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What is Organizational Behavior Studies?

Organizational Behavior Studies or OB Studies is a field of study focused on the study of human behavior within an organization.  An Organizational Behavior specialist will work to diligently analyze human behavior in a variety of ways.  A sampling of analysis of human behavior can include studying:

  • Individuals within an organization
  • Group behavior within a corporation
  • Work groups within an organizations

OB professionals utilize a variety of studies to analyze human behavior within organizations and across divisions of a company.  Examples of studies can include both qualitative methods and qualitative methods of data collection.  Qualitative methods can include interviews, ethnography, and case studies while quantitative methods may entail correlation, modeling, regression analysis, and computer simulation.

As an Organizational Behavior (OB) professional, individuals can study to become a specialist or apply generalized knowledge.  OB specializations can be spliced into subdisciplines that can include a variety of aspects of psychology, law, operations, and productivity.  Examples of OB specialties can include a focus on:

Decision Making Management Economics
Team Attitudes Culture Political
Group Emotions Citizenship Systems
Productivity Personality Organizational
Employee Morale Stress Scientific
Leadership Work-Life Balance

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$80,640

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

54.04%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

122,310

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Organizational Behavior Studies Degree

Harvard University (Cambridge, MA) is one of the top Ivy League universities. One of the reasons why Harvard is considered one of the best is because of its liberal arts curriculum particularly at the undergraduate level which offers 44 fields of study. Eventually, graduate and professional programs are also offered. Harvard also fosters a tutorial style of learning and teaching. It is a great benefit for all students especially those who take up courses in a particular field of concentration. The top ranked Organizational Behavior degree is an interfaculty Ph.D. program between The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) and the Harvard Business School (HBS). Students of this program are prepared to assume roles as teachers and researchers. Students can focus either the micro-organizational track or Sociology track. 

Acceptance Rate

4.64

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA) is one of the Ivy League universities. Penn is globally-recognized because of the quality of education and research initiatives. Penn fosters an interdisciplinary approach to learning allowing students to gain further knowledge. The university offers tons of educational opportunities including international programs, and study grants. Organizational Studies is a concentration offered under the Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences. This concentration prepares students with critical and interpersonal skills essential to effectively work across different professional environments. Master of Science in Organizational Dynamics is also offered at the graduate level providing intellectual and practical applications addressing the needs across a complex work environment.

Acceptance Rate

7.66

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Northwestern University (Evanston, IL) is a well-recognized private university in the United States. The university values academic excellence and consistently ranks as one of the best undergraduate programs in the country. The school is also recognized internationally for the quality of education and research activities according to the Academic Ranking of World Universities. Organization behavior degree is an undergraduate major that fosters an interdisciplinary curriculum. The program provides courses that focus on the theoretical understanding of the significance of behavior within an organization. Graduates are expected to gain better communication skills and quantitative competency.

Acceptance Rate

9.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Washington University in St Louis (Saint Louis, MO) is a private research university founded in 1853 and named after George Washington. The school has a wide range of areas of study offered by seven graduate and undergraduate schools. The university is among the top 50 universities in the world for its undergraduate programs according to World Report rankings. The Olin Business School grants a Ph.D.  degree in Organizational Behavior. The program fosters an apprentice model in learning emphasizing one-on-one interaction between student and faculty. Graduates are expected to develop critical thinking skills, management and leadership skills, as well as decision-making practices. 

Acceptance Rate

13.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN) is a private institution that offers a broad range of academic programs including education, business, and law. VU provides undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. The university offers a variety of majors and courses focused on organizational behavior.  Human and Organizational Studies degree is an undergraduate major allowing students to learn how to find solutions to human conflicts within organizations and communities. This program provides a strong liberal arts foundation. Organizational Theory and Behavior is a graduate level course offered for Education majors while a Postdoctoral fellowship is also offered in the university focused on Organization Studies. 

Acceptance Rate

9.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Claremont McKenna College (Claremont, CA) is a private liberal arts college under the Claremont Colleges consortium. The college focuses on undergraduate education. Programs are designed to help students in developing their skills for their employment or graduate studies. Students also have the opportunity to take one of two domestic study programs located in Washington D.C. and Silicon Valley. Organizational Behavior major under the Ph.D. in Psychology program. It focuses on integrating research and theories in achieving a more effective work environment and culture. Students of this program are also encouraged to gain hands-on experience through research projects, internships, or jobs, often at CGU’s research centers and affiliates. 

