Application Deadlines
Applicants are encouraged to complete their applications by these dates to receive an admissions decision before course registration begins.
Fall 2026 start: March 10, 2026
Transfer Application Deadline: February 15, 2026
Admission Requirements
The Human and Organizational Leadership Development (HOLD) program welcomes UNC–Chapel Hill undergraduate students who are interested in leadership, organizational development, and making a meaningful impact across sectors. Students may apply to HOLD after establishing the minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. While GPA is an important consideration, the HOLD admissions committee takes a holistic approach and understands that GPA reflects only one dimension of an applicant’s preparation.
Successful applicants typically demonstrate academic readiness, strong communication and leadership potential, and a clear interest in supporting people and systems within organizations. Students are encouraged to monitor their application status regularly to ensure all materials are submitted and received on time.
Note: Only potential applicants with three or more semesters remaining before their anticipated graduation date are considered.
Personal Essay
Why are you interested in pursuing a degree in Human and Organizational Leadership Development? You may include educational, professional, volunteer, and personal experiences that contributed to your interest in learning about how to understand organizations, develop leadership skills, and collaborate with diverse stakeholders to effectively lead change and strategize in organizational settings. Describe how these experiences expanded your knowledge of how people lead and engage in groups, organizations, and communities. Discuss your professional goals and describe how a degree in HOLD will prepare you for accomplishing those goals.
Resume
A standard resume is required. Career services can assist you with preparing a resume. Please be sure to include your experiences working with and leading organizations, either through work, volunteer efforts, and co-curricular activities, along with the duration of each experience. For extra-curricular activities at UNC-Chapel Hill, describe any special roles you have fulfilled, such as being an officer or heading a committee. Some of this information could be included in your essay.
Admission Process
Current UNC-Chapel Hill Undergraduate Students
To apply to the HOLD major, you must first request a major change within ConnectCarolina. Once you have submitted the request to change your major in ConnectCarolina, you will receive an email from UNC’s application system, Slate, that includes a link to the online application. Please note that it may take 24-72 hours to receive the application email.
All application materials are submitted electronically. No hard copy materials are accepted. By submitting an application to the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Education, consent is granted to university staff to obtain any additional or missing information as needed, including Campus Safety Information.
Note: The application includes a test score section; however, it is not required, as test scores are not mandatory for admission.
Transfer Students
Students transferring to UNC–Chapel Hill from another institution may apply to HOLD as junior transfers. Applications may be submitted during their first semester at Carolina or through the Common Application.
- Create an account and start your Common Application.
- Submit the Common Application, the Common Application supplement, and application fee.
- For the School of Education Common Application supplement, upload your response to the following question: “Why are you interested in pursuing the Human and Organizational Leadership Development major?”
- Submit official transcripts from all secondary and post-secondary schools to:
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Jackson Hall, Campus Box 2200
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-2200
After you submit your application, you will receive instructions for creating your MyCarolina account, which will allow you to view the status of your application, including your admission decision. Be sure to check your MyCarolina account frequently for important application updates.
Transfer students must complete all application steps by February 15, 2026. You will be notified of an admissions decision by mid-April.
Review Process
All applications are reviewed by HOLD faculty, who assess each applicant’s individual strengths and alignment with the program. Admitted students bring a range of experiences — some with high academic achievement, others with strong service backgrounds or demonstrated leadership potential. The review process is designed to identify students who are well-suited to thrive in the HOLD program and contribute meaningfully to its community.
Upon Admission
Students who are accepted must formally accept their offer of admission in ConnectCarolina in order to officially declare the HOLD major. While the final deadline to accept is in August, students are encouraged to respond within 14 days of receiving their decision. Early acceptance allows students to enroll in courses reserved for HOLD majors and access program-specific advising.