UTexas

Human Dimensions of Organizations

This is an archived copy of the 2023-24 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.utexas.edu/.

Master of Arts

For More Information

Campus address: IC² Institute (IC2) 3.100 phone (512) 471-3067; campus mail code: A0300

Mailing address: The University of Texas at Austin, Graduate Program in Human Dimensions of Organizations, 2815 San Gabriel St. A0300, Austin TX 78705

E-mail: hdo@austin.utexas.edu

URL: http://hdo.utexas.edu

Facilities for Graduate Work

The human dimensions of organizations (HDO) program combines faculty and resources from the departments of anthropology, English, government, linguistics, philosophy, psychology, religious studies, rhetoric and writing, sociology, marketing, and mathematics, as well as the School of Information. Facilities of these academic units, including laboratory, library, and other research facilities, are available for use. Students also have access to University-wide library and computer facilities; to the vast archival materials held at the Harry Ransom Center; and to personnel, facilities, and expertise at the IC2 Institute. 

Additionally, classrooms, meeting spaces, and research facilities are accessible to students during the program's non-standard teaching times twice a month on Friday evenings and Saturdays. This schedule has been tailored to meet the needs of the program's graduate students, who are typically employed full time while in the program. 

As part of the distance-learning program, live videoconferencing facilities are also be available to students unable to commute to Austin, enabling distance learners to attend classes in real time. 

Areas of Study

The Master of Arts degree in human dimensions of organizations, designed for students with at least three years of work experience, provides working professionals with a comprehensive understanding of human behavior and experience as it relates to today's global marketplace. To deepen students’ understanding of these principles, the program's coursework focuses on conceptualizing and implementing organizational change from a range of approaches‚ including cultural, ethical, linguistic, and psychological perspectives, and using both qualitative and quantitative research methods.

The program's curriculum requires students to examine real-world challenges through a variety of disciplinary lenses. By acquiring skills central to specific disciplines, students are able to draw on a range of approaches to analyze, consider, and improve the structure and function of organizations.

The program’s faculty is made up of specialists in the College of Liberal Arts and from across the University.

Graduate Studies Committee

The following faculty members served on the Graduate Studies Committee (GSC) in the spring 2023 semester.

Daniel A Bonevac
Casey A Boyle
Zachary S Elkins
Elizabeth L Keating
Arthur B Markman
Elizabeth Richmond-Garza
Mary Rose
Clay Spinuzzi
Pauline T Strong
Jeremi Suri
Eric Tang
John W Traphagan

Admission Requirements

An admissions committee composed of Human Dimensions of Organizations Graduate Studies Committee members evaluates applications, giving preference to candidates who demonstrate a strong academic background and a clear sense of their research goals in the HDO program. Other requirements include: (1) an official GRE or GMAT score taken within the past five years (foreign students are required to submit TOEFL scores as well); (2) a resume or CV detailing relevant work and academic experience; (3) two essays; and (4) three letters of recommendation. Applicants must also meet the minimum requirements for graduate study at the University.