Acceptance Rate

10.3

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

Boston College (Chestnut Hill, MA) has an undergraduate curriculum that ranks among the best in the United States. The school maintains a tradition of excellence in education, which traces its mandate to its Jesuit origins. It offers programs from bachelor's up to doctoral. The Carroll School of Management offers a variety of programs that helps in the improvement of an organization and its management. It offers Ph.D. degrees in Organization Studies with courses focused on organizational theory, research methods, and statistics. The program trains students to be independent scholars. 

Acceptance Rate

27.22

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (Ann Arbor, MI) is the oldest public research university in the state. The school has thirteen undergraduate and eighteen graduate schools and colleges offering a variety of programs for students. The University of Michigan is among the top public universities worldwide. The Organizational Behavior and Management is a Ph.D. program offered at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor focuses on postsecondary educational organizations. This program trains researchers and teachers in creating significant contributions to the sector. 

Acceptance Rate

22.91

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh, PA) is a private higher education institution. The school offers a variety of program options, giving the students more areas of study to choose from. The university is divided into seven colleges and independent schools and all are offering interdisciplinary programs. Organizational Behavior and Theory is a Ph.D. program that fosters an interdisciplinary approach. It is focused on understanding the human behavior within organizations and solving conflicts through a variety of social science and related disciplines. Graduates are prepared to assume roles across academic and research institutions. Carnegie Mellon is considered as an international university. It has degree-granting locations around the world, campuses in Qatar and Silicon Valley, and more than 20 research partnerships. 

Acceptance Rate

15.44

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

United States Military Academy (West Point, NY) is a four-year federal service academy providing a wide range of degree programs. Programs are designed to help every candidate for their growth and development before joining the force. Students who aim to enter the academy must directly apply and receive a nomination, usually from a member of Congress. Cadets receive a Bachelor of Science degree upon completion based on their chosen specialization. USMA offers a variety of academic concentrations including psychology. In this major, cadets are trained to better understand the human behavior they will lead and work with.

Acceptance Rate

12.03

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

New York University (New York, NY) is a private research university. It is the largest higher educational institution in the United States. NYU has 16 schools and colleges managing a wide range of academic programs. Students can gain a more global perspective because of opportunities NYU can offer through its study abroad facilities located around the globe. Organizational Behavior is an undergraduate course offered in NYU. It focuses on understanding human behavior and addressing behavioral issues within an organization. The course fosters experiential learning and provides case studies for better understanding of the discipline.  

Acceptance Rate

16.2

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

University of Richmond (University of Richmond, VA) is a liberal arts college that offers a variety of undergraduate programs. These programs are designed to develop students’ skills that will help them land employment. The core curriculum can also be a help for the students to pursue graduate education. Among the offered programs specialize in business, legal, education, social science, language, and literature. Management is an undergraduate program that offers concentrations on Management Consulting or Management Entrepreneurship. Organizational Behavior is a well-known course offered under this program at UR. It focuses on adapting behavioral science concepts to address the needs across any organizational setting.  

Acceptance Rate

28.33

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

Scripps College (Claremont, CA) is a private liberal arts college that focuses on providing undergraduate education. The liberal arts curriculum allows students to explore and learn from a variety of disciplines and topics. It is consistently ranking among the top colleges in the country and it is regarded as the most prestigious women's college in the Western United States. Organizational studies major is offered by another Claremont College, Pitzer College. Interested students can cross-register within The Claremont Colleges. This program offers interdisciplinary courses.  It focus on the factors that affect cooperative human systems.

Acceptance Rate

32

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, OH) is a top-ranked private research university offering a wide range of academic programs. Popular undergraduate programs in CWRU are engineering, nursing, research, and science. The university is also active in research with contributions from its faculty and students. CWRU offers a comprehensive Ph.D. program in Organization Behavior. The program is one of the pioneers of its kind and the standard of the other organizational behavior programs across the country. The university focuses on providing research, learning and academic excellence to its students while fostering the importance of human values. Master of Science in Positive Organization Development & Change is another related graduate program offered by the Weatherhead School of Management.

Acceptance Rate

27.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Santa Clara University (Santa Clara, CA) is a private Jesuit university that offers all levels of educational degrees but the school is particularly recognized for its doctoral programs. It’s Roman Catholic affiliation greatly influences the curriculum and the practices within the university. The university also offers service opportunities in the community and immersion around the globe. The Leavey School of Business offers a wide range of undergraduate majors and graduate programs. These programs cover all the processes and business-related disciplines including handling organizations. 

