Organizational Development and Leadership, MA

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

The Master of Arts (MA) in Organizational Development and Leadership allows students to acquire advanced skills grounded in theory, research and best practices in organizational behavior and development, organizational leadership, and organizational change. Students learn how managers function effectively in organizations, and successfully lead their organizations in navigating internal and external change.

Graduates of this program will:

Further develop their ability to manage and lead in various organizational roles.
Be better prepared to address accountability through sound assessment and evaluation practices.
Identify best practices associated with leading teams and groups.
Embrace their ability to communicate across and within units of an organization.
Apply ethical leadership principles to the practical transformation of organizations and their employers.

Goals

The MA in Organizational Development and Leadership program has a commitment to the development of advanced learning experiences that are appropriate to the needs of practicing professionals and provide opportunities for professional enrichment and development.

Admissions

Application for admission to the MEd in the Organizational Development and Leadership program should be made through the graduate admissions website: www.widener.edu/admissions/graduate.

A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education is a prerequisite for admission to graduate study. The following requirements must be met for admission:

Submit the graduate application form and fee.
Have an official transcript sent from all previous graduate and undergraduate programs.
Submit two letters of recommendation from colleagues, supervisors, or college professors.
Submit a personal statement detailing your interest and qualifications for this degree program.

International Students

International students should consult the International Student Services web page at www.widener.edu for international graduate student guidelines or contact the Office of International Student Services at Widener University, One University Place, Chester, PA 19013; phone: 610-499-4499.

Transfer Credit

Students who have been officially admitted to the master of education program may transfer a maximum of six semester hours of graduate course work. A grade of B or better, or Pass (only if taken on a Pass/No Pass grading system) must be achieved if transfer credit is to be awarded, and the course work must be recent (within seven calendar years). For this transfer process to occur, students must file official transcripts from all other graduate institutions in which course work was completed and must meet with their advisor for a transcript analysis.

Advisors

Matriculated students have assigned academic advisors and must contact their advisors for advising plans.

Organizational Development and Leadership, MA

Degree Requirements

To qualify for the master of arts in organizational development and leadership degree, the candidate must:

Complete all the degree requirements within a total of six calendar years from the date of matriculation.

Complete at least 30 semester hours of credit in the graduate program, including transfer credit and replacements for waived courses.

Please note that a waiver of any required courses for the master’s degree must be approved in writing by the major advisor and the dean of the school. No credit is granted for waived courses.

Curriculum

ODL 501 - Organizational Theory and Principles 3 Credit(s)
ODL 502 - Ethical Leadership 3 Credit(s)
ODL 503 - Group Dynamics 3 Credit(s)
ODL 504 - Assessment and Evaluation in Organizations 3 Credit(s)
ODL 505 - Persuasive Communications 3 Credit(s)
ODL 601 - Adult Learning & Development 3 Credit(s)
ODL 602 - Innovation in Organizations 3 Credit(s)
ODL 687 - Current Issues in Organizational Development and Leadership 3 Credit(s)
ODL 650 - Professional Development Practicum 3 Credit(s)
ODL 651 - Capstone Seminar 3 Credit(s)

Total Credits: 30

The program of study that appears here applies to students who were admitted for the summer session of this catalog year and later. Students admitted prior to that term should select the appropriate catalog year of their admission. Choose previous catalogs from the Home, Graduate, or Undergraduate Catalog Page at http://Catalog.widener.edu.