Organization Development

The Master of Science in Organization Development degree is offered in these locations and online:

Master of Science in Organization Development
The Master of Science in Organization Development (MSOD) is a 36 credit-hour graduate program designed to prepare 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 Master's in Organization Development degree provides an understanding of the foundations, theories, methods, and tools of the OD profession as well as helping build critical and strategic thinking skills.

The MSOD degree 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 study abroad experience 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.

International Short-term Study Abroad
Near the end of program, students travel as a cohort on an international short term study abroad where they will serve in teams of OD consultants and work with and learn from, an international organization. The short-term study abroad is part of the ORGD 655: International Organization Development.

The purpose of the course (including the required international study abroad) is to give students in the program skills to understand and be able to function as OD practitioners in international settings. Many companies in Wichita have locations internationally, work with suppliers and customers from around the globe and also have employees from a large variety of countries. While the overall focus of the MSOD program is not global or international, the International OD course is a critical component of preparing students to be OD practitioners. The required international study abroad is a critical component of this course.

The location of the study abroad (host country and host organization) is not pre-determined but will be identified well in advance of the actual experience. It is also possible that the cohort will “meet” members of the host organization via teleconferences, telephone and/or video conferencing, to begin the planning process for the on-site interaction.

Program costs cover lodging and some meals. Students should plan for some out-of-pocket expenses such as passport and visa fees, checked baggage fees, meals, and other miscellaneous fees and/or taxes. Students should plan on the purchase of an international airline ticket and a minimum of $350 for out-of-pocket expenses, which can generally be covered with financial aid.

MSOD Program Purpose
The MSOD degree program prepares individuals to lead and facilitate strategic organization change. The program emphasizes relational skills, use of self, action research, managing strategic change, understanding organizational culture and having a systems perspective.

Who should attend the Master's in Organization Development program?

  • Internal OD consultants
  • External consultants
  • Leaders and those aspiring to be in a leadership role
  • Executives and line managers
  • Human resource professionals
  • Training and development professionals
  • Quality and process improvement professionals
  • Directors and managers from government and developmental organizations

Benefits of attending the Master's in Organization Development program:

  • Interpersonal mastery with increased self awareness and emotional intelligence
  • Ability to implement and guide successful organization change
  • Improved facilitation skills
  • Coaching skills
  • Ability to think strategically
  • Opportunities to network with other professionals

Popular Career Options

  • Organization development manager
  • Organization development consultant
  • Human resource manager
  • Training and development manager
  • Executive coach
  • Consultant
  • General management and leadership roles

Need more information? Request information about the Master's of Science in Organizational Development degree at Friends University. You can also contact the Admissions Office at 316-295-5901 or learn@friends.edu.