Northwestern Launches MOD for Emerging Leaders
Applications are open for Northwestern University’s new Master of Science in Organizational Dynamics (MOD) for recent college graduates seeking to become leaders in learning, change, and innovation across today’s complex workplaces.
Part of the School of Education and Social Policy’s Master’s in Learning and Organizational Change (MSLOC) portfolio, the newest interdisciplinary graduate program builds on the School’s legacy of shaping people-focused leaders who know how to work with different points of view and help create meaningful change in all kinds of workplaces — like businesses, government offices, schools, and non-profit groups.
“The MOD program helps us extend SESP’s mission by preparing recent college graduates to become thoughtful, inclusive, and impact-driven leaders who can navigate complexity and foster positive change in any environment,” said School of Education and Social Policy Dean Bryan McKinley Jones Brayboy. “It’s a bold, forward-thinking offering grounded in SESP’s expertise, our values, and the needs of today’s world.”
The application period for the Fall 2025 cohort closes June 10.
An Accelerated, Hands-on Learning Experience
MOD students complete the program full-time within 10-12 months on Northwestern’s Evanston campus, typically beginning the program in September and graduating in June the following year. Through case studies, simulations, client-informed projects, and practical coursework, students apply evidence-based tools to real organizational challenges, building practical skills that translate directly to professional roles. The program includes:
· 9 core courses in people, organizations, and analysis and design
· 3 electives in areas such as project management, human development, technology implementation, or organizational design
· Intensive development in communication, cultural competence, team effectiveness, and ethical leadership
Students will be prepared to meet challenges in corporate, nonprofit, educational, and government settings — all within a collaborative cohort model that values diverse perspectives.
“MOD is designed specifically for emerging leaders who are intellectually curious, socially conscious, and ready to grow,” said Kimberly Scott, associate dean for innovation and program development at the School of Education and Social Policy.
“The curriculum reflects the real-world challenges that new college graduates will face in the workplace—and prepares them with a strong foundation in both evidence-based practice and problem-solving skills," said Scott, who also serves as executive director for MOD, as well as the Master’s in Learning and Organizational Change (MSLOC) and the Executive Learning and Organizational Change (ELOC) programs.
Career development is another distinguishing feature of this program. MOD students have access to MSLOC’s extensive Career Center resources, coaching, and alumni network.
“MOD offers us an ideal opportunity to work with students at such a formative time in their careers,” said Terrence Roche, an instructor for the Master’s in Organizational Design and Master’s in Learning and Organizational Change programs. “It’s about equipping emerging leaders with the tools, confidence, and vision to create meaningful, human-centered change—wherever they go.”
Built for Emerging Leaders
MOD is designed for early-career students who want to hit the ground running:
· Eligibility: College graduates with less than two years of work experience
· Combined Pathway: Northwestern undergraduates can begin early through a combined bachelor’s-MOD degree option
· Career Readiness: Graduates are positioned for entry-level to early-career roles in HR, talent and organizational development, consulting, change management, and more
Keep Exploring
· Learn more about the curriculum and course schedule.
· Learn more about the learning and organizational change concentration for undergraduates.
· Explore our Master’s in Learning and Organizational Change program, which is designed for those with more than two years of work experience.