Organizational Performance and Change (OPC)
Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Education and Human Resource Studies
What Our Students Say
I would like to take this opportunity to express how pleased I was with the OPC program. I have just completed the final portion of the program with a cohort class that started in 2009. I have found the program not only beneficial, as I am certain my staff of 50 would vouch for, but also very pertinent to the types of changes that must be dealt with literally on a day to day basis in the medical field.
I loved that the class started and finished together as it made for a very cohesive interaction between fellow students. The books and coursework were pertinent to really any person that directly supervisors other individuals. The tools offered throughout the courses are pertinent to implementation as you move through the program rather than waiting for completion. The instructors were extremely engaged in the learning process.
I feel fortunate that I was coaxed into the program initially and believe that this accomplishment will benefit not only my career but also my professional interactions. I would like thank CSU for the opportunity to be part of this program and all the benefits I received while in the courses as well as the rest of my career. Thank you so very much for this great program! I would recommend this program for any individual that supervises employees. Thank you!
– Mary H. Feeney RN, BSN, MEd Emergency Department Director Platte Valley Medical Center
I went into the program looking for a degree, and came out with a world class education.
– Craig Coultas
I've just accepted the HR Manager position with the Town of Frederick! I found out about the opening through your very helpful job posting e-mails, and I know I was selected, at least in part, because of the wealth of information I've learned in just my first year in the OPC program. You told me the program would change my life, and it already has! Thank you so much!!
– Lauren Mueller
This program has changed my life! I have learned to speak, understand and function as an organizational leader and change agent! The curriculum has been challenging, gratifying and has given me the ability to apply my new learning to my career in real time. This has been a rewarding experience. I am pleased with the entire program and will forever treasure the relationships developed with my cohort team.
– Shatana Allen, M.Ed.
The OPC program has given me more confidence to effectively contract, conduct, and evaluate organizational assessments. My ability to systematically consult with leaders to improve their organizations has been greatly enhanced.
– Dave Needham
The program has benefited me by building my confidence in the understanding of change and how to effectively implement interventions. Even now it is a little difficult to get my thoughts around the whole program but I am comfortable recognizing the patterns and how people and politics entwine into my organizations.
– Tina Jachetta
This program provides valuable insight into how organizations run. That has helped me to understand people's motivations behind their actions, which helps me to work with them and facilitate change within.
– Edward Tuholske
I would have to say that it let me know that it was all right to make mistakes and that no one has all of the answers. I was a little apprehensive but after meeting the other classmates and teachers all of the apprehension disappeared and I was able to be just who I am. To be able to learn from other words of wisdom and perspectives made learning easier and retainable. I think that you will get whatever you put into this program! I got to be innovative and silly and I sharpened my listening skills, it's really a good course if you dare to be different.
– Alesia Mack
The OPC program benefited me by allowing me to continue my education, with little inconvenience. I loved being in a classroom environment again. Anytime you have the opportunity to receive higher education and the government not only pays for it, but makes it so convenient you can’t say no. So much of the program you can apply into your own life, whether it be personal or professional. I highly recommend this course for all Supervisors in the Army/Air Guard.
– Tamra J. Smith
This program explained so much of the "why" behind what goes on in organizations. i.e. Politics: I've seen people use or act in certain ways that I can now understand because of the material.
– Kevin Schroeder
OPC involvement with instructors and the cohort has helped me hone my self-reflective skills, grow my confidence, and build a personal reputation within my industry of credibility in organization development and change.
– Breanne M. Ness
The course content puts book theory to real world use knowledge to practice.
– Nevin E. Mills
You will grow, both professionally and personally.
– Darcie Salazar
I can't imagine working without the knowledge I learned in the OPC program. It truly changed the way I work, and who I am professionally!
– Suzanne McFarland
The OPC program has given me the tools to be successful in any leadership role. In fact, I will begin a new role just weeks after graduation. It is a departure from HR and I wouldn't have been qualified without the knowledge I gained in this outstanding program.
– Jim Kingen, Technical Operations Manager
The program enabled me to put structure around my ideas and recommend them with confidence because I had not only researched the topic, but understood my audience and how to approach them effectively. I've been able to apply many of the concepts immediately to my organization, and I believe the organization has already seen a positive ROI on financing my education.
– Jaimee Redman Lee
[The] faculty have been fantastic. The program's content and schedule seemed to be tailor-made just for me. I’ve learned volumes about my own organization, and how to apply that knowledge to help it succeed. When I attended the OPC orientation briefing, I liked what I heard. These aren't your typical liberal college academic professors with an agenda teaching your courses. These are successful, highly educated, business professionals who are sharing not only their knowledge, but also encourage you to think critically and share your opinions.
