How Arizona Online’s Leadership and Learning Innovation Degree Opens Doors Across Industries
Leadership That Fits Every Path
Leadership does not look the same in every field, and neither do the people earning leadership degrees. Students and graduates of Arizona Online’s Leadership and Learning Innovation program are applying what they learn in government offices, university departments, nonprofit organizations, and even the National Park Service.
What unites Leadership & Learning Innovation students is a desire to grow – not only in their own careers but also in how they guide, empower, and serve others. The program’s reach is broad, but its impact is deeply personal: helping individuals strengthen the skills they already have while equipping them to lead change in their workplaces and communities.
If you’re ready to expand your potential and create meaningful impact in the spaces where you live and work, this is your opportunity. Join a community of leaders who are shaping change across industries and communities through Arizona Online’s Leadership and Learning Innovation program.
Designed for Working Professionals
For many students, earning a degree is not about stepping away from work – it’s about building on the experience they already have. Arizona Online’s Leadership and Learning Innovation program makes that possible by offering up to 12 units of internship credit for a student’s current employment.
That means the projects they take on for class aren’t abstract assignments – they are often directly tied to real challenges and opportunities in their workplace. Students don’t just write papers: they design solutions, improve processes, and practice leadership in real time.
“Students can choose from a wide variety of coursework to match what’s happening in their professional lives,” says Crystal Soltero, program director. “They’re applying what they learn immediately, which makes their education even more meaningful and relevant.”
That design ensures students do not feel like they’re choosing between work and school – they are advancing in both at the same time. The program’s structure is especially appealing to working professionals who want to accelerate their career growth without pausing their current momentum.
One Program, Many Paths
Because the skills taught in the program – leadership, communication, innovation, program design – are transferable across industries, no two career paths look alike. Some students bring what they learn back to their communities. Others use the degree to open new doors altogether.
Laura Elena Torres, Youth and Family Services Director at Campesinos Sin Fronteras, uses the skills she gained in the program to inspire community-led change. “This program sharpened my leadership and communication skills, giving me the confidence to speak with purpose whether it be as a department director or school board member,” says Torres. “Most importantly, it equipped me to help others find their voice and step into leadership, too.”
For Johnique Woods, who works as Associate Director of Event Planning at the University of Arizona Student Union Memorial Center, the program was a resource for real-time innovation. She has applied projects and assignments directly to campus events and programming that foster student, employee, and faculty engagement, as well as external events. “The program gave me tools I could immediately implement,” Woods said. “It has elevated the way I approach campus events, strengthened the impact I’m able to make as an associate director, and helped me to develop and grow my team.”
To senior Jhulian Gutierrez, the program has been a pathway to aligning his personal passions with professional goals. He dreams of working in the education arm of the National Park Service, where he hopes to connect people to nature through hands-on learning experiences. “I've always had a deep love for the outdoors and conservation, and this program has given me the skills and support to transform that passion into meaningful work,” he said. “From learning how to design and evaluate curriculum to strengthening my leadership abilities, I've gained tools I can directly apply to my career. More than anything, it's given me the confidence to grow as a leader in a field I care about. I'm truly grateful to be part of a program that has invested so much in my growth and future.”
For Vada Boykins, the Leadership and Learning Innovation program was an opportunity to return to the University of Arizona decades after playing linebacker for the Wildcats. Now pursuing graduate study in Los Angeles, he credits the program with sharpening his skills and preparing him for new opportunities later in his career. “Returning to the U of A and being introduced to the Second Start Program and Leadership and Learning Innovation has been life changing for me,” he said. “Being part of the Leadership and Learning program at U of A is the reason I am continuing to work in education.”
These stories reflect the program’s adaptability – whether a student is advancing in their current role, shifting to a new field, or pursuing a lifelong passion, Leadership and Learning Innovation equips them with the skills to lead change and guide others toward growth.
Why It Works
The success of the Leadership and Learning Innovation degree comes from its unique blend of practical application, interdisciplinary learning, and flexible delivery.
Because the degree draws from multiple disciplines, it is relevant to education, nonprofit work, public service, corporate leadership, and beyond. And with a fully online format, students can balance their studies with work, family, and personal commitments while practicing leadership in real contexts.
FAQs About the Leadership and Learning Innovation Degree
• What can I do with a Leadership and Learning Innovation degree?
Graduates work in diverse fields including education, nonprofit organizations, corporate leadership, and public service. The program’s transferable skills prepare students for advancement or career changes.
• Is the Leadership and Learning Innovation degree online?
Yes, the program is offered fully online through Arizona Online, giving students the flexibility to learn from anywhere.
• Can I earn credit for my current job while enrolled?
Yes. Students may earn up to 12 units of internship credit through their current employment, allowing them to integrate real-world projects with academic coursework.
Your Career, Your Direction
Whether you’re looking to expand your role where you work now or explore an entirely new industry, Arizona Online’s Leadership and Learning Innovation program gives you the tools to make it happen, and the flexibility to do it on your own terms.
Explore the Leadership and Learning Innovation program at Arizona Online and see how you can tailor your education to your goals.
leadership and LEarning INnovation (BS)
