Industrial/organizational (I/O) psychology is concerned with applying professional skills and focusing scientific research on problems people encounter at work.

The industrial/organizational programs at Florida Tech follow the scientist-practitioner model of graduate training, emphasizing the development of research skills, knowledge of I/O theory and techniques, and applied experiences. Through extensive course work, students receive great breadth in training, focusing on industrial psychology, organizational psychology and measurement/statistics. Florida Tech offers both M.S. and Ph.D. level training in industrial/organizational psychology. The goal of these programs is to train well-rounded I/O psychologists who have flexibility in their career paths and the skills to make a significant difference in society.

Florida Tech's doctoral degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology provides training and research opportunities in the complex issues associated with the management of human resources in the international business community. It is designed to provide a more advanced level of education as well as the opportunity to continue independent research. The program encourages graduate students to partner with outside organizations to address applied research problems and collect data that advances the field.

The I/O program offers students rigorous quantitative and qualitative training, as well as advanced training in research design. Once the projects are completed students are required to prepare the results for professional conferences and submission to academic journals. Throughout this process graduate students will work closely with their faculty advisor and other I/O faculty. The small class size of the Ph.D. program allows facilitates close interaction and augments the mentoring process.

Although the Ph.D. degree is primarily a research degree, the skills acquired by graduates of the I/O psychology program are designed to translate to both external and internal consulting environment. Students are encouraged to pursue a practicum in the field. The I/O Psychology Program produces qualified professionals for teaching and research in academic settings as well as internal and external consulting positions.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

A doctoral applicant must have obtained either a bachelor's or masters degree. An applicant should have a grade point average of 3.2 (on a scale of 4.0) or higher and should submit three letters of recommendation, a statement of career objectives, and GRE verbal and quantitative scores. Official transcripts from all previous coursework must also be submitted. Admission to the doctoral program is granted to a limited number of students. Pre-admission contact with faculty and students is highly encouraged.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

The program requires 90 semester hours of credit beyond the bachelor's degree. Students entering the program with a Bachelor's degree will be strongly encouraged to complete the requirements for the Ph.D. within four years.

The I/O Ph.D. program is designed to progress from general course work to classes that are specific in content. In their first year, students receive intensive training in quantitative methods and computer applications, as well as courses in foundations of general psychology. In addition, the master's thesis should be started in the first year. In the second year students will begin to take more specialized courses in I/O psychology as well as finish their fundamental requirements. Graduate students will also be enrolled in an advanced research methods course. Most students should complete the Master's thesis by the conclusion of their second year.

The third year offers more specialized courses and allows the student to explore specialty areas of concentration. Students enrolled in our multicultural certification program will begin to take courses offered in that track. During the third year, students are encouraged to complete an internship assignment in a corporate, government, or consulting environment. Comprehensive examinations will take place at the end of the third year.

The Doctor of Philosophy degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology is a research degree. Dissertation research is begun immediately after successful completion of the comprehensive exam. Typically the fourth year will be devoted to the completion of the doctoral dissertation. Prior to the award of the doctoral degree the candidate must present the completed dissertation manuscript and defend the research results to the Dissertation committee. Students may continue to enroll in specialty courses and advanced seminars. Students enrolled in our multicultural certification program will finish the recommended course work for that track.

Click here to see the typical program plan for the Ph.D. program in Industrial Organizational Psychology.