OEDC Curriculum

The MS in OEDC program requires 36 credits, including 24 credits of required coursework, 6 credits of electives, and 6 credits for professional project or thesis.  The curriculum is scheduled to accommodate the working professionals , with most courses in the evenings.  Electives provide options among several courses taught either within the college or across campus.  You will have the option of completing a professional project or a traditional research thesis.  If you pursue the degree for professional development, you should complete the professional project.  The professional project is intended to demonstrate proficiency in implementing organizational change through the design, conduct, and evaluation of of an organizational change project in an organizational setting.  If you pursue the degree with the intent of later obtaining a Ph.D., the thesis option is your best choice.  The research thesis will be a scientific study of a topic related to the degree.  Students electing the thesis option should take statistics or research methods courses for their electives. 

In addition, a comprehensive examination is required prior to graduation.  This examination is normally taken at the beginning of the semester following the completion of the required coursework and prior to, or concurrent with, starting the thesis or professional project.  The purpose of the comprehensive exam is to assess your mastery and integration of key concepts across the curriculum.  You will be provided a study guide in advance of the exam.  In this exam you will respond to essay questions composed by faculty and designed to evaluate your skills in each competency area.  Once you pass the test, you'll be close to graduation.

See University of Delaware Course Catalogue (pdf) for detailed course descriptions. Click on the link below to view/download course syllabi.

    *Term "P" indicates part-time student semester, "F" indicates full time student semester. Term is provided as an example only, and is based on starting the program in the fall semester.  Students may accelerate or slow their progress under consultation with the program advisor

In selecting six credits of electives, you may consult with the Program Advisor (see sample electives below).  If you are planning to go on for a Ph.D. degree should elect additional research methods or statistics courses.  On the other hand, if you are in a human resource/management development role may want to elect courses on curriculum design and evaluation in the School of Education.  Finally, if you're interested in increasing their general business acumen, accounting, finance, or economics courses may be most appealing.