Organizational Development Degree Online

What is Organizational Development?

This major title is confusing, because it is used for two similar but different degrees.

Organizational Development #1:

At some schools, Organizational Development focuses on staff development and human resource management. These programs are similar to the more traditional Human Resources degree, except that they focus more on employee training and development, while the Human Resources program employs a more traditional top-down form of employee organization.

Organizational Development #2:

However, this same major title is used at some schools to denote a major that focuses on developing the actual organization (as opposed to the people within it). Students in these programs learn about problem solving and seek new ways to do things better, often on a large scale. These programs often have a focus on nonprofit organizations.

Confused? You’re not alone. These are both new majors and the kinks will work themselves out. In the meantime, be sure to look at actual course listings before deciding on any major.

Is Organizational Development a Good Major / Degree for Me?

Do you like working with people? Are you a strong communicator? Are you good at explaining things? Do you want to inspire others? Do you have a positive attitude and seem able to pass that attitude onto others? Then Organizational Development may be in your future.

High School Classes Needed for an Organizational Development Degree in College:

• 4 English Credits
• 3 Math Credits
• 3 Science Credits
• 3 Social Study Credits
• At least 2 Foreign Language Credits
• If your high school offers the following courses, take advantage!
  • AP Psychology
  • Sociology

Common Organizational Development Courses in College:

• Business Statistics
• Conflict Management
• Data Driven Decision Making
• Group Development and Facilitation
• Leadership and Influence Process
• Managerial Accounting
• Marketing Systems
• Organizational Behavior
• Organizational Communication
• Social Change and Persuasion
• Strategic Planning

Similar Degree Programs You Might Want to Explore:

• Business Administration / Management: the study of how to plan, organize, and control a company in order to earn a profit
• Human Resources Management: the study of topics related to employment
• Organizational Leadership: the study of how to best lead within an organization, with a focus on psychology
• Organizational Management: the study of how best to manage people within an organization
• Political Science: the study of government and politics
• Public Administration: Public Administration: a course of study that prepares people to manage institutions and organizations
• Psychology: the study of the human mind and human behavior

Organizational Development Careers:

Organizational Development #1:

Most Organizational Development majors go into human resources or training and development positions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, such positions are expected to increase by 15% between 2010 and 2020.

Organizational Development #2:

These graduates usually go to work in nonprofit management.