Doctor of Psychology in Organization Development

Program Description/Overview

This program combines coursework in 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, organizational leaders, academic faculty, and organizational change agents.

The program is a practitioner degree that emphasizes the need for combining theory, research, and practice. In this practitioner-scholar 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 Organizational Development (OD) focuses on individual development (training and coaching), group processes, team collaboration, management structures and processes, organizational sustainability and systems, 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 working professional adult learner and provides students with the opportunity for:

1. Interaction with peers in shared learning, dialogue, and experiential activities
2. Attendance at seminars with distinguished guest faculty from the field
3. Completing OD projects as part of field placement requirements
4. Building multicultural/international awareness and
5. Completing an applied dissertation project

The ideal student attributes are:

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

This degree is a three year 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 executive 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.

The Advanced Seminars provide 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. 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 as a guest 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.

Emphasis/Concentration/Tracks

Organizational Change and Sustainability

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 PsyD Degree:

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

Training Model

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.

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:

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

Research Training

The Applied Dissertation Research Project requirement for the program 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.

International/Multicultural Training

There are specific core courses designed to focus on multiculturalism, diversity and inclusion, global and international OD and an optional opportunity to participate in an international trip scheduled yearly (if space is available) 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.

Program-Specific Admission Requirements

Admission to the 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 and 10 years of professional work experience.  In the case of a master’s degree earned in the non-behavioral science academic fields, such as technology, the prospective student must have several years of work experience in the field and understand the implications of technology on organizational change. Approval of units/courses/work experience rests with the Program Director.

Programmatic Accreditation

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.

Internship, Practicum, and/or Dissertation Information

Field Training

A total of 160 hours of field experience is required (40 hours direct service = one credit unit). Credits may be registered during any term or spread over the three years of the program. Fieldwork approval and supervision is provided by the Field Placement Director.

Dissertation

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. 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 completed all their courses and registered for all six dissertation units but have not completed their dissertation may register for dissertation extension units. Taking dissertation extension units will extend the program beyond the three years.

Credit Units

Total Credit Units: 66

Total Core Credit Units: 56

Total Elective Credit Units: N/A

Total Concentration Credit Units: 10

Degree Requirements

1. Advancement to Candidacy
2. Comprehensive Exam: 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 their field placement and applied dissertation project.

Emphasis/Concentration/Track Requirements

Organizational Change and Sustainability (10 units)

• ORG7405 - Sustainability and Organizational Systems (3 units)  
• ORG8505 - Organizational Engagement (2 units)  
• ORG8515 - Globalization and International Organization Development (3 units)  
• ORG7540 - Managing Transitions: Individual and Organizational (2 units)  

Curriculum Plan

Gainful Employment

For important information about the educational debt, earnings, and completion rates of students who attended this program, please visit https://www.alliant.edu/media/gainful-employment-disclosure/Doctor_Psychology_Organization_Development.html.