100% Online
Complete your Penn State course work at your own pace and 100% online.
Application deadline
Credits and costs
Gain Practical Skills to Lead Operational Excellence
Apply critical knowledge in organization development and change, continuous improvement, and process consultation.
Lead both small- and large-group change initiatives.
Use various resources to develop, implement, evaluate, and improve organization development programs.
Observe group dynamics and facilitate change efforts and continuous process improvement initiatives.
Organization Development and Change Operational Excellence Courses
Organization Development and Change Operational Excellence Courses
In this 12-credit program, you can build a strong knowledge base of organization development and change, organizational design, project management, and Lean Sigma processes. You will focus on leading small- and large-group change initiatives and how to evaluate group dynamics to facilitate positive organizational change.
Required Courses (12 credits)
- 3credits
Covers the essential concepts and skills needed to make effective contributions on projects, on time and within budget. This course has been reviewed and approved by the PMI® Authorized Training Partner Program.
- 3credits
The course focuses on essential lean- and six-sigma concepts to improve processes in any industry.
- 3credits
Development of major concepts, skills, and techniques required by workplace learning professionals to support and facilitate organization change.
- 3credits
This course provides students with an understanding of group dynamics by assimilating contemporary concepts related to team development and group processes.
Course Availability
If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.
Start or Advance Your Career
Start or Advance Your Career
Penn State's OD&C operational excellence graduate certificate program can prepare you to work with corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations as a consultant and practitioner on change management, workforce development, project management, process improvement, lean processes, and training.
Career Services to Set You Up for Success
From the day you're accepted as a student, you can access resources and tools provided by Penn State World Campus Career Services to further your career. These resources are beneficial whether you're searching for a job or advancing in an established career.
- Opportunities to connect with employers
- Career counselor/coach support
- Occupation and salary information
- Internships
- Graduate school resources
Ready to Learn More?
Get the resources you need to make informed decisions about your education. Request information on this program and other programs of interest by completing this form.
Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State graduate certificate?
Costs and Financial Aid
Costs and Financial Aid
Learn about this program's tuition, fees, scholarship opportunities, grants, payment options, and military benefits.
Costs and Financial Aid
Graduate Tuition
Graduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register. Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.
2024–25 Academic Year Rates
| How many credits do you plan to take per semester? | Cost |
|---|---|
| 11 or fewer | $1,027 per credit |
| 12 or more | $12,325 per semester |
2025–26 Academic Year Rates
| How many credits do you plan to take per semester? | Cost |
|---|---|
| 11 or fewer | $1,037 per credit |
| 12 or more | $12,448 per semester |
Paying for Your Certificate
Students pursuing a certificate are considered "nondegree," a status that is not eligible for federal student aid, including the Federal Direct Stafford Loan program. A private alternative loan may be an option to consider.
Additionally, Penn State offers many ways to pay for your education, including an installment plan and third-party payments. Penn State World Campus also offers an Employer Reimbursement and Tuition Deferment Plan. Learn more about the options for paying for your education.
Students pursuing a degree and meeting all other eligibility requirements may qualify for financial aid.
Military Benefits
Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.
Additional Cost of Attendance Details
To view the detailed list of cost of attendance elements:
- visit the Tuition Information site
- click the plus sign to expand the table
- select a semester from the World Campus row
Technical Requirements
Review the technical requirements for this program.
A Head Start toward a Master’s Degree
A Head Start toward a Master’s Degree
Not only can this program help create opportunities in your career, it can also give you a solid head start toward a full master’s degree.
Degree Program Related to This Certificate
All of the credits earned for this certificate can be applied to the following Penn State World Campus master's degree program:
This online master's degree can help you grow your knowledge of organization development, appreciative inquiry, collaborative engagement, and change management. Gain practical skills to effectively manage and lead change in corporations, government agencies, and nonprofits.
Learn more about the Master of Professional Studies in Organization Development and ChangeWho Should Apply?
This program is for you if you work in a field related to organization change, process improvement, or workforce development, or are newer to the field and want to develop the expertise needed to initiate meaningful, positive changes.
Set Your Own Pace
Set Your Own Pace
Whether you are looking to finish your program as quickly as possible or balance your studies with your busy life, Penn State World Campus can help you achieve your education goals. Many students take one or two courses per semester.
Our online courses typically follow a 12- to 15-week semester cycle, and there are three semesters per year (spring, summer, and fall). If you plan to take a heavy course load, you should expect your course work to be your primary focus and discuss your schedule with your academic adviser.
To Finish Your Certificate in One Year
- Take 2 courses each semester
To Finish Your Certificate in Two Years
- Take 1 course each semester
Timelines may vary based on course availability.
Convenient Online Format
This program's convenient online format gives you the flexibility you need to study around your busy schedule. You can skip the lengthy commute without sacrificing the quality of your education and prepare yourself for more rewarding career opportunities without leaving your home.