Acceptance Rate

48.82

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Providence College (Providence, RI) is a private Catholic college focused on providing undergraduate education. Popular majors in the university are liberal arts and business. The degree in Organizational Behavior is one of the undergraduate courses for Management majors. The Bachelor of Science in Management program offers essential courses in the business environment. Students are also given opportunities on experiential learning through internship and international involvements. 

Acceptance Rate

47.46

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

George Washington University (Washington, D.C.) provides several opportunities for students to work on projects alongside government leaders, science and law professionals, and individuals from other disciplines.  GW University has hundreds of programs for both undergraduate and graduate levels. GW offers both on-campus and off-campus modes of learning allowing flexibility for students. It was ranked first for “Top Colleges or Universities for Internship Opportunities”. The university has a variety of programs related to business and organizations. It offers an MA in Organizational Sciences. The program provides an understanding on the effects of the systems and relationships among individuals, organizations, and the environment to the business. 

Acceptance Rate

40.84

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus (Pittsburgh, PA) is a public university that offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a variety of disciplines. The university is also recognized across the United States as a top educational institution for its academic and research programs. The school offers both on-campus and online learning modes. Organizational Behavior and Human Resources is offered on a graduate level. Students can take the MBA program or the Ph.D. program. These programs train students through theories, essential knowledge, and professional skills needed to be effective leaders. The Ph.D. program is more advanced involving research in the curriculum. 

Acceptance Rate

56.65

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

The University of Tulsa (Tulsa, OK) is a private research university providing a large variety of programs for students. The school has competitive academic programs as well as high activity on research participation. TU offers liberal arts, sciences, and professional programs.  The Organizational Studies major leads to a B.A. degree in the university. It is an interdisciplinary major that focuses on organizational behavior and structure. This program equips students with knowledge and relevant skills before assuming administrative positions in both public and private organizations.

Acceptance Rate

35.84

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

University of Dallas (Irving, TX) is a public university and is recognized as the largest higher learning institution in the Dallas area. It has a long list of academic programs organized across eight schools and colleges. The university offers a wide range of business, management, and organization-related programs. These programs focus on developing the skills of the students before assuming roles in the industry. Graduate programs give comprehensive research training and foster interdisciplinary approach to a more advanced education. All programs in the university are designed highlighting the Catholic values and teachings. 

Acceptance Rate

45.34

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Saint Louis University (Saint Louis, MO) offers a wide variety of academic programs. It has a Roman Catholic affiliation and it is evident in its history, educational approach, and mission as an institution. The university extends its academic programs to a campus located in Madrid, Spain. The School for Professional Studies offers a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Behavior. Students are expected to develop their skills in communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and ethical decision-making skills. The program is designed to train students who aim to take on administrative, supervisory, and leadership roles in a variety of professional environments. 

Acceptance Rate

58.28

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

University of La Verne (La Verne, CA) is a private nonprofit university offering undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees. The university expands into four colleges, an online school for adults, military centers, and regional campus administrations. Classes are often taught at campuses across the greater Los Angeles area. Organizational Behavior Studies is an undergraduate program focused on enhancing the managerial, organizational, and interpersonal skills of interested students. The program allows students to choose electives from a variety of disciplines. This allows students to customize their curriculum based on their educational and professional goals. 

Acceptance Rate

54.82

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Geneva College (Beaver Falls, PA) is a Christian liberal arts college offering a wide range of undergraduate majors and several master’s programs. The core curriculum of the undergraduate program is centered on humanities and the formation of a Reformed Christian worldview. The college offers a Bachelor degree in Organizational Behavior. It is an online program that prepares students to be valuable and sought-after employees or leaders. Graduates can assume roles across various sectors and industries. 

Acceptance Rate

53.23

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

University of Denver (Denver, CO) is a private university that offers a wide range of graduate and undergraduate programs for students to choose from. It also gives opportunities for students to participate in study abroad programs. Organizational Behavior major is a set of highly regarded courses offered by the University Denver. Students train their decision making and critical thinking skills through case studies and discussions. Students are expected to adapt these organizational theories to different situations within an organizational environment. 

Acceptance Rate

58.71

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Rollins College (Winter Park, FL) is a liberal arts college that offers a variety of undergraduate majors and several graduate programs. The college is organized into three divisions - College of Arts and Sciences; Crummer Graduate School of Business; and Hamilton Holt School. The college offers a variety of management and human resource programs. Master of Human Resources along with Organizational Behavior are both designed for professionals who aim for career growth or to be leaders and managers in different sectors or industries. 

