Curriculum

Curriculum

Our curriculum covers a broad range of fundamental social and organizational psychology theory and research, yet also provides opportunities for studying real-world work experiences in the classroom, whether through courses that explicitly require working with live clients/organizations, or through assignments that prompt students to examine and reflect critically on their own work lives. The curriculum helps students grow expertise in the following areas:

  • understanding key organizational psychology theoretical frameworks and how they inform organizational practices in the workplace
  • critically consuming and evaluating research to understand its value and relevance to organizations and society
  • conducting applied research with live clients addressing critical organizational challenges
  • honing conflict resolution and mediation skills across a variety of settings
  • diagnosing both the explicit and implicit forces operating in groups and teams and developing strategies to leverage those forces
  • developing the ability to use a systems perspective when understanding organizational life and how to effect positive organization change
  • learning and practicing varied skills in individual and organizational assessment, diagnosing individual and organizational challenges, and crafting interventions for organizational performance and effectiveness

 

View Summary of Course Requirements

What do you teach? How do students apply it in their work?

Testimonials

I appreciate that the curriculum is extremely well-rounded, giving students the ability to explore many different elements of the field of Organizational Psychology. The program also provides us with leeway to explore other areas of interest; personally, I look forward to supplementing coursework with those from Columbia Business School and from Teachers College's Spirituality Mind Body Institute.

Kristen A, full-time domestic student, Organizational Effectiveness Intern at Slalom
Tommy Pan

I have a much better and deeper understanding of organizations than I did before I started the program. I’m able to pick up on the less salient elements more instinctively and quickly, and it happens more naturally now – almost like a “sixth sense.” I have learned to open the conversation to various team and group issues that are less conspicuous. So much of this is due to the combination of a very well-rounded curriculum, learning from the diverse student community, professor guidance, and work experiences.

Thomas P., 2nd Year M.A. Student
Stefanie A

A recurring theme throughout the program is using “the self” as an instrument. Whether it is coaching a client, negotiating conflict, training adults, or interacting with colleagues, the skills I have learned have made me a more mindful practitioner. My self-awareness and other-awareness are heightened, allowing me to view situations more holistically and respond thoughtfully.

Stefanie A., 2nd Year M.A. Student
Rungkarn Sai R

I have always been interested in leadership and its role in organizational change. I’ve used the Burke-Litwin Model as a framework to diagnose the issue at hand, which proved to be useful in identifying problematic areas and factors that play crucial roles in the change effort. I can unravel how the elements of an organization sit together, whether it has to do with the people-side or the business-side of the organization, and how a change in one factor will eventually affect the others due to their intricate connections.

Rungkarn (Sai) R., 2nd Year M.A. Student

Contact Us

Box: 6

Teachers College, Columbia University
Room 222 Zankel

Contact Person: Ometria Seebarran

Phone: (212) 678-8109

Email: oks2107@tc.columbia.edu

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