The Master of Science in Organization Development is a 36 credit-hour graduate program designed to prepare students to proactively guide organizations through transitions, enhance organizational competitiveness, and to contribute to a high quality of work life for organization employees.  The Master of Science in Organization Development (MSOD) program prepares students in the art and science of managing strategic change.  The field of OD focuses on the behavioral science aspect of organizational systems, helping facilitate, anticipate, and manage change by a participative and systems-based approach.  This program provides and understanding of the foundations, theories, methods, and tools of the OD profession as well as helping build critical and strategic thinking skills. 

The MSOD program focuses on collaborative, experiential learning.  While in the program, students have the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge they are gaining.  Near the end of the program, students participate in an international trip where they serve as OD consultants working with and learning from an international organization.  The program’s capstone experience is the Applied OD Practicum Project where students work independently and conduct action research through an OD intervention in an organizational setting. 

ON GROUND SCHEDULE

Most courses are offered in eight-week time frames, one night a week.  Students earn three hours of credit for each course completed.

During the next to last course in the program, ORGD 655:  International Organization Development, there is an international residency of 7-10 days.  The students will travel from their home locations to the location (to be determined) for the international residency experience. 

BLENDED SCHEDULE

The two year program combines taking courses online with three residencies.  The three residencies consist of three face-to-face sessions - one in an international location and two in Wichita, Kansas - plus ongoing online sessions throughout the program.  Students will travel to Wichita, Kansas, for a one-week residency, during the second course in the program and for a second one-week residency in the seventh course of the program, also in Wichita, Kansas.  Transportation, lodging and meals for the two Wichita, Kansas, residencies are at the students’ expense.

Students will meet Monday - Friday (approximately from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., along with some possible times in the evenings).  The residencies will also allow the group to develop effective group dynamics and interpersonal skills.  This is critical for the success of the cohort and is critical for the group to function well together during the international residency near the end of the program.  The two Wichita, Kansas residencies are critical to teach the core OD competencies involving consulting, facilitation, and coaching skills.  During the next to last course in the program, ORGD 655:  International Organization Development, there is an international residency of 7-10 days.  The students will travel from their home locations to the location (to be determined) for the international residency experience.  Students will be responsible for their own transportation costs. 

DEGREE AWARDED

Master of Science

CONTACT

Dr. Jim Maddox, Program Director
Organization Development
316-295-5639
jmaddox@friends.edu

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

In addition to the requirements stated under the Graduate Admissions Policy, the requirements for admission to MSOD are as follows:

1. A grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
2. Two letters of recommendation from professional and/or academic references.
3. Completion of international travel acknowledgement form.
4. Completion of program interview process and written approval of admission by the program director after review of the admission requirements.