate degree in organizational leadership, according to the BLS:

Food Service Manager

$65,310**

Small Business Owner

$78,000*

Executive Administrative Assistant

$70,310**

Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Manager

$66,700**

*February 2026 salary data per Payscale, the latest data available in April 2026
**May 2024 salary data per the BLS, the latest data available in April 2026

Associate of Arts in Organizational Dynamics Degree Curriculum 

WPU’s Associate of Arts in Organizational Dynamics degree program is designed to help you grow the professional skill set and knowledge that are essential in today’s workplaces, covering areas such as finance, collaboration, and cultural awareness.

The organizational dynamics program includes 30 required major course semester credits, 18 of which must be completed in residence at WPU. Students earning the associate degree must complete 60 total semester credits, 30 of which must be completed in residence at WPU, including major course credits, WPU core course credits, transfer course credits, and elective course credits. 

All courses are three credits and five weeks in length.

Major Requirements (30 Credits)

  • BUS/SOC 100A | Team Dynamics | 3 credits
  • BUS 101A | Introduction to Business and Personal Finance | 3 credits
  • BUS 223A | Introduction to Microsoft Office | 3 credits
  • BUS 261A | Organizational Writing and Presentations | 3 credits
  • COMM 218A | Interpersonal Communications | 3 credits
  • PS 140A | American Government | 3 credits
  • PSY 100A | Foundational Elements of Psychology or 201A | General Psychology | 3 credits
  • PSY 110A | Principles of Adult Learning | 3 credits
  • SOC 204A | Principles of Sociology | 3 credits
  • SS 252A | Cultural Studies | 3 credits

Core Requirements (21 Credits)

  • PHIL 291A | Religious and Philosophical Foundations of Ethical Practice (Must be taken at WPU) | 3 credits
  • BI 151A | The Bible as Sacred Story or HE 151A | Health and Fitness for Adults (Or approved Bible or health transfer course) | 3 credits
  • EN 121A | English Composition I (Or equivalent transfer course) | 3 credits
  • EN 122A | English Composition II (Or equivalent transfer course) | 3 credits
  • ENV 100A | Environmental Studies (Or approved science transfer course) | 3 credits
  • BUS 107A or MA 105A | Math Course (Or approved college math transfer course) | 3 credits

Note: BUS 107A is required for all BA Degrees in the Business Division

  • One of the following (Or approved history or arts transfer course):
    • EN 120A | Introduction to Literature | 3 credits
    • HIS 200A | Introduction to History | 3 credits
    • HIS 202A | US History | 3 credits
    • FA 200A | Introduction to the Arts | 3 credits

Students will meet the four remaining AA core requirements through coursework that they take for the major: PSY 100A/201A (Urban Life), BUS 223A (Information Technology), BUS 261A (Critical Thinking), and SS 252A (Diversity).

Electives

Complete enough elective credits to obtain 60 credits total.

Degree Emphasis Option

Insight From a WPU Graduate

“WPU has given my education and career a purpose in which it’s not about making a living, but about building for others.â€

—Ivan Gonzalez Cisneros, 2025 WPU graduate

Ivan Gonzalez Cisneros, 2025 WPU graduate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Associate of Arts in Organizational Dynamics take?

Students in the AA in Organizational Dynamics program typically finish the program in about two years, or after earning 60 semester credits.

A student’s completion time for this associate degree program varies depending on the number of transferable credits the student has brought in through their previously completed college-level coursework. Students who transfer to WPU who have taken foundational courses (such as English composition, math, science, social science, and humanities) may be able to finish sooner.

What does the online degree format entail?

Offered through WPU’s Professional and Graduate Studies (PGS) division, the Associate of Arts in Organizational Dynamics program considers the unique needs of today’s adult learners, many of whom are balancing work and family responsibilities.

Featuring a flexible rolling enrollment model, WPU allows students to start their degree path on their own timeline. Students take one five-week course at a time, completing all coursework in a 100% online, asynchronous learning format.

What are the admissions requirements for this program?

