Organizational Change Leadership Ph.D. (Online)

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

Upcoming dates: June 25-26, 2026

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