– Sergeant Kevin Edling, Police Officer
The OPC program changed my life — it has given me tremendous confidence and instilled in me a belief that I am capable of so much more than I had realized before. I now have a broader perspective and global view of HR which has enabled me to progress quickly from a transactional role to a more strategic role in my career.
– Pratima Subbarao, HR Specialist, Department of Interior
I was able to relate what I learned from the very first class. The learning is relevant, regardless of your chosen career. You gain much more than a degree.
– Lt. Col. Kim Lund, Colorado Army National Guard
This program has truly been a life changer for me. I would highly recommend the OPC program. The professors are knowledgeable, personable and make learning interesting and fun. I use the things we learn in class daily on the job. The program was exactly what I needed to take my career and life to the next level!
– Teresa Norris, Admissions Director, Boulder Manor Health Care Center
What I really love about the OPC program is its versatility. You receive a knowledge base that can be used in many industries and you do not get pigeon-holed into one area. Whether you are interested in Education, Leadership, Administration, or Human Resources, you are prepared!
– Ryan Ross, Stirred Up Enterprises
I was able to apply something from every class into my day-to-day job. Unlike other Master's programs, the OPC program allows for actual application — not just theory. All of the instructors brought real-world experience to the classes, allowing for expanded insight into the courses they taught.
– Beth McCane
The program gave me insight into not only how the organizational aspect worked or needs to work, but also the individual/human aspect of others and myself and the interactions needed to accomplish work and personal goals.
– Tim Shaffer
I could not do what I am doing right now without going through the OPC program. I am using everything that was taught and the "real life" practice we obtained from our "homework" throughout the program is paying great dividends in my work. What I learned and how I am using the learning is impacting my clients in a positive, proactive, and strategic way.
– Jon Drogheo
The OPC program at CSU was a life changing program not only professionally but personally. It helped me focus my career by providing me with the tools necessary to grow within my profession. But even more importantly I was able to build friendships with others in the program that will help for a lifetime. I strongly recommend this program to anyone looking to grow as a person.
– Dave Morante
The OPC program is a unique cohort program that fosters personal, professional, and academic growth. The program helped me to be more confident in the work place. When faced with a difficult situation at work, and in life, I am able to apply what I learned in the program to find opportunities in the problem and to grow from what ever I’m presented with. The OPC program taught me communication, how to work with different people, and how to find the root cause for issues instead of taking something at face value.
– Liisa McPherson
The OPC program provides me with the tools necessary to start assessing any organization where I may be employed. It has been enlightening and useful and I would love to pursue a career in assisting organizations to embrace changes for the success of their people and organization.
– Monica Ramirez
Any minute that I devote to personal development must be worth it - I hate to waste time. The CSU OPC cohort program provided a value-add, relevant education that gave immediate results in my career and was time well spent.
– Troy H. Skaggs
The OPC program provides a great forum for learning about and working on actual workplace issues.
– Suzanne Talbott
I was looking for career development opportunities when I enrolled in the OPC program at CSU. Now, as a graduate of the program, I know that I made the right choice. On a daily basis, I rely on the skills that I have gained and on the tools that were made available in each course. I have grown professionally and I have great confidence in my abilities as a manager of human capital. I highly recommend the OPC program.
– Carla McCabe
Being a part of this program and a part of SHRM has changed me entirely. My confidence has increased dramatically. I have a much clearer image of what I want to do and where I want to go. I also have gained an invaluable sense of myself and how I work and interact with others and how to proactively work with others. Finally, being involved in this program has afforded many significant opportunities - i.e., a scholarship, networking, applicable education, and friendships.
– Meghan Cave
This program will have a great impact on your career, no matter what career path you choose.
– Richard Mackanos
The OPC program and its instructors provided me with a plethora of tools and insight into my profession as well as that extra educational piece to round off my resume and prepare me for a significant promotional opportunity. I honestly feel that this program has positively impacted my career and life overall.
– Pat Schneider, AVP Human Resources
This program is undergoing changes to curriculum and delivery method to better serve our students. Contact us to be notified when new program information is available.
- or contact -
Pam Nicholson, PHR
(303) 376-2602
pamela.nicholson@colostate.edu
Receive periodic emails about this program.
Degree at a Glance
Next cohort begins Spring 2013. Contact Pam Nicholson to be notified when applications are available (expected February 2012).
Location
Total credits
33 credits
Tuition
$599 per credit (financial aid available)
Time frame
This is a two-year program with courses meeting one evening per week.
Designed for
Individuals preparing for roles and responsibilities within the mid-management and operational levels of business and industry, government, military, medical, social service, and nonprofit organizations to grow and develop a workforce and to work as change agents within an organization.
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.

