Creativity and Change Leadership, GCP

About the Program

Ongoing development of leadership models during the last century has drawn a close connection between creativity and leadership. At the core of many current leadership models is the concept of change—how to foster and manage it. This concept is clearly reflected in the language used to describe the essence of leadership today. For instance, many leadership theories focus on visionary, transformational, and change leadership. In addition, the view that leadership consists of a set of specific attributes that one has or does not have has shifted to an understanding that leadership skills can be learned and developed.

The ability to think creatively is an essential leadership skill. Often, a leader must act as a catalyst for change and when we engage in creative thinking our goal is to bring about change, i.e., to bring about an idea, solution or concept that helps us to meet an important goal or to address a complex challenge. Thus, it is imperative for leaders to learn how to facilitate their own creative thinking, as well as those they work with, to bring about productive change (i.e., new products, services, resolution to problems, opportunities, etc.).

The purpose of the State University of New York graduate certificate program in creativity and change leadership is to provide students with the knowledge and skills that can put them in a better position to operate as change leaders. Leadership is a process. This certificate program teaches students how to better manage this process.

The program applies more than 50 years of research, development, and practice in the field of creativity toward leadership development. The program is not designed strictly for those in formal leadership roles; anyone can learn how to positively influence others as a leader. Leadership is about action, not position.

After completing this graduate certificate program, students can submit an application to continue with the master’s degree in creativity and change leadership (i.e., all courses taken to fulfill the certificate can be applied to the master's degree).

The master’s degree and certificate program are offered on the Buffalo State campus and to distance students (i.e., all graduate courses are available as online synchronous courses). Students who wish to earn a master’s degree in creativity via distance must begin in the certificate program. Distance students are required to have five years of professional experience.

For a description of the distance program (i.e., graduate certificate in creativity and change leadership for professionals) go to the department's webpage.