Organizational Development

Program Title: Master of Arts in Organizational Development

Program Description: The Master of Arts in Organizational Development (OD) at Webster University is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to facilitate positive change within organizations. This comprehensive program integrates theoretical foundations with practical applications, preparing graduates to lead initiatives that enhance organizational effectiveness, culture, and performance. Students will explore key areas such as change management, leadership development, strategic planning, conflict resolution, and team dynamics. The curriculum emphasizes experiential learning through case studies, simulations, and projects that mirror real-world organizational challenges.

The program fosters a deep understanding of organizational structures and behaviors, enabling students to diagnose issues, design interventions, and implement sustainable solutions. Courses are delivered by experienced faculty members who bring regional and global perspectives, enriching the learning experience. The curriculum also incorporates emerging trends in organizational development, including diversity and inclusion, technology integration, and remote work strategies.

Students have opportunities for collaboration with organizations across various industries, providing practical experience and networking opportunities. The program is suitable for professionals seeking to advance their careers in HR, consultancy, management, or leadership roles, as well as for individuals aiming to drive meaningful change in their workplaces. Graduates of the program will be well-prepared to assume leadership positions in organizational development, change management, training and development, and related fields.

Webster University's flexible delivery options, including online and hybrid formats, allow students to balance their studies with personal and professional commitments. Upon completion of the program, graduates will possess a versatile skill set, including critical thinking, strategic planning, communication, and interpersonal skills, essential for fostering organizational agility and resilience in a dynamic global environment.

Program Curriculum

The 36 credit hours required for the master of arts (MA) must include the following courses for a major in organizational development:

• CHNG 5000 Practicing Organizational Development (3 hours)
• CHNG 5100 Change Leader Self-Mastery (3 hours)
• CHNG 5200 Organizational Development Consulting Practices (3 hours)
• CHNG 5300 Data-Driven Approaches to Organizational Developments (3 hours)
• CHNG 5400 Designing, Building, and Leading Effective Teams (3 hours)
• CHNG 5450 Managing Communication During Change (3 hours)
• CHNG 5600 Leveraging Diversity and Inclusion (3 hours)
• CHNG 5700 Designing and Facilitating Organizational Development Interventions (3 hours)
• CHNG 5800 Achieving Breakthrough Results (3 hours)
• CHNG 5900 Organizational Development in Emerging Situations (3 hours)
• CHNG 5950 Organizational Development in a Global Context (3 hours)
• CHNG 6000 Capstone Project in Organizational Development (3 hours)

Application Requirements

• An International Application. Non-U.S. citizens, U.S. citizens applying from outside the U.S. and any student applying to a campus outside the United States should apply online at www.webster.edu/apply. A non-refundable application fee of $50 is required. Application fees vary based upon the campus location, please contact the campus you wish to attend.
• Official transcripts from the educational institution from which the student earned their first bachelors-level degree. For U.S. institutions, this means accreditation from a regional accrediting body. Non-U.S. institutions must be recognized by the Ministry of Education as a university-level provider of higher education and accredited by any appropriate agencies within the home country and any countries in which it operates and/or issues degrees. This transcript and/or diploma must show the degree received and the date conferred. Applicants previously enrolled in graduate-level coursework must submit official transcripts of that work.

Note: Graduate applicants who apply and are provisionally accepted either by submitting unofficial transcripts or before completing their undergraduate degree must submit a final transcript indicating the degree received and the date conferred. If transcripts do not indicate degree or conferral date a copy of diploma is required. This official transcript must be on file within eight weeks from the beginning of the student's starting term for full acceptance to the University.

To be considered official, transcripts must be received by Webster University directly from the issuing institution. If the student is to deliver transcripts, they must be in sealed, unopened envelopes and certified with the official seal of the issuing institution. All official transcripts and documents in a language other than English must be accompanied by a certified English translation.

Additional Application Requirements

• Documentation of English Language Proficiency: All applicants, regardless of program or enrollment location, whose primary language is not English must document their English language proficiency at the time of application. Applicants normally satisfy this requirement by submitting official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), Academic IELTS, or Pearson scores.
• A 300- to 400-word essay on a topic of your choice. You may describe a special interest, experience, or achievement or a curriculum vitae (résumé) that documents prior employment and experience.
• One letter of recommendation from a professor and/or an employer.
• Additional official documentation may be required depending upon an applicant's program of interest or previous educational background. See program page for details.
• Applying for a visa: Students requiring a visa to study in the country in which their campus is located will be required to provide additional documentation for the visa process. Visa documentation requirements can vary at international campus locations depending upon the applicant's citizenship status and/or country of origin at the time of acceptance to the University. Applicants should check with the campus they plan to attend for specifics. The University will notify applicants if additional documentation is required to complete the application file. For current information, please contact the campus at which you plan to enroll.

