Catalog 2016-2017 
    
    Mar 29, 2024  
Catalog 2016-2017 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Organization Development: PsyD, Fresno, San Francisco


The doctoral program (PsyD) in Organization Development combines coursework in psychology and organizational theory with specialized courses in organizational change and development. Addressing the growing need for increasingly complex organizational and management skills that encompass several disciplines, the program prepares post-master’s degree students for careers as consultants, managers, academic faculty, and organizational change agents.

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 Degree:

  • Integrate theory, research and practice.
  • Assess performance and functioning at the individual, group/team, and organizational system-wide level and design/conduct interventions 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 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 work 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 Research 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 multiculturalism, diversity and inclusion, global and international OD and an 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 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 have several years of work experience, preferably in the field. 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), group processes, team collaboration, management structures and processes, leadership, culture, and organizational change within a formal organizational setting.

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

The ideal student attributes are:

  • Adults with at least 10 years of work experience who are interested in broadening or changing their career path
  • Critical thinking, social skills, and the ability to multi-task
  • Passion for developing people, teams, organizations and organizational processes
  • Desire to assist organizations with change
  • Positive attitude

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 the United States, California or the greater San Joaquin Valley because of the proximity of the airport, hotels, and train service. 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. A Fall entry may extend the program to an additional semester in some instances.

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. Students active in the program are provided membership in the National Organizational Development Network and receive the association’s journals, job bank access, and annual conference benefits.

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 Change and Sustainability


The following 10 units comprise the concentration in Organizational Change and Sustainability and are taken during the course of the three-year program as part of the 66-unit requirement: 

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). Current Member of the Organization Development Education Association (ODEA) a sub group of the National Organization Development Network.

Organizational Psychology Faculty


Nicholas Aramovich, PhD, Assistant Professor and Interim Program Director, San Diego

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

Nurcan Ensari, PhD, Professor, 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, Distinguished Professor, San Diego

Dary Fiorentino, PhD, Assistant Professor, Los Angeles

Dale Glaser, PhD, Principal Lecturer, San Diego

Kathryn Goldman-Schuyler, PhD, Professor, San Francisco

Calvin Hoffman, PhD, Principle Lecturer, Los Angeles

John Kantor, PhD, Associate Professor, 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

Jyotsna Sanzgiri, PhD, Professor and Program Director, San Francisco

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

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.