Ph.D. in Organization Development, Change & Effectiveness

Professionals across various fields can advance their expertise in organization development with our cohort-based online Ph.D. program, which includes select in-person residencies on campus. The program can be completed in three years and classes begin in the late spring.

Earning a Ph.D. in Organization Development, Change & Effectiveness prepares professionals to navigate change nimbly while leading teams and organizations with purpose. Our program provides experiential learning, expert guidance from recognized thought leaders and a high-quality, rigorous academic curriculum. SHU's program is the first to combine a traditional organization development education with a forward-focus on strategic organization development and change, as well as social responsibility.

What makes the Ph.D. in Organization Development, Change & Effectiveness at SHU unique?

Sacred Heart University’s organization development, change & development doctoral program is designed for professionals committed to practicing ethical behavior, humanistic values and social responsibility in organization, community and workforce development. This interdisciplinary program is suited to business professionals, public administrators, military personnel, governmental civil servants, nonprofit managers and education administrators, among others.

Our program prepares mid- and senior-level executives, managers and experienced consultants for significant contributions to their workplaces and communities. Our students critically evaluate and advance theory, research and practice in organization development, change management, leadership and related social and behavioral sciences.

Earning this Ph.D. will position you to advance significantly in fields related to organizational change, leadership, design and effectiveness.

You will:

• Work with faculty members who are highly respected leaders in the field and will support your specific research interests and professional goals.
• Engage in interdisciplinary research involving disciplines such as psychology, business, sociology, leadership and communication.
• Enhance your understanding of global leadership practices and organizational behavior.
• Collaborate closely with a talented cohort of fellow Ph.D. candidates in multiple on-campus residencies and virtual residencies throughout the year.
• Participate in teaching and research assistantships to gain hands-on experience in academia.
• Develop your dissertation with the support of the faculty to address a complex problem of practice.

Online Program for Working Professionals

This program is tailored for working professionals, offering a cohort-based model with students taking courses together in seven- to eight-week sessions. The program begins with a week-long residency and includes additional in-person residencies throughout—combining online synchronous sessions and independent dissertation research.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

Our faculty prioritize creating inclusive environments for students from diverse backgrounds. The program emphasizes ethical practice, social justice and the application of comprehensive, integrated frameworks to organization development.

Opportunities for Research, Teaching & Practice

Starting from the second semester, Ph.D. students have opportunities to serve as teaching assistants or to conduct field or organizational research for real-time experience and enhancement of their professional skills.

Why Earn Your Ph.D. in Organization Development, Change & Effectiveness from SHU?

Located in Fairfield, CT, Sacred Heart University is a dynamic, progressive institution dedicated to academic excellence and real-world experience. Home to a vibrant community of scholars and practitioners, SHU offers cutting-edge graduate programs that prepare students for leadership in today's global marketplace.

Coursework

Courses cover a range of topics essential for organizational leaders and change agents, including, but not limited to the following:

• Evolution of organization development and change
• Advanced leadership
• Quantitative, qualitative, mixed and advanced research methods
• Group dynamics and teams
• Ethical practice and social responsibility in organizations
• Organizational strategy, assessment and design

Career Advancement Opportunities

A Ph.D. in organization development, change & effectiveness focuses on developing research skills and theoretical and practical knowledge that prepare graduates to influence and lead organizational change effectively. This degree is particularly valuable for those aiming to pursue careers in organizational management consulting, senior leadership and management roles in organizations, academia and corporate research.

What can you do with a Ph.D. in Organization Development, Change & Effectiveness?

Graduates with this degree find themselves well-prepared for a variety of roles, including:

• Senior Consultant in organization development and management consulting
• Faculty in schools of business, management and applied behavioral sciences
• Director of organizational development, human resources, change management, corporate social responsibility or related positions
• Lead researcher in organizational studies
• Strategic leadership roles in corporate and nonprofit sectors

These positions are pivotal in shaping organizational cultures and practices across both private and public sectors, making a direct impact on organizational success and employee satisfaction.

Applications Open in August

For 2026 enrollment, the application opens on August 1, 2025. The priority deadline is December 1, 2025, and the final deadline is February 1, 2026.

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