English Language Proficiency

Applicants whose primary language is not English must document their English language proficiency at the time of application. Applicants normally satisfy this requirement by submitting official scores within the past two years of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or Academic IELTS scores. The scores required for admission are as follows:

• TOEFL: iBT - 80
• IELTS: Academic: 6.5
• Pearson: 61

Equivalent Cambridge, Oxford, NEAB, TEEP, Academic IELTS, and London Certificate test results that are current can be considered in lieu of the TOEFL. Students who cannot document current evidence of English proficiency should contact the campus to which they are applying for possible on-site testing. In such cases, testing must be completed before the admission decision will be made. Webster University will refer for testing any applicant for admission about whose English language proficiency an admissions officer has concerns. All English as a Second Language (ESL) recommendations and requirements are a condition of the applicant's admission, enrollment, and/or continued enrollment at the University.

The financing of the Organizational Development program at Webster University is designed to accommodate a diverse student body, including both domestic and international students. Tuition fees vary depending on the student's residency status, degree level, and enrollment status (full-time or part-time). For graduate-level programs such as Organizational Development, tuition per credit hour generally reflects the university’s standard rates, with a typical fee around $1,500 to $2,000 per credit hour. Students are responsible for covering tuition costs, as well as additional expenses such as textbooks, materials, and technology fees. Webster University offers a variety of financial aid options to support students in financing their education, including scholarships, grants, and loan programs. Scholarships are often awarded based on academic merit, leadership potential, or specific criteria related to the program or applicant background. Federal and state aid may also be available to eligible students, particularly those enrolled as full-time students pursuing a degree. The university encourages prospective students to explore external funding sources, including private scholarships and employer tuition reimbursement programs, which can significantly offset the total cost of the program. Payment plans are typically offered to help students spread costs over the semester or academic year, providing greater flexibility in managing finances. International students may have specific visa-related financial requirements and should consult with the admissions and financial aid offices to understand available resources. Webster University also provides guidance and counseling services to assist students in creating personalized financial plans. It is important for prospective students to review the latest tuition rates and financial aid policies directly on the university’s official website or by contacting the Office of Financial Aid. Overall, while the cost of the Organizational Development program can be significant, the university’s comprehensive financial support options and detailed planning resources are intended to make the program accessible and affordable for qualified students.

The Graduate Certificate in Organizational Development at Webster University is designed to equip students with advanced skills and knowledge in the field of organizational improvement. This program focuses on understanding and applying strategic change management, leadership development, and organizational effectiveness techniques to foster sustainable growth within various organizations. Students engage with core concepts such as organizational behavior, consulting methodologies, and evidence-based practices that drive successful transformation initiatives. The curriculum emphasizes practical application through case studies, projects, and experiential learning opportunities, enabling learners to translate theoretical frameworks into real-world solutions.

Webster University's program is tailored for professionals seeking to enhance their capacity to lead change initiatives, improve organizational climates, and develop innovative strategies for business success. The coursework incorporates contemporary topics like digital transformation, diversity and inclusion, and agile organizational structures, reflecting current trends and challenges in the corporate landscape. Students are encouraged to explore organizational development theories alongside practical tools to diagnose issues, design interventions, and evaluate outcomes effectively.

The program is offered through flexible modalities, including online and on-campus options, to accommodate working professionals and executive learners. Typically, the program can be completed within a year, depending on the pace of study. Admission requirements generally include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and professional experience in relevant fields such as management, human resources, or consulting. Graduates of the program often pursue careers in organizational development consulting, human resources leadership, change management roles, and executive positions that require strategic oversight and influence.

Webster University emphasizes a global perspective, encouraging students to consider cross-cultural dimensions of organizational change and to develop skills applicable in diverse settings across international markets. The faculty comprises experienced practitioners and scholars dedicated to providing personalized mentorship and fostering collaborative learning environments. The program’s objective is to prepare graduates to become effective agents of change who can analyze organizational systems critically, develop innovative interventions, and lead sustainable development initiatives within their organizations and communities.