Positive Organizational Psychology and Evaluation provides you with the tools and credentials to assess and improve organizational effectiveness and the work life of all individuals.
In this distinctive program, you’ll learn to improve organizational effectiveness and individual work life through positive organizational psychology research, integrating that scholarship with a background in evaluation and applied research methods, all within one of the preeminent evaluation programs in the country. Ideal for those committed to creating socially responsible organizations, this concentration explores how to meet the challenges of an increasingly diverse workforce in a global economy and community. You’ll find mentoring and research opportunities to collaborate with leading scholars in both fields.
Program Highlights
- CGU leaped to the forefront of positive psychology research in 1999 when Distinguished Professor of Psychology & Management Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi founded the Quality of Life Research Center, a nonprofit institute that researches a range of cutting-edge issues in positive psychology and provides a forum for scholars from across the globe to extend their research and studies in the field.
- Students are encouraged to apply their knowledge in collaborative projects with such institutions as schools, workplaces, and social service agencies interested in improving the experience and lives of their constituents.
- The organizational sciences programs admit students with either a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in psychology, business administration, or related fields.
- We admit students directly from undergraduate programs, and we also admit mid-career students who are returning to the university after more extensive work experience.
- This program is STEM designated, allowing international students who hold F-1 visas to apply for OPT work authorizations for a total of 36 months (an initial 1-year period and a 24-month OPT STEM extension) of paid work experience in the U.S. after graduation.
Program At-a-glance
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48 units
required units
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MA in Psychology
degree awarded
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In Person
modality
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Spring, Summer, Fall
program start
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2 years | full time*
estimated completion time
Featured Students
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William Lage
Where You Can Find Our Alumni
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Lanterman Development Center
Chair of Psychology
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University of Georgia
Executive Director & Professor
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Davidson Consulting Ltd.
Evaluation and Organizational Consultant
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Centre For Addiction & Mental Health
Manager
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U.S. Department of State
Foreign Affairs Officer
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Delaware Division of Alcohol and Drug Services
Deputy Director
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Loma Linda University
Associate Professor of Nursing and Psychology
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Missouri Foundation for Health
Director of Evaluation
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Claremont Psychological Services Inc.
Owner
Faculty
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Michelle Bligh
Interim President
Professor of Organizational BehaviorResearch Interests
Leadership, Organizational Culture, Charismatic Leadership
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Jessica Diaz
Director, PsyD
Assistant ProfessorResearch Interests
Organizational behavior, employee experience, psychological safety, diversity, equity, and inclusion, leader development, statistics and methodology
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Stewart I. Donaldson
Distinguished University Professor
Executive Director, Claremont Evaluation Center
Executive Director, The Evaluators' Institute (TEI)
Research Interests
Positive Organizational Psychology, Health/Well-Being & Positive Functioning Across Cultures, Program Design & Re-Design, Culturally Responsive Theory-Driven Measurement & Evaluation
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Stephen Gilliland
University Professor
Research Interests
Organizational Justice, Employee Attitudes and Motivation, Leadership
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M. Gloria González-Morales
Associate Professor of Psychology
Director, Center for Academic & Faculty ExcellenceResearch Interests
Work stress; work-life issues; workplace victimization and incivility; relational practices and cultures; diversity; positive organizational interventions to enhance well-being and performance.
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Jeanne Nakamura
Full Professor
Director, Quality of Life Research CenterResearch Interests
Engagement, Mentoring, Positive Aging
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Becky Reichard
Full Professor of Organizational Behavior and Leadership | Leadership Scholar & Consultant
Research Interests
Development of those not typically represented in leadership roles (e.g., women, BIPOC, LGBTQ+), Psychological mechanisms underlying the process of leader development (e.g., feedback, goal striving, self-views, implicit theories, leader development readiness), Development of leadership through experiences outside of the work context (e.g., global, sports, volunteering, crisis)
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Jason T. Siegel
Professor of Psychology
Research Interests
Social Psychology, Health Psychology, Persuasion, Survey Research
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Jennifer Villalobos
Assistant Professor
Research Interests
Positive Organizational Psychology, Health/Well-Being & Positive Functioning Across Cultures, Program Design & Re-Design, Social Justice, DEI, Culturally Responsive Theory-Driven Measurement & Evaluation
Extended Faculty
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Jennifer Feitosa
Claremont McKenna College
Research Interests
Culture, Diversity, Organizational Psychology, Statistics, Teams, Teamwork, Workplace Issues and Trends
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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
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Ronald Riggio
Claremont McKenna College
Research Interests
Human resources management, innovation, leadership, Non-verbal communication, organizational psychology
Curriculum
Positive Organizational Psychology Core Courses (14 units)
Foundations of Positive Psychology (4 units)
Overview of Organizational Behavior (4 units)
Positive Leadership (2 units)
Positive Organizational Psychology (4 units)
Positive Organizational Psychology & Related Electives (12 units)
Flow: The Psychology of Positive Experience (2 units)
Creativity & Innovation (2 units)
Good Work (4 units)
Appreciative Inquiry for Organizational Change (2 units)
Organizational Learning: Theory & Practice (4 units)
Organizational Culture (4 units)
Leadership (4 units)
Adult Development: Classic & Positive Perspectives (4 units)
The Study of Experience (4 units)
Advanced Qualitative Research Methods (4 units)
Positive Organizational & I/O Psych Research Practicum (2 to 4 units)
Job Design (2 units)
Motivation & Peak Performance (4 units)
Training & Development (4 units)
Doctoral Seminar: Theoretical Perspectives in Organizational Behavior (4 units)
Doctoral Seminar: Industrial Psychology (4 units)
Talent Management (4 units)
Interpersonal Dynamics in Organizations (4 units)
Jobs, Careers & Calling (4 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.
