Goodwin College of Business
PhD, Organization Development

Benedictine’s World-Renown Doctoral Program in Organization Development

The doctoral degree in Organization Development at Benedictine University was one of the first graduate OD programs in the country. The program is built on a 50-year history of successful graduate-level OD education and this is intended for those persons with extensive experience, who currently hold responsible positions either in the field of organization development or human resource management. This in-person doctoral program, built on over twenty-five years of doctoral success, provides the foundation to enable leaders to develop themselves and others, build flourishing organizations and transform business and society.

Coursework to Prepare for Dissertation Research

The first-year courses concentrate on setting the tone and developing sensitivity to the role of organization development and leadership within the applied behavioral sciences. Coursework topics focus on the empirical research that helps us understand behavior at all levels – self, interpersonal, teams, organizations, inter-organizational, and society. Heavy emphasis is placed on the philosophy of science, the development of research skills, and organization research and theory.

The second-year courses extend the depth of study in leadership and change and develops further research skills in preparation for a student’s dissertation research. At the end of the second-year students then embark on a yearlong dissertation research.

The third-year: students work with Goodwin College of Business faculty and their dissertation committees to tailor their research and writing to help advance the student’s career and individual goals. This results in a defended dissertation based on original research. Additionally, students receive credit for an international experience by attending an international academic conference or other international experience with a faculty member.

Our curriculum provides the critical-thinking skills and abilities to create high-performance organizations, drive change, mobilize a workforce and emphasize social responsibility. The curriculum emphasizes global perspectives that address the health, sustainability and flourishing of the planet through products and services that enrich people’s lives and help them thrive. The curriculum focuses on three areas of study (global leadership, strategic change and corporate sustainability) coupled with extensive training in research design.

PhD in Organization Development

Doctoral course catalog descriptions

Download the Doctoral Program Curriculum (pdf)

A PhD in Organization Development opens doors to diverse careers!

You could become a professor, consultant, non-profit leader, author, entrepreneur, or more. Your path depends on your specialization, experience, and goals. Explore options through professional associations, your alma mater, and online job boards. Find a fulfilling career that aligns with your values and skills!

Author/Speaker/Independent Consultant: Share your expertise through writing books, articles, or blog posts, and speaking at conferences and workshops. Work directly with clients on a variety of projects related to leadership development, organizational change, and research.

Executive Director/CEO/Policy Analyst/Advisor: Lead non-profit organizations or government agencies towards achieving their missions. Secure funding, manage budgets, and oversee staff and programs. Develop and evaluate public policies related to leadership, organizational development, and social justice.

Leadership Consultant/Organizational Development Specialist/Executive Coach: Provide one-on-one coaching to executives and senior leaders on leadership skills, career development, and work-life balance. Work with organizations to develop and implement leadership development programs, improve organizational culture, and navigate change initiatives. Design and implement interventions to improve organizational performance, employee engagement, and team dynamics.

Professor/Dean/Administrator: Teach graduate-level courses in leadership, organizational behavior, change management, and related topics. Conduct research and publish scholarly articles. Lead academic programs or departments within universities or business schools. Oversee curriculum development, faculty recruitment, and student affairs.

What Our Graduates Have Done With This Degree

Students and alumni from Benedictine’s Doctoral program range from human resource managers and university deans to senior corporate executives and military generals. The program requires career diversity among its cohorts to create genuine dialogue and learning experiences that can be immediately impactful within the careers and organizations of program graduates.