Organizational Performance and Change (OPC)

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Education and Human Resource Studies

Organizational Performance and Change from Colorado State Continuing Education

Degree Overview

The Organizational Performance and Change (OPC) Ph.D. specialization develops skills and competencies in senior organizational leaders who seek to improve organizational effectiveness, enhance decision making skills, and develop analysis and research expertise. The program is ideal for executives who are seeking an advanced degree but who are unable to participate in traditional doctoral programs which require full-time attendance.

While this program is strongly grounded in organizational, strategic, and change management theory, the curriculum is focused on practical, growth-oriented activities to ensure educational relevance and applicability in today's challenging business and institutional environments. Strong theory-to-practice models ensure that you will acquire advanced research competencies, the ability to manage change effectively, and improve the performance and effectiveness of your organization immediately.

Requirements and Curriculum

The Organizational Performance and Change Ph.D. coursework includes study in research and OPC specialization and concentration and is designed to be completed in just eight semesters. The convenient class schedule allows executives and senior managers like you to obtain an advanced degree while continuing to work. Classes are held at the Brighton Learning Center on five Saturdays each semester from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Learn more about degree requirements and curriculum

Faculty

This program is guided by the same distinguished faculty and leading practitioners who teach on campus. Faculty come from a variety of academic and industry backgrounds. Learn more about the faculty

People who have an understanding of how to help transition organizations and their workers into contemporary industries will be helping their employees and the economy as a whole. This program has an excellent track record of placing students into jobs and progressing them in their careers.
Read more »

Admission and Application

To be considered for admission, you should have at least 10 to 15 years of advanced experience within your chosen profession and desire comprehensive business and research skills. Learn more about admission and application

Degree Benefits

  • Program schedule allows you to maintain your busy lifestyle while still reaping the benefits of obtaining an advanced degree.
  • Relevant, action-oriented curriculum is designed to be used immediately on the job. You and your employer will gain an immediate return on investment.
  • World-class faculty are content experts and have extensive experience in their field.
  • Rigorous application process ensures you will learn with motivated business professionals who seek a greater understanding of current business principles and practices.
  • Cohort model that enables the same group of students to complete the program together as a learning community. This enhances students' networking capability, knowledge acquisition and transfer, organizational acumen, and understanding of essential performance management, organizational development, change management and human resource principles and theories.

Who Should Earn This Degree

  • Senior organizational leaders who seek to develop skills and competencies to improve organizational effectiveness, enhance decision making skills, and improve analysis and research expertise.
  • Individuals with at least 10-15 years of advanced experience within their chosen profession and who desire comprehensive leadership skills.
  • Executives and senior managers who are looking to obtain an advanced degree while they continue to work.
  • Change agents who seek to further develop their consulting acumen through advanced research and application.
  • Career-changers who seek to master challenging organizational development theories and models to enhance competency and credibility.
  • Consultants who value sharing best practices, teamwork and understand the importance of developing transformational leadership skills in a challenging and stimulating environment.

We also offer an Organizational Performance and Change master's degree. Visit the OPC M.Ed. website for more information.

Questions? Ask us.

We'll be in touch within 2 business days.

- or contact -

Pam Nicholson, PHR
(303) 376-2602
pamela.nicholson@colostate.edu

Receive periodic emails about this program.

Degree at a Glance

Applications for Spring 2014 will be accepted Mar. 1 – Sept. 30, 2013.

Location

Brighton Learning Center
1850 Egbert St.
Brighton, CO 80601

Total credits

60 credits

Tuition

$725 per credit hour (financial aid available)

Time frame

Coursework is completed in eight semesters followed by a dissertation which typically takes six months to one year to complete. Classes meet five Saturdays per semester.

Designed for

Senior organizational leaders, executives, and leaders with at least 10-15 years of advanced experience within their chosen profession who seek to develop their consulting acumen, improve organizational effectiveness, enhance decision making skills, and improve analysis and research expertise.

What you will earn

You will earn the same regionally-accredited Colorado State University degree that a student on the Fort Collins campus is awarded. Your diploma and transcript are identical to those awarded to on-campus students.