HPU has signed an agreement that will provide access to an innovative doctoral program offered by Southern Cross University (SCU) in Australia—the Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Change and Development.

The agreement qualifies graduates of HPU’s Master of Arts degree in Organizational Change (MAOC) to be admitted as doctoral candidates in Organizational Change and Development at SCU. HPU students who have completed a master’s degree in other disciplines may gain admission by completing HPU’s Certificate in Organizational Change.

Individuals holding master’s degrees from schools other than HPU can also complete one of these certificate programs as a means of gaining entry to the Southern Cross Ph.D. program. Each certificate requires the successful completion of four HPU graduate courses.

“ This agreement provides important opportunities for HPU graduates to immediately pursue a doctoral degree from a respected institution, Southern Cross University. It is gratifying that SCU recognizes the caliber of education that students receive at HPU and that they have granted special status to HPU alumni who wish to pursue their fine doctorate,” said Dr. Gordon Jones, dean of the College of Professionals Studies.

Both HPU’s MAOC and SCU’s Ph.D. program were designed to meet the global demand for expertise in leading and creating change initiatives. The degrees are well suited to professionals working in government, private industry, health care, the military, and higher education.

As Southern Cross University Ph.D. candidates, students will work in a direct mentored relationship with faculty supervisors. Coursework can be completed via distance learning. All candidates are required to attend a one-week residential conference each year.HPU’s organizational change program is also recognized by Saybrook Graduate School and Research Center in San Francisco, which also provides a Ph.D. program in organizational change and development.