MA in Organizational Sciences
The Master of Arts in Organizational Sciences degree pushes the bounds of strategic leadership. Courses apply theories of organizational management and effectiveness to real-world objectives like employee retention and workplace culture change.
Faculty share a strong foundation in systems thinking and work closely with students in small classes. Graduates emerge prepared to successfully manage organizations at the individual, group and environmental levels.
Note: The Organizational Sciences MA is an Open Enrollment Master’s Program at the Arlington Graduate Education Center.
Application Deadlines
- Fall Semester: April 1 (February 1 for fellowship/assistantship applicants)
- Spring Semester: October 1
Join the Graduate Programs Virtual Open House: October 17–27
Registration is open for the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences 2023 Open House! The online event includes program-specific information sessions and opportunities to engage with current graduate students, faculty and our admissions team.
The Organizational Sciences and Communication Department is hosting an information session for prospective graduate students on Friday, Oct. 20 at 3:30 p.m. and Wednesday, Oct. 25 at 3:00 p.m. EDT.
MA in Organizational Sciences Info Session: November 8
Join us online for an information session discussing the field of organizational sciences and communication and the GW Master of Arts in Organizational Sciences program.
Outcomes and Focuses
Outcomes
Students leave prepared to:
- Integrate solutions
- Synthesize information
- Resolve conflict
- Sculpt organizations
- Drive performance
- Redesign work processes
- Enhance collaboration
- Accommodate stakeholders
- Transform culture
Key Knowledge Areas
The OS program ties managerial and executive success to the integration of knowledge in three key areas:
- Strategy and change management
- Leadership and communication
- Performance and talent development
"What we learned in the classroom translated so easily to our everyday lives ... how organizations work internally, how they interact with outside organizations and how things can change within."
John Vail
MA '16, Organizational Management
Course Requirements
The general requirements stated under Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Graduate Programs.
36 credits, including 27 credits in required courses, 9 credits in elective courses, and successful completion of a master’s comprehensive examination.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required | ||
| ORSC 6104 | Statistics in Management, Administration, and Policy Studies | |
| ORSC 6209 | Management Systems | |
| ORSC 6216 | Theories and Management of Planned Change | |
| ORSC 6219 | Managerial Economics | |
| ORSC 6241 | Strategic Management and Policy Formation | |
| ORSC 6242 | Organizational Communication and Conflict Management | |
| or COMM 6242 | Organizational Communication and Conflict Management | |
| ORSC 6243 | Seminar: Leadership in Complex Organizations | |
| ORSC 6245 | Seminar: Organizational Behavior | |
| ORSC 6259 | Behavioral Economics and Group Decision Making | |
| Electives | ||
| 9 credits from the following: | ||
| ORSC 6212 | Current Issues in Personnel Testing and Selection | |
| ORSC 6214 | Personnel Training and Performance Appraisal Systems | |
| ORSC 6217 | Productivity and Human Performance | |
| ORSC 6222 | Theory and Practice of Compensation Management | |
| ORSC 6223 | Collective Bargaining | |
| ORSC 6224 | Persuasion and Negotiation | |
| or COMM 6150 | Persuasion | |
| ORSC 6246 | Comparative Management | |
| ORSC 6248 | Strategic Human Resource Planning | |
| ORSC 6250 | Leadership Coaching: Principles and Practices | |
| ORSC 6251 | Team Coaching and Facilitation | |
| ORSC 6295 | Directed Research | |
| ORSC 6297 | Special Topics | |
| ORSC 6298 | Directed Readings | |
| Successful completion of a master’s comprehensive examination. | ||