Master of Science in Organizational Dynamics
- Organizational Dynamics Overview
- MSOD Mission, Philosophy, and Appeal
- Theory-Experience Education
- Course Characteristics and Faculty
Organizational Dynamics Overview
Founded in 1977 and located in the University of Pennsylvania's School of Arts and Sciences, Organizational Dynamics operates two degree programs and a non-credit research/education branch. Two graduate program degrees are offered, the Master of Science in Organizational Dynamics (MSOD) and an advanced degree available only to those who already hold the MSOD or a closely-related degree, the Master of Philosophy (MPhil). The Organizational Dynamics Exchange Network at Penn (ODEN) provides support for scholars; offers non-degree community education and professional liaisons; and supports graduates of the MSOD and MPhil programs, and others in the community with continuing education and professional services.
Organizational Dynamics holds the premise that the increasing complexity of organizational activities requires leaders who can integrate "hard science/analytic" content (e.g., structural information, rational data-based decision making) and "soft art/emotional" processes (e.g., how to respond, what events mean, judgment-based decision making). Indeed, we believe that understanding the art and science of the organization enhances the competencies necessary to ensure the viability of organizations.
Organizational Dynamics is designed for adults who have at least 5 years of full-time working experience and who now wish to expand their insight by returning to the classroom. Being one of "15 or 16 companies sitting around a table" under the tutorage of one of the Program's 48 world-class faculty is a powerful educational experience that increases skills, knowledge, motivation, and creativity. In addition, studying at Penn, a member of the Ivy League community, supports the need for intellectual challenge, enhances professional effectiveness, increases personal satisfaction, and opens doors for advancement.
MSOD Mission, Philosophy, and Appeal
The mission of the MSOD degree program is to enhance the competencies of mid-career adults through applied scholarship from the arts and humanities, social sciences, and professional organizational disciplines.
Our philosophy is that a multi-disciplinary, person-oriented understanding of organizations is critical for superior leaders and managers operating in the private, public, and non-profit sectors. Indeed, without a broad understanding of the human domain, and the application of multiple perspectives of inquiry and evaluation, a leader or manager is less effective.
The MSOD degree appeals to adults who possess sufficient knowledge and skill to perform their jobs, but who are searching for enhanced organizational competencies and intellectual challenges. These include increased understanding of organizational structures and processes, and the historical and cultural contexts of organizations; improved methods to diagnose, evaluate, and creatively manage organizational problems and conflicts; and enhanced skills to communicate effectively, to control organizational change, and to lead.
Theory-Experience Education
The MSOD program integrates theories about organizations with the knowledge and work experience of people who work in them. By combining theory with practical experience, the Program helps participants to increase analysis, synthesis and understanding of how organizations function within larger social, cultural, geo-political, economic, and environmental systems. Above all, the collaboration of faculty and participants supports the interactive discussions that are at the core of the Program's educational philosophy: faculty provide multi-disciplinary, theoretical and practical underpinning of problems as well as skilled facilitation of discussion of ideas, and participants contribute essential insights based on their first-hand experiences of organizational life. Most important, the diversity of professional, organizational, and educational backgrounds represented in each class lends a richness to the discussions that goes beyond the subject matter, the faculty, or the readings.
Course Characteristics and Faculty
Students select from one of five concentrations, or tracks, to structure their courses and to help direct their Capstone (final paper) topic. Completion of 6 courses within a single track will earn one or more Graduate Certificates in addition to the Master's degree.
Courses (also referred to as seminars) are held Monday through Saturday. Classes meet once per week for 2 - 4 hours over a period of 6 - 12 weeks. Weekday classes begin at 4:30 pm, 6:00 pm, and 6:30 pm. Saturday classes begin at 9:30 am. Courses are offered during the three University of Pennsylvania semesters: fall (September), spring (January), and summer (May).
While there are more than 400 active students in the Program, each course is usually limited to 16 participants. This fosters a confidential environment in which to share diverse perspectives, knowledge, and operational insights on important issues common to organizations.
Rather than testing students with examinations, course evaluations are based on class-based performance, written papers, and projects. These methods give a student multiple opportunities to demonstrate how the readings and discussion apply to problems and issues that arise in their own organizational environments.
The 48 MSOD teaching faculty and scholars represent 16 academic fields including humanities, social sciences, business, fine arts/planning, education, health care, and law. By applying the assumptions, knowledge and research methods of their academic disciplines to organizational topics, participants attain creative insights into organizations and the issues they face.
Seminars capitalize on both the expertise of the faculty and the practical experience of the participants. Discussion of the issues raised in the assigned readings is at the heart of the Program. Participants contribute to the discussion based on the content and interpretation of readings relative to their professional experience and individual perspectives.
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3401 Walnut Street
Suite 328A
Philadelphia, PA 19104
T: 215-898-6967
F: 215-898-8934
SAS: School of Arts and Sciences
University of Pennsylvania