Master of Arts in Organizational Behavior

Program Description/Overview

The program is a practitioner-scholar program designed for adult learners and professionals interested in organizations. Courses are delivered in an intensive format with students attending in-person classes one weekend per month. 

The program has been developed with the needs of the professional adult learner in mind. The program is accessible to adults with multiple responsibilities. The intensive weekend format for courses makes it possible for students to attend from locations other than California and the greater San Joaquin Valley.

Courses focus on approaches to human behavior in organizations, emphasizing organizational effectiveness. Students acquire knowledge and skills applicable to theory and systems, ethics, corporate social responsibility, leadership and management practices, conflict management, team development, diversity and interventions for assisting in organizational change. The program provides students with the opportunity to develop competencies needed to be successful in organizations; interact with peers in shared learning, dialogue, and experiential activities; attend a seminar with a guest faculty from the field; and appreciate diversity and inclusion.

Program Learning Outcomes/Goals

Students in the program will be able to:

1. Describe and explain Organizational Psychology principles, concepts, models, theories, and methods.
2. Apply psychology concepts, models, theories, and methods to organizational practice and research.
3. Summarize and critically evaluate the literature on topics in organizational psychology.
4. Apply knowledge of ethical and legal behavior to situations in organizational psychology.
5. Demonstrate a positive, pro-active, and non-judgmental attitude towards diverse cultural and international identities and in interpersonal and professional interactions.
6. Plan and deliver culturally competent professional services in respective areas to diverse populations.
7. Produce plans, analyses and presentations relevant to leading, consulting to, and developing people in organizations.

Training Model

The program is delivered in a practitioner-scholar model that has students learn theory and research (scholarly knowledge) coupled with experiential learning in the classroom and skill building for the profession (practitioner abilities). The 8-week program is delivered in an Executive Format of weekend courses (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday classes) once per month.

International/Multicultural Training

There are specific core courses designed to focus on multiculturalism, diversity and inclusion, and international organizational topics. In addition, ethics, diversity, multicultural, and international and global perspectives are integrated into the content of multiple courses during the program.

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). 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