Organizational Change Leadership, Master of Arts

Flexible Learning
Tailored for busy professionals, this fully online, 30-credit program fits your schedule—helping you balance work, life, and education seamlessly.

Accelerated Pace
Earn your degree in as little as 16 months through an engaging, interactive virtual experience that keeps you moving forward.

Practical and Actionable
Each course blends research, theory, and real-world application, giving you the tools to create meaningful change and see results immediately in your workplace.

Advance Your Career—or Launch a New Path
Whether you’re stepping into leadership, moving up in your organization, or starting a consulting practice, this program equips you to thrive in a variety of professional settings.

Lead at Every Level
Develop the insight and confidence to guide individuals, teams, and organizations through change in today’s global environment.

Build High-Demand Skills
Explore key areas such as leadership, organizational culture, group dynamics, learning, and globalization to strengthen your impact as a change leader.

We’re looking for professionals ready to make an impact. To apply, you’ll need to visit the WMU Graduate College's webpage.

The Master of Arts in Organizational Change Leadership prepares professionals to lead and manage change across organizations. Coursework focuses on understanding organizational culture, globalization, group dynamics, and the role of power and politics in driving change. Students develop skills in consulting, organizational analysis, and workforce resilience, while applying concepts through project-based and experiential learning. Electives and special topics allow for deeper exploration of areas aligned with career goals. The program also integrates adult learning principles to enhance leadership and coaching capabilities. Graduates emerge ready to inspire teams, guide transformations, and create lasting impact in diverse organizational settings.

Your Path, Your Pace: Flexible Learning with WMU’s OCL Program

At Western Michigan University, we believe your education should fit seamlessly into your life. That’s why our Master of Arts in Organizational Change Leadership (OCL) program offers a fully online, flexible learning experience. Whether you prefer live interactive sessions or self-paced study, you’ll have the tools and support to succeed while balancing work, life, and education.

Two Online Learning Formats Built for You

Synchronous Learning: Real-Time Connection, Select Weeks Only

Participate in dynamic, live sessions scheduled during specific weeks (6–9 p.m. EST). These sessions provide opportunities to collaborate with classmates and faculty as you:

• Analyze real-world case studies.
• Engage in group discussions and activities.
• Deliver virtual presentations.

Experience the energy of a live classroom from wherever you are, fostering relationships and sharpening skills in real-time.

Asynchronous Learning: Flexible, Weekly Engagement

During weeks without synchronous sessions, enjoy the flexibility of engaging with course materials and assignments on your own schedule. This format allows you to:

• Learn and complete assignments at your pace within the designated week.
• Balance coursework with personal and professional commitments.
• Showcase your mastery of concepts on a schedule that works for you.

Your Schedule, Your Success

Accelerate or Take Your Time

Whether you’re ready to fast-track your degree or need to balance a slower pace, our program adapts to your goals. Choose from:

• 16-Month Plan: Designed for those eager to dive in, taking multiple courses per semester for a quicker finish.
• 28-Month Plan: Perfect for those balancing a busy professional life, with a manageable course load each semester.

16-Month Plan Highlights:

• Start with foundational courses like OCL 6400 – Foundations in Organizational Change Leadership and OCL 6410 – Organizational Culture and Globalization.
• Finish strong with advanced courses like OCL 6450 – Leading the Talent Ecosystem and OCL 6460 – Organizational Diagnosis and Consulting.

28-Month Plan Highlights:

• Spread out your studies to prioritize balance.
• Complete one or two courses each semester, such as OCL 6420 – Power, Politics, and Change in Organizationsand EDLD 6650 – Principles and Practices of Adult Learning.

With an OCL degree, you’ll be ready to:

• Lead with confidence: Apply best practices to develop individuals, teams, and organizations in a globalized world.
• Consult with impact: Conduct organizational diagnostics and implement research-backed solutions.
• Debate and innovate: Master key knowledge areas, including organizational culture, leadership, and change.
• Be a research-driven leader: Use evidence-based practices to solve organizational challenges.

The OCL degree prepares you for in-demand roles, including:

• Management Analysts
• Human Resources Managers
• Training and Development Specialists
• Organizational Development Consultants
• Social and Community Service Managers
• Medical and Health Services Managers

With expertise in leading change, you’ll be ready to:

• Design and execute transformative organizational initiatives.
• Build inclusive, high-performing teams.
• Navigate the complexities of globalization and culture change.

According to WMU’s latest career survey:

• 100% of graduates are actively engaged, either working full-time or continuing their education.
• 80% of graduates work in roles directly related to their OCL degree.
• 90%+ of graduates are satisfied with their job.

Unlock Your Potential: Join Leading Professional Networks as an OCL Student

When you’re admitted to WMU’s Organizational Change Leadership (OCL) program, you don’t just join a degree program—you gain access to an entire world of professional opportunities. Our students take their skills and knowledge to the next level by becoming members of top-tier professional organizations in organizational development, change management, and leadership.

These memberships empower you to:

• Stay Ahead of the Curve: Access the latest research, best practices, and advancements in the field.
• Expand Your Network: Connect with a global community of change leaders and practitioners.
• Grow Your Expertise: Build skills through workshops, certifications, and professional development opportunities.

Professional Organizations to Propel Your Career:

• The Organization Development Network: Collaborate with professionals dedicated to improving organizations through development and change strategies.
• Association for Talent Development: Focus on learning, development, and performance improvement to maximize organizational talent.
• Academy of Human Resource Development: Dive into cutting-edge research and strategies for developing people and organizations.
• Academy of Management: Connect with scholars and practitioners passionate about leadership, management, and change.
• Change Management Institute: Enhance your change leadership expertise and certifications with this globally recognized organization.
• Association of Change Management Professionals: Access resources and connections to shape the future of change management practices.
• International Society of Performance Improvement: Lead performance-focused initiatives with a focus on results-driven strategies.
• Society of Human Resource Management: Join the largest HR professional network to elevate organizational growth and culture.
• International Leadership Association: Collaborate with global leaders and explore innovative leadership practices.

Your Journey Beyond the Classroom

These organizations offer more than just networking—they’re your gateway to becoming a recognized leader in the field. From attending conferences and earning certifications to learning from thought leaders, your membership opens doors to endless possibilities.

Ready to Elevate Your Career?

Take your place among the best and brightest in organizational change leadership. Join the OCL program and start building your professional network today.

• Cost of attendance
• Scholarships
• CEHD assistantships
• WMU assistantships
• Grants
• Loans
• Employer-paid tuition
• Military and veterans