The Human and Organizational Leadership Development (HOLD) program prepares students to lead people in businesses, nonprofits, government agencies, and other organizations. Through interdisciplinary coursework in learning sciences, leadership and organizational theory, research methods, and data‑informed decision making, students build skills in collaboration, communication, and data analysis needed to support effective, learning‑focused organizations. The major consists of 45 credit hours.
In the Human and Organizational Leadership Development (HOLD) program, you will learn how to understand, lead, and work effectively to help organizations—and the people within them—learn, grow, and thrive. You will learn to analyze organizational dynamics and use data to drive improvement. The program also includes hands‑on learning experiences, and a career‑aligned capstone that allows you to apply your skills in real‑world settings.
The Human and Organizational Leadership Development (HOLD) program is best suited for undergraduate students who want to understand how people learn, how organizations function, and how leaders create positive change, as well as students drawn to careers in business, non‑profits, education, human resources, consulting, or government, and for anyone who wants to help organizations—and the people within them—learn, grow, and thrive.
The Human and Organizational Leadership Development (HOLD) program differs from traditional business or management degrees by focusing on people, learning, and organizational development rather than business functions like finance, accounting, or marketing. Grounded in learning sciences, organizational theory, and data‑informed decision making, the program prepares students for learning‑oriented, mission‑driven organizations where strong communication, collaboration, and leadership skills are essential.
The capstone is a required hands‑on, real‑world learning experience where HOLD students apply their coursework to an organizational challenge. Students partner with an external organization — like a business, nonprofit, school, or government agency — to analyze a challenge related to learning, leadership, or organizational development and develop data‑informed, evidence‑based recommendations. They then implement these recommendations, focused on principals of improvement science and the sustainability of their efforts. The capstone integrates academic learning with practical experience and professional skill building, building your resume and skillset for the future. Student must enroll in EDUC 585 the term before the capstone semester. EDUC 695 (capstone) is offered in the spring and the summer terms.
Yes. Many students in the Human and Organizational Leadership Development (HOLD) program choose to pursue a second major or a minor alongside HOLD. The program’s interdisciplinary focus and flexible coursework make it possible to explore additional academic interests. Students who are interested in having a double major or minor should schedule a meeting with a School of Education advisor as soon as possible, in order to plan accordingly.
Some Human and Organizational Leadership Development (HOLD) courses may count toward General Education requirements, depending on the course and the University’s official General Education designations. Because HOLD is an interdisciplinary major, several courses offered through the program appear on UNC’s approved General Education course list.
Yes. Students majoring in Human and Organizational Leadership Development are eligible to participate in the School of Education’s Honors Program. This opportunity allows highly motivated students to engage in advanced research coursework and complete an original senior honors thesis under the guidance of a faculty advisor. Applications for this program are open annually in the spring. Students should plan to apply when they are a junior. Please review our honors program website for program requirements and expectations.
The Human and Organizational Leadership Development (HOLD) program welcomes current UNC-Chapel Hill undergraduates and transfer students who meet GPA requirements and are ready to declare a major. The program admits students for fall and spring entry. First-year students with no dual enrollment experience (incoming transfer credit), must establish a UNC GPA before being eligible to apply. Transfer students are eligible to apply as early as their first term at Carolina.
Current students can apply to the Human and Organizational Leadership Development (HOLD) program at any time by submitting a change of major request via ConnectCarolina.
Students apply to the Human and Organizational Leadership Development (HOLD) program by first requesting a change of major in ConnectCarolina. After submitting the major‑change request, you will receive an automated email from Carolina’s application system with a link to the online application (Please note that it may take 24–72 hours to receive the application email after initiating the change‑of‑major request). All materials, including your personal essay and resume, are submitted electronically through this system. Once your application is complete, it is reviewed, and admitted students can officially declare the major by accepting their offer in ConnectCarolina.
Yes. Transfer students are welcome to apply to the Human and Organizational Leadership Development (HOLD) program as junior transfers. Students transferring to UNC–Chapel Hill may apply during their first semester at Carolina or through the Common Application.
Yes. Many students in the Human and Organizational Leadership Development (HOLD) program choose to study abroad while in the program. You are encouraged to speak with a School of Education advisor to discuss course planning options and study abroad timing.
Tuition and fees for undergraduate programs are set by the University and assessed each semester. For the most up-to-date tuition and fee information, please visit the University Cashier website. Students are encouraged to explore a variety of tuition and financial aid options when considering an undergraduate degree from UNC-Chapel Hill. Support may include scholarships, loans, grants, federal work-study, and campus employment through the UNC Office of Scholarships & Student Aid, along with School of Education Scholarships, Fellowships, and Awards.
Note: To be considered for all scholarship financial aid opportunities offered through the UNC School of Education and the University, students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the designated deadline.
For questions about admissions, program requirements, or advising, contact the Office of Student Affairs at education_studentaffairs@unc.edu, attend an upcoming virtual information session, or schedule an appointment with an undergraduate advisor.