Master of Science in Organizational Dynamics

Organizational Dynamics graduate students chatting

A graduate program with a people-centered approach to workplace innovation

The Master of Science in Organizational Dynamics (MSOD) is designed to develop your intellectual perspective on today’s complex work environment. Our program allows you to explore the practical applications you need to thrive and create positive change within your professional environment. The degree fuses research-based knowledge rooted in the arts and sciences with practical applications. This approach examines the subtleties of human behavior within existing systems, addresses multi-dimensional challenges and transforms organizational culture.

Our students come from every sector of the global workplace, from small start-ups to large multi-national corporations and from both the public and private sectors. Most of our courses take place in a small seminar format, allowing you to connect with your distinguished professors and influential research scholars in an intimate classroom culture of integration, trust and reflection. Our low-residency format allows you to earn your degree part-time in the evening and on weekends so you can continue your ongoing career development. Throughout the year you are invited to participate in social and professional networking events, attend lectures and discussions, and serve in leadership roles within the program—connecting you to the wider Penn community.

Unlock your leadership potential today

Learn how Penn can help change your workplace and shape your management skills through our Organizational Dynamics program. Advisors, faculty and alumni share their insight on the impact of Organizational Dynamics and how the Penn experience extends beyond the classroom.

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Fast facts

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1500+
Number of alumni in the Organizational Dynamics network
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5
Number of concentrations and certificates offered by the program
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96%
Percentage of students employed full time while in the program
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40+
Number of years Penn has offered the Organizational Dynamics degree

Courses and curriculum

Master of Science in Organizational Dynamics core courses cover the foundations of organizational structure and development, evidence-based methods to evaluate and solve complex organizational problems, and practical strategies to apply systems thinking and design thinking in the real world. Students may develop an individualized curriculum in collaboration with their advisors, or focus their studies with a concentration in global organization, change management and leadership, organizational coaching, organizational consulting and executive coaching, or sustainable development. Students who complete six courses within those concentrations earn a graduate certificate when they complete the master’s degree.

Learn more about courses and curriculum >

Professional outcomes

Each alumni story is as unique as the individualized program of study they created within the Organizational Dynamics program. Our students come from every part of the global workplace, from small start-ups to large multinational corporations, and from both the public and private sectors. Our graduates have managed emergence and created positive disruption in a wide variety of industries, including finance, medicine, hospitality, business coaching, and more. Many have used the culminating capstone project to develop a plan for strategic development, change management, or innovation management and apply it directly to the workplace. Others have used their master’s education as the foundation for a career change or for further graduate studies.

Learn more about student and alumni accomplishments >

Take your organizational education to the next level

The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Organizational Dynamics is an advanced graduate degree designed for individuals who want to demonstrate applied scholarship beyond a master’s degree. The Master of Philosophy in Organizational Dynamics can serve as an important step in future PhD study preparation or simply an opportunity to extend scholarly engagement with additional courses and a focused thesis project.

Learn more about the MPhil program >

Upcoming application deadline

The application deadline for spring 2024 is November 1, 2023.

Want to know more?

Join us for one of our monthly virtual information sessions to learn more about courses, application requirements, and academic resources.

Student & alumni stories

"I was impressed by the high levels of science and rigor and how it provided me with the opportunity to become what I’ve always wanted to be." - Cecil Johnson, MSOD ‘14

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