Testimonials

Nickquolette Barrett – MS LOD Executive and Professional Coaching

“What attracted me to the MSLOD program was its strong blend of academic rigor and real-world application, led by professors who are also active practitioners. I wanted more than theory—I needed tools to help me transition from corporate leadership to full-time business ownership. The program delivered beyond expectations, equipping me with practical strategies, a powerful peer network, and the confidence to scale my coaching and consulting practice. It was truly the bridge between my corporate past and entrepreneurial future.”

Amanda Merritt – MBA, MS LOD Organizational Consulting and Transformational Leadership

“When I decided to go back to school 18 years after my undergrad, I knew I wanted a program that would challenge me, allow me to keep working, and give me the best foundation for my future career growth, and I found it here. I loved everything about my OBCC experience. The flexibility and online format gave me the ability to balance my job, my family (with three very active teenagers), and my coursework, without sacrificing the depth of knowledge I was looking for. It wouldn’t have been possible for me to complete my degree without it. The whole OBCC team is truly the best. All of my professors were available for chats about class, assignments, and any other random questions, from PhD possibilities to professional experiences, and the admin office was always quick to answer my questions and help me with exactly what I needed, especially when I wanted to finish my MSLOD with two certificates. They arranged my schedule to fit everything in alongside my MBA courses, and I was able to finish both degrees in just under three years. My time in the program has been invaluable, and I would recommend any of the OBCC programs every time.”

Riley Samaniego – MBA Strategic Human Resources

“The Strategic Human Resources Academic Certificate exceeded my expectations. All classes connected seamlessly and approached people management from various perspectives. My professors used multiple sources like readings, lectures, and case studies, helping me learn through real company examples. This multi-material approach truly helped me gain a strong foundational understanding. Additionally, each course was tied to application-based approaches where students could apply their learnings to a case company or their current company. Connecting coursework to my professional role enhanced my knowledge and performance both in school and at work. I gained a holistic understanding of business strategy, from diagnosing core challenges to finding sustainable solutions. I learned to view an organization as an entire ecosystem. Taking a systems approach to organizations fosters sustainable changes, growth, and improvements. I highly recommend the program! The topics I learned throughout the Strategic HR Certificate were quickly and easily applicable to my professional role. After the program, I feel more well-equipped to manage and lead within my organization.”

Rob Stogsdill – MS LOD Executive and Professional Coaching

“The MS-LOD program gave me knowledge and skills that use on a daily basis in me leadership position in a Fortune 40 company. I’ve been coaching people for over a decade. The executive coaching program gave me insights, skills and the experience I needed to take my coaching to the next level. It’s really helped me set my clients up for success.”

Veronica Sanchez – MS LOD Transformational Leadership

“I was initially drawn to the Master of Science in Organizational Development program by its reputation for providing deep, practical insights and fostering leadership skills in a collaborative learning environment. The program not only met but surpassed my expectations by delivering rigorous coursework that broadened my understanding and expertise in organizational development. What truly enhanced my experience, however, were the remarkable peers I learned alongside, whose perspectives continually enriched our discussions, as well as the dedicated mentors, professors, and faculty members who invested wholeheartedly in my growth. This journey has been immensely rewarding, and I am excited to apply my skills and knowledge to continue to drive success and inspire others.”

Jacob Heller – MS LOD Strategic Human Resources

“The MS LOD program with the Strategic HR concentration gave me the knowledge and confidence to achieve my career goals. The curriculum helped me reframe how I approach business leaders daily to achieve my intended results better. The program provided both breadth and depth of understanding while also giving me the tools to dive deeper and learn more independently when needed.”

Megan Lightfoot Metzger – MS LOD Organizational Consulting and Transformational Leadership

“As a business owner and consultant, I sought to expand my knowledge to foster the growth of both my own businesses and my clients’ ventures. For years, I thought an MBA was the natural next step, but discovering the MS in Leadership and Organizational Development (MSLOD) program felt like finding the perfect fit. Each course offered immediate, actionable insights that I could implement to enhance my businesses and support my clients. The faculty at UT Dallas brings a wealth of expertise and real-world experience to every lesson, but what truly sets them apart is their genuine commitment to each student. Professors were always open to discussing the coursework and went beyond by offering invaluable advice tailored to my unique challenges and goals. My time at UT Dallas has made me a more effective consultant and a better person, and I’m deeply grateful for the profound impact of their mentorship and guidance.”

