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Organizational development uses a science-based process to approach organizational structures. This data-driven approach makes sure that decisions made through organizational development processes are exact and based on data and critical reasoning.
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The goal is to drive organizational effectiveness and implement necessary change through strategic interventions. Experts in the field develop these interventions through social and behavioral knowledge. The idea is that the implementation of certain interventions and strategies will drive effectiveness and growth for individuals and across the organization.\u00a0
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Organizational leadership is a subset of organizational development that focuses on taking charge of challenges in human capital or organizational structures within an organization. Organizational leaders tend to be administrators or executives in a business or other organization. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Master\u2019s Degrees in Organizational Development<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
There are many different types of master\u2019s degree programs in organizational development to choose from. These programs vary in scope, format, length, and specialization or concentration offerings.
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Whether you\u2019re interested in getting a general education in the field or really honing in on a specific aspect like human resources, there is a program out there to fit your interests. There are both master of art and master of science programs in organizational development.
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Though many MA and MS programs in organizational development are very similar, the main difference <\/a>between an MA and an MS is that an MS usually requires a thesis. Be sure to check out other articles<\/a> published by Career Karma for a more detailed breakdown of these degree differences. It\u2019s also important to know there are two other very common titles for what are very similar degrees. In your school search results for master\u2019s degrees in organizational development, you will also find results for organizational management and organizational leadership. Though some academics and business leaders have defined a difference<\/a> between leadership and management, the degree programs in organizational management and leadership are very similar, if not the same as the degree programs you\u2019ll find in organizational development. You may also find programs in organizational development and change. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Most master\u2019s programs require 36 to 56 total credit hours<\/a>. The curriculum<\/a> for a Master\u2019s Degree in Organizational Development may include the following foundation courses: School search results will likely lead you to find different course names and exact graduation requirements listed. That being said, all programs will require an introductory course in organizational development, and courses that cover organizational theory and leadership development. Some programs may even require some field experience or a capstone project as well. These projects are designed to build research and work experience into a student\u2019s degree program. A capstone or practicum project can usually be done at a business, non-profit organization, or consulting firm where a student is interested in working.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most master\u2019s programs will have the same core requirements. Students must have a bachelor\u2019s degree, typically in a related field, though not necessarily. In addition to the application and related fees, master\u2019s level programs typically have more admission requirements than bachelor\u2019s degree programs. Some master\u2019s programs may have minimum high school and bachelor\u2019s degree GPA requirements. This is typically the case with more competitive or highly-ranked schools. <\/p>\n\n\n\n GRE (Graduate Records Examination) test scores may also be required. Be sure to check requirements for each program you apply to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Online learning, and online business degrees <\/a>specifically, have become increasingly popular in the last few years. This is partially thanks to significant improvements in the technology needed to make quality online degree programs possible. This is also because online programs are just more flexible. The value of flexibility cannot be overstated. Because graduate students tend to be older and may sometimes be making a career change, online formats offer the kind of flexibility they need. Remember there are different types of online programs, too. Some are very flexible, letting students log in to their class portals at any time to watch pre-recorded lectures and get started on their coursework. This means the program offers asynchronous learning tools. Other programs are more traditional and instead offer synchronous learning tools, like live-stream lectures. Now that you have learned more about the field of organizational development, it\u2019s time to start thinking about specific programs. Again, make sure to consider particular curriculum requirements, specializations, admission requirements, and the degree format. Below is a list of some of the best programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n American University, one of the top private universities in the country and one of the few located in the nation\u2019s capital, offers a Master of Science in Organizational Development through its School of Public Affairs. The program is in-person, but the schedule is anything but traditional. Each course is taught over two, three-day class weekends once per month. Professionals with full-time jobs will need the flexibility to take one Friday off per week in order to enroll in this program. The program culminates in a six- to eight-month capstone practicum project in which each student researches and works with a real client system at an organization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Penn State\u2019s School of Professional Studies offers a fully online Masters of Professional Studies in Organizational Development and Change. The program allows students to focus on the nuts and bolts of organizational development while having the flexibility to keep a full-time job. Courses include process consultation in organizational development, facilitating groups and teams, and project management for professionals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Pepperdine University\u2019s Graziadio Business School in Malibu, California offers a Master of Science in Organizational Development. This program is intended for experienced business professionals who want to become experts in organizational development. It has been recognized as one of the most innovative graduate programs in the field. This is partially because of its mixed format. While many of its courses are offered online, there are also required in-person intensives. Finally, this organizational development program is unique in that the degree requires a study abroad component. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As mentioned earlier, there are also many organizational leadership programs and some of them also offer specializations or concentrations in organizational development. The University of Denver offers a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership with a concentration in organizational development for those who want to dip their toes into both specialities. The program is a part-time, flexible degree intended for working professionals who need the flexibility of evening classes. The program can also be taken online for those who need ultimate time and location flexibility. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If Hawaii isn\u2019t enough to get your attention, you should know that the Master of Arts in Organizational Development and Change at Hawaii Pacific University is a top program in the field. It is also ideal in that it offers two different formats: classroom and online. The program, which is administered through the university\u2019s College of Business, aims to produce organizational change agents for our modern world. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/p>\n\n\n\nOrganizational Development Master\u2019s Degree Curriculum<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/p>\n\n\n\nAdmission Requirements<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\nAn Online Master\u2019s Degree in Organizational Development<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/p>\n\n\n\nBest Master\u2019s Degree in Organizational Development Programs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
American University<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\nPennsylvania State University<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Pepperdine University<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\nUniversity of Denver<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\nHawaii Pacific University<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Is a Master\u2019s Degree in Organizational Development Worth It?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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