Course Prefix & # |
Hrs |
Course Title |
Course Description |
Core |
Core 1.
CHNG 7001 |
3 |
Introduction to the Field & Profession of Organization Development and Change |
This course focuses on the history of change in organizations from an interdisciplinary perspective. Specific attention will be given to the foundational behavioral science theories; thought leaders, training eras, and change theories that emerged; the field’s values and ethics; and how this historical perspective translates into present day to inform scholar practitioners in the field of organization development and change. Students will also learn the overarching organizing framework for the doctoral program, and tools for learning success. |
Core 2. PSYC 7580 CHNG 7002 |
3 |
Motivation and Morale |
This course explores research and theory on attitudes, motivation, and intentional behavior related to satisfaction, motivation, effort, and goal setting at work. Prerequisite: Psychology Masters Student or Psychology Doctoral Student or consent of instructor. |
Core 3. CHNG 7003 |
3 |
Transformational Change in Complex Systems |
This course addresses the macro-perspectives on organizational transformation from different schools of thought that capture the way organizations and society adapt to address contingencies originating in their environments. We will examine such topics as organizational strategy and design, organizational learning, complex adaptive systems, and organization theory. This includes a focus on the evolution of aggregates of organizations and the characteristics of organizational collectives. |
Core 4. CHNG 7004 |
3 |
Use of Self as an Agent of Change |
This course delves into concepts of “self” in terms of relevant theories and practices. The ”use of self” and “self as instrument or tool” describes the role of an individual within the context of change from three conceptually distinct, yet empirically overlapping perspectives: intrapersonal, interpersonal, and transpersonal. The course relates students to themselves as students and professionals; looking to elevate their experience, cultivate their consciousness in order to develop into effective agents of change. |
Core 5. CHNG 7005 |
3 |
Managerial Judgment and Decision Making in Changing Environments |
This course focuses on understanding judgment and decision making processes and biases to improve decision making in organizations. Special attention will be given to application of judgment and decision making theories to the work of change agency. Students will learn about decision processes and biases, and motivational and emotional influences on decision making. The course highlights fairness and ethics in decision making, and provides strategies for improving decision making in the self and others. |
Core 6. CHNG 7006 |
3 |
Collaborative Change & Innovation: Approaches to Collective Engagement, Intelligence, and Action |
This course examines collaborative approaches for engaging diverse stakeholders to foster collective intelligence and action. The focus is on evidence-based approaches used over distance (onsite and online) and time (synchronous and asynchronous). We will explore the history of collaborative practices and their evolution from the dawn of human civilization. Leading edge theories and practices from around the world will be applied to various professional arenas. Students will learn how to create conditions for diverse stakeholder groups to make conscious choices, understand context, anticipate consequences, and innovate solutions with lasting value. |
Core 7. CHNG 7007 |
3 |
Coaching and Developing Talent in Transition |
This course focuses on the development of human and social capital as a strategic advantage for organizational success. Particular emphasis will be placed on career and leadership development, executive and peer coaching, mentoring, competency development, network theory, and creating a diverse workforce. |
Core 8. CHNG 7008 |
3 |
ORGD 6065: Exploring International Organization Development |
This faculty led course provides access to and opportunity for student engagement in a global context. Observation of practice will enable the opportunity for personal development and professional growth. The course builds on and incorporates knowledge developed across the program. This will develop awareness of cultural diversity and enable students to consider the implications of organization and community change through first-hand experiences. Prerequisite: Successful completion of the preliminary exam and one dissertation course. Exception can be made with approval of program director or assistant director. |
Research |
Research 1. CHNG 7051 |
3 |
EDFI 6410: Statistics |
This course focuses on statistics as a tool in education and research, descriptive statistics, transformation of scores, sampling and probability, linear correlation and regression, introduction to statistical inference, basic tests of significance, and effect size. |
Research 2. CHNG 7052 |
3 |
Applied Research for Planning, Evaluating, Reporting, and Influencing |
This course examines participatory approaches to design, analysis, and reporting for transformational initiatives in applied settings. The process is conducted to: (1) increase organizational learning and intelligence, (2) improve organizational change practices, (3) contribute to the development of organizational innovation and effectiveness, and (4) overcome the isolation commonly experienced by more siloed organizations and communities. By promoting relationships among those involved in implementing change initiatives, collaborative action and applied research fosters more thoughtful and healthy results. |
