Industrial and Organizational Psychology M.S.

The M.S. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology is an interdisciplinary program that combines content from the disciplines of psychology, organizational behavior and organizational development, and human resource management. It explores the applications of the science of psychology to solving workplace issues and maximizing productivity and employee satisfaction. This program is conveniently offered in an online format.

M.S. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology is also offered as a dual degree program with concurrent enrollment in M.S. in Human Resource Management and Development.

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs):

PLO1. Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to examine how the field of industrial and organizational psychology contributes to effective performance and productivity in the 21st century work organization.

PLO2. Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to interpret and critique published research in the field of industrial and organizational opportunities and solve organizational problems.

PLO3. Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to explain the foundational role of job analysis with respect to all personnel functions, evaluate various job analysis approaches, and conduct a job analysis.

PLO4. Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to evaluate the purpose, importance, techniques, and outcomes associated with key human resource management processes, including: recruitment, selection and retention; performance appraisal; and training and development.

PLO5. Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to critically examine the role of work motivation and job attitudes in predicting work behavior.

PLO6. Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to critique and apply methods of optimizing team effectiveness in organizations.

PLO7. Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to summarize classic and contemporary theories of leadership, and critically evaluate the impact of leadership on organizational functioning.

PLO8. Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to articulate the importance of organizational development (OD) and change to organizational culture, success, and effectiveness, and apply organizational analysis and OD and change techniques in a range of organizational scenarios.

In addition to the College of Professional Studies and Advancement Graduate Admissions Requirements, the program requires:

  • Official scores for the Criterion Online Writing Assessment (taken within the last five years) or a professional writing sample, such as a baccalaureate capstone paper or final paper from an upper-level undergraduate course, inclusive of cover page, references, and appendices, if any. Please visit www.nl.edu/lls for test information. 
    • Requirement may be waived if the applicant has a master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or has a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
  • A minimum of two professional letters of recommendation, addressing topics/questions as established and periodically revised by the faculty. Letters of recommendation must be written by individuals who know the candidate from an academic or professional perspective and are able to comment on the candidate’s capacity for undertaking graduate studies.
  • Faculty review

Program Details:

  • Requires 36- 42 SH for completion
  • Credit for Prior Learning may be accepted for the program core courses (HRM 513 or OBD 515) and program electives for the maximum of 6 semester hours or as determined appropriate by the program faculty

Required Courses

