MA Organizational Systems, Leadership and Organization Development Specialization

 

The Master of Arts degree program in Organizational Systems, specializing in Leadership and Organization Development (LOD) is academically and personally rigorous. It is designed to build confidence and resiliency by encouraging you to practice your learning inside and outside of class, in the crucible of lived experience.

The LOD MA program is informed by the premise that the “signature presence” of a change agent combined with theoretical and practical expertise is an educational strategy for success. This degree prepares you for an outstanding career as consultant, trainer and executive coach. It may also further your career as a leader or manager in any type of organizational system. Graduates may serve within an organization, establish an independent practice or decide to work in the for-profit, non-profit or public sector.

 

Increase your leadership effectiveness, your ability to facilitate change and your own emotional intelligence through the LOD degree program. Graduates establish successful practices as consultants and coaches; serve as organization development practitioners within organizations; and establish themselves as leaders and senior managers in a variety of fields. We find that they are widely sought after by both consulting firms and businesses.

Educational Theory
The LOD curriculum emphasizes three overlapping theory bases: applied behavioral science, systems theory and cutting-edge models of leadership and organizational development. During the first year, the emphasis is on self-development and inner reflection within the context of becoming an organizational leader/change agent. In the Marketplace portion of the curriculum, students act as leaders of organizations and create actual marketable products and services.

Students engage in two projects that provide hands-on experience of the action research consulting process. Working as a member of a consulting team and then later as an individual consultant, students engaged with real clients to create healthier and more vital functioning within their systems.