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. CHNG 7003 |
3 |
Transformational Change in Complex Systems |
This course examines perspectives on organization development and change (OD&C) from interdisciplinary schools of thought that capture the way individuals, groups, organizations, communities, and society change to address contingencies originating in their environments. The focus is on the evolution of change at various levels of analysis. Topics covered include the social and behavioral sciences, organizational behavior, organization theory, systems (e.g. complex, open, adaptive, and closed), strategic management, and organization design. |
Core 3. CHNG 7004 |
3 |
Use of Self as an Agent of Change |
The course examines organizational theory and practice of the self. It will focus on the self in an organization and community setting from three conceptually distinct, yet empirically overlapping perspectives in psychology: intrapersonal, interpersonal, and transpersonal. These perspectives will be explored with the intention of moving the students into undiscovered and exciting arenas of knowledge. As it does, it will also guide the students towards being effective scholar-practitioners; always looking to elevate their experience, cultivate their consciousness, and develop them into effective agents of change. |
Core 4. 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 5. CHNG 7006 |
3 |
Collaborative Change & Innovation |
This course examines collaborative approaches for engaging diverse stakeholders to foster collective intelligence and action. The focus is on evidence-based collaborative 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 a variety of situations and in diverse professional arenas. |
Core 6. 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. |
Research |
Research 1. 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 2. CHNG 7053 |
3 |
Quantitative Research Methods in Organization Development and Change |
Study of techniques for systematic empirical investigation of behavioral phenomena using statistical, mathematical, numerical or computational approaches. These techniques may operate on structured numerical or unstructured text data and can help drive innovative quantitative methods for organizations, communities, and research. These essential skills prepare students for solving real world challenges and advancing their own scholarly contributions while fostering a learning environment that motivates research across many disciplines |
Research 3. CHNG 7054 |
3 |
Qualitative Research Methods in Organization Development & Change |
This course will introduce students to the various methods of qualitative inquiry. It is intended to instruct doctoral students in the five main approaches to qualitative research: narrative, phenomenology, ethnography, grounded theory, and case studies, so that they may conduct rigorous qualitative research: formulating research purpose and questions, determining appropriate qualitative methods, addressing ethical considerations, collecting and analyzing data, and reporting results |
Research 4. CHNG 7055 |
3 |
Integrative Applied and Action Research for Inquiry and Impact |
This course prepares students to address the goals of their research projects and professional lives through applied and action research with qualitative and quantitative data. The course will be run as an experiential seminar that engages students in a range of integrative discussions and exercises involving hands-on practice with data collection, interpretation, and research writing of methods and results. Students will explore the implications of their research question for dissertation work |
Research 5. CHNG 7800 |
|
Seminar in the Behavioral Sciences |
Systematic study of selected topics within the discipline |
Electives |
Elective 1 & 2 |
6 |
Any Graduate Level Course |
Electives are to be taken one per year over the first two years. Courses can be taken sooner per the student’s schedule. Note: EDFI 6410 may be a required elective based on past graduate courses. |
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. |
| International Study Experience |
| CHNG 7008 |
3 |
International Organization Development & Change Symposia Experience |
This course furthers the student's learning and applications of their dissertation research in contexts and cultures outside the United States. Students are exposed to new cultural environments. They are given the opportunity to interact with practitioners and academic scholars to learn first-hand how the field of Organization Development & Change is researched and applied in a cross-cultural context at a country and global level. |
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 gathered 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. |
