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The goal of the M.S. program is to offer a two-year terminal degree that prepares master's-level professionals to work within the broad human resource function in organizations. In addition, the program serves as a preparatory sequence for those graduate students who wish to continue their education in a doctoral program. To accomplish this goal, this program addresses the prediction and measurement systems necessary for making accurate personnel decisions with respect to the selection, placement, training and evaluation of employees. It covers the impact of group and other social influences on job-related behaviors, motivation, commitment and communication, and is also concerned with planned change within the organization.
The primary culminating experience that prepares the I/O psychology student for a career is the practicum. Practicum experiences reflect a wide variety of career opportunities within the business environment. Ideal career placements for graduates would include positions in employee selection and placement, performance appraisal, training and evaluation, organizational development, compensation and benefits, and employee relations.
Students who plan to continue on a traditional academic track may opt to complete the master's thesis. The thesis track allows a student to work with a faculty advisor on an independent research project. Students are mentored in areas such as research design, data collection, database management, statistical analysis and preparing a document for submission. Students are also encouraged to develop their computer literacy, critical evaluation and problem-solving skills.
A master’s applicant should hold a bachelor’s degree in psychology or business, although graduates from other fields are encouraged to apply. A student without a bachelor’s degree in psychology may be required to complete up to nine credit hours of psychology course work at the undergraduate level before registering for graduate-level courses. These courses are in addition to the 45-credit degree requirement. A master’s applicant should have a grade point average of 3.0 (B) or higher, and should submit three letters of recommendation, a statement of career objectives, supplement form and GRE General Test scores. Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate courses attempted must be submitted. All applications should be submitted by February 1. Preadmission visits to the campus and conferences with faculty and students are strongly encouraged.
The Master of Science in Industrial/Organizational Psychology requires the satisfactory completion of a minimum of 45 credit hours of approved course work and the passing of a comprehensive examination administered in the semester of graduation, or successful defense of a master’s thesis.
Click here to see the typical program plan for the M.S. program in Industrial Organizational Psychology.
Students who complete their masters degree may continue to the Ph.D. program by petitioning in the spring of their second year.
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