Organization Development Network

Program Website:
www.sonoma.edu/programs/od/
Note: Program websites will open in a new window.

Purpose of Program:
This MA in Organization Development provides professional preparation for developing organizations and communities that are more sane and effective.

Features:
In four semesters participants gain the practical skills, conceptual knowledge, and field-tested experience to successfully lead organization and community improvement efforts. Cohort groups of 15 students participate in seminar discussions, skill-building activities, and extensive field projects under the guidance and supervision of experienced OD practitioner faculty.

Accreditation(s):
Western Association of Schools and Colleges

Estimated Completion Time:
Two Years

Contact Information

Karen Fischer
707.664.2682
karen.fischer@sonoma.edu

Registration / Cost

Requirements for entry: The criteria for acceptance into the Organization Development program are: - A BA. or B.S. degree from an accredited college or university. - Relevant work experience in organizations. - An acceptable level of competence in oral and written communication. This will be demonstrated by: (a) A written statement about the student's background, relevant work experience, and specific goals to be achieved from the program, (b) Individual and group interviews during the admissions process, and (c) A recent example of the applicant's academic or professional writing. - At least a 3.0 grade point average in the most recent sixty units of courses. - Applicants should have a foundational understanding of issues and concepts encountered in organizations, as well as those pertaining to human behavior and experience. Generally, this may mean that applicants with a BA in Psychology may need courses in Business Administration, while those with a degree in Business may need courses in Psychology. Prerequisite course work in one or more of the following may be used to satisfy these requirements: - Organizational Behavior or Psychology of Organizations - Personality Theories, Human Development, or Group Process Applicants are encouraged to consult with the OD Program Coordinator about these requirements before enrolling in prerequisite courses. The selection and admissions process is aimed at assessing the extent to which there is a good fit between the applicant's qualifications and goals, and the purpose and resources of the OD Program. The written statements and personal interviews, described in item 3 above, are especially useful in this regard. In addition, two reference letters are requested. This program has a strong commitment to the principle of diversity. We seek a broad spectrum of students, including members of under-represented groups.
Requirements for graduation: In order to graduate, students are required to complete 40 units of required courses, 180 hours of approved internship work, and a culminating experience consisting of two parts: A) An analytical case study demonstrating competence in the design and implementation of an organization development project with an actual organization. B) A publishable article on a topic relevant to professional practice in organizations. Both reports must be planned with and approved by the student's faculty advisor.
Estimated Cost: $22,000 tuition, plus books
Financial Aid: The University provides a range of financial aid options, including low interest loans. Financial aid applications should be filed early to increase chances of securing funding. Contact the Financial Aid office at 707/664-2389 for information and application forms. Support from one's current employer is also often available.
Application Process: Submit application form, college transcripts, two letters of reference, a sample of recent writing that demonstrated writing competence at a graduate level, and a personal statement of purpose. Based on application materials, qualified applicants are selected for personal interview.

Degrees Offered

M.A. (Masters)
M.A. (Masters)

Degree Formats

Face-to-Face

• Number of Contact Sessions: Not Available
• Length of Each Contact Session: 4-8 hours
• Location: Rohnert Park in Northern California

Most sessions include seminar discussion, faculty presentations, and student-led workshops.