Master of Science application deadlines
You may apply to begin Master of Science in Organizational Dynamics studies during the fall, spring, or summer terms. Your application portfolio, including all transcripts, must be received by the following deadlines:
Regular admission deadlines
| Term of Entry | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Summer 2024 | April 1, 2024 |
| Fall 2024 | July 1, 2024 |
| Spring 2025 | November 1, 2024 |
International student admission deadlines
| Term of Entry | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Summer 2024 | March 1, 2024 |
| Fall 2024 | June 1, 2024 |
| Spring 2025 | October 1, 2024 |
Applications for the Master of Science in Organizational Dynamics program are accepted on a rolling basis, meaning that applications are acted upon throughout the year whenever they are received. Selected applicants will be invited to personally interview with the program staff.
The Organizational Dynamics Programs Admissions Committee considers each candidate's application materials holistically as part of a selective admissions process. The Admissions Committee thoroughly examines all aspects of each candidate's academic background and work experiences as evidence of their academic potential, intellectual strength, and ability to contribute to classroom discussions and applied learning.
Students who have been denied admission to an Organizational Dynamics program must wait one calendar year before reapplying. This policy does not impact a student’s ability to apply to other programs at the University of Pennsylvania at any time.
Application materials checklist
Since all required supporting documents are submitted through the online application system, hardcopy material other than official transcripts or letters of recommendation will not be accepted.* Please urge your recommenders to submit their letters through the online system. Please note that all application materials become the property of the University of Pennsylvania and will not be returned. Remember to retain a personal copy of your application.
*Unsolicited material will not be used for review.
Applications must contain all of the following in order to be considered complete:
- Completed online application
- Current resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
- Nonrefundable $75 application fee
- Application essays, listed below
- Unofficial transcripts from each post-secondary school attended uploaded through the online application system
- Three letters of recommendation (details below)
- English proficiency test scores for international students
*Please note: unsolicited material will not be used for review.
Master of Science in Organizational Dynamics application essays
Your application requires two essays (and one optional essay) addressing the following topics. Number your essays clearly and begin each essay on a separate page. Responses should be approximately 500 words.
- Organizational Dynamics focuses on people-centered challenges in the workplace. Based on your career experiences, explain what you hope to learn in the Organizational Dynamics program and how you expect to apply that knowledge in the future.
- Each Organizational Dynamics student will complete a capstone project, which is an opportunity to research an organizational issue of their choice. What research question might you explore through the capstone? To review topics that past students have considered, visit Penn's Scholarly Commons.
- (Optional) If you believe your undergraduate or graduate transcripts present an inaccurate picture of your anticipated academic performance in Organizational Dynamics, please write an additional essay explaining why.
Letters of recommendation
Each applicant will submit three letters of recommendation. Letters should come from individuals in a position to evaluate your professional and/or academic work, such as a supervisor or professor, and who know of your desire to enter the Organizational Dynamics program. Recommendations may be submitted online (preferred) or by mail. For online recommendations, please follow the instructions in the Recommendations section of the online application.
Standardized test scores
International applicants whose native language is not English must also submit their Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores to demonstrate English proficiency. Please note that the TOEFL is rarely waived; therefore, we encourage applicants to take the test to avoid delays in completing the application. The minimum TOEFL scores required for admissions consideration are 100 (iBT), 250 (CBT), or 600 (PBT). The TOEFL must be sent from ETS using the institutional code 2986. To locate a testing site near you or schedule an exam, visit the TOEFL website. International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is also accepted, and the minimum score for consideration is a 7. You may upload a copy of your IELTS test to the standardized test score section of the application.
Please note, the College of Liberal and Professional Studies is accepting at-home GRE and TOEFL test scores through the 2023-2024 admissions year. Please visit the specific standardized testing websites for exam options in your home country.
Upon review of an applicant's file, the Admissions Committee reserves the right to request TOEFL scores.
International transcripts from institutions outside the United States
Applicants who have attended a college or university outside the US are required to have a course-by-course credential evaluation (with grade point average and course levels) performed by an outside evaluation service. Credential evaluations will be reviewed by our administrators, and the determination of degree equivalency to US degrees is at the discretion of the College of Liberal and Professional Studies. The following two evaluation services are acceptable:
CertiFile/CollegeNET Document Service: Applicants from international institutions are encouraged to use the CertiFile/CollegeNET Document Service within the College of Liberal and Professional Studies application to request and submit authenticated transcript(s) and other academic documents. This service provides certified documents and course evaluations which are then included as part of your application materials. If using this service, Penn requires the “Evaluation” service at a cost of $190.
World Education Services Inc. (WES): WES must complete a course-by-course evaluation of all post-secondary credentials. The course-by-course evaluation should include the comparability level of your education and list each of your courses along with the equivalent US marks and credit. Please select the WES basic course-by-course evaluation (with grade point average and course levels) and request that WES send your evaluation to Penn College of Liberal and Professional Studies Admissions. The school can be found by searching the University of Pennsylvania and then selecting College of Liberal and Professional Studies. The evaluation becomes an official academic record and sole property of the University upon its receipt. For additional information about the WES application and their review process, please visit the WES website.
Please note that these services charge a fee for the evaluation.
