Educational Leadership, Research and Technology

Organizational Change Leadership Ph.D. (Online)

Apply Now

Courses

Overview

At Western Michigan University, we see change as an opportunity to innovate, inspire, and make a real difference. Our Ph.D. in Education and Human Development with a concentration in Organizational Change Leadership prepares you not only to lead transformation, but to create new knowledge that advances the field of organization development and change for the betterment of organizations and society.

This program blends advanced theory, rigorous scholarship, and applied research to equip you to tackle complex organizational challenges. You’ll generate original research that shapes how change is understood and practiced, translating theory into evidence-based strategies that improve organizational effectiveness, transform cultures, design equitable policies, foster inclusion, and address global challenges such as sustainability.

At WMU, you’ll join a community of bold thinkers, scholar-practitioners, and changemakers committed to pushing the boundaries of what we know about change. Graduates emerge as influential leaders, consultants, and scholars who don’t simply respond to change—they generate new insights, strengthen organizations, and advance the field.

Be the leader who drives progress. Be the scholar who advances the discipline. Together, let’s create knowledge that strengthens organizations and builds a better world.

Meet Kevin

Kevin, a current Ph.D. student and alumni of the masters degree shares how he achieved greatness from small beginnings.

More testimonials

Attend an information session!

A lady on a computer listening to a virtual meeting

Learn more about the program by attending one of our virtual information sessions. These sessions offer the opportunity to meet with a faculty member—and occasionally a current student—to gain a deeper understanding of the program structure, coursework, and application process. Participants are encouraged to ask questions and engage in conversation about how the program can support their professional goals.

Explore the schedule

Why apply?

Generate New Knowledge and Drive the Field Forward
At WMU, you’ll do more than study organizational development and change—you’ll shape its future. As a scholar-practitioner, you’ll create new knowledge that challenges conventional thinking, advances the field, and addresses the complexities of today’s organizations. Your research will have a lasting impact, driving innovation and contributing to meaningful change in both theory and practice.

Lead Change. Drive Impact.
At Western Michigan University, our Ph.D. in Organizational Change Leadership equips you to transform organizations and society. Rooted in applied research and real-world problem-solving, this program empowers you to become a scholar-practitioner who blends academic excellence with practical innovation.

Create Knowledge that Matters
Tackle real-world challenges with advanced research skills and a focus on actionable solutions. Your doctoral research isn’t just theory—it’s designed to make a lasting impact in organizations and communities.

Build Skills for Transformative Leadership
Develop the expertise to lead change with confidence. Master systems thinking, entrepreneurial approaches, and strategies to navigate complexity and create sustainable solutions.

Learn from Expert Faculty
Our faculty bring real-world experience and scholarly expertise to mentor you every step of the way—from coursework to impactful dissertation research.

Shape Your Own Path
With personalized learning options, flexible electives, and tailored support, you can align your studies with your unique goals and career ambitions.

Thrive in a Collaborative Community
Join a dynamic cohort of leaders, researchers, and innovators from diverse fields. Engage in interactive seminars, collaborative projects, and vibrant discussions that inspire fresh ideas and broaden your perspective.

Be the Catalyst for Change
At WMU, you’ll gain the tools to transform theory into action and lead meaningful change. Step into a program that prepares you to drive progress, inspire innovation, and shape a better future for organizations and society.

Program of Study

The Ph.D. in Education and Human Development with a concentration in Organizational Change Leadership is designed for professionals ready to transform organizations and create meaningful societal impact. This 60-credit program builds on your master’s degree, equipping you with cutting-edge knowledge, advanced research expertise, and practical skills to lead and innovate in complex organizational environments.

With a focus on scholarship, this program integrates foundational coursework, rigorous research training, and dissertation development. You’ll emerge as a scholar capable of advancing knowledge in the field while driving real-world organizational change.

Explore courses

Course schedule

The 4-year plan below is a sample program plan. It serves as a model from which students develop their own plans. Keep in mind that these plans change as schedules evolve over time.

