Catalog 2013-2014 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
Catalog 2013-2014 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Organization Development: PsyD, Fresno


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Program Outcomes


All 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.
  • Understand and critically evaluate the literature in a given area.
  • Integrate knowledge of ethical behavior in organizational studies.
  • A positive, pro-active and non-judgmental attitude towards diverse cultural and international identities and in interpersonal and professional interactions.
  • Conceptualize and deliver culturally competent professional services in their respective areas to diverse populations. 

Additional Program Outcomes for the PsyD OD Program:

  • Knowledge of research design, measurement, and statistical tools appropriate for basic research as well as for applied research
  • Assess performance and functioning at the individual, group/team, and organizational system-wide level and design/conduct intervention at each of those levels it 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 Practitioner-Scholar Program


Field Training


As part of the practitioner-scholar model, students are expected to gain experience through field placements where their learning may be applied. The field placement is designed to provide a base of experience and an opportunity to apply 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 to specific projects 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. This work may be completed at any time during the 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). Fieldwork approval and supervision is provided by the Field Placement Director.

Field Placement experiences provide opportunities to develop competency within a wide range of skills and provide students with the opportunity to develop an appreciation for continuous self-directed, professional growth based on regard for accepted ethical, legal, and client-service delivery standards. 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
  • a basic foundation in organizational development/consulting skills
  • experience in a working relationship with a variety of organizational professionals.

Research Training


The Applied Dissertation Project requirement for the PsyD in Organization Development (OD) requires the use of 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. An 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 once progress has been achieved. It is expected that the student will complete the dissertation within the three years, but sometimes circumstances may prevent this from happening; thus students who have registered for all 6 dissertation units but have not completed the required work may register for dissertation extension units with the approval of their chair and program director. 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, the prospective student must either have several years of work experience necessary in the field or must successfully complete 9 units in Alliant’s MAOB program before admission 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 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 the application of knowledge gained through the social and behavioral sciences such as psychology and sociology. 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
  • Completing OD projects as part of field placement requirements
  • Building multicultural/international awareness and
  • Completing an applied dissertation project

This degree is a three-year 66-unit post-master’s executive format program that includes courses held one weekend a month. The 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. Most students begin the program in the Spring; however students who wish to enroll in the Fall do so in consultation with the Program Director.

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 ability to demonstrate reflective and critical thinking skills. The written and oral exams comprehensively test 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 field placement and applied dissertation project.

Following the second year of study, the student attends an Advanced Seminar that serves as a Capstone course and an Advanced Seminar featuring a Distinguished Guest Faculty from the field of Organizational Psychology. Students are welcome to join the Advanced Seminars with Distinguished Faculty during any of their other two years in the program and then as an alumnus, following the completion of their degree.

Curriculum Plan


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

Concentration Curriculum Plan


Organizational Psychology Program Faculty


Core faculty for the Organizational Psychology programs are listed below:

Sherry Camden-Anders, PhD, Assistant Professor and Program Director for MA Organizational Behavior and Organization Development PsyD, Fresno

Nurcan Ensari, PhD, Professor, Interim Systemwide Program Director, Program Director, Los Angeles and Director, I/O Psychology Certificate Program - Istanbul Bilgi University

Mary J. Fambrough, PhD, Associate Professor, San Francisco

Bernardo Ferdman, PhD, Professor, San Diego

Dale Glaser, PhD, Principal Lecturer, San Diego

Kathryn Goldman-Schuyler, PhD, Associate Professor, San Francisco

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

Calvin Hoffman, PhD, Associate Professor, Los Angeles

John Kantor, PhD, Associate Professor and Program Director for Leadership, San Diego

Toni A. Knott, PhD, Associate Professor and Director, Field Placement, Fresno

Patricia Denise Lopez, PhD, Associate Professor, Los Angeles,

Rodney Lowman, PhD, Distinguished Professor, San Diego

John Renner, PhD, Assistant Professor, Interim Program Director, San Diego and Director, Organizational Consulting Center (OCC-SD), San Diego

Jyotsna Sanzgiri, PhD, Professor, San Francisco

Jonathan Troper, PhD, Assistant Professor and Director, Center for Innovation and Change (CIC), Los Angeles

Rebecca Turner, PhD, Professor, San Francisco

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.

Accreditation Information


The PsyD program, in 2001, passed a review and assessment by a Blue Ribbon Committee and in 2003, received accreditation by the Organization Development Institute (currently the International Society for Organization Development).

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