Managing Change Is About Leading People

New technology implementations, restructuring efforts and workflow changes often fail for the same reason: people do not feel prepared, informed or supported through the transition. Not surprisingly, demand for change management skills has increased by 14% in the past year and is expected to continue rising, according to Lightcast™ (May 2026). 

For many managers and team leaders, the hardest part of organizational change is that they are often not consulted before the change is announced—yet they are expected to champion it, explain it and bring their entire team along on the change journey. Much of the challenge comes down to communication, alignment and the ability to guide people through uncertainty in real time. However, professionals are frequently asked to lead change initiatives without formal training in stakeholder engagement or communication strategies, and often without a clear understanding of organizational readiness. 

The Change Management Certificate from the University of Minnesota College of Continuing and Professional Studies is designed to give professionals practical skills to lead change initiatives with greater confidence and clarity. Through instructor-led online courses, participants learn how to assess readiness and engage stakeholders effectively. They also build skills to navigate resistance and apply proven change management frameworks to organizational challenges across a range of settings. 

The program also explores the growing role of AI in organizational change, helping learners understand how emerging tools can support communication, planning and implementation efforts while maintaining responsible governance practices.

“Organizations are navigating continuous transformation, from technology adoption and operational shifts to evolving workforce expectations,” says Molly Hahne, associate director of Professional Development Programs at the College of Continuing and Professional Studies. “This certificate was designed to help professionals lead change in ways that are practical, people-centered and responsive to the realities of organizational transition.”

Three Online Courses Focus on Practical Application

The certificate consists of three six-week courses that guide learners through the full lifecycle of organizational change:

• Change Leadership focuses on the human side of change, helping learners understand how individuals process uncertainty and resistance during periods of transition. Participants develop communication approaches and stakeholder engagement strategies that build trust and encourage long-term adoption.
• Change Management Toolkit introduces widely used frameworks such as ADKAR, Kotter’s 8-Step Model and Lewin’s 3-Step Model. Through readiness assessments and stakeholder analysis, learners apply these frameworks to organizational challenges while developing communication plans that support implementation efforts.
• Executing and Sustaining Change emphasizes implementation and long-term adoption strategies. Participants explore approaches for addressing resistance, measuring organizational impact and responsibly incorporating AI tools into change management planning while developing a comprehensive implementation plan.

Courses are delivered in an online format that combines flexibility with live interaction and applied learning. Each six-week course blends independent coursework with weekly 90-minute Zoom sessions where learners engage directly with instructors and peers. Participants benefit from learning alongside professionals across a range of industries, roles and organizational contexts, with the added opportunity for employer-sponsored groups to participate together. 

A Human-Centered Approach to Organizational Change

The program was codeveloped by instructor Duriel Johnson, who brings experience in organizational leadership, workforce development and change facilitation.

“Successful change management is not just about process. It’s about understanding how people experience change and creating the conditions that help them move forward,” says Johnson, a change management professional with over 15 years of experience. “When leaders can communicate clearly, build trust and support adoption thoughtfully, organizations are far more likely to achieve meaningful and lasting results.”

Throughout the certificate, learners apply concepts to practical workplace scenarios and complete projects they can immediately bring back to their organizations. Students are evaluated through applied assignments and project-based work that reinforce implementation planning, communication and organizational readiness strategies.

The program is designed for professionals across industries, including project managers, HR professionals, operations leaders, team leads and mid-level managers who are helping organizations navigate change initiatives.