Organizational Dynamics, Bachelor of Science

Purpose

The purpose of the Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Dynamics is to prepare students to enter the job market or advance in their current employment with the theoretical, practical, and professional knowledge needed for leading and operating in the modern workplace. Building upon each students’ unique experiences, knowledge and outlooks, the Organizational Dynamics Undergraduate Program offers students opportunities to complement their abilities and broaden their vision in ways that will assist them to successfully thrive in today’s work environment. Students’ theoretical and practical knowledge of the behavioral nature of organizations is enhanced by assisting them to incorporate both the “hard’ analytical sciences and the “soft” emotional processes necessary for understanding not-for-profit, governmental and corporate environments. Programmatic focus is on current organizational challenges with regard to such issues as global competition, changing demographics, social responsibility, and ethics.

Program of Study

The Organizational Dynamics program offers a curriculum that is designed to provide students with the most current knowledge of leadership, motivation, interpersonal relations, team facilitation, conflict resolution, and related skills that impact the dynamics of the organizational structure as it relates to performance and productivity. This is not a “one size fits all” program, but one that provides variety in the course selection to encourage each student to build a personal program for the future with the assistance of an Academic Advisor.

The core of the program consists of 36 credits of courses that include a balance of theory, practice, and research in the field. Other courses in the major can be taken as electives. Courses are taught in both online and hybrid formats. Hybrid classes alternate between face-to-face and online sessions for seven weeks. This program is highly recommended for the busy working adult who wants to complete their degree and grow professionally.

Hybrid courses join the best features of in-class teaching with the best features of online learning to create an active, independent learning environment and reduce class seat time. Hybrid courses are courses in which time traditionally spent in the classroom is reduced and a significant portion of the learning activities have been moved online. Instructors redesign some lecture or lab that are normally taught in the classroom into online learning activities such as case studies, tutorials, self-testing exercises, simulations, and online group collaborations/discussions. The unique features of online discussion boards used in hybrid courses allow all students to participate and learn from discussions.

Students will be given the opportunity to interact with professionals in the field and with each other to understand the critical relationship between people and organizations, to apply vital social and psychological behavioral skills, to work toward solving organizational problems, and to develop the leadership skills necessary to accomplish their goals within prevailing professional and ethical standards.

Program Competencies

Graduates of the Organizational Dynamics degree program are expected to meet the following competencies through the attainment of the specific course objectives:

1. Exercise effective critical thinking and decision making skills in an organizational environment.
2. Demonstrate an awareness of self in relationship to others, including effective interpersonal communication skills, ability to work in teams, and respect for diversity and multiculturalism in a pluralistic society.
3. Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills in the organizational setting.
4. Recognize the principles and behaviors associated with effective leadership, motivation, and performance skills in organizational systems.
5. Apply the theoretical view of organizational systems to workplace settings and practice.
6. Demonstrate skills in the use and application of technology and computer-based research in organizational workplace settings.
7. Demonstrate an understanding of the dynamics of organizational behavior, change, and development.
8. Demonstrate the ability to actively engage in research and critically evaluate, synthesize, and analyze information that is necessary in the organizational decision making process.
9. Demonstrate an awareness of ethical principles, codes, and standards within the organizational workplace environment.
10. Demonstrate a commitment to self-directedness, self-discipline, and lifelong learning through examination of workplace career paths.

CAP (Community and Academic Partnerships)/Co-op Program

CAP/Co-op Program Options (6 credits)

The Co-op option allows students to complete core Organizational Dynamics courses in a supervised educational work setting related to the student’s major field of study. Each Co-op assignment is one semester long and normally the two Co-op assignments span two consecutive semesters with the same employer. In order to be eligible, students must have at least 60 credits, plus a GPA of 2.5 or higher. Students must inform the Director of the CAP/Co-op program and the Organizational Dynamics Program Chair one semester before they would like to begin a Co-op assignment. For additional information on the CAP/Co-op program option, please see the website: www.wilmu.edu/coop/