Acceptance Rate

58.34

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Top Organizational Behavior Degrees

Students interested in studying the fascinating domain of organization behavior must be passionate about people and business.  By fusing these domains together, OB’s look to help managers and employees increase productivity, build robust teams, improve cross-functional work groups, and help the organization reach their overall goals and objectives.

Degree programs in OB can include a full range of degree and certificate programs.  To help you better understand the program variations and select the best degree for you, we have created summaries of each below.  Utilize our degree clusters to reach out to schools that interest you most today.

Organizational Behavior Certificate Programs

Online certificate programs in OB are available to students across the country.  Distance learning certificates and their classroom-based equivalent programs are variants of one another.  Learning modalities have increased in number for the past decade and are projected to continue for the foreseeable future.

Certificates in OB can be earned from top ranked colleges and universities for general studies in the discipline or by specialty within the area of study.  Likewise, a certificate can be utilized to help enter the field, upskill, remain competitive, or help make a career move.

Organizational Behavior Associate Degrees

Associate degree programs offered within the organizational behavior field are designed to be two-year programs.  Part-time students should expect the path towards degree completion to take longer as a function of pace and overall course load.  An associate degree in the OB field can be conferred as either an Associate of Science (AS) or an Associate of Arts (AA).  How a degree is conferred by the college or university will be related to the course emphasis and overall curriculum found within the program.

Students working towards an AS or AA degree will find classes will combine business with psychology plus general education courses.  Examples of general education classes in an organizational behavior program include English composition, philosophy, sociology, creative writing, and communications.   Graduates from an associate program can choose to launch a career in OB or enroll in a bachelor’s degree program supporting their foundational knowledge and passion for helping others.

Organizational Behavior Bachelor Degrees

Bachelor degrees in organizational behavior can be taken in a number of different forms.  Some students may prefer to register for a degree program in a traditional classroom-based setting while others may prefer to earn an organizational behavior degree online.  A growing number of schools do provide students with a blend of both programs known as hybrid programs.  Hybrid learning programs offer the best of learning online with scheduled times to meet in a traditional classroom as a group.

Curriculum in an organizational behavior program will vary from college to college.  However, you will find a large percentage of the core classes will overlap.  As such, we have assembled a listing of classes that will be found in most OB degree programs to help you understand the contents of the degree.  In addition to general education classes, you will typically find the following in the OB track:

  • Strategic Management
  • Human Resources
  • Operations Management
  • Business Law
  • Macroeconomics
  • Accounting
  • Marketing
  • Statistics
  • Microeconomics
  • Business Management
  • Dashboarding
  • Text & Data Mining
  • Web Intelligence & Analytics
  • Management Labor Relations
  • Social Influence Networks
  • Project Management

Organizational Behavior Master Degrees

Graduate degrees in organizational behavior can be earned from accredited universities and colleges.  Degree programs may include a traditional Master of Science (MS) or a Master of Business Administration (MBA).

Accelerated degree programs for qualifying students can help truncate the program to about a year while traditional full-time matriculation will lead to a degree in around two years.  Master degree programs in OB will focus on the trends, data, activities, and issues managers experience today within an organization.  Topics may include upper-level classes and case studies in productivity analysis, web-based solutions, data as a competitive advantage, and sexual harassment in the workplace.  T

he culmination of a traditional master degree program will include an approved thesis project.  Thesis projects are intended to provide students with the opportunity to perform deep research, create a compelling argument, extend the body of knowledge in OB, and present the paper to a committee of experts.

Employment Outlook & OB Specializations

Organizational behaviorists will assemble an array of soft-skills and technical skills while in college.  After graduating, OB specialists can step into a variety of employment roles.  Given the demand for organizational insights and analysis, an OB specialist can work on a full-time or part-time basis.  Examples of career specializations OB's can consider include: behavioral psychology, public relations, anthropology, management consultant, market research, mental health counselor, behavior counselor, career counselors, or strategic consultant.

Where to Organizational Behaviorists Work?

Graduates from an accredited OB program will work in a wide variety of industries and sectors of the economy.  In fact, students can find themselves working in virtually any industry where groups of people work together.  From pharmaceuticals and telecommunications to sustainable energy and technology organizations, OB’s are versatile professionals that can span many sectors.  The industry you end up working in may vary given your unique skills set, industry demand, professional contacts, work experience, and sector of interest.

Organizational Behaviorist Salary

Studies performed by the United States DOL and BLS indicate the growth in employment for OB's will be rapid in the years to come.  In fact, employment growth for market research analysts is forecast to jump 19% and psychologist at 18% in the next ten years.  Specializations in the field will continue to emerge as technology and productivity demands will shape interactions in an organization to be studied deeply.

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