The criteria for acceptance into the MA Organization Development program are:

1. A four-year B.A. or B.S. degree from a regionally-accredited institution, awarded no later than the Spring semester or quarter before enrollment.
2. A grade point average of at least 3.0 (B) over the most recent 60 semester (90 quarter) units of coursework.
3. Experience in organizations: Foundational knowledge of issues and concepts encountered in business and human behavior, as learned from first-hand experience.
4. Academic grounding in both business and psychology, as demonstrated by successfully completed graduate or undergraduate coursework and/or degrees previously awarded. On a case-by-case basis, this requirement may be fulfilled by a directed reading assignment during the summer, enrollment in pre-requisite coursework, or in other ways. Applicants are encouraged to consult with the MAOD directors about what might be appropriate for them.
5. An acceptable level of competence in oral and written communication. This will be demonstrated by: (a) A written statement about the student's background, relevant work experience, and specific goals to be achieved from the program; (b) Individual and group interviews during the admissions process; and (c) A recent example of the applicant's academic or professional writing.
6. We do not require the GRE, but if you have taken it, there is a place on your application to enter your scores.

Application Process

• Please visit our Graduate Application page before applying. This page includes:
  • Pointers on how to use the Cal State Apply site
  • Important dates and deadlines
  • Information about Financial Aid
  • Information for international students

For assistance, please reach out to the MAOD Directors or contact the School of Extended and International Education front office staff at: 707-664-2394.

Supporting Materials

Your application materials will be assessed by both Sonoma State Admissions and by the department to determine your eligibility. Early application is encouraged in order to take advantage of financial aid opportunities and to allow time for assessment of your application, and for international students, to follow visa processing guidelines.

You will be asked for the following supporting materials:

1. A CV or résumé
2. Official transcripts sent by mail or electronically. Instructions may be found at Sending Transcripts to Sonoma State.
3. A recent example of academic or professional writing, not longer than 5 pages (excerpt if necessary)
4. The names of two recent employers and/or professors who would be willing to write you a letter of recommendation

We will also need a written statement (300 - 400 words) describing your relevant life experience, work background and professional objectives, as well as specific goals to be achieved from this program. Include something about your outlook on life, the events that led you to become who you are today, and the kind of person you find yourself becoming. We’d like to hear what you regard as your strengths and weaknesses and what qualities you’d like to develop or improve to increase your effectiveness in working with others. This statement is used to help determine the extent to which there is a good fit between the applicant’s goals and this program’s purpose and resources. Students who feel they can make a contribution toward providing a multicultural and ethnically diverse graduate program are invited to so indicate, if they wish.

Fees

• Application Fee: There is a $70 application fee as of the Fall 2021 application cycle. Sorry, there is no application fee waiver for graduate students.
• Course fees as of Fall 2021 (subject to change) are $695/unit. Each 10-unit semester is $6,950. This fee is locked in for the four semesters it takes to complete your 40 units.