Credit Hours

The HOLD curriculum includes 13 courses totaling 45 credit hours.

Career Outcomes

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of leadership careers in human resources, education policy and administration, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies.

Capstone Project

The program culminates in a capstone project that challenges students to address a real and relevant organizational issue drawn from their own experiences.

Honors Program

Students may apply to the School of Education Honors Program, which provides research experience while engaging in a thesis project alongside faculty mentors.
Human and Organizational Leadership Development student presents during the capstone symposium in Peabody Hall on the UNC-Chapel Hill campus.
Interdisciplinary Preparation for Purpose-Driven Leadership

About the Program

The interdisciplinary HOLD program prepares students to understand, lead, and work effectively within a broad range of organizations focused on learning and human development — including businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies. Through coursework grounded in the science of learning, organizational and leadership theory, research methods, and data-informed decision-making, students learn to cultivate an organization’s capacity as skilled collaborators and communicators, keen observers of social structure and dynamics, and careful data consumers and analysts.

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Students in a HOLD class listen to a lecture.
Learning Through Theory and Practice

Program Benefits

  • Explore interdisciplinary perspectives across education, social science, policy, data analytics, leadership, and more
  • Build versatile skills that translate across sectors and settings
  • Complete a career-aligned capstone that showcases your interests
  • Take part in high-impact, real-world learning that prepares you to lead with purpose
  • Join a community of alumni who drive organizational change in service of the greater good
“HOLD has prepared me to do literally anything. The multidisciplinary approach teaches us how to run an organization in at least five different ways, and the capstone experience and faculty support that we receive builds our confidence.”
Romallus Dew '23 — Director of Event Staffing at EATS2SEATS
Students at an undergraduate welcome event for the UNC School of Education.
Analysis, Synthesis, and Research

School of Education Honors Program

Students in the Human and Organizational Leadership Development program may apply to the School of Education Honors Program, which offers participants the opportunity to sharpen their skills in analysis, synthesis, and research while engaging in a thesis project alongside faculty mentors. This experience allows outstanding students to graduate from both the University and the School of Education with honors — a distinction that can be especially beneficial for those pursuing graduate or professional studies.

In the Honors Program, you will receive dedicated mentorship and support throughout your thesis journey from a thesis mentor you choose based on shared interests.

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About the HOLD Program