Learn about rankings and facilities for three schools that offer graduate study in organizational development. Get details about the degree programs and schools.
What Makes a Top Graduate Program for Organizational Development?
Organizational development helps shape the issues that determine an organization's success by helping people achieve the objectives of the organization and feel good about their work. When you're looking for a top organizational development graduate program, look for schools with knowledgeable faculty experienced in organizational development and management in national and international business. You want curriculum that involves solving real issues with real businesses rather than just theoretical coursework. Look for a school that's highly ranked, particularly in your field of interest. Also consider if the program offers a career service that can help you find employment after graduation.
<h2 id="section---WhatAreThreeSchoolsForOrganizationalDevelopment">What Are Three Schools for Organizational Development?</h2><h3 id="section---AmericanUniversityInWashingtonD.C.">American University in Washington, D.C.</h3><p>Located in Washington, D.C., American University's (AU) School of Public Affairs offers you access to some of the nation's most influential institutions, preparing you for a career in public service. American University was ranked 78th among national universities by <i>U.S. News & World Report</i> in 2019.
</p><p>The curriculum for the organizational development program consists of experiential learning, international fieldwork and online learning. Throughout the Master of Science in Organization Development program, you'll participate in a real-world practicum project, during which students can work clients or conduct research. A career center is available to help students find employment, allowing them to combine academic studies with real-life experience in organizational development skills.
</p><ul><li>Master of Science in Organization Development
</li></ul><h3 id="section---PepperdineUniversityInLosAngelesCA">Pepperdine University in Los Angeles, CA</h3><p>Pepperdine University has five schools, with Graziadio School of Business and Management offering a program in organizational development. As a student at Graziadio, you'll be invited to many career service workshops and events. The faculty members are instructors experienced and knowledgeable in organizational development, as well as notable guest speakers. The Master of Science in Organizational Development degree program is offered at Pepperdine University.
</p><ul><li>Master of Science in Organizational Development
</li></ul><h3 id="section---SaintLouisUniversityInSaintLouisMO">Saint Louis University in Saint Louis, MO</h3><p>Saint Louis University's (SLU) School for Professional Studies offers an organizational development graduate program online or as a combination of in-class and online courses. In 2019, <i>U.S. News & World Report</i> ranked SLU 106th among national universities. During the Master of Arts in Leadership and Organizational Development program, you'll complete a series of projects that will help you develop skills on a personal, group and organizational level. Additionally, as a student enrolled in SLU's organizational development program, you'll be provided with career services offering career assessment, career counseling, on-campus recruiting, and career fairs.
</p><ul><li>Master of Arts in Leadership & Organizational Development
</li></ul><h2 id="section---TenOtherSchoolsOfferingGraduateProgramsInOrganizationalDevelopment">Ten Other Schools Offering Graduate Programs in Organizational Development</h2><p></p><table border="1"><tr><th>College/University</th><th>Institution Type</th><th>Location</th><th>Estimated Graduate In-State Tuition*</th></tr>
<tr><td>University of San Francisco</td><td>4-year, Private</td><td>San Francisco, CA</td><td>$25,000</td></tr>
<tr><td>Case Western Reserve University</td><td>4-year, Private</td><td>Cleveland, OH</td><td>$45,000</td></tr>
<tr><td>Queens University of Charlotte</td><td>4-year, Private</td><td>Charlotte, NC</td><td>$13,000</td></tr>
<tr><td>Saint Joseph's University</td><td>4-year, Private</td><td>Philadelphia, PA</td><td>$17,000</td></tr>
<tr><td>Gonzaga University</td><td>4-year, Private</td><td>Spokane, WA</td><td>$17,000</td></tr>
<tr><td>University of Georgia</td><td>4-year, Public</td><td>Athens, GA</td><td>$11,000</td></tr>
<tr><td>University of Louisville</td><td>4-year, Public</td><td>Louisville, KY</td><td>$13,000</td></tr>
<tr><td>Colorado State University Online</td><td>4-year, Public</td><td>Online</td><td>$9,000</td></tr>
<tr><td>Hawaii Pacific University</td><td>4-year, Private</td><td>Honolulu, HI</td><td>$19,000</td></tr>
<tr><td>St. Edward's University</td><td>4-year, Private</td><td>Austin, TX</td><td>$28,000</td></tr>
</table><p><i>*Source: NCES, U.S. Department of Education</i></p>