A Trusted Leader in Online Education
Penn State has a history of more than 100 years of distance education, and World Campus has been a leader in online learning for more than two decades. Our online learning environment offers the same quality education that our students experience on campus.
How to Apply to Penn State
How to Apply to Penn State
Apply by July 15 to start August 25
Application Instructions
Deadlines and Important Dates
Complete your application and submit all required materials by the appropriate deadline. Your deadline will depend on the semester you plan to start your courses.
Fall Deadline
Apply by July 15 to start August 25Spring Deadline
Apply by November 15Summer Deadline
Apply by April 15, 2026, to start May 18, 2026
Steps to Apply
For admission to the J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School, an applicant must hold either (1) a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or (2) a tertiary (postsecondary) degree that is deemed comparable to a four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution. This degree must be from an officially recognized degree-granting institution in the country in which it operates.
GPA — Postsecondary (undergraduate), junior/senior (last two years) GPA is required.
You will need to upload the following items as part of your application:
Official transcripts from each institution attended, regardless of the number of credits or semesters completed. Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. If you are a Penn State alum, you do not need to request transcripts for credits earned at Penn State but must list Penn State as part of your academic history.
Test Scores — GRE or GMAT scores are NOT required.
English Proficiency — The language of instruction at Penn State is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Proficiency section on the Fox Graduate School's "Requirements for Graduate Admission" page. Visit the TOEFL website for testing information. Penn State's institutional code is 2660.
Program-Specific Questions/Materials
Résumé — Upload your résumé to the online application.
To begin the online application, you will need a Penn State account.
Create a New Penn State Account
If you have any problems during this process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected].
Please note: Former Penn State students may not need to complete the admissions application or create a new Penn State account. Please visit our Returning Students page for instructions.
You can begin your online application at any time. Your progress within the online application system will be saved as you go, allowing you to return at any point as you gather additional information and required materials.
- Choose Enrollment Type: "Certificate Admission"
- Choose "WORLD CAMPUS" as the campus
Checking Your Status
You can check the status of your application by using the same login information established for the online application form.5. Complete the application.
Admissions Help
If you have questions about the admissions process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected].
Contact Us
Contact Us
Have questions or want more information? We're happy to talk.
To learn more about the OD&C operational excellence graduate certificate, please contact:
World Campus Admissions Counselors
Phone: 814-863-5386
[email protected]
Whitney DeShong
OD&C Program Office
The Pennsylvania State University
303 Keller Building
University Park PA 16802
Phone: 814-863-9768
[email protected]
Learn from the Best
Learn from the Best
You'll study with faculty from Penn State's Department of Workforce Education and Development, which has been internationally recognized for offering high-quality degree programs through the College of Education since 1993. The faculty has extensive experience teaching in online educational environments.
Faculty
Eric J. Bergstrom
- DegreePh.D., Workforce Education and Development, Penn State
- DegreeM.Ed., Training and Development, Penn State
- DegreeB.S., Human Resources Management, Penn State
Dr. Eric J. Bergstrom has taught undergraduate credit and noncredit business management courses as well as graduate training and development and organizational development courses. He has facilitated leadership development programs for organizations across a variety of industries focused on strategic planning processes, continuous improvement processes, human resource development, and organization development. His practical and research interests include individual career development, leadership competency modeling and development, human resource development, and organizational process improvement.
Matthew Bornak
- DegreeM.Ed., Educational Leadership, California University of Pennsylvania
- DegreeInstructional II, Career and Technical Education, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
- DegreeB.S., English Language Arts Education, Clarion University
Matthew Bornak is a doctoral student in workforce education at Penn State with more than 25 years of experience in education and industry. Matthew's work bridges theory and practice, equipping learners and educators to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving workforce. A recipient of the Boeing Innovation Award, Matthew has published and presented on Digital Apprenticeships (DA) and Online Experiential Learning (OEL). His teaching portfolio includes English language arts, mechanical systems engineering, and workforce education. Prior to his time at Penn State, he was a career and technical education instructor and an aerospace defense maintenance engineer at The Boeing Company.
Candace Claar
- DegreeEd.D., Educational Leadership, Shippensburg University/Millersville University
- DegreeM.Ed., Business Administration and Education, Frostburg State University
- DegreeB.S., Business Education, Frostburg State University
Dr. Candace Claar is an assistant teaching professor in the workforce education and development program, part of the Department of Learning and Performance Systems, on the Penn State University Park campus. She is a seasoned educator and leader with extensive experience in educational leadership, curriculum development, and instruction. With more than three decades of expertise in technology training, she has worked with businesses and schools to enhance digital literacy and instructional technology integration. Before joining Penn State, Dr. Claar held key leadership roles, including director of partnerships, professional experiences, and outreach; director of curriculum; middle school principal; and business, information, and computer technology educator. Her professional interests focus on teacher leadership, advancing technology competence, and designing impactful professional development programs that foster innovation in education.