Sean Seabrook – MS LOD Organizational Consulting and Executive and Professional Coaching

“The UTD MS in Leadership and Organizational Development is a transformative experience. The coaching certificate provides leading industry training for coaching and the ICF exam, and the organizational consulting certificate gave me practical tools and resources to develop a consulting practice. The MS degree gave me the knowledge to grow as a leader and drive change in today’s fast-moving business environment. Professors in the program have corporate backgrounds, bridging academic theory with practical application, and the program is accredited in a business school which also enhances its value and the learning experience. The program expanded my network and I’ve made some life-long friends along the way. The value and experience is outstanding!”

Bianca Gouge – MS LOD Executive and Professional Coaching

“My experience in the MS LOD Executive Coaching concentration program has been truly transformative. Through deep self-reflection and insightful guidance, I’ve developed a greater understanding of myself and how my behaviors impact those around me. Specifically, I’ve gained valuable skills in:

These newfound skills have already enhanced my professional relationships and personal effectiveness. I’m confident that my continued growth in these areas will be invaluable to my future success.”

Emily Elizarde – MS LOD Transformational Leadership

“My true passion lies in developing the teams I lead and enhancing learning amongst organizations. To me, the most meaningful part of leading a team is leaning into the continual growth and development of our most important asset – our people. The MS LOD at UT Dallas  surpassed my expectations by providing me with an enhanced perspective and equipping me with frameworks rooted in research that I use in the workplace daily. The most valuable thing I experienced was the camaraderie and diversity of thought that was offered throughout the program. Being surrounded by the rich experiences of both instructors and students with an interest in how humans impact organizational ecosystems was invaluable to me. The program was such a worthwhile endeavor. I gained new and meaningful perspectives and have successfully applied so many new concepts to my experience. I especially enjoy sharing the knowledge I’ve gained through this program with other leaders in my organization. It’s a great feeling to know that the time I’ve dedicated to this course of study has the potential to generate a long-lasting, positive impact.” 

Robert Tomczak – MS LOD Organizational Consulting and Transformational Leadership

“I strongly recommend the MS LOD program for the primary reason of embracing change. A great leader requires adaptation, understanding, and a critical perspective. I learned who I am as a professional while developing highly transferable skills. I recommend this program to open-minded individuals, regardless of background, who want to grow their careers in several directions. There are tremendous opportunities and career paths once this program is complete.” 

Elisabetta Mroski – Executive and Professional Coaching Certificate

“Attending the Executive Coaching Program at UTD has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life, both personally and professionally. I absolutely loved this program and Cohort 18A!  Besides the enlightening classes and the very knowledgeable faculty team, I had a chance to meet, learn and practice coaching with many great people from all over the world.”

Vanessa Powell – EMBA Healthcare Organization Leadership

“The program was very rewarding because I accomplished my goal of obtaining my Executive MBA, which has opened many opportunities for me. The cohort was my extended family, and we worked, studied, played together, and became life-long friends.”

Alisa Hauser – MS LOD Transformational Leadership

“This program allows working professionals to tailor their higher education experience to their career goals. The online class schedule gave me the flexibility I needed to balance graduate school, work, and family. In addition to the challenging and relevant coursework, I’ve gained valuable insights from collaborating with a diverse network of people with a wide variety of experiences and perspectives.”

Richard Pritchett – MBA Organizational Consulting

“I’m a sales professional, and I’m finding that the frameworks and models and material I’ve learned are going to make me a better sales professional, manager, and leader of others.”

Danielle Eldridge – MS LOD Organizational Consulting

“The curriculum covered everything I will need to know to start my own consulting practice.”