Master of Science, Ethics & Organizational Behavior

Location(s): West Palm Beach Campus (Day), PBA Online

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30 Credit Hours

The public square generally, and organizational leaders specifically, are in dire need of critical thinkers who can engage, understand, and solve morally problematic and challenging issues within the pluralistic and global society in which we live. Through the Ethics and Organizational Behavior program, students will develop the ability to critically analyze theory and argument, identify often hidden philosophical assumptions, seek out logical fallacies in argument, locate truth and wisdom, and develop cogent and innovative solutions as unique problem solvers.

Students are encouraged to engage philosophy as related to theory and practice not to simply understand, but to isolate falsities, understand related issues, and seek out truth for the good of the individual, the organization, and our global community. The program does not seek to merely “teach” students. Instead, it focuses on encouraging students to contemplate in new ways, critically evaluate research and relevant issues, and to think freely for themselves with an appreciation for the bias we all carry with us each day.

The M.S. in Ethics & Organizational Behavior at PBA is a rigorous program focused in philosophy and theory as related to relevant organizational and societal issues. Our faculty are committed Christians and well respected academicians who aim at nothing less than developing critical thinkers who will pioneer change and help make organizations, societies, and the world a better place.

Admissions Requirements

● Hold a baccalaureate degree from an institutionally accredited institution.

● Achieve an undergraduate minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale with exceptions, on a case-by-case basis.

● Submit:

○ Online application and application fee,

○ Official undergraduate transcripts (All official undergraduate and graduate transcripts must be submitted directly to the Office of Admissions. Unofficial transcripts may be submitted for probationary admission.),

○ Contact information for 3 references (Name, Affiliation, Phone, Email Address).

● Interview with admissions counselor.

Program Learning Outcomes

“Expected student learning outcomes specify the knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes students are expected to attain in courses or in a program.” Page 69, Resource Manual for the Principles of Accreditation: Foundations for Quality Enhancement, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), 2018.

Students will evaluate organizational behavior and leadership theory and concepts in the context of philosophical and theological ethics.
Students will develop organizational competencies in areas of organizational assessment, strategic planning, organizational change, ethical behavior, and the building of effective teams.
Students will utilize appropriate academic writing guidelines in written communication and the presentation of research.
Students will synthesize Christian values in the leadership of pluralistic organizations.

Degree Requirements

30 Credit Hours

Thesis/Project Requirement:

Students will take an independent research course in which the student will produce a quality master’s level thesis or project. If choosing the thesis, the student will fall under guidance of a faculty Research Supervisor (RS). The research thesis or project is the culminating event in the program required for graduation. The topic of the thesis/project must be relevant to program learning objectives. Thesis students will be required to successfully defend their thesis by way of a thesis examination. All research project students who choose not to conduct a supervised thesis will conduct their research independently and complete the project under the supervision of a Project Advisor (PA).

Required Courses

EOB 5001 - Research Capstone Continuation A 1 Credit Hours
EOB 5003 - Organizational Behavior 3 Credit Hours
EOB 5011 - Research Capstone Continuation B 1 Credit Hours
EOB 5013 - Organizational Leadership Concepts & Theory 3 Credit Hours
EOB 5023 - Philosophy of Social Science 3 Credit Hours
EOB 5033 - History of Ethics 3 Credit Hours
EOB 5053 - Strategic Leadership and Planning 3 Credit Hours
EOB 5063 - Leading Organizational Behavior Change 3 Credit Hours
EOB 5093 - Research Capstone 3 Credit Hours
EOB 5113 - Philosophy of Moral Leadership 3 Credit Hours
EOB 5123 - Biblical Leadership in Pluralistic Organizations 3 Credit Hours
EOB 5133 - Human Resource Development 3 Credit Hours

Academic Probation

Students can be placed on academic probation either as a condition of admission to the program or when a student’s cumulative GPA falls below 3.0. Please note for calculating GPA that a “B-” course grade counts as 2.67 points per credit hour and can end with a student being placed on academic probation.
Students receiving a grade of “C+” or lower for any course must repeat the course with a grade of “B-” or higher for it to count towards graduation.
Students who remain on academic probation for more than two continuous subterms will be dismissed from the program for failure to maintain academic progress.