Academics
Graduate Programs
Graduate Programs
Creativity and Change Leadership, Graduate Certificate Program
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 a view that leadership skills can be learned.
The ability to think creatively is an essential leadership skill: the creative process brings about change. Often, a leader must act as a catalyst for change. 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 choose to continue with the master’s degree in creativity.
The master’s program and certificate program are offered on the Buffalo State
campus and to distance students. 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 www.buffalostate.edu/creativity/programs.xml.
About the Center for Studies in Creativity Department
244 Chase Hall
1300 Elmwood Ave
Buffalo, NY 14222
Phone: (716) 878-6223
Fax: (716) 878-4040
www.buffalostate.edu/creativity
Contact Faculty and Staff in the Center for Studies in Creativity Department
Admission Requirements
1. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum
cumulative GPA of 2.5 (4.0 scale). Preference is given to those with GPAs of 3.0 or higher.
2. A written statement of the applicant’s professional or educational goals and how a graduate certificate in creativity supports these goals.
3. Two letters of reference (forms provided by department, or download from
www.buffalostate.edu/creativity).
4. Five years of professional experience (distance learning program applicants only).
5. Successful review by the Graduate Admissions Committee.
In addition, all applicants should review the Admission to a Graduate Program
section in this catalog.
Program Requirements
Required Courses (15 credits)
CRS 559 Principles in Creative Problem Solving
CRS 560 Foundations of Creative Learning
CRS 580 Creativity Assessment: Methods and Resources
CRS 610 Facilitation of Group Problem Solving
CRS 635 Creativity and Change Leadership
Elective Course (3 credits)
Select one course from the following:
CRS 625 Current Issues in Creative Studies
CRS 670 Foundations in Teaching and Training Creativity
Total Required Credit Hours (18 credits)
All courses are 3 credit hours unless otherwise indicated.
