The Organizational Behavior and Human Resources (OBHR) program focuses on key contemporary topics related to the management of work in organizations. Our faculty are at the forefront of research examining how work and knowledge are conceptualized and managed in organizations, employee and group factors that drive organizational success, organizational and societal influences on a broad range of worker outcomes, and the role of social responsibility in organizational and employee performance. We specialize in both quantitative and qualitative methods, and data collection from laboratory, archival, and field-based sources. Through rigorous coursework, our students develop a multi-disciplinary understanding of the core theoretical foundations of the OBHR fields, as well as the methodological grounding to undertake rigorous empirical research.
Mentorship, Research, and Publications
A program grounded in research methods and strategies, with a mentorship model, that gives students an esteemed personal foundation.
By reading highlights of their research you will see why Katz faculty is internationally recognized as experts in their fields and have published in prestigious academic journals such as Academy of Management Journal, Academy of Management Review, and Organization Science.
We like to conduct research in collaboration with our students. Doctoral students co-author research articles with faculty, work with faculty on data collection and analysis, and join in sponsored research projects. View a list of recent articles collaboratively published by PhD students and faculty.
Faculty
Placements
Our graduates have been placed at excellent universities around the world. We usually accept two new students per year so that we are able to give them a great deal of one-on-one faculty attention so that they can develop as young scholars.
Resources
Our faculty are principal investigators (PIs) or co-principal investigators (co-PIs) on numerous research grants. Doctoral students often work with faculty on these grants and receive support for their own research. Doctoral students are also involved with Research Centers directed by OBHR faculty, as well as other research programs at the Katz School. These include:
- The Center for Healthcare Management (Director: Carrie Leana)
- The David Berg Center for Ethics and Leadership (Director: Audrey Murrell)
- Dean’s Seed Grant Awards
- University of Pittsburgh Office of Research Awards
Curriculum
Year 1 Curriculum: Fall Term
An exploration of critical thinking.
| Course |
| BOAH 3002 Foundations of Organizational Behavior |
| PSYED 2019 STAT 2 Analysis of Variance |
| PSYED 2410 Applied Regression Analysis |
Year 1 Curriculum: Spring Term
A thorough examination of research methods.
| Course |
| BUSADM 3013 Work and Organizations |
| PSY 2155 Psychology of Small Groups |
| PSYED 2030 Experimental Design |
| PSYED 2416 Applied Multivariate Analysis |
Year 1 Curriculum: Summer Term
Research paper with faculty guidance.
| Course |
| BORG 3030 Workshop in OBHR: Summer Paper |
| BORG 3099 Readings in OBHR |
Year 2 Curriculum: Fall Term
A continued study in critical thinking and research methods.
| Course |
| CMU 0894 Research Methods Behavioral Science |
| BORG 3005 Innovation in Organizational Change |
| CMU 0702 Behavioral Economics |
Year 2 Curriculum: Spring Term
A further dive into major concentrations, critical thinking, and research methods.
| Course |
| BUSADM 3021 Behavioral Science Research Practicum |
| PSYED 3417 Structural Equation Modeling |
| CMU 0891 Special Topics in Organizational Behavior Theory |
Year 2 Curriculum: Summer Term
A comprehensive independent study.
| Course |
| BORG 3010 Independent Study in OBHR: Comprehensive Exam Registration |
Year 3 Curriculum: Fall, Spring, and Summer Terms
Fully concentrated work on dissertation and service as teaching assistant.
| Course |
| BUSADM 3199 (9 Dissertation Credits) |
| FTDF 0000 Full-Time Dissertation Study |
Years 4 and 5 Curriculum: All Terms
Teach and enter the job market to defend your dissertation.
| Course |
| FTDF 0000 Full-Time Dissertation Study |