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Program Overview
In today’s new normal work environment, which is characterized by flexible work arrangements, increased use of digital workplace tools, reliance on analytical skills, and changing job roles due to the impacts of automation and artificial intelligence, the intersection of human and organizational performance has never been more dynamic.
Through this program you will acquire a sophisticated understanding of organizational development, leadership theory, talent management, evidence-based practice, and program evaluation. You will develop in-demand skills in leadership, critical thinking, collaboration, research, data literacy, and technology.
Student Profile
LOP students typically fit one of two profiles: early career professionals who often have had several internship experiences to draw on, or working professionals with 10 or more years of experience who join the program to enhance their expertise and accelerate their careers.
Program Facts
Program Director: Kim Davenport
Admissions Coordinator: Kashiri Favors
Admission Term: Fall
Credit Hours: 30
Application Dates
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Application Deadline 1
January 3
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Application Deadline 2
February 3
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Rolling Admissions
After February 3
*Applications received after the Feb 3 second deadline are reviewed on a rolling basis and accepted as space and funds allow.
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Program Curriculum and Flexibility
The LOP curriculum draws widely from the social sciences and emphasizes leadership, organizational theory, learning theory, behavioral theory, social psychology, and research aimed at change. The flexible 30-hour master’s degree program was designed to enable you to build your career while completing the requirements. All courses meet in the evenings or on weekends.
Various scenarios allow you to finish the program in four semesters or more. You can even complete the program by taking one course per semester. Your academic advisor can help you devise a schedule that meets your needs.
Required and Elective Courses
Course Requirements
The LOP 30 credit hour degree consists of 18 credit hours of required courses and 12 credit hours of elective courses. If you have less than five years of consecutive work experience, you will also need to complete a 135-hour internship. If you meet the five-year threshold but want to explore another industry or broaden your professional resume, you have the opportunity to benefit from an internship. Internships give students a valuable opportunity to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom to hands-on placement across a variety of industries.
Flexibility is a key component of the LOP program, allowing you to customize your elective courses to support your educational and career goals. For example, you can take 12 elective credit hours from the menu of LOP courses listed below. Alternatively, electives can be completed with 6 LOP credit hours and 6 credit hours from other parts of the university, for example, the Owen Graduate School of Management, or the College of Arts & Science.
Workforce Readiness
LOP is among those degree programs that address real workplace needs and bridge the gap between theory and practice. Most LOP courses include an experiential learning component through class projects with client organizations. Students who complete internships also benefit from networking opportunities; the experience may lead to full-time employment.
This emphasis on real world skills leads to a high employment success rate: more than 90% of students have jobs within four months of graduation (96% employment by 2023 cohort). Hear what our alumni have to say about the value of their educational experiences.
LOP faculty, alumni and the Peabody Career Services team build strong mentoring relationships that support internship and job placement. These relationships reflect the college’s inclusive culture and a community that values equity and diversity of thought.
Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Leadership and Organizational Performance is designed to develop future leaders—and those who may be responsible for developing those leaders—across institutional contexts. LOP courses inherently address issues of justice, equity, and inclusion. Courses include topics such as the sources of organizational inequality, biases in leadership development programs, and researching and designing of strategies that can alleviate sources of injustice and inequity.