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Organizational Change Leadership Minor

Program overview

Shape the future of organizations while shaping your career! The 15-credit-hour Organizational Change Leadership (OCL) minor, offered through WMU’s Department of Educational Leadership, Research, and Technology, empowers students to become dynamic change agents in today’s fast-paced world. This program equips you with the tools and frameworks needed to lead meaningful transformations within organizations—whether you're managing people, implementing new strategies, or tackling global challenges.

Through a blend of theory and hands-on learning, you’ll master the art and science of organizational change, making a tangible impact on workplaces, communities, and beyond.

Who should declare this minor?

Are you ready to lead the charge toward better workplaces and a brighter future? This minor is for students who want to complement their major and expand their leadership potential. It's an excellent fit for students in fields like business, engineering, public health, military science, event management, and beyond.

Note: The undergraduate minor in organizational change leadership will be available to students starting in Fall 2025.

Why Organizational Change Leadership at WMU?

Organizations are constantly evolving, and those who can anticipate, navigate, and lead change are invaluable. By declaring this minor, you’ll gain more than just knowledge—you’ll develop actionable skills to drive innovation, inspire teams, and create lasting value.

Here’s how this program sets you apart:

  • Understand Change: Learn how and why change happens in organizations and how to navigate it successfully.
  • Lead with Confidence: Build expertise in managing transitions, overcoming resistance, and communicating a vision for change.
  • Adapt and Innovate: Develop agility to thrive in uncertain, disruptive environments.
  • Be a Problem-Solver: Identify and address the root causes of organizational challenges with evidence-based solutions.

 

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Maximizing Your Academic Path

Male speaking

The Organizational Change and Leadership (OCL) minor offers students a dual focus: the opportunity to fulfill the 12-credit Essential Studies (WES) requirement (all courses are WES courses) while simultaneously earning a minor that enhances their academic credentials. This program allows students to achieve two goals at once by meeting core curriculum requirements and gaining specialized knowledge in organizational development, leadership, and culture. 

The OCL minor equips students with the skills to lead transformative change in diverse environments, making it a practical and strategic addition to any academic path.

All Courses are WES courses!

The Organizational Change and Leadership (OCL) minor is designed to meet the requirements of the Essential Studies Program, providing students with a comprehensive foundation in organizational development, leadership, and culture. By completing these courses, students not only fulfill their Essential Studies (WES) requirements but also gain the knowledge and skills needed to lead transformative change in diverse environments.

 Required Courses (9 credits)

  • OCL 2000 – Principles of Organizational Change and Development: Explore the foundations of organizational development and tackle real-world challenges (WES Level 1 Foundations – Inquiry and Engagement)  
  • OCL 3050 – Organizational Consulting: Master consulting techniques to drive sustainability and innovation (WES Level 3 Connections – Global Perspectives) 
  • OCL 3200 – Great Thinkers of Organizational Change: Learn from the visionaries who shaped the field and create your personal change leadership framework (WES Level 3 Connections – Global Perspectives) 

Elective Options (6 credits)

  • OCL 2040 - Workplace Coaching: Master techniques to develop and empower others for success (WES Level 2 Exploration and Discovery – Personal Wellness)
  • OCL 3000 - Workplace Culture: Learn to shape and sustain impactful organizational dynamics (WES Level 2 Exploration and Discovery – Societies and Culture)
  • OCL 4300 - Understanding and Designing the Global Organization: Address challenges in designing effective global organizations (WES Level 3 Connections – Global Perspectives)
  • EDLD 2000 – Exploring Leadership in a Changing World: Examine leadership approaches for navigating complexity and change (WES Level 1 Foundations – Oral and Digital Communication)
  • EDLD 3020 – Leadership and Advocacy for a Diverse Society: Develop skills to lead and advocate for inclusivity in diverse contexts. (WES Level 3 Connections – Global Perspectives)

Start Your Journey

Embrace the opportunity to lead, innovate, and advocate for positive organizational change. Together, let’s build organizations—and a world—that thrive through transformation. Speak with an academic advisor in the College of Education and Human Development today to declare your minor in Organizational Change Leadership!

Questions?

Dr. David Szabla,

Dr. David Szabla

Professor and Program Director