4 Year Plan

Year	Semester	Course	Course Title
Year One	Fall	OCL 6400	Foundations in Organizational Change Leadership
		OCL 6475	Understanding the Field of Organizational Change Leadership Seminar
	Spring	OCL 6430	Group Dynamics & Team Development
		OCL 6475	Seminar in OCL Research Methods
	Summer I	EMR 5400	Fundamentals of Evaluation, Measurement, and Research
	Summer II	OCL 6890	Special Topics in Organizational Change Leadership
Year Two	Fall	EMR 6450	Data Analytics I
		OCL 6410	Organizational Culture and Globalization
	Spring	OCL 6440	Large Scale Change and Organization Design
		OCL 6480	Qualitative Research Methods
	Summer I	EMR 6490	Philosophy of Inquiry
	Summer II	EMR 6770	Ethnographic Research Methods
Year Three	Fall	OCL 6475	Publishing Seminar in OCL
		OCL 6450	Leading the Talent Ecosystem
	Spring	EMR 6650	Data Analytics II: Correlational Studies
		EMR 6580	Qualitative Practicum
	Summer I	OCL 3700	Dissertation Coursework (3/12)
	Summer II	OCL 3700	Dissertation Coursework (6/12)
Year Four	Fall	OCL 3700	Dissertation Coursework (9/12)
	Spring	OCL 3700	Dissertation Coursework (12/12)

Download course rotation

Comprehensive Portfolio

The Comprehensive Portfolio Model sets this program apart, providing students with a personalized, hands-on pathway to demonstrate mastery in research, teaching, grant writing, and organizational change.

This innovative portfolio approach enables students to go beyond traditional coursework and exams. You will create real-world impact by publishing original research, designing and teaching courses, writing and submitting competitive grants, or leading change initiatives in diverse organizational settings. Every step is intentionally crafted to bridge academic theory with practical application, empowering you to tackle complex challenges and contribute meaningful solutions to the field of organizational development and change.

Dissertations

Student dissertations in the Ph.D. in Organizational Change Leadership program at Western Michigan University exemplify the program’s commitment to advancing knowledge and improving organizations and society. Each dissertation reflects the unique perspectives, rigorous research, and innovative thinking of our scholar-practitioners, addressing critical topics that shape the future of leadership, organizational transformation, and societal impact.

From uncovering the dynamics of discretionary effort to exploring the intersection of AI and workplace well-being, these dissertations demonstrate the power of original research to inform practice and drive meaningful change. Here are some examples of the groundbreaking work conducted by our students:

From Pages to Pixels: Library Workers’ Perceptions of Power in the Digital Era by Sean F. Gaffney
Investigating the Impacts of AI Integration on Workplace Well-being: An Exploratory Case Study by Anezka Viskova-Robertson
The Unconscious at Work: A Psychosocial Study of Leaders’ Unconscious Processes Impacting Participatory Change Leadership by Vanessa Hills
Mothering, Career & Leadership: A Narrative Analysis by Joanne S. Roehm
Leadership Ways of the Three Fires Anishinaabek by Grace Mae Boda

Admissions requirements

To learn about admission requirements, please visit the Graduate College's webpage.

Learn more

Application information

We get it—leaders don’t always follow the calendar. That’s why our PhD in Organizational Change Leadership (OCL) offers rolling admissions, giving you the flexibility to apply anytime and start in the Fall, Spring, or Summer semesters, depending on when your application is complete.

Here’s How It Works:

Apply when it makes sense for you—we review applications on a rolling basis.
Get a decision quickly—once your application is complete, we move fast.
Start in the Fall, Spring, or Summer—no need to wait for the traditional academic cycle.

Applications are due:

July 30, for the Fall semester

November 30, for the Spring semester

April 30, for the Summer semester

Dynamic summer residency

The program features a dynamic summer residency in Kalamazoo, where all students come together to engage deeply with current research in the field, refine their own research agendas, design their comprehensive portfolios, and develop individualized program plans. Equally important, the residency fosters a vibrant community—creating invaluable opportunities for collaboration, mentoring, and professional networking.