Admission to Master of Science in Organizational Dynamics

NOTE: For best results, bookmark or print this page to use as a reference while filling out the application.

Application Deadlines

Organizational Dynamics is on a "rolling" admissions basis, meaning that applications are received and acted upon throughout the year. New students may begin coursework in either the Fall (September) term, the Spring (January) term, or the Summer (May) term. If you miss a deadline date, your application will automatically be considered for the next available semester. Application deadlines are:

• August 15 for the Fall (September) term
• December 15 for the Spring (January) term
• April 15 for the Summer (May) term

Application Requirements

• Applicants must hold a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university.
• An undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 is expected.
• A minimum of 5 (five) years of full-time, management related, professional work experience is expected.
• Applicants must demonstrate effective written communications skills.

Application Materials and Procedures

NOTE: In the application process, there are two major areas you will be dealing with: (1) the application materials, and (2) the application procedures you need to follow in order to submit the materials. Read everything that follows herein before you begin the application process.

Application Materials

You will need to prepare the following materials:

• (1) Two official transcripts from your accredited undergraduate institution(s). Transcripts must be mailed directly to Penn from the school(s) involved, as instructed in the application documents. A minimum undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0 is expected. Applicants who hold graduate degrees in fields not related to Organizational Dynamics may submit official graduate transcripts, which will also be evaluated, but the undergraduate transcript is absolutely required.
• (2) Resume or CV that documents your education, work, and professional background and that demonstrates that you have sufficient organizational experience to meet the requirements of the coursework. A minimum of 5 years of full-time, management related, professional work experience is expected. Your resume/CV should be in Microsoft Word format and in an electronic file. You will upload your resume as instructed in one section of the application documents.
• (3) Two essays in the "Organizational Dynamics Personal Statement" section of the application. Each essay is evaluated in terms of writing skills, critical thinking, initiative and motivation, planning and organizational skills, creativity, and flexibility. A third essay may be submitted if there are extenuating circumstances or concerns that an applicant feels should be explained. Examples include an undergraduate academic performance that is not perceived to be an accurate predictor of graduate performance, or unexplained gaps in work experience. Your essays should be in Microsoft Word format and in an electronic file. You will upload your essays as instructed in one section of the application documents.
• (4) Three letters of recommendation which address criteria noted in the application. Each letter must be sent directly to the Graduate Division, School of Arts and Sciences office by those writing the recommendations as instructed in the application documents.
• (5) Application Fee ($70.00 US funds) payable to "Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania," as instructed in the application documents. Credit cards are accepted.

In addition, TOEFL scores are required for applicants for whom English is a second language. Specific instructions are given in the application documents.

NOTE: GRE or other test scores are NOT required.

Application Procedures

• All applications must be completed and submitted to the Graduate Division of the School of Arts and Sciences using the online system, Apply Yourself Application Network. Once in the site, you will receive a PIN and Password that will permit you to complete all the requirements and will allow you to save your application forms as you work on them over several sessions. When you have decided all your materials are ready, submit the final package to the University.
• This is a reminder that admission to the Organizational Dynamics degree programs is on a "rolling" basis, and students may apply to begin in the fall, spring, or summer. Application deadlines are December 15 for the Spring (January) term, April 15 for the Summer (May) term, and August 15 for the Fall (September) term.
• Fellowships are NOT available to Organizational Dynamics degree candidates. Organizational Dynamics' financial information is available here.

Follow-Up Procedures

When the application package is complete, it will be electronically sent to the Organizational Dynamics Admission Committee for review. In most cases, a review and decision will take place within 2-3 weeks of receipt. In some cases, in order to gain more information, the Admission Committee may contact a prospective student to arrange a personal interview. This interview may be requested to be held in person or, if distance is significant, via telephone.

Upon final review by the Admission Committee, a prospective candidate will be informed that he or she has been: (1) recommended for admission; or (2) deferred or delayed for admission (an explanation will be provided); or (3) not recommended for admission.

Candidates recommended for admission will receive a welcome letter from the Organizational Dynamics Program Director. This letter will indicate the name and contact information for the student’s initial academic advisor and will provide information about the next steps required to join the Penn Organizational Dynamics academic community as an active graduate student.

Accepted candidates will also receive a welcome letter from the Graduate Division, School of Arts and Sciences. This letter will contain additional information about being a member of the School and the University.

3401 Walnut Street
Suite 328A
Philadelphia, PA 19104

Campus Map • MapQuest

T: 215-898-6967
F: 215-898-8934

dynamics@sas.upenn.edu