Program Description and Benefits

30 Credits

The Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) in Organizational Development is an advanced specialist certificate beyond the master’s degree.  It is designed for leaders of change, managers, human resources professionals or individuals wishing to pursue a career in consulting.  This is an intense, individually oriented, modular program designed to meet the needs of advanced students in their field of specialization.

Organizations are in the process of constant change.  To manage that change, we need professionals who can anticipate problems and challenges and implement long-term solutions.  This certificate develops those competencies needed for collaboration, leadership, team development and project management.

The program consists of five modules.  The modules may be selected in any order.  

For more information, please contact:

Christine M. Westphal, JD
Graduate Program Director
Tel: 617.994.6455
cwestpha@suffolk.edu

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Required Courses

Required Course Modules

15 credits

EHS 672          Module 1: Organizational Culture and Change

EHS 673          Module 2: Systems Thinking

EHS 674          Module 3: Organizational Consulting

EHS 675          Module 4: Performance Management

EHS 676          Module 5: Leadership and Team Development

Internship and Field Components and Electives 

15 credits

The internship and the elective hours are flexible and may be determined in consultation with the faculty advisor.  Electives may be selected from the Human Resources program, the Organizational Learning and Development program, or the Sawyer Business School (with permission from the Dean of Graduate Programs).

The scope of the internship will be determined in consultation with the academic advisor but will not exceed nine semester hours of academic credit.  Internship options vary, depending on the needs and experience of the individual student.  Options include field components related to the above course modules, action research, independent study, “hands-on” experience, e-learning, etc.  For those employed in a corporate setting, the internship field component may be integrated, as appropriate, with the individual’s employment.

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Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to the CAGS program, you must hold a master’s degree from an accredited institution, have a minimum graduate GPA of 3.5, and complete the application requirements.  If you are an international student, you must also take the TOEFL or IELTS and provide a statement of financial resources.  

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