Research 3. PSYC 7800 CHNG 7054 |
3 |
Graduate Seminar: Quantitative Research Methods |
This course provides students with an introduction to quantitative research methods and statistical techniques. This course will be divided into two sections: 1) methods for quantitative research and, 2) quantitative statistical techniques. We begin with a focus on defining research problems, theory testing, causal inference, and research design. Then, we will explore a range of statistical techniques that are available for empirical research. The course will conclude with an introduction to special topics in quantitative research methods. |
Research 4. CHNG 7053 |
3 |
Qualitative Research Methods |
This course helps students understand and apply various methods of qualitative inquiry. Students will be exposed to grounded theory, biography, ethnography, phenomenology, and case studies. Definitions, rationale for selection of methods, formulation of research questions, research design, data collection and analysis (including the use of Computer Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software - CAQDAS) will be focal points of this course. |
Electives |
Elective 1-3 |
9 |
Any Graduate Level Course |
Electives are to be taken one per year over the three years. Courses can be taken sooner per the student’s schedule. |
Exam |
Prelim |
0 |
Preliminary
Exam |
The preliminary examination has two parts: a written General Examination based on a required reading list from prior coursework in the program, and a Specialized Portfolio that includes works and other items related to the dissertation. Items in the portfolio include: A. paper for conference presentation or journal submission with revision strategy and target outlet with date, B. dissertation site and project description with timeline, C. dissertation reading list, D. coursework that will be used in the dissertation. |
Dissertation |
Dissertation 1. CHNG 7990 Chair Residency |
3 1 |
The Applied Action Research Process, Dissertation Structure and Plan, and Proposal Defense |
This course introduces students to both the theoretical and practical aspects of beginning the dissertation, and writing a cohesive literature review. Emphasis will be placed on methods of interpretation, writing, and critical thinking related to the student's chosen research topic. The purpose of this course is to provide knowledge and support in the early stages of development to assist students in successfully starting the dissertation process. |
Dissertation 2. CHNG 7990 Chair Residency |
2 1 |
Diagnose: Problem Definition, Literature Review, and Diagnosis of Issue |
This course focuses on diagnosis as a process in which a general understanding of how the system currently operates is gathered in order to design solution-based interventions. Initial questions focus on clarifying the presenting problems and hypothesizing their root causes, along with identifying the contingencies involved with the more successful periods in the system. Pertinent facts are analyzed for use in intervention design and subsequent implementation. Evidence-based design emphasizes the use of credible facts and research-based findings to support that the intervention will lead to predicted results. |
Dissertation 3. CHNG 7990 Chair Residency |
2 1 |
Intervene: Evidence-Based Intervention Design and Implementation |
This course focuses implementing a planned change interventions as structured activities and describing the process as a participant observer. Students will also collect evaluation data as appropriate. Often, interventions require data collection as an element of the intervention. In some cases, the data is gather before, during, and after the intervention. In other cases, it is at the end. These determinations are chosen as part of the action research process. |
Dissertation 4. CHNG 7990 Chair Residency |
2 1 |
Evaluate: Data Collection and Analyses of the Intervention’s Impact |
This course focuses on analyzing the collected data in order to evaluate the impact of the planned change intervention. Evaluation can be done both qualitatively and quantitatively for all five levels of evaluation.[1] [2] Qualitative evaluation includes collecting observations, feelings, and impressions of the participants, which is often analyzed using a thematic technique. Quantitative evaluation encompasses collecting measurable data on the effects of the training and can be analyzed using statistical software. |
Dissertation 5. CHNG 7990 Chair Residency |
2 1 |
Transfer: Discussion, Reflections, and Dissertation Defense |
This course focuses on writing and conveying compelling ideas in reflecting on the planned change intervention and evaluation. Transfer is the final act in the relationship with the system, but rather, it is the beginning of a next steps to ensure stabilization and sustained impact. The student will reflect on the implications for enhancing competencies through continuous learning at the individual and organization levels. This view fundamentally reflects the current views that shifts the action research paradigm from a prescriptive solution for organizational ailments to an incremental promotion of organizational wellness. Students will also learn about navigating the final defense and satisfying the university requirements for final submission. |
