Organization Development and Knowledge Management (MS)

Who should apply?

The Master of Science in Organization Development and Knowledge Management is an integrated program taught in executive format and designed for professionals who have several years of work experience. Providing conceptual tools and practical guidance to foster organizational change, the program focuses on three related areas: creating and leveraging knowledge through networks of people who communicate and collaborate; understanding and managing change by integrating the diverse roles of people, processes, and technology; and enhancing and facilitating collaboration by building effective relationships in technology-rich environments. A feature of this program is the group-oriented approach to learning supported by the use of web-based collaborative computer technologies. Students develop the competencies to apply these technologies to make organizations more effective.

The cohort usually completes the program on a part-time basis. Full-time study is also possible by arrangement with the program director.

Students work in teams and complete most of the courses in sequence. The second academic year includes an action learning component, in which participants undertake projects in organizations and apply research methods. Overall, the process and methods of evaluation stress the cumulative development of competencies and the capacity to apply the insights gained. Students are expected to have easy access to a computer and the Internet. Minimum computer specifications can be obtained from the program office.

Why choose George Mason?

With George Mason University’s prime location in the Washington, D.C. area, Schar School students gain access to leading scholars and practitioners who bring real-world experience to the classroom, providing you with the mentorship and skillsets needed to advance in your career.

The Schar School as a whole has 80+ faculty members, as well as hundreds of adjunct faculty, allowing students to gain access to a variety of perspectives and subjects through elective courses. Notable faculty members in the organization development and knowledge management program include program director Tojo Thatchenkery, Jessica Srikantia, Sheldon Edner, and more.

Program requirements may change; please refer to the Organizational Development and Knowledge Management, MS Program Page in the Mason Course Catalog for the most up-to-date requirements.

Requirements: 35-38 credits total

• 32 credits core courses
• 3 credits Electives
• 3 credits Experiential Requirement

Core Courses (32 credits)

• ODKM 700 Foundations of Organization Development and Knowledge Management | 3 credits
• ODKM 705 Group Dynamics and Team Learning | 3 credits
• ODKM 710 Social and Organizational Inquiry | 4 credits
• ODKM 715 Creating Learning Organizations | 3 credits
• ODKM 721 Foundations of Coaching | 3 credits
• ODKM 722 Coaching and Organization Development | 3 credits
• ODKM 725 Knowledge Management and Collaborative Work | 3 credits
• ODKM 732 Leadership and Social Justice | 4 credits
• ODKM 735 Organizational Development Practices | 3 credits
• ODKM 740 Learning Community | 3 credits

Electives (3 credits)

Select 3 credits of electives. Selection must be approved by the program director or advisor.

Experiential Requirement

POGO 794 Internship: A 3-credit internship is required. For students with appropriate work experience, this requirement can be waived with the approval of the program director or dean.

Please Note: In addition to the tuition and fees described above, various course and lab fees may be assessed depending on the course(s) in which the student is enrolled. Please refer to the Students Accounts Office website for more information on tuition and fees.

Financial Aid

For information on loans and scholarships, visit the Office of Student Financial Aid.

In addition to university-wide resources, the Schar School has a dedicated team of student services and career development advisors to assist you in your academic and professional plans. The Master’s in Organization Development and Knowledge Management program prepares students for a range of industries and roles in the public and private sectors. In a recent graduating class career outcomes survey, approximately two-thirds of Organization Development and Knowledge Management graduates reported working in private sector consulting, and one-third identified as working in federal or local government.

Top employers hiring our ODKM graduates include:

• Accenture
• Booz Allen Hamilton
• Deloitte Consulting
• Defense Logistics Agency
• Grant Thornton
• Organization of American States
• Pew Charitable Trusts
• Target Corporation
• The World Bank
• U.S. Department of Defense
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security
• U.S. Department of Labor

Application Requirements

• Graduate application and fee
• 750-1,000 word written statement of your goals and interest in the program
• Current resume
• Unofficial transcripts from all previous institutions attended in the U.S. For international institutions, transcripts may be unofficial but should include cumulative transcripts, degree certificate, individual semester marksheets (if applicable), and diploma (if applicable)
• Two letters of recommendation. At least one recommendation should be from an individual who is qualified to attest to the candidate’s academic potential
• Additional requirements for applicants with international credentials

If you have any questions during the application process, please contact schar@gmu.edu or (703) 993-2280.

 Scholarship Requirements

The Schar School of Policy and Government awards merit-based scholarships based on an applicant’s academic achievements.