Overview

The Learning and Organizational Change program of Northwestern University offers students knowledge and skills about leading, anticipating, and responding to change. This concentration draws from theoretical and empirical research and practice from disciplines as diverse as the organization and management sciences, learning sciences, sociology, psychology, economics, and design.

All LOC students complete a one-quarter practicum internship for academic credit during their junior year, during which they put into practice the skills and knowledge introduced in the classroom. The experience also includes conducting social science research. The program is offered year-round in Chicago and during the summer in San Francisco and Washington, D.C.

• Recent LOC practicum sites have included the following:

• Mission Measurement

• The Cambridge Group

• HUB International

• Chicago Public Schools

• Evanston Township High School

In addition to core courses in life span development, quantitative and qualitative research, and statistics, students have the flexibility to tailor the program to their own interests. Many students choose to specialize, double major or minor while maintaining LOC as their primary focus. Classes typically encourage team projects, presentations, frequent discussions, and reflection.

Career paths

With a strong interdisciplinary understanding of forces of organizational change, learning and organizational majors are well prepared for leadership with for-profit and nonprofit organizations. Some graduates go directly into the workforce upon graduation while others go to graduate school or pursue a fellowship. Graduates who enter the workforce often pursue jobs in consulting, change management, instructional design, training or organizational development. Below are some examples of jobs and graduate degree programs that recent learning and organizational change majors have entered.