Program Summary
Nationally Recognized
Learn How to Successfully Implement Change in Organizations
The ability to manage change is becoming an increasingly critical skill for leaders in all industries and sectors of the global economy. Penn State's online Master of Professional Studies in Organization Development and Change (MPS–OD&C) can provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to effectively manage and lead change in organizations including corporations, government agencies, and nonprofits.
Whether you are an established professional working in a career related to organization change and workforce development, or relatively new to the field, this online degree can expand your understanding of organization development, helping you to advance your career.
Why Study Organization Development and Change at Penn State?
You'll study with faculty from Workforce Education and Development (WF ED), which has been internationally recognized for offering high-quality degree programs at the Penn State College of Education since 1993. The WF ED faculty has extensive experience teaching in online environments and a wealth of real-world work experience in OD&C.
Your OD&C Courses
In this 33-credit program, you can obtain a critical knowledge base in organization development, appreciative inquiry, and change. The curriculum includes nine prescribed courses, one elective course, and one required field-based course in which you'll identify an organization development project in business, industry, or government and carry out contract problem analysis and resolutions.
As you progress through the courses, you can gain new skills to apply immediately in your current work environment to help improve your organization's effectiveness. Your course projects will regularly draw from work-related environments to ensure that the concepts you are building on are grounded in the reality of organization development.
Online Graduate Certificates
You may also apply for one of the online graduate certificates in OD&C. Topics include: OD&C Essentials, Consulting Skills, and Operational Excellence. Courses in the certificates are also part of the master's program, allowing you the flexibility to earn both at the same time — if you apply and are granted admission.
Your Opportunities as an Organization Development and Change Graduate
With the knowledge acquired during your pursuit of this degree, you could be qualified for positions and roles including:
- corporate development
- talent management
- strategic consulting
- process management
- workforce training
- performance improvement
- independent consulting