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Doctoral research in Organizational Behavior prepares graduates to implement organizational theory and research in order to achieve organizational effectiveness and improve individual work life.

The Organizational Behavior PhD is ideal for those committed to creating socially responsible organizations and meeting the challenges of an increasingly diverse workforce, global economy, and global community. Curriculum emphasizes basic, translational, and applied theory and research and their reciprocal relationship. Our students get a substantive head start in psychology scholarship through a rich array of student- and faculty-led research projects and can tailor coursework to fit individual interests and career goals.

Program Highlights

Program at a Glance

UNITS
72 units

ESTIMATED COMPLETION TIME*
5-7 years

*Actual completion times will vary and may be higher, depending on full- or part-time course registration, units transferred, and time to complete other degree requirements.

COURSES BEGIN
Fall | Spring

DIVISION
Division of Behavioral & Organizational Sciences

DEGREE AWARDED
PhD in Psychology

Featured Courses

Psych 350s
Doctoral Seminar in Organizational Development & Change

Doctoral seminar exploring organizational change processes, including problem diagnosis, development of alternative interventions, change management, and more.

PSYCH 308C
Applied Multiple Regression

Explores bivariate and multivariate correlation and regression with an emphasis on applications of multiple regression to data analysis.

PSYCH 321
Doctoral Seminar in Organizational Theory

Topics covered in this course will include theories of organizational structure, organizations as systems and cultures, decision making, intergroup conflict and negotiation, and impacts of information technology on modern organizations.

PSYCH 302a
Research Methods

Surveys contemporary research methods in psychology, focusing on research conceptualization, design, and measurement and the logic of minimizing the number of viable alternative explanations for a set of findings.

PSYCH 319
Doctoral Seminar in Organizational Behavior

Doctoral seminar covering core areas of organizational behavior, including such topics as organizational structure, roles, technology, communication, effectiveness, job design, and more.

PSYCH 315Q
Qualitative Research Methods

Introduces different types of qualitative research methods and how they can be utilized in the study of organizations, with a primary emphasis on their utilization in research and consulting settings.

Curriculum

Organizational Behavior Core Courses (16 units)
Doctoral Seminar in Organizational Behavior (4 units)
Doctoral Seminar in Organizational Theory (4 units)
Doctoral Seminar in Organizational Development & Change (4 units)
Advanced Topics in Organizational Behavior (4 units)

Organizational Behavior & Related Electives (32 units)
Students are often encouraged to take elective courses in the School of Educational Studies, the Drucker School of Management, the Division of Politics & Economics, the Center for Information Systems & Technology, the School of Arts & Humanities, and the Institute of Mathematical Sciences.

Statistics & Methodology (20 units)
Research Methods (4 units)
Directed Research Seminar: Organizational Behavior (two 2-unit courses)
Intermediate Statistics (2 units)
Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) (2 units)
Applied Multiple Regression (2 units)
Categorical Data Analysis (2 units)
PSYCH 315 Sequence: 4 additional units of Advanced Methodology

Field/Teaching Experience (4 units)
Supervised Teaching Seminar (4 units)
or
Field Placement (4 units)

Transdisciplinary Core Course (4 units)
All PhD students are required to enroll in a transdisciplinary core course from the “TNDY” course sequence during their first three semesters at Claremont Graduate University.

Portfolio
In addition to 72 units of coursework, all students must complete a portfolio that represents a cohesive set of experiences balancing training in their area of specialization.

PhD Completion

  • PhD qualifying exam
  • Dissertation proposal
  • Dissertation and oral defense

In the Field Opportunities
Under the supervision of professionals with expertise in your particular areas of interest, you can participate in fieldwork, research, and paid internships at a range of corporations and organizations, including:

• Southern California Edison Company
• Kaiser Permanente
• Orange County Rapid Transit District
• Riverside County Department of Mental Health
• Claremont Evaluation Center
• Institute for Research on Social Issues

Faculty & Research
Extended Faculty

David Day

Claremont McKenna College

Research Interests

Leadership


Jennifer Feitosa

Claremont McKenna College

Research Interests

Culture, Diversity, Organizational Psychology, Statistics, Teams, Teamwork, Workplace Issues and Trends


Allen Omoto

Pitzer College

Research Interests

Social psychology; volunteerism and prosocial action; environmental concerns; lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender issues; sense of community; civic engagement and civil society


Ronald Riggio

Claremont McKenna College

Research Interests

Human resources management, innovation, leadership, Non-verbal communication, organizational psychology

Where You Can Find Our Alumni

Request information about the Organizational Behavior program

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Regina Burch

Assistant Director of Admissions
T: 909-607-9421
E: regina.burch@cgu.edu