Certificate Options - Organizational Behavior

There are 3 certificates to choose from. Each certificate consists of 4 four-credit courses. The certificate is designed so that you can take the courses in any order you wish. You can also choose to take just a single course if you are interested in only one specific topic. Please note that courses may not be offered in every 6-week term. Contact us to learn when specific courses are available and we’ll work with you to create an individualized plan that will complete the certificate you select.

The courses that comprise this certificate expose participants to the major theories, frameworks, and perspectives underlying successful leadership. Exercises and projects will provide a basis for developing and fine-tuning analysis, problem solving, social interaction, and facilitation skills.

Overview of Organizational Behavior (RPSY 322)
This course examines the behavior of persons in the workplace, particularly the social influences that affect the individual in work organizations. Attention is given to the role of work in the life of the person and the returns that people expect from their jobs. Topics covered include importance of pay and other benefits, various motivations to work, communication in organizations, leadership, and management styles, work redesign, and other factors which influence job satisfaction, personal fulfillment, and productivity.

Management and Leadership (RPSY 332)
This course explores the structure and functions of formal organizations, managerial characteristics, dynamics, and processes. Issues examined include brokering, innovating, producing, directing, coordinating, monitoring, facilitating, and mentoring.

Human Relations in Organizations (RPSY 333)
This course examines individual and interpersonal behavior in organizational settings. Topics covered include communication techniques, conflict, group processes, and improving human relations skills.

Motivation in Organizations (RPSY 402)
This course examines the development of motives in adulthood, group attractions and pressures, general problems of motivation, basis of motives, changing motives and conflicts. Special attention is given to work settings and management motivational concerns.

The courses that comprise this certificate expose participants to various analytic frameworks and strategies for encouraging individual, team or work area, and organization-wide performance gains. Leading, learning, and teaching are emphasized within each course.

Management and Leadership (RPSY 332)
This course explores the structure and functions of formal organizations, managerial characteristics, dynamics, and processes. Issues examined include brokering, innovating, producing, directing, coordinating, monitoring, facilitating, and mentoring

Approaches to Training and Development in Organizations (RPSY 482)
This course covers application of learning principles in organizational settings. Attention is given to processes such as learning needs analysis, instructional design and development, implementation, evaluation, and maintenance. Emphasis is placed upon the important connection between training/development activity and its organizational context.

Testing and Assessment (RPSY 403)
An examination of the basic principles of test construction and interpretation including issues related to reliability and validity. Issues related to test administration, scoring, and reporting are explored with emphasis given to the ethical uses of tests. Attention is also given to emerging trends in the practical uses of tests.

Motivation in Organizations (RPSY 402)
This course examines the development of motives in adulthood, group attractions and pressures, general problems of motivation, basis of motives, changing motives and conflicts. Special attention is given to work settings and management motivational concerns.

The courses that comprise this certificate expose participants to methods and techniques for encouraging organizational renewal and adaptation. A systems approach to promoting organizational effectiveness is emphasized.

Managing Diversity in Organizations (RPSY 387)
This course examines the critical knowledge and skills that are needed to manage an increasingly diverse workforce. The impact of race, gender, ethnicity, culture, and other dimensions of a diverse workforce are examined.

Organization Development (RPSY484)
This course explores approaches to individual and organizational-level analysis. Topics include innovation, leadership, corporate cultures, roles of internal and external consultants, problems of implementing change, and measuring relevant variables. The “organization as a system” is a central concept.

Leading Organizational Change (RPSY 487)
This course explores various approaches to leading planned change initiatives within organizational settings. Students are exposed to the necessary steps to implement a change strategy. The importance of identifying organizational targets and outcomes is highlighted. Appreciative inquiry is emphasized as the emerging model of planned change.

Building High Performance Teams (RPSY 397)
This course examines the nature of teams in organizations. Topics covered include types of teams, stages of team development, team dynamics, team building, and factors influencing teams.

For more information about the undergraduate certificate programs, call us at 608-663-3297 or email gps@edgewood.edu.