Our world is full of systems and policies that affect how individuals learn, grow and relate to one another. Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development (OLPD) studies how those systems and policies are shaped by culture and power. We prepare leaders and researchers to transform our education and organizations for the better.
We teach our students how to design, test, implement, and revise our institutional strategies in both the public and private sectors, from the international to the local level. Our students gain practical experiences in creating approaches to increase social and economic development, foster human flourishing, disrupt power structures, and promote a more just society.
Recent articles
Ardichvili named to AHRD Hall of Fame
Alexandre Ardichvili, Professor and Hellervik Chair in Leadership and Adult Career Development, was inducted into the Academy of Human Resource Development (AHRD) Hall of Fame at the AHRD 2024 Annual Conference held in February.
Upcoming events
Public Oral Defense: Erin Flicker
Erin Flicker, PhD Candidate in Evaluation Studies, will present "Navigating the Evaluation Theory Labyrinth: Using Nonlinear Program Theory Modelling to Evaluate Evaluation Theory."
Public Oral Defense: Nisma Elias (CIDE)
Nisma Elias, PhD Candidate in Comparative and International Development Education, will present "Learning in the Shadows : Socialization into Elite Status through Private Tutoring Education in Urban Bangladesh."
Public Oral Defense: Frannie Becquer
Frannie Becquer, PhD Candidate in Education Policy and Leadership, will present "Cultivating Educators of Color: The Role of School in Shaping Students of Color’s Perceptions About Teaching."
Panpan Zhang Public Oral Defense
Panpan Zhang, Doctoral Candidate in Human Resource Development, will be presenting on "Gig Working Relationships: A Grounded Theory Study on the Dynamics between Gig Workers and Digital Platforms."
Public Oral Defense: Leslie Boey
Leslie Boey, PhD Candidate in Higher Education, will present "Anti-Asian Racism and the Critical Identity Development of Asian American College Students During COVID-19."
identify “ability to work in a team” as a top attribute they seek in new hires.
Source: Job Outlook 2020, National Association of Colleges and Employers
Undergraduate programs
Business and marketing education
Learn a broad set of skills to prepare for a variety of careers, from positions in Fortune 500 companies, entrepreneurial startups, and international organizations to nonprofit management.
Human resource development
Gain the skills you need to offer workplace training and contribute to organizational development in a variety of public and private organizations.
Graduate program tracks
Comparative and international development education
Examine educational ideas, practices, and systems through a global lens and foster understanding of transcultural issues and trends in education.
Education policy and leadership
Work to continuously improve educational quality and effectiveness so that young people graduate from secondary education well-prepared to continue their learning and contribute to their communities.
Evaluation studies
earn what works. Study evaluation theory and practice and inform the decision-making process in a variety of fields.
Higher education
Investigate the experiences, practices and decisions of those involved in post-secondary educations as well as the socio-political contexts in which higher education exists.
Human resource development
Study the ways in which people find meaning and thrive in their workplaces, and cultivate the conditions that empower people to be the best versions of themselves at work.
Contact information
For general questions about our department, contact:
Undergraduate studies
612-625-9087
ugolpd@umn.edu
Graduate studies
612-626-9377
olpd@umn.edu
Main office
612-624-1006