Applied Research & Evaluation Methodology (22 units)
Research Methods (4 units)
Intermediate Statistics (2 units)
Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) (2 units)
Applied Multiple Regression (2 units)
Categorical Data Analysis (2 units)
Foundations of Evaluation (2 units)
Comparative Evaluation Theory (4 units)
Evaluation Procedures (4 units)
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
Application Guidelines
| University Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $80 (fee is non-refundable) |
| Official Transcripts | Undergraduate/graduate Applicants must submit a sealed, official transcript from every undergraduate and graduate institution that has granted the applicant a degree. Electronic transcripts sent to admissions@cgu.edu are also accepted. For undergraduate coursework, applicants are required to submit proof of a completed bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Unofficial copies of transcripts are accepted for review purposes, but official copies will be required upon admission. Applicants currently earning a degree that will be completed prior to attending CGU are required to submit a transcript showing work in progress for evaluation purposes. Once the degree has been granted, a final official transcript documenting the degree conferred must be submitted to CGU. International applicants are advised to review the International Transcript Guidelines for additional information on submitting international transcripts. |
| English Proficiency Exam | Required (international applicants only) A valid score on one of the following examinations TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson PTE, Duolingo English Test is required of all non-native English-speaking applicants. The examination is not required for the following applicants:
CGU’s school code for the TOEFL exam is 4053. International applicants are encouraged to visit our International Applicants page for more information, including score requirements. |
| Resume | Applicants must submit an up-to-date copy of their resume. |
| Program Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Statement of Purpose | Please submit a 2-3 page statement of purpose that details your academic and/or professional achievements, your specific areas of research interest within your desired field of study, why you are a strong candidate for graduate studies at CGU, and your career goals. |
| Letter of Recommendation | 2 letters required When filling out the online application, please enter references acquainted with your potential for success who will submit a written recommendation on your behalf. In most academic departments, references from faculty members who can speak to your academic ability are preferred; applicants with substantial work experience may request professional references. Please do not enter family members as references. You will be required to input information for your recommenders (whether they are submitting online or not) in the “Recommendations” section of the online application. Please follow the directions in this section carefully before clicking on “Recommendation Provider List” to input the names and contact information for each recommender. You will have an opportunity to indicate if the reference writer will be submitting online. These reference writers will receive an email from CGU with instructions on submitting an online recommendation. Recommenders who are indicated as offline will not receive an email from CGU with instructions to submit. These reference writers can submit via traditional mail and should use the supplemental New Student Recommendation Form. Recommenders can also email their letter of recommendation to the Office of Admissions at admissions@cgu.edu. |
| Standardized Test Scores | GRE (optional) Applicants who have taken the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) General Test are invited to submit scores but are not required to do so. Applicants who feel that their Grade Point Averages do not adequately represent their ability to succeed in a graduate program may find it helpful to submit GRE scores for consideration. CGU’s school code: |
Key Dates & Deadlines
CGU operates on a priority deadline cycle. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit complete applications by the priority dates in order to assure maximum consideration for both admission and fellowships.
Once the priority deadlines have passed, the University will continue to review applications for qualified candidates on a competitive, space-available basis. The final deadlines listed are the last date the University can accept an application in order to allow sufficient time to complete the admissions, financial aid, and other enrollment processes.
Spring 2026
Priority Deadline – November 1, 2025
Final Deadline (International) – November 15, 2025
Final Deadline (Domestic) – December 1, 2025
Classes begin – January 20, 2026
Summer 2026
Priority Deadline – February 1, 2026
Final Deadline (International) – March 1, 2026
Final Deadline (Domestic) – April 1, 2026
Classes begin – May 18, 2026
Fall 2026
Priority Deadline – February 1, 2026
Final Deadline (International) – July 5, 2026
Final Deadline (Domestic) – August 1, 2026
Classes begin – August 24, 2026
Cost & Aid
ESTIMATED TUITION (CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS, NON-RESIDENTS, INTERNATIONAL)
| Program | 48 units |
| Tuition per unit* | $2,070 |
*Based on 2025-2026 tuition rates.
STUDENT FEES (PER SEMESTER)
| $245 Student Fee |
| $150 Technology Fee |
| International Student Services Fee**: $802 fall semester, $898 spring semester **Applies to all international students (F-1 visa only) who are registered in coursework, doctoral study, or continuous registration. The fee is assessed each fall and spring semester for annual ISO accident and sickness plans and administrative fees. Subject to changes. |
For estimates of room & board, books, etc., please download CGU’s Cost of Attendance 2025-2026.