Our MS in Organization Development and Leadership degree is a multi-sector and multi-disciplinary program. We have adult learners (leaders/practitioners) from various sectors (profit, not-for-profit, health care, government, etc.) and disciplines who are searching for skill enhancement, field advancement and other opportunities to set themselves apart and make a difference in their chosen fields of practice by embracing a collaborative leadership mindset to deliver individual and organizational results.
PCOM's ODL program is focused on action learning. What this means from an intentional design practice is that you — as the adult learner — identify the issues that are most important to you and your organization. We (faculty) design the coursework to promote individual discovery as you integrate ODL theory into your practice, thereby creating the real experience necessary to encourage growth as a leader and practitioner.
The courses are taught by our exciting community of faculty who are active consultants, practitioners and leaders in the field of ODL — a critical element in providing value-added learning to our students. Our students are learning, testing and applying theory and experience in real-time using the latest tools, methodologies and practices necessary to deliver results for themselves and their organization(s).
The quality of the student/faculty relationship is a unique and a special strength of the ODL program. While class sizes vary each semester, class size is moderated to allow faculty to provide meaningful, individualized attention to their students. The majority of the program faculty members are also working in the field and can provide excellent, practical examples in relation to coursework. Many of our students enjoy collaborative relationships with faculty who actively participate in and contribute to the overall leadership development of their students. In providing feedback to our program directors about their experiences, our students and alumni report that our faculty members are caring, respectful and responsive and that our faculty demonstrate their genuine interest and concern for their students through mentoring, coaching and collaborative learning.
In lieu of a thesis, a final capstone project is required for completion of the MS in Organizational Development and Leadership degree. The capstone project is an action research experience that serves as a tool for faculty to assess students’ competency and skill development. The capstone project process can start as early as halfway through the ODL curriculum, although many students enter the program with an issue they want to address as the capstone project and use the coursework to support their action research experience.
View the cost of attendance page for information regarding tuition and fees.
Visit the Office of Financial Aid for financial assistance resources.
In order to accommodate full-time working professionals, ODL classes are offered entirely online utilizing interactive technologies to support collaborative learning. Course schedules are designed to allow the greatest flexibility for our students.
Most of the students complete the program in two to three years. However, we collaborate with students to work out a schedule that can accommodate the different life experiences and goals of our students. This may mean extending the course work if it makes sense to meet the needs of our students.
Yes. Because the ODL programs are designed for working professionals, most students pursue their degree and/or certification part-time. Our flexible course offerings are intended to provide flexibility for our students.
Yes. Our programs are designed for working professionals with the majority of classes meeting on weekends. In some cases, the classes are offered using a blend of weekends and weeknights. Also, the two to three years allotted for completion of the MS degree allows flexibility. In fact, employment during the program is beneficial in providing real-time experiences for engaging in ODL practice.
No. We have found that standardized test scores are not effective indicators of successful ODL students, rather previous education and former/current work experience are key factors in admissions decisions as they are true predictors of student success.
Yes, there are two organizations with which our ODL program is affiliated, one in Pennsylvania and one in Georgia. Philadelphia Region Organization Development Network (PRODN in PA) and Organization Change Alliance (OCA in GA) are professional networks of organization development practitioners and leaders. Their focus is to provide additional learning and growth opportunities for practitioners and leaders, nurture strong relationships with their communities, and as engaged citizens to provide their skills whenever possible to make a difference and facilitate change. PCOM pays for the first year of membership for all first year MS ODL degree students.
For more information about the minimum requirements for admission to the Master of Science in Organizational Development and Leadership degree program, please visit the application requirements page.
In order to allow the greatest flexibility for applicants, the ODL program follows a rolling admissions cycle, meaning that there is not a specific deadline for application. However, as the greatest demand for admittance is for the fall and spring terms, early application is strongly encouraged to guarantee placement within the program during the desired term.
Yes. Once all application materials have been received by the Admissions Office, eligible candidates will be invited to interview with the Faculty Committee on Admissions.
For more information about ODL programs, contact Program Director Dr. Jeff Branch at 215-871-6947 or jeffreybr@pcom.edu.
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