Tonya R. Hartman
- DegreeMBA, Smeal College of Business, Penn State
- DegreeB.S., Materials Science Engineering, Penn State
Tonya Hartman is an enterprise change and transformation team member in Penn State's Office of the President. She has more than 15 years of experience working for global advanced materials manufacturers in roles ranging from engineering to strategic marketing to product management. Tonya began her academic career seven years ago as an instructor for the Penn State Online MBA program and World Campus Online Faculty Development. She is a Six Sigma Black Belt and teaches Six Sigma methodology to both undergraduate and graduate students at Penn State, and she supports the University's continuous improvement efforts.
Seong Ji Jeong
Assistant Professor of Workforce Education and Development, Penn State College of Education
- DegreePh.D., Vocational Education and Workforce Development, Seoul National University
- DegreeM.Ed., Vocational Education and Workforce Development, Seoul National University
- DegreeB.A., English, Sungkonghoe University
Dr. Seong Ji Jeong is an assistant professor in the workforce education and development program at the Penn State College of Education. Her research interests center around workforce development program evaluations, career transitions and trajectories, and the aging workforce, with an emphasis on labor market outcomes. Prior to joining the Penn State College of Education faculty, she was a postdoctoral scholar in the Ohio Education Research Center, which conducts research utilizing statewide administrative data for state agencies through the Ohio Analytics partnership at The Ohio State University. She participated in a variety of state-funded projects, including the evaluation of workforce development programs for individuals with disabilities, the unemployed, etc. Using her expertise in quantitative methods, she served as a lecturer in the Quantitative Research, Evaluation and Measurement Program at the College of Education and Human Ecology at OSU during her postdoctoral career.
Maureen Connelly Jones
- DegreePh.D., Workforce Education and Development: Organization Development and Human Resource Management, Penn State
- DegreeM.S., Nursing, Adult Education, Penn State
- DegreeB.S., Nursing, Penn State
Dr. Maureen Connelly Jones is the director of assessment and effectiveness at Peregrine Global Services. She is charged with enhancing current programmatic assessments that support student development and ongoing process improvement efforts, along with organizational sustainment efforts. With more than 28 years of experience in higher education, she has served as an associate professor and a program director, teaching at the doctoral, graduate, and undergraduate levels. Dr. Jones's expertise encompasses organizational development, human resource management, leadership, health care administration, and clinical leadership. She has a proven track record in consulting on accreditation preparation and readiness, programmatic assessment, curriculum and competency model development and evaluation, and program review. As a faculty member, she views herself as a coach for her students, believing that every student who enters the classroom has the potential to be successful. Dr. Jones strives to challenge students and help them realize their own definitions of success.
William Rothwell
- DegreePh.D., Education, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
- DegreeM.A.B.A., Business, Sangamon State University, Springfield, IL (now the University of Illinois at Springfield)
- DegreeM.A., English, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
- DegreeB.A., English, Illinois State University, Bloomington
Dr. William J. Rothwell, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, CPLP Fellow, is professor of workplace learning and performance in the Workforce Education and Development Program, part of the Department of Learning and Performance Systems, on the Penn State University Park campus. As one of the founders of the MPS in ODC program, he had many years of experience in OD before becoming a faculty member in 1993. His research interests center around organization development, talent management, and succession planning. He is the author of 110 books and more than 200 articles.
Jeffrey L. Spearly
- DegreePh.D., Workforce Education and Development, Penn State
- DegreeM.S., Vocational Industrial Education, Penn State
- DegreeB.S., Accounting, Penn State
Dr. Jeffrey L. Spearly is senior director of Learning and Development for Penn State Executive Programs and a senior instructor in the Smeal College of Business. He is responsible for all aspects of Penn State Executive Programs' world-renowned programs, including client development, client needs assessments, and program design, delivery, and evaluation. Dr. Spearly works with clients to design learning and performance processes that address OD needs, issues, and challenges facing their organization.
Aileen G. Zaballero
- DegreePh.D., Workforce Education and Comparative Int’l Education, Penn State
- DegreeM.S., Educational Leadership, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
- DegreeB.S., Workforce Education, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Dr. Aileen G. Zaballero has been a Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD) since 2009. Her career, before graduating from Penn State, focused on experiential events such as high/low ropes, scavenger hunts, outdoor adventure races, and other team-building events. These programs focused on enhancing skills in communication, problem-solving, and collaboration. She then focused on more scholarly work, including developing competence models, researching instructional design skills, collaborating on the development of ATD's Talent Development Framework, and currently co-creating a series of simulations to develop OD skills. Some of her main research interests revolve around the future of work, the role of supervisory leadership in modern workplaces, succession planning strategies across regions, and innovative methods for engaging and supporting online learners.