MA in Organizational Sciences

 

Two organizational sciences master's students discussing coursework and sitting on a couch

 

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

 

 

 

Graduate Virtual Open House

 

 

Graduate Virtual Open House: October 18–28

Registration is open for the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences (CCAS) Graduate Virtual 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 Monday, October 18 at 6 p.m. EDT. 

 

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

John Vail headshot on blue testimonial graphic.

John Vail
MA '16, Organizational Management

"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."

 

Course Requirements

Students are required to maintain a cumulative grade point average of B.

The following requirements must be fulfilled:

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.

Required
ORSC 6104Statistics in Management, Administration, and Policy Studies
ORSC 6209Management Systems
ORSC 6216Theories and Management of Planned Change
ORSC 6219Managerial Economics
ORSC 6241Strategic Management and Policy Formation
ORSC 6242Organizational Communication and Conflict Management
or COMM 6242 Organizational Communication and Conflict Management
ORSC 6243Seminar: Leadership in Complex Organizations
ORSC 6245Seminar: Organizational Behavior
ORSC 6259Psychology of Individual and Group Decision Making
Electives
9 credits from the following:
ORSC 6212Current Issues in Personnel Testing and Selection
ORSC 6214Personnel Training and Performance Appraisal Systems
ORSC 6217Productivity and Human Performance
ORSC 6222Theory and Practice of Compensation Management
ORSC 6223Collective Bargaining
ORSC 6224Persuasion and Negotiation
or COMM 6150 Persuasion
ORSC 6246Comparative Management
ORSC 6248Strategic Human Resource Planning
ORSC 6250Leadership Coaching: Principles and Practices
ORSC 6251Team Coaching and Facilitation
ORSC 6295Directed Research
ORSC 6297Special Topics
ORSC 6298Directed Readings
Successful completion of a master’s comprehensive examination.