Master of Arts in Organizational Behavior

Program Description/Overview

This program is a practitioner-scholar program is designed to assist in career enhancement and to broaden the thinking and knowledge base of adult learners somewhat established in their careers. Courses focus on approaches to leadership and human behavior in organizations, emphasizing the behavioral aspects of managing effectively. Students acquire knowledge and skills applicable to management practices, theory and systems, ethics, corporate social responsibility, leadership, conflict management, team development, and interventions for assisting in organizational change. Issues related to globalization, multiculturalism, and diversity are integrated throughout the program.

The curriculum is reflective of the issues and problems that business leaders face daily, acquainting students with the current literature and research on management and organizational behavior. Advanced Seminars are provided by Distinguished Guest Faculty from the field of organization psychology. 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.

As part of the program’s coursework, students are required to participate in an international immersion trip that addresses the work setting from a multicultural/international perspective. Literature is examined for its relevance and application across cultures and international societies within a global economy. Trips include meeting with businesses and university students and faculty and cultural exposure to the values, practices, and history of the country visited.

The program emphasizes the psychological principles of behavior that focus on individual and group performance within an organizational setting. The program and has been developed with the needs of the professional adult learner in mind. The program and is accessible to adults with multiple responsibilities. The intensive weekend format makes it possible for students to attend from locations other than California and the greater San Joaquin Valley.

The program is 17-months in length (4 semesters) and requires the completion of 34 units.  Classes are held in Spring, Summer and Fall.  Most students begin the program in the Spring; however, students who wish to enroll in the Fall may do so in consultation with the Program Director. Fall entry will extend the program to 21 months (5 semesters). Courses are offered once a month in an executive weekend format on Friday evening, Saturday, and Sunday. 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.

The program provides students with the opportunity for:

1. Developing competencies needed to successfully manage in organizations
2. Interacting with peers in shared learning, dialogue, and experiential activities
3. Attending seminars with distinguished guest faculty from the field
4. Building multicultural/international awareness

Program Learning Outcomes/Goals

All Organizational Psychology Programs will develop (the/an):

1. 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.
2. Ability to understand and critically evaluate the literature in a given area.
3. Ability to Integrate knowledge of ethical behavior in organizational studies.
4. A positive, pro-active and non-judgmental attitude towards diverse cultural and international identities and in their interpersonal and professional interactions.
5. Ability to conceptualize, demonstrate, and deliver culturally competent professional services in their respective areas to diverse populations.

Additional Program Outcomes for the MAOB Degree:

1. Ability to integrate theory, research and practice.
2. Facilitation skills for transitioning and adapting individuals as they create positive change

Training Model

Distinguished Guest Faculty

This Advanced Seminar provides the opportunity for students to examine special topics in the field of organization development and behavior and the opportunity to personally interact with well-known consultants, authors, faculty and experts from the field.  The course is designed to provide the following: an exposure to those working/writing in the field and to how they accomplished their success and interest; the differing perspectives on topics not necessarily covered in the program; and assistance to students in their consideration of the opportunities available for future engagement of practice.

Program-Specific Admission Requirements

At least 2 years of professional work experience are required.

Programmatic Accreditation

The 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). Alliant International University is a current member of the Organization Development Education Association (ODEA), a sub group of the National Organization Development Network.

Credit Units

Total Credit Units: 34

Total Core Credit Units: 34

Total Elective Credit Units: N/A

Total Concentration Credit Units: N/A

Curriculum Plan

Gainful Employment

For important information about the educational debt, earnings, and completion rates of students who attended this program, please visit the appropriate website based on your campus/modality:

Fresno Campus Only

https://www.alliant.edu/media/gainful-employment-disclosure/Master_Organizational_Behavior_Fresno_MA.html.

San Francisco and Online

https://www.alliant.edu/media/gainful-employment-disclosure/Master_Organizational_Behavior_SF_ONL_MA.html.