Organizational development certification programs are a sure way to get a leg up in your career.
Organizational change is challenging, but rewarding. It gives you a chance to make a difference in your company and in other people’s lives.
Getting a certificate can also help you earn more income and open up new career pathways.
Whether you are interested in making a career change – or whether you want to add to your credentials – the following programs can help you do just that.
10 of the Best Organizational Development Certification Programs
In no particular order, here is a wide selection of organizational development certificate programs, taught at academic institutions and private schools alike.
Please note that this list does not constitute and endorsement – be sure to research each program carefully.
Without further ado, let’s dive in!
1. University of Denver
This program is offered as an online program or an evening program, from one of the top colleges in the USA.
It will help you implement change initiatives, develop your own change philosophy, and develop organizational assessments.
2. Penn State
Penn State’s graduate certificate focuses on organizational development and “operational excellence.”
In addition to assisting with organizational development, you’ll learn skills such as workforce development, process improvement, lean processes, training best practices, and more.
3. Institute of Organizational Development
The Institute of Organizational Development’s certificate program (ODCP) is skill-oriented.
You’ll learn essential tools that any change manager needs. You’ll learn things such as gaining leadership buy-in, data collection techniques, understanding change models, identifying systems thinking and learning, and more.
Another certificate offered by the Institute of Organizational Development is the Organizational Development Consultant Certification Program (ODCC).
As the name suggests, this certificate is aimed at training consultants.
Topics in this program include:
- Advanced diagnostics, tools, and interventions
- Organization design
- Culture transformation
- Organizational development analytics
And more.
4. NTL Institute
NTL Institute is a non-profit that has certification programs offered in the UK, the US, and India.
Each certification program consists of five steps and multiple workshops.
Areas of focus include:
- Diagnosis
- Strategic planning
- Intervention strategies
- Leading organizational change
And more.
5. Linkage
Linkage is a private company that offers on-site training and certification. They are based in the USA, with operations around the country.
The core curriculum can focus on two areas:
- Organizational analysis and design
- Strategic HR
Each program includes electives, such as:
- Leading organizational transition
- Strategic thinking
- Change leadership
- Systems thinking
And more.
Based in India, Odcertification’s certification program is a joint venture between two organizations – TISS and ODA.
Both partner up to offer a 60-hour program consisting of 4 full days and 10 webinars.
The curriculum includes:
- Core concepts of organizational development
- The Lewin change model
- Social psychology basics, group theory, and group dynamics
- Diagnostic models and organizational analysis
And much more.
7. Fielding
Offered by Fielding University, Santa Barbara, this certificate provides:
- An introduction to assessment and evaluation
- Team and group development
- Leadership development
- Organizational design
This program is online, making it ideal for busy professionals.
8. ATD
ATD is an organization that focuses on talent development, job skill training, and workplace learning. They offer courses and training around the world, including a certificate program in organizational development.
This program is offered in physical locations or online. Check their website for details about course times and locations.
Their Change Management Certificate Program focuses on:
- Understanding change management theories
- Learning about change models
- Analyzing data and applying appropriate change models
And more.
9. Webster University
Webster University, based in St. Louis, Missouri, offers an 18-hour graduate certificate in organizational development.
Designed for managers and middle managers, this program will teach students:
- How to design, facilitate, and plan interventions
- How to use diagnostic models to analyze organizational change
- How to design, build, and lead teams effectively
Visit their website for more information about the program and for admission requirements.
10. University of South Florida
Based out of Tampa, this graduate-level certificate is designed for:
- HR professionals
- SHRM-CP / SHRM-SCP professionals
- Business professionals interested in organizational development or advancing their own careers
The program teaches team management, team building, and team leadership skills.
In this certification course, there are over a dozen classes, which focus on:
- Creating innovation
- Leading with emotional intelligence
- Project management
- Negotiation
- And more
For more information about the course, visit their website.
Conclusion: Just the Tip of the Iceberg
This list of 10 certification courses is a great starting point for your research.
As mentioned, this list is designed to offer insight into the programs that are available.
Before selecting the program of your choice, it pays to learn more about change management, change leadership, and organizational development.
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