Program Overview

Organization Development and Change Program

The Organization Development and Change program is designed for working professionals who seek to lead, consult, and educate at the highest levels in organizations and communities. This leading-edge program develops experts in transforming organizations, revitalizing communities, and developing human potential.

Program Overview

The program is a three-year, 61-hour (minimum) degree that occurs post-master's degree. It is specifically designed for busy professionals to advance their goals without putting careers on hold. Students will be able to:

• Graduate from one of the top graduate programs of its kind in the world, with a blend of organization development and I/O psychology as a foundation.
• Earn a doctorate degree in as little as 36 months, while maintaining work and personal obligations with our accelerated program design.
• Use time efficiently in a hybrid online and in-person residency format that reduces the number of times a student comes to campus.
• Study within a cohort-based program that promotes lasting relationships and extensive networking among students, alumni, associations, and program partners.
• Foster an overall business orientation that applies to both profit and nonprofit organizations within a variety of industries globally.
• Produce a practical and relevant dissertation, prepared in "real-time" that advances their reputation as a subject matter expert.
• Benefit from the Executive Career Accelerator that provides a unique suite of professional services to leverage the degree in support of next-level career goals.
• Experience a unique international study abroad trip included in the curriculum.
• Receive a degree with elite accreditation by AACSB International and the Higher Learning Commission.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Doctoral degree, students in the Organization Development and Change program are expected to be able to:

• Lead, manage, consult, educate, and facilitate organization development and change.
• Utilize collaborative approaches across time and space at the individual, group, organization, and transorganizational levels.
• Apply the research process, including action research, to address real world challenges.
• Investigate, scan, and diagnose challenges and opportunities with organizations and communities.
• Design, implement, and evaluate evidence-based organization development and change interventions.
• Integrate interdisciplinary perspectives grounded in the behavioral sciences.
• Demonstrate professional and personal skills necessary to influence others and serve as an effective change agent.

Prerequisites to Graduate Work

Prior to applying to the Doctorate in Organization Development and Change program, a candidate will have:

• 10 or more years of professional experience
• A master's degree from an accredited institution

Admission Procedure

A complete application for the program includes:

• Scanned copies of official transcripts from all institutions attended.
• Official scores from the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Test scores will be waived for applicants meeting the professional experience requirement.
• Current professional career resume and two letters of reference:
  • One professional from a current or former supervisor
  • One academic letter from an instructor in higher education
• Career objective essay of no less than 1000 words.
• An interview with the Assistant Director, Program Director, or faculty member teaching in the program.
• International applicants are also required to submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

Degree Requirements

The degree requirements include:

• Eight core courses with an international study tour (24 hours)
• Four research courses (12 hours)
• Three elective courses (9 hours)
• A preliminary exam with a specialized portfolio
• A dissertation (16 hours)

The culminating experience is an applied evidence-based dissertation, which both advances theory and demonstrates impact on the organizations and communities we serve. Students bring an important problem or opportunity into the program as the focus of their dissertation topic. Throughout their learning experience, students examine their topic through the lens of each course. The results of the work are evaluated and prepared for widespread dissemination through publication and other more current means. Ultimately, this advances the student's reputation as a subject matter expert in their professional area of interest.