DPS in Creativity and Change Leadership approved as Buffalo State University’s first doctoral program

Buffalo State will offer a Doctor of Professional Studies (D.P.S.) in Creativity and Change Leadership, which will equip professionals with knowledge, principles, and tools to serve as effective change makers in their organizations and communities. This is the university's first doctoral program.

The program, which will begin in Fall 2026, will be offered fully online through synchronous distance education courses delivered in compressed seven-week terms. Students will complete 72 graduate-level credits in the areas of applied creativity, foundations in creativity studies, creativity and change leadership, creativity research, scholarship, and electives.

The SUNY Board of Trustees authorized Buffalo State to offer the doctoral program pending approval from the New York State Board of Regents and the governor. Following a successful academic review and regional canvass with no objections, the required master plan amendment and degree authorization were approved by both parties.

"From our early research in the late 1960s demonstrating that creativity is a trainable skill, to offering the world's first master's degree in creativity, the Center for Applied Imagination has consistently shaped the field of creativity studies," said Gerard Puccio, SUNY Distinguished Professor and chair of the Creativity and Change Leadership Department. "Our roots extend back to Alex Osborn, advertising executive and creator of brainstorming, whose belief in the power of creative thinking continues to guide our mission today. Inspired by his legacy, our work has always focused on the real-world impact of creative thinking for professional success and quality of life."

As Buffalo State's first doctoral program, the D.P.S. reflects Buffalo State's commitment to growing programs that meet the evolving needs of students and the broader community.

"As our very first doctoral program, the Doctor of Professional Studies in Creativity and Change Leadership clearly represents Buffalo State's mission to provide both our current students and members of the larger community with the essential skills to augment and enhance their professional education," said interim president Bonita R. Durand, Ph.D. "The D.P.S. program will develop individuals to become effective leaders and change makers in their chosen careers and position them to be successful in advanced leadership roles. We are delighted to be able to add this valuable resource to our compliment of high-quality educational program offerings."

"The Doctor of Professional Studies in Creativity and Change Leadership represents a strategic, mission-aligned choice," said Amitra Wall, provost and vice president for academic affairs. "Even as we make difficult decisions to strengthen the institution's long-term financial stability, we must continue to invest in programs that address clear educational and workforce needs."

In a world increasingly characterized by uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity, creative thinking and problem solving are recognized as essential to leadership effectiveness. Strategic-level leaders across all industries are expected and required to solve complex problems, identify new opportunities, and cultivate others' creative potential.

"National and global workforce data consistently show that creativity and change leadership are among the most critical skills for professional success in today's economy," Wall said. "The D.P.S. program responds directly to well-documented workforce needs for creativity and adaptive leadership, serves mid-career professionals seeking advancement, and leverages Buffalo State's longstanding strengths in creativity studies to deliver real-world leadership and impact beyond our campus."

"As employers increasingly value creativity as a core professional skill, advanced education in this area has never been more important," Puccio said. "The launch of our one-of-a-kind D.P.S. reflects both the urgency and the opportunity of this moment and marks a significant new chapter for Buffalo State University and for creativity education worldwide."

Pictured: Gerard Puccio.

Photo by Jesse Steffan-Colucci, Buffalo State photographer.