The program has flexible rolling start dates throughout the year. If you’re ready to apply to the Associate of Arts in Organizational Dynamics program, please review WPU’s admissions requirements.

For adult degree students, requirements include:

• A completed application for admission

• Official transcripts from all schools attended (high school transcripts are not required for students who have earned 12 or more credits since graduation)

• A minimum 2.0 transfer GPA

Applicants who do not meet the minimum academic standards are still encouraged to apply, and may be required to submit additional materials for review by the Admissions Review Committee. Some applicants may be asked to submit writing samples or personal references, or to participate in an Admissions interview. 

WPU’s PGS programs offer open enrollment, meaning applications are accepted year-round, with start dates throughout the calendar year. Learn more about our admissions requirements and start dates in our course catalog.

What are the tuition and financial aid details for this program?

WPU strives to provide students with a valuable education at an affordable cost, with tuition rates that are more than 40% lower than the average private university tuition in the Pacific Northwest. Additionally, most WPU students receive some form of financial aid. Additionally, most WPU students receive some form of financial aid. To explore your financial aid options, please visit our Financial Aid page.

Adult Degree Undergraduate Programs

Academic Year Per-Credit Tuition
2025-2026Ìý $340 (lower-division courses)
2026-2027 $600 (all courses)

For a full list of fees, please reference the below fee schedules:
2025-26 Tuition and Fees — Adult Degree (Undergraduate)/Professional and Graduate Studies (PGS)
2026-27 Tuition and Fees — Adult Degree (Undergraduate)/Professional and Graduate Studies (PGS)

Does the Associate of Arts in Organizational Dynamics degree program have any professional partnerships?

WPU’s business administration partners include the following organizations:

• A¹ó³¢´¡°ä

• A³¾²¹³ú´Ç²Ô

• APANO Communities United Fund

• B´Ç±ð¾±²Ô²µ

•ÂÌ̲¹³Ù±ð°ù±è¾±±ô±ô²¹°ù

•ÂÌ̴dz¾³¦²¹²õ³Ù

• Dress for Success Oregon

• EC Electric

• E²Ô³Ù±ð°ù±è°ù¾±²õ±ð

• Greater Northwest United Methodist Church

•ÂÓª²Ô³Ù±ð±ô

• Metropolitan Family Services

• M¾±³¦°ù´Ç²õ´Ç´Ú³Ù

• Multnomah County Library

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• Oregon Department of Justice

• Pacific Office Automation

• Port of Portland

• Portland Business Alliance

• Royal Ridges Retreat

• Schnitzer Steel

• S³ó±ð°ù·É¾±²Ô-°Â¾±±ô±ô¾±²¹³¾²õ

• S´Ç»å±ð³æ´Ç

• The Standard

• State Farm Insurance

• Vancouver Vineyard Church

• WSC Insurance

Is the Associate of Arts in Organizational Dynamics accredited?

ÍæÅ¼½ã½ã is accredited by The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). WPU is also an educational member of the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE), located at 11960 Quivira Rd. in Overland Park, Kansas. Educational members have not yet undergone accreditation reviews and do not have business programs that are accredited by the IACBE.

Discover Your Purpose With an Associate Degree in Organizational Dynamics

United under the university’s Christ-centered mission, WPU’s business programs create space for students of all cultural and professional backgrounds to take a purpose-driven approach to their career advancement. 

The Associate of Arts in Organizational Dynamics degree program from WPU prepares students with the well-rounded skills and knowledge in communication, finance, and leadership needed to succeed in today’s workforce or to take the next step in their educational journey.

For questions about this program or its format, contact PGS Admissions at 800-804-1510, or fill out the form below.

Explore Related Programs

AA in Organizational Dynamics, Christian Entrepreneurship Emphasis

Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration

Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership

See All Business Programs

Questions?

Our School of Business faculty would love to hear from you.

Image of Dr. Ulf  Spears, DSL, CAGS, M.Sc., BS

Dr. Ulf Spears, DSL, CAGS, M.Sc., BS


Dean of Business

Faculty
School of: Business
Phone: 503-517-1324

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