University of San Francisco

Every organization needs a leader who understands the science of change management, as well as the art of guiding people, teams, growth, and change. Become that leader at USF.

Classes in the USF MS in Organization Development program focus on understanding behavior at the individual, team, and systems levels.

For any organization that relies on its people and their ability to respond to—and drive—change, an organizational development expert is critical.

The M.S. in Organization Development (MSOD) program empowers professionals to lead change through collaboration and mutually trusting relationships in the organizational system.  

Students study theories and models of OD, practice participatory action research and develop skills to effectively contribute to, manage, and lead teams. The MSOD program values self-awareness, self-care, reflection, and compassion as building blocks of change.

The MSOD program curriculum is designed around four essential elements that define the field: reflection (self-as-instrument), diagnosis, implementation, and evaluation.

Program Learning Outcomes

Program Goal 1 - Understanding the Foundations, Theories and Models of OD

• Learning Outcome 1a: Students will become familiar with the key concepts, research, theories and models in OD.
• Learning Outcome 1b: Students will apply OD theories and models to change interventions in organizations.

Program Goal 2 - Ability to Lead Change and Use Self-as-Instrument

• Learning Outcome 2a: Students will develop skills in building collaborative, mutually trusting relationships in an organizational system, contracting with clients, defining goals, providing and receiving feedback and implementing interventions adhering to the values and principles of OD practice.
• Learning Outcome 2b: Students will practice self-reflection, skillful communication, effective negotiation and conflict resolution and self-care and use their own feelings as valuable information about how the organization functions.

Program Goal 3 - Proficiency in Organizational Inquiry, Research and Analysis

• Learning Outcome 3a: Students will become proficient in field research, participatory action research and related data collection methods (e.g., surveys, interviews, focus groups, observation).
• Learning Outcome 3b: Students will be able to analyze qualitative and quantitative data, interpret findings, make data-based recommendations and evaluate effectiveness of interventions.

Program Goal 4 - Competence with Teams, Culture and Diversity

• Learning Outcome 4a: Students will attain skills to effectively contribute to teams as well as develop and empower others to work effectively in team contexts.
• Learning Outcome 4b: Students will understand the impact global culture and diversity inclusion has on organizational culture and will be able to work effectively across cultural perspectives.

Program Goal 5 - Connection to San Francisco Location and Ignatian Education Values

• Learning Outcome 5a: Students will apply OD in San Francisco Bay Area organizations across sector, industry, and organizational life cycle.
• Learning Outcome 5b: Students will develop and promote Ignatian values in their OD work (e.g., caring for the mind, body and spirit of the whole person, striving for excellence providing service to those in need, reflecting then acting for change).