Organization Development: PsyD, Fresno

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Goals and Objectives

Organizational Psychology 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

Training Models: A Scholar-Practitioner Program

Field Training

As part of the scholar-practitioner model, students are expected to gain experience through internships or fieldwork in their organizations in which their learning may be applied. This work may be completed at any time during their three year academic program. A total of 160 hours of field experience is required (4 units). Students may register for their credits during any semester or spread them over the three years of the program (40 hours = 1 credit unit).
The fieldwork / internship experience is designed to provide a base of experience and an opportunity for the application of learning with an increased emphasis on professional competencies as the student proceeds through the program. 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, are for profit and non-profit, and represent government agencies, healthcare, educational, social service, and community based organizations.

The student is expected to gain:

exposure to various competencies necessary for effective client-service delivery
familiarity with organizational environments that are experiencing change efforts
establishment of a basic foundation in organizational development/consulting skills
experience in a working relationship with a variety of organizational professionals

Fieldwork experiences provides students with the opportunity to develop competencies within a wide range of skills In addition, fieldwork/internships are designed to provide students an opportunity to develop an appreciation for continuous self-directed, professional growth based on regard for accepted ethical, legal, and client-service delivery standards. Fieldwork supervision is provided by the Fieldwork Director.

Research Training

The Applied Dissertation Project requirement for the PsyD in Organization Development (OD) organizational psychology concepts and practices in a comprehensive study of some aspect of change and generally is aimed at increasing individual, group, or organizational effectiveness. Similarly, a project may involve the study/research regarding a particular topic relevant to individuals, groups or organizations that will help increase effectiveness or provide new information to the field of Organization Development.

This work may be completed at any time during the three year academic program. A total of 6 units are required. Students may register for their units as suggested In the schedule or during any semester over the three years of the program. Once a faculty Chairperson and committee member are chosen by the student, a proposal is submitted and approved, followed by individual and/or small group supervision from the committee. Research courses are designed to assist students in the writing of their dissertations. in-progress grade is recorded by the Chairperson until the requirements of the units have been fulfilled and then a grade of credit is recorded. Students who have registered for all 6 dissertation units but have not completed the required work dissertation extension units. Taking dissertation extension units will extend the program beyond the 3 years.

International/Multicultural Training

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. In addition, ethics, diversity, multicultural, and international aspects are integrated in all course content during the program.

Specialized Admissions Requirements

Admission to the doctoral program requires the completion of a master’s Degree from an accredited university, which includes at least 9 units in OD, OB, social or behavioral science, or a closely related field. In the case of a master’s degree earned in non-OD/OB academic fields, either several years of work experience are necessary in the field or the prospective student needs to successfully complete 9 units in Alliant’s MAOB program before admittance to the PsyD program. Approval of units/courses/work experience rests with the Program Director.

Curriculum and Degree Requirements

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 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. Through the use of interventions, OD is directed toward increasing effectiveness and facilitating personal, group, and organizational change. 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.

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

This degree 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 locations other than California and the greater San Joaquin Valley. Course work includes pre work, interim assignments and post course work assignments. Students are expected to have basic knowledge of the course content upon entering the first weekend of a designated course.

Advancement to Candidacy. Following the first year of courses, a comprehensive exam is required of students to evaluate suitability to progress in the program and the profession based on their ability to demonstrate reflective and critical thinking skills. The written and oral exams test comprehensively a student’s ability to organize a body of knowledge upon demand. Successful completion of the exams indicates readiness for further study and any independent work required for completion of fieldwork and the applied dissertation project.

Curriculum Plan

Degree Requirements - 66 units

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

Organizational Development Program Faculty: Fresno

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, role modeling, 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. Faculty include:

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.