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:
- 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
- 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.
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:
- 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 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.
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.
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