Catalog 2011-2012 [v2] 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
Catalog 2011-2012 [v2] [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Organization Development: PsyD, Fresno


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A Scholar-Practitioner Program

The Fresno doctoral (PsyD) program in Organization Development (OD) is a practitioner degree that emphasizes the need for combining theory, research, and practice. In this scholar-practitioner oriented program, students build knowledge and skills to assist individuals, groups/teams, and organizations to achieve their goals and increase their effectiveness and viability. The practice of OD focuses on individual development (training and coaching), team collaboration, management structures and processes, leadership, strategy, culture, and large systems change.

The field of Organization Development (OD) is over 60 years old and is a broad body of knowledge and practice regarding systems change that benefits individuals, groups/teams, organizations, communities, and society. The foundation of OD practice is built upon humanistic values and applicability of knowledge gained through the social and behavioral sciences such as psychology and sociology with its early roots in the psychology of groups and socio-technical systems. OD is directed toward increasing effectiveness and facilitating personal, group, and organizational change through the use of interventions. What distinguishes OD is its approach to looking at systems holistically and to intervening systemically, collaboratively, and creatively, with a heavy emphasis on learning-oriented efforts for individuals and groups.

OD includes anyone who must lead change as part of their role. Students in the program include consultants, managers, administrators, human resource and training professionals, quality and project managers, information technology specialists, educators, healthcare administrators, directors of non-profit organizations, community organizers, law enforcement, and many other professions.

The program is designed for the professional adult learner and provides students with the opportunity for:

  • Interaction with peers in shared learning, dialogue, and experiential activities
  • Attendance at seminars with distinguished guest faculty from the field
  • The completion of OD projects as part of field placement requirements
  • The building of multicultural/international awareness and
  • Completion of an applied dissertation project

Students in the program will:

  • Acquire new knowledge and skills for managing change processes in complex organizations
  • Gain insight and awareness of their personal interactions with others
  • Examine and assess existing organizational instruments, processes, and designs
  • Experience a supportive environment
  • Gain knowledge of organizational theory and interventions at the system, group, and individual levels
  • Develop competencies for OD consultation domestically and internationally 

There are specific core courses designed to focus on multicultural/international areas including the opportunity to participate in an international trip scheduled yearly that explores the necessary competencies for working in a global environment. Students practice their professional skills by applying their academic knowledge and learning to specific projects in their work settings, which take place in organizations that vary in size and industry, for profit and non-profit, government agencies, healthcare, educational institutions, social service and community based organizations.

Degree Requirements 66 units


The PsyD degree in OD, the only one of its kind in the United States, is a 66-unit post-master’s executive format program that includes courses held one weekend a month. The program is designed as a three-year, part-time post master’s program, has been developed with the needs of the adult learner in mind, and is accessible to adults with multiple responsibilities. The intensive weekend format schedule (Friday evening, Saturday, and Sunday once a month) makes it possible for students to attend from throughout the United States and the greater San Joaquin Valley.

Admittance to the program requires the completion of a master’s degree from an accredited university that includes at least 9 units in organization development, organization behavior, social or behavioral science, or a closely related field.  In the case of a master’s degree in other academic fields, either several years of work experience will be necessary in the field or the prospective student will need to complete 9 units in the MAOB program before admittance to the PsyD doctorate program.  Approval of units/courses/work experience will rest with the Program Director.

The program’s primary goal is to develop highly resourceful, values-based scholar-practitioners who acquire the depth and breadth of competencies required to apply theory, state-of-the-art research, and practice to real world challenges faced by today’s global organizations. Faculty is committed to fulfilling this goal through curriculum design, scholarship, expertise, professional socialization, and by providing students with opportunities for personal and professional growth. The faculty, as academics and practitioners, bring practical experience to their teaching, welcoming and appreciating the experience and multiple perspectives of all students.

A description of each course is listed by course number in the Course Description section of the catalog.  Curriculum requirements are subject to change.

Program Learning Objectives - PsyD in Organizational Development


The Learning Objectives for this program are still being reviewed, but include:

All OP Programs

  • Knowledge of research design, measurement, and statistical tools appropriate for basic research as well as for applied research in such areas as selection testing, surveys, and program evaluations
  • Ability to understand and critically evaluate the literature in a given area
  • Ability to integrate knowledge of ethical behavior in organizational studies
  • A positive, pro-active and non-judgmental attitude towards diverse cultural and international identities and in their interpersonal and professional interactions.
  • Demonstrate an ability to conceptualize and deliver culturally competent professional services in their respective areas to diverse populations.

Additional for PsyD in OD (Fresno)

  • Integrate theory, research, and practice
  • Demonstrate ability to assess performance and functioning at the individual, group/team, and organizational system-wide level and design/conduct intervention at each of those levels to improve functioning, performance, and overall health that take into account diversity and other cross-cultural issues.
  • Self-understanding regarding personal values, biases, preferences, and style in working with others and organizational systems.
  • Facilitate transition and adoption to create positive change

 

Organizational Development Program Faculty: Fresno



Sherry Camden-Anders
, PhD, Assistant Professor and Program Director (Fresno)

Margaret (Peggy) Grant, PhD, Visiting Assistant Professor (Fresno)  

Toni A. Knott, PhD, Associate Professor (Fresno)

Lynne Valek, PhD, Visiting Associate Professor (Fresno)

For a detailed description of program faculty background and research interests, please see the alphabetical listing of faculty in the California School of Professional Psychology.

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