Individually Designed Concentration

My individually designed concentration is Organizational Studies specifically focused within the business field, but studied topics can relate back to just about any social group, company, club, team, corporation, or organization. There are many aspects which play into the functionality and development of an organization, and I think its important to understand the broaden spectrum of subjects which relate to this. Relevant coursework includes: Organizational Psychology, Interpersonal Communication, Environment and Human Behavior, Social Psychology, Human Resources, Organizational Behavior, Public Administration. Cultural perspectives are drawn from Spanish courses and Intercultural Communication. With a general business minor, other relevant subjects were studies such as: accounting, economics, and finance.

I decided to make Organizational Studies the focus of my concentration after taking Organizational Psychology. The class focused on topics such as: leadership, motivation, performance, job satisfaction etc. I felt like, finally I had found a course of interest. I've focused a vast amount of hours outside of the classroom, in specific positions which have helped me learn valuable skills to hopefully take into a job after school. Some of these list: resident assistant, vice president and treasure of the Residence Hall Association, President of Theta Nu chapter of Alpha Phi Fraternity.

I've also dedicated the past year to working with two undergrad psychology professors and heads of the i/o psychology master program on a research project called PE FIT. The purpose of the study is to examine how perceptions of student-instructor fit impact learning and classroom outcomes. Specifically, the study will examined if students’ initial perceptions predicted the fit between themselves, the instructor, the classroom, and the classroom environment. Primary interest is to inform educators of the degree to which student-fit may impact continuation in the department and performance. Measurements were assessed on personality, personal values, goal orientation, life aspirations, perceptions of their course and instructor, and familiarity with the discipline.

Ultimately organizational development consulting is a path I might wish to pursue in hopes of utilizing the materials and skills I've learned and acquired throughout the course of my academic career.