Executive Master's in Change Leadership MA

Requirements

“I’m looking towards more complex problems and creating effective partnerships with other practitioners and I’ve realized it’s really valuable to have access to the Organizational Development language we’re learning in XMA. Change is not going to be something that’s initiated by just one individual. Back at our organizations, we are not going to be able to achieve anything alone. At Google, our work, our success, and our projects are all based on team success. And so being able to communicate change in a clear way is of the utmost importance.”

Alana Weiss - Google

“We’re tackling the issue of the culture of people not speaking up. If people don’t speak up then there’s no diversity of views from which to make decisions. And therefore we are poorer for it and we will not be able to compete as well in the marketplace for the next 15 years.”

Peter Goh - Government of Singapore Investment Corporation

"Given the ever changing complexity of our business environments and the different places where we do business in the world, it is important to expand my knowledge and be able to access different theoretical frameworks to address the non-conventional diversity challenges I may face."

Jose Vicuna - Shell Exploration and Production

It’s been a phenomenal insight into why some things have happened historically in our organization. I’m starting to see things that I think other people might be missing because I’m looking at them through a systemic point of view."

Amanda Dunn Kelly - Bank of America

A graduate student has an animated conversation with his peers at TC.

Admission Information

Displaying requirements for the Spring 2027, Summer 2027, and Fall 2027 terms.

Master of Arts

Points/Credits: 39
Entry Terms: Summer
Enrollment Formats: Full-Time Cohort

Application Deadlines

Entry Term Available	Priority Deadlines	Final Deadlines	Extended Deadlines
Spring	N/A	N/A	N/A
Summer	January 15, 2027	March 15, 2027	N/A
Fall	N/A	N/A	N/A

Select programs remain open beyond our standard application deadlines, such as those with an extended deadline or those that are rolling (open until June or July). If your program is rolling or has an extended deadline indicated above, applications are reviewed as they are received and on a space-available basis. We recommend you complete your application as soon as possible as these programs can close earlier if full capacity has been met.

Application Requirements

	Requirement
	Online Degree Application, including Statement of Purpose and Resume
	Transcripts and/or Course-by-Course Evaluations for all Undergraduate/Graduate Coursework Completed
	Results from an accepted English Proficiency Exam (if applicable)
	$75 Application Fee
	Two (2) Letters of Recommendation
	Supplemental application required (included in online application)
	Interview (phone, video, or in-person) required for finalists only
	Work Product
	Organizational Sponsorship

For admission-related inquiries, please contact ORLadmission@tc.columbia.edu.

Additional Information

While applicants can submit an application for Summer 2027, the Executive Master's in Change Leadership Master of Arts program will not bring in a new cohort of students until the Summer 2028 term. All applicants who gain admission for Summer 2027 will be deferred to Summer 2028. For more information, please visit the program's website.

Request Info Apply Now

Additional Degree Information

Module 1: Change Leadership Theory & Foundations

Module 1 focuses on the core principles and practices necessary for understanding and changing today’s organizations, including key insights into the psychology of human behavior in the workplace and the basic knowledge required for effective change leadership. Grounded in systems theory, Module 1 includes core content related to organization development, change and consultation, including phases of the consulting and applied research cycles as well as inputs on organization strategy, design and diagnosis. Using an actual client consultation as a guide, executives leave the first Module with a solid theoretical understanding of organization change and development, the relevant business concepts required to execute that understanding and the key frameworks and practices needed to lead change processes in their organizations. Considerable emphasis is also placed on building a cohesive and trusting learning community among members of the cohort.

Systems Thinking
Organization Change: Theory, Research & Practice
Organization Structure & Design
Business Strategy

Module 2: Group & Team Dynamics

Having focused in Module 1 on the foundational aspects of change leadership, Module 2 of the Program asks executives to consider how individual behavior in organizations is impacted by the dynamic and often covert processes that occur while working in groups and teams, thereby deepening their understanding of the change process. Grounded in systems theory and psychodynamic approaches to understanding group life, Module 2 includes core content areas related to group relations, diversity, intercultural communication and intergroup dynamics. Using a three-day experiential conference as a hands-on opportunity to learn about group dynamics, executives leave the second Module with an integrated framework for understanding how the rational change processes and models explored in Module 1 are further illuminated or undermined by anxiety, psychodynamic forces and intercultural challenges. Executives are also asked to consider the application of group dynamics to their own learning community and their experiences in it.

Group Dynamics: A Systems Approach
Group Relations Conference
Diversity & Intercultural Communication
Team Leadership & Facilitation

Module 3: Individual & Interpersonal Dynamics

Having examined change leadership at both the organizational and group levels, the focus of Module 3 of the Program is on the individual competencies needed to lead change successfully, including and most importantly a thorough understanding of one’s own leadership strengths and derailers as well as a basic proficiency in the skills required for leading others. Grounded in a suite of valid psychometric assessments, Module 3 includes core content areas related to leadership development, self-awareness, coaching and conflict resolution / negotiation. Using a series of feedback experiences as an invitation for individual discovery and transformation, executives leave the third Module with a clear understanding of their potential as leaders, the theoretical and practical knowledge needed to lead and develop others, and the interpersonal awareness and coaching skills required to do so effectively. Executives also consider how such awareness can be leveraged to benefit the Program’s learning community.

Leadership Self-Development
Leadership Development of Others
Conflict Resolution/Negotiation
Coaching

Module 4: Change Leadership Frontiers

Having examined both the theoretical foundations of change leadership as well as themselves as change leaders, Module 4 presents executives with an opportunity to consider innovative and underutilized approaches to change leadership that extend beyond the traditional organization development literature. Grounded in the most recent change leadership competency research and the features of successful change efforts, Module 4 includes core content areas related to organizational politics and influence, cutting-edge approaches to change management, and leadership and change sustainability. Using another actual client consultation as an opportunity to integrate their learning throughout the Program, executives leave the fourth Module with a unique and forward-facing knowledge and skill-base that will differentiate them as change leaders in today’s flattened, 21st century organization. Considerable emphasis is also placed on reviewing the cohort’s journey as a learning community and exploring the ways in which the group has understood its collective experience.

Advancements in Leading Change I: Change Management
Advancements in Leading Change Ii: Politics & Influence
Global Leadership Sustainability
Contemporary Issues in Organizational Life

Requirements from the TC Catalog (AY 2025-2026)

Displaying catalog information for the Fall 2025, Spring 2026 and Summer 2026 terms.

View Full Catalog Listing

View Other Degrees