Quick Links

Admission to OD

Quick Facts and Dates

Admission Requirements

International Applicants

How to Apply Online

Financing Your Degree

Bulletin Board

Click the image below to stay up to date with the latest in what's happening at OD.

How to Apply Online to Organizational Dynamics

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. Most applicants find it helpful to 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.

Application Materials

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

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 $70 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.

Student Profile

Jane Frankel, MSOD

I was interested in graduate education that integrated business and social science topics. The awareness I gained of how individuals' needs impact the overall ability of an organization to attain its goals was invaluable, as was my experience in Organizational Dynamics; I now work in the areas of practice I studied in the program. Read more …

Application Follow-Up Procedures

When the application package is complete (and has been received online), it will be sent to the Organizational Dynamics Admissions Committee for review. In most cases, a review and decision will take place within 2-3 weeks of receipt.

Admission Decisions

Upon final review by the Admission Committee, a prospective candidate will be informed that he or she has been:

1. Recommended for admission; or
2. Deferred or delayed for admission (an explanation will be provided); or
3. Not recommended for admission.

Candidates who have been recommended for admission will receive a welcome letter and Admission Package from the Organizational Dynamics Program Director. The letter will indicate the name and contact information for the student’s initial academic advisor. The materials in the package will provide information about the next steps required to join the academic community as an active graduate student at the University of Pennsylvania.

A recommended candidate will receive a second letter from the office of the Dean of Graduate Studies of the University of Pennsylvania. This will formally confirm admission and will permit the student to complete all administrative obligations including course registration.