Application Process

When to Apply

Organizational Dynamics is on a "rolling" admissions basis, meaning that applications are received and acted upon throughout the year. New students may begin coursework in the Fall (September) term, the Spring (January) term, or the Summer (May) term. If you miss a deadline date, your application will automatically be considered for the next available semester. An applicant admitted for a specific semester may defer the start date up to one year.

Deadlines for applying are:

August 1 for Fall (September) term

December 1 for Spring (January) term

April 1 for Summer (May) term

How to Apply

The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences has an online system called Apply Yourself that has been designed to walk you through the required steps to submit all your application materials. Because Organizational Dynamics requirements sometimes vary from those of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, applicants must read the entire section below before starting the application process.

Application System Computer Requirements

The Apply Yourself system has been tested for compatibility on Netscape 6 and higher, Microsoft Internet Explorer 5 and higher, Safari (for Macintosh users), and Mozilla Firefox 1 and higher. Parts of this application may not function properly on other browsers and pop-up blockers should be disabled. Do not use AOL's internal browser. In addition to a compatible browser, you will need a web browser that has Javascript activated and the free Adobe Reader to access certain documents.

Creating an Application File

When you are ready to begin the Application Process, go to the Apply Online website. After you register and create a password, you can work on your essays and other information and save your work over many sessions. When you are ready, upload your materials and submit your final application.

A non-refundable application fee of $80 must accompany your application. This fee may be paid online by credit card using a secure server (Verisign). You will NOT see the payment option until you submit your application.

When you apply online, you will be able to track the status of your application electronically.

Application Materials Required

Transcripts

Two official transcripts are required from each accredited undergraduate and each accredited graduate institution you attended. Transcripts must be mailed directly from the institution to:

Admissions Committee
Organizational Dynamics
3401 Walnut Street, Suite 328A
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6228

Resume or CV

A resume must be prepared that documents your education, work, and professional background and that demonstrates that you have sufficient organizational experience to meet the requirements of the coursework. Your resume/CV should be in Microsoft Word format and in an electronic file. You will upload your resume as instructed in the Apply Yourself application system.

Two essays

All the essay questions have fields large enough for you to answer each question thoroughly. There is no minimum or maximum length required. The equivalent of approximately 1- 3 pages (250-750 words) is a general range. However, you should feel free to write whatever length you feel you need to convey your answer.

Each essay should demonstrate your writing skills, critical thinking, initiative and motivation, planning and organizational skills, creativity, and flexibility. A third essay may be submitted if there are extenuating circumstances or concerns about one’s background that an applicant feels should be explained. Examples include an undergraduate academic performance that is not perceived to be an accurate predictor of graduate performance, or unexplained gaps in work experience. Essays should be in Microsoft Word format and in an electronic file. You will upload your essays as instructed in the Apply Yourself application system in the section “Organizational Dynamics Personal Statement" (NOT the GSAS Personal Statement).

Three letters of recommendation

The Admissions Committee requires three recommendations from professional supervisors who are familiar with your work. Each letter should use the criteria described in the Letter of Recommendation Form downloaded from the Apply Yourself application form. Each letter must be sent directly from the person to:

Admissions Committee
Organizational Dynamics
3401 Walnut Street, Suite 328A
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6228