Doctoral Program in Organization Development

As organizations face change through phases of growth or decline, shifts in the economy, or mergers and acquisitions, demand grows for professionals capable of providing leadership and guidance through times of transition.

Organization development practitioners are professionals who help create successful strategies for change. They apply advanced research methods, behavioral and social science approaches and leading practices to the practice of organization development. Students in this program use their education to further their career in organization development, and/or use the OD knowledge and skills to add to their capacity for leadership.

The Doctor of Education (Ed.D) in organization development (OD) is designed to prepare students for careers in a variety of settings. By earning this degree, students will be able to:

• Work effectively as a reflective OD practitioner
• Gain knowledge and ability in all areas of expertise required for a sound OD practice
• Conduct research pertinent to OD
• Demonstrate skills and knowledge in consulting, organizational culture assessment, change management, group facilitation and intervention techniques
• Increase ability to manage organizational change, as an internal or external consultant, or in a leadership role.

The St. Thomas OD Doctorate

The OD doctoral program reflects the tradition of St. Thomas in its commitment to the intellectual and values-based education of its learners. This is accomplished through the development of reflective, ethical leaders in the field of OD. Faculty all subscribe to the values of OD as articulated by the OD Network.

The program is a departure from traditional doctoral programs in which students learn only in research-based settings. The focus is on learning the theory and skills of OD and the ability to conduct original research, so graduates are truly scholar-practitioners. To help students integrate theory and practice, there is a practicum during each year of study, giving students the opportunity to apply the skills they have learned .

Why St. Thomas?

The St. Thomas doctorate in OD is designed to meet the needs of the working adult student. Classes involve a combination of intensive, face-to-face course meetings on five to seven weekends per calendar year on the Minneapolis campus, coupled with virtual learning, allowing students to balance the pursuit of their degree, career and personal life, even as a distance learner. Once per academic year, students meet with their cohort for a week-long residency which provides an in-depth, intense and practical learning experience. This design allows students to attend while living and working at a distance. Students in the program have commuted from places such as California, New York and Argentina.

St. Thomas students bring a wealth of experience to the classroom. The student body is composed of mature students with significant experience in both OD-related disciplines and leadership roles. Learning from each other is a vital part of the program. Many students are practicing professionals who can apply the most advanced knowledge available from research, theory and professional practice in their current and future roles.

St. Thomas also offers students the opportunity to gain international OD experience through faculty guided  practica in Ukraine. Students work in teams and gain valuable skills and insight by applying their learning in an intercultural setting.

The relationship with ISEOR, the Socio-Economic Institute of Firms and Organizations at University Jean Moulin Lyon III, Lyon, France, has led to classes in Socio-Economic Approach to Management and participation in the doctoral consortium in Lyon, France.

The Energetics Institute in the College of Applied Professional Studies adds a unique opportunity for OD students to learn about subtle energies and how skills in the use of subtle energies can aid OD practitioners in their consulting. A series of three courses in Energetics and OD focus on self as instrument, energetics and interpersonal work, and energetics and organizational work.