Program Overview

Organizational Learning, Performance, and Change Ph.D. Program

The Organizational Learning, Performance, and Change Ph.D. program at Colorado State University develops both research and practical expertise, helping students understand workplaces on a deeper level and enhance them with long-lasting solutions.

Program Overview

This program is designed for working executives, researchers, and academics, offering a unique structure of bi-weekly Saturday meetings held face-to-face in downtown Denver. It focuses on a combination of sociological, systems, psychological, and economic approaches to performance improvement strategies.

Curriculum

The program requires students to complete 48 credit hours, plus a dissertation and faculty advising credits, for a total of 60 credits. The curriculum includes:

• EDOD 706: Organizational Learning, Performance, Change
• EDOD 761: Evaluation and Assessment in OLPC
• EDOD 766: Scenario Planning in Organizations
• EDOD 768: Workforce Development
• EDOD 769: Theory and Practice of Change
• EDOD 772: Theory Building in Applied Disciplines
• EDOD 773: Systems Leadership
• EDRM 700: Quantitative Research Methods
• EDRM 701: Applied Linear Models – Educational Research
• EDRM 702: Foundations of Educational Research
• EDRM 703: Applied Longitudinal Data Analysis
• EDRM 705: Qualitative Data Analysis
• EDRM 706: Analysis of Variance – Educational Research
• EDRM 707: Quantitative Data Collection Methods/Analysis
• EDRM 708: Narrative Inquiry
• EDRM 772: Proposal Development

Admission Requirements

• An undergraduate and a master's degree from a regionally accredited postsecondary institution or a CSU recognized international institution
• Minimum 3.00 GPA
• Ten to twelve years of advanced experience in a related discipline

Tuition and Fees

• $1,100 per credit
• Learn more about financial aid and scholarships

Degree Awarded

• Doctor of Philosophy in Education and Human Resource Studies; transcript reflects the organizational learning, performance, and change specialization

Time Frame

• Can be completed in 3 ¾ years

Faculty

• Susan A. Lynham, Ph.D.
• Thomas J. Chermack, Ph.D.

Frequently Asked Questions

• When will the next cohort begin? The next application term is for Fall 2026.
• Where and when do classes meet? Fall 2026 cohort classes will take place at CSU Spur campus in Denver. Class sessions will meet eight Saturdays per semester.
• Do I have to write a dissertation? Yes, this degree requires you to complete a dissertation.
• Do I need to take the GRE or GMAT in order to apply to this program? No.

Why Choose CSU?

• Scholar-Practitioner Training
• Expert Instruction
• Practical Experience
• Convenience
• An Interdisciplinary Approach
• Tools to Enact Change
• A Cohort Model

How to Apply

1. Review Admission Requirements
2. Prepare Application Materials

• Statement of purpose
• Two letters of recommendation
• Resume or vita

3. Complete Online Application
4. Request Transcripts
5. Check Your Application Status

Application Dates

• OLPC Ph.D. Application Deadline: March 15, 2026

Program Details

• The program is very selective and looks for a diverse group of students.
• Applicants must have significant work experience, a strong belief in the application of research to define problems and discover solutions, and the drive to apply solutions for the betterment of individuals within organizations and the organizations themselves.
• Throughout the program, faculty will challenge students to publish and present their finalized projects, papers, and research within relevant publications and at conferences.