Organizational Change Leadership Ph.D. (Online)
At Western Michigan University, we believe that change is not simply a reaction to external forces—it is an opportunity to shape the future. The Ph.D. program in Education and Human Development with a concentration in Organizational Change Leadership is designed to empower the next generation of change leaders and scholars to revolutionize organizations and industries.
Throughout the program, students engage in a rigorous curriculum that prepares them to become scholars and practitioners in the dynamic field of organizational change and transformation. Students gain a deep knowledge of cutting-edge organizational theory, advanced applied research methods, and effective strategies to facilitate change within and across diverse organizations. By integrating theory with practical applications, students develop the skills necessary to drive meaningful and sustainable change in complex organizational environments and the perspective and disposition required to serve as leaders in their organizations and communities.
We are committed to cultivating a vibrant community of change leaders and scholars who are equipped with not only the latest research and practical tools but also the competencies needed to navigate the complexities of organizational ecosystems and drive impactful change. Our students excel as organizational leaders, change consultants, and thought leaders, collectively making a meaningful impact on organizations and society.
Why Organizational Change Leadership at Western Michigan University?
Commitment to Applied Research
The program emphasizes a strong foundation in applied research and scholarly inquiry. Students engage deeply with the theoretical underpinnings of organizational change, advanced research methodologies, and knowledge creation. Their doctoral research is designed to be embedded within organizations, ensuring real-world relevance and a lasting impact on both scholarship and practice.
Development of Skills and Mindsets
The curriculum is intentionally structured to cultivate critical skills essential for change leadership. Students develop an entrepreneurial mindset, systems thinking, and advanced competencies in driving and managing change. These capabilities prepare them to navigate the complexities of organizational ecosystems and to lead transformative initiatives effectively.
Scholar-Practitioner Focus
The program is dedicated to developing scholar-practitioners who seamlessly integrate theory and practice. Through rigorous training in research methodologies, academic writing, instruction, and consulting, students gain the expertise to communicate research findings effectively to diverse audiences, influence organizational change agendas, and inspire transformational efforts within their spheres of influence.
Interdisciplinary Approach
An interdisciplinary framework underpins the program, drawing from fields such as psychology, organizational behavior, sociology, anthropology, technology, and management. This approach equips students with a comprehensive understanding of organizational dynamics and the broader ecosystem, fostering innovative thinking and enabling novel solutions in both research and practice.
Personalization and Relevance
The program is designed to align with students’ unique interests, career aspirations, and professional contexts. Through a variety of elective options and personalized learning pathways, students can focus on areas of inquiry most relevant to their goals. Faculty mentors provide tailored guidance to support this personalization, including flexibility in key program benchmarks such as the comprehensive exam portfolio model, ensuring alignment with career objectives and practical applications.
Dynamic Learning Environment
Students benefit from a vibrant and collaborative learning environment. Interactive seminars, consulting projects, and research collaborations foster intellectual exchange and the co-creation of knowledge. The diversity of the cohort—comprising leaders from various industries and organizational settings—enriches discussions and broadens perspectives, cultivating a robust scholarly community.
Faculty Expertise and Mentorship
The program is supported by distinguished faculty who are both accomplished scholars and experienced practitioners. Faculty mentors provide individualized guidance throughout the doctoral journey, from coursework to dissertation development. This mentorship ensures students refine their research interests, master methodologies, and effectively disseminate their findings, creating meaningful contributions to the field of organizational change leadership.
"We focus on the development of marketable skills—skills wanted by employers in a vast array of industries."
- Dr. David Szabla, Program Coordinator
Admission requirements
Note: When completing your application, be sure to complete the supplemental form section by selecting Organizational Change Leadership.
- Master’s degree from an accredited institution indicated on an official transcript
- An overall grade point average of at least 3.0 for all graduate work undertaken beyond the bachelor’s degree
- Official transcripts, as required by WMU
- Applicants are required to submit a written narrative describing their professional goals and research interests within the field of Organizational Change and Development. The narrative should emphasize how their aspirations align with advancing knowledge in the field, highlighting the potential impact of their contributions through research and practice.
- Three graduate reference forms completed by individuals who can address an applicant’s ability to complete doctoral-level work successfully
- A professional curriculum vitae or resume
OCL-PHD Application Review Schedule
The OCL-PHD Program accepts applications year-round. However, applications are reviewed at two specific points each academic year: in the Fall for Spring admittance and in the Spring for Fall admittance.
Spring 2025 Admittance Review Schedule
- Application Review: Applications for Spring 2025 admittance will be reviewed during the week of November 4, 2024.
- Interviews: If selected for an interview, interviews will take place the week of November 11, 2024.
- Admittance Notifications: Applicants will be notified of their admittance status during the week of November 18, 2024.
Fall 2025 Admittance Review Schedule
- Application Review: Applications for Fall 2025 admittance will be reviewed during the week of March 17, 2025.
- Interviews: If selected for an interview, interviews will take place the week of March 24, 2025.
- Admittance Notifications: Applicants will be notified of their admittance status during the week of March 31, 2025.
Questions?
