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Learning and Organizational Change (LOC)

Type of Program: Major
Educational Purpose/Goal:

Interdisciplinary study of how organizations and the individuals within them use knowledge and learning to create and respond to change within their environments.

LOC addresses the forces of change including technology, globalization and changing demographics, and the theories and applications of learning, innovation, and knowledge sharing.

The program draws upon current research in the learning sciences and organizational behavior.
Program Structure:

Concentration courses cover topics related to organizational behavior, cognition and change.

Students must also take eleven approved courses from around the university to develop a specialization in how they intend to apply LOC.

Core classes are required in Human Development, Statistics and Social Science research methods.

A four-credit practicum is required during the junior year which students may complete in Chicago or over the summer quarter in Chicago, Washington D.C. or San Francisco.
Target Audience:

Students who are passionate about making positive changes within the organizations in which they participate thrive in the Learning and Organizational Change program.

Because of the pre-requisites required for the junior year practicum, students should transfer to the School of Education and Social Policy (SESP) by the end of their sophomore year.
Participation/Entrance Requirements:

Students are required to transfer to SESP in order to complete the program.

In order to transfer, students must attend an information session.

At that meeting, they will receive an application and instructions for completing the necessary forms.
Sample Classes:
  • Studies in Organizational Change
  • Learning and Thinking in Organizations
  • Team Dynamics
  • Modern Organizations and Innovation

Courses from the approved course list.
Special Features:
  • Junior Year Practicum
  • Honors Thesis for students with a 3.5 GPA or higher
  • Small course sizes
  • Staff Advising
Contact Information: Once students have attended an information session (offered virtually for the time being), they should reach out to Jasmine Tucker, the SESP Student Affairs Program Coordinator (jasmine.tucker@northwestern.edu) to request that she schedule an appointment with you and a SESP academic adviser.
Additional Information: http://www.sesp.northwestern.edu/ugrad/learning-and-organizational-change/index.html