Creativity in Action: A Doctorate for Professional Leaders
About the Program
The Center for Applied Imagination is proud to offer Buffalo State University’s first doctoral program. Reflecting the Center’s long-standing applied approach to creativity and creative problem solving, this degree is offered as a doctorate of professional practice rather than a traditional Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). Students pursuing this advanced level of study earn a Doctor of Professional Studies (DPS) in Creativity and Change Leadership. An applied doctorate emphasizes the integration of theory and research with professional practice, enabling students to address complex, real-world challenges while generating knowledge that has immediate relevance and impact in organizational, educational, and community settings.
Buffalo State’s DPS in Creativity and Change Leadership is designed for experienced professionals seeking an advanced, applied educational experience focused on innovation, leadership, and meaningful change. This terminal degree aligns closely with the Center for Applied Imagination’s mission and with the needs of the professionals the program is intended to serve. Designed to attract mid-career professionals from around the world, the program is delivered fully online; all courses—like those in the Center’s established Master of Science program—are offered primarily through synchronous sessions that foster deep engagement, collaboration, and a vibrant learning community.
Total Required Credit Hours: 72 Credits (24 courses) (30 earned at the Master of Science level, see program description)
- 51 required credits (17 courses)
- 9 credits for approved electives (3 courses)
- 12 credits dissertation work (4 courses)
Courses generally taken at the Master’s Degree Level:
CRS 559: Principles in Creative Problem-Solving
CRS 560: Foundations of Creative Learning
CRS 610: Facilitation of Group Problem-Solving
CRS 614: Advanced Cognitive Tools Creative Problem Solving
CRS 619 Organizational Creativity and Innovation
CRS 620: Creativity Assessment: Methods and Resources
CRS 625: Current Issues in Creativity Studies
CRS 635: Creativity and Change Leadership
CRS 670: Foundations in Teaching and Training Creativity
Courses generally taken at the DPS Level:
CRS 680 Designing and Delivering Creativity Education
CRS 689 Introduction to Research Methods in Creativity Studies
CRS 705 Advanced Instructional Design in Creativity
CRS 706 Advanced Instructional Delivery in Creativity
CRS 725 Contemporary Global Perspectives in Creativity Theory, Practice, and Research
CRS 730 Foundational Qualitative Research Methods in Creativity Studies &
CRS 731 Advanced Qualitative Research Methods in Creativity Studies
or
CRS 740 Foundational Quantitative Data Analysis and Statistics in Creativity Studies &
CRS 741 Advanced Quantitative Data Analysis and Statistics in Creativity Studies
CRS 735 Advanced Applications of Creative Leadership
Select 9 credit hours (3 courses):
CRS 509 Introduction to the Gifted, Talented and Creative Learner
CRS 530 Creative Teaching & Learning in Informal and Formal Settings
CRS 570 Creative Problem-Solving Experiences
CRS 590 Independent Study
CRS 594 Graduate Workshop
CRS 596 Conference
CRS 621 Curriculum Development in Gifted, Talented and Creative Education
CRS 626 Curriculum and Program Development for Gifted Individuals
CRS 730 Foundational Qualitative Research Methods in Creativity Studies &
CRS 731 Advanced Qualitative Research Methods in Creativity Studies
CRS 740 Foundational Quantitative Data Analysis and Statistics in Creativity Studies &
CRS 741 Advanced Quantitative Data Analysis and Statistics in Creativity Studies
12 credit hours dissertation (4 courses)
- Earned master’s degree in creativity, or a similar program, from an accredited college or university with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale).
- A written statement organized into two sections. Section one: the applicant’s professional or educational goals and how a Doctor of Professional Studies in Creativity and Change Leadership supports these goals. Section two: a description of the applicant’s possible research interests (i.e., dissertation topic), along with identification of a potential dissertation chair(s). To align with faculty expertise, consult document outlining faculty research interests.
- Brief biographical sketch, one to two paragraphs, that provides a summary of the applicant’s accomplishments, areas of expertise, and experiences.
- Two academic/professional letters of reference.
- Five years of professional experience.