Organization Design and Development

As a business leader, consultant, analyst, manager or practitioner, you know organizations sometimes need to turn inward, and consider how and why they do what they do.

Perhaps you're at the starting line, with plans for a new business or organization. Or maybe your existing organization is eager to pursue a new direction to adapt for the future. Either way, you see an opportunity to help shape the organization into the best version of itself.

The Graduate Certificate in Organization Design and Development helps professionals working in, or consulting with, organizations in all sectors. In this six-month program, you'll gain the tools and expertise you'll need to design the kinds of organizations you want to create.

You'll learn about theoretical and practical approaches to organization design. And you'll learn how to analyze, evaluate, and make decisions about organization culture, change interventions, and strategies. And you'll get to practice what you learn with a hands-on organization design project.

Topics include:

• organization design, development and strategy
• organization change processes
• systems and culture transformation
• capacity building, measurement and evaluation
• stakeholder engagement, building social intelligence and developing relationships

You can build from here

You may choose to complete this program as a specialization option and apply the credits earned towards our MBA in Executive Management, Master of Global Management (MGM) programs.

If you have already completed this program, you can transfer all credits towards Royal Roads MBA, MGM, MA in Tourism Management, and MA in Interdisciplinary Studies programs.

Focus on one thing at a time

You can take any two of the courses from the Graduate Certificate in Organization Design and Development as part of our General Studies program. You can transfer credit from these courses to certificates, diplomas and degree programs later if you decide to take your studies further.

Program outcomes

Once you have completed this program, you'll have the skills to consult as an in-demand organization design professional, or to lead organizational change in your own field.

Admission to this program is based on the applicant's balance of work and life experience, including volunteer and community activities, practical experience or related training.

Standard admission

• Completion of either an undergraduate four-year (or comparable) degree or graduate degree  in arts, science, or education (or an acceptable alternative) from a recognized post-secondary institution.
• Normally, at least three years of relevant full-time work experience in leadership, management, or organization development roles.

Flexible admission

• To be considered for flexible admission, applicants would normally require at least five years of extensive, relevant work experience and some post-secondary education.

English language proficiency

• If English is not your primary language, please review our English language requirements.

All applications to this program require submission of the following information and supporting documents before your file can be assessed for admission:

Application form

In order to apply online, you will be required to create a log-in account using your email address. You will be required to list all credit courses and/or programs you have completed or are currently enrolled in. An application fee will be required. If your application fees are being paid by a third party, review sponsored student information. Once submitted, you may check the status of your application at any time.

Official transcripts

Applicants are responsible for arranging for the submission of official transcripts from ALL post-secondary (higher education) institutions currently or previously attended, for all credit courses and/or programs. Transcripts are not required for non-credit programs or courses, though some programs may require proof of professional certifications or designations.

Transcripts are considered official only if submitted directly by the Registrar or other recognized authority of the providing institution in the institution's original, sealed envelope. If the envelope has been opened, the transcripts are no longer official and new (official) transcripts will be required to complete your application.

All international transcripts or credentials are subject to an international transcript and/or credential evaluation.

Letters of reference

It is ideal if one reference letter is based on your work experience and the other based on either your academic performance or community service that you have undertaken; however, two work-related references are acceptable in certain cases. There is no set standard format for letters of reference. The length and level of detail in each letter may vary.

Content of the reference letters should illustrate and support your suitability for admission to the Master of Arts/Master of Science in Environmental Practice program. Content may include how your referee feels you will succeed in the program (and why) and how the program will benefit you. Indication of demonstrated skills, competencies and aptitudes and other relevant information about which the referee can comment is beneficial. The context in which the referee has come to know you should also be mentioned.

Personal statement

Your personal statement should be no less than a one-page letter indicating your motivation for seeking entrance to the program. Your statement should comment upon your personal and career goals, the expectations you have for the program in relation to the achievement of your goals, and the strengths you feel you can bring to the program.

Detailed resume

Your detailed resume should include the following:

• Education: List all post secondary education, degrees, diplomas, and certificates you have achieved. 
• Work experience: (You should expand on this point in case you wish to take advantage of Flexible Admission.) 
• Voluntary/unpaid work experience: List and describe any voluntary/unpaid post-secondary employment and/or community service experience. Please include the name of the organization, length of service, and a brief description of duties. List positions you have held in this service. (You should expand on this point in case you wish to take advantage of Flexible Admissions.) 
• Information technology training and experience: Briefly describe your level of training and experience in the use of information technology including computers, software and telecommunications networks as tools for business, education, teaching and personal use.
• Professional memberships/affiliations: List memberships and positions you hold/have held in professional associations, service clubs, community/volunteer sector.
• Other relevant information : Provide any other information which you believe is relevant to your application and will be of assistance to the review committee.

If applicable:

• Applicants declaring permanent resident or Convention Refugee status in Canada, must submit a copy of their Permanent Resident Card (PR card) along with their application.
• Transcript evaluation fee or credential evaluation report, if submitting international transcripts.
• An official English language proficiency score report or other evidence of proficiency if English is not your primary language.
• Other information or documents as may be requested to determine your eligibility.

For information on how and where to send your supporting documents, please refer to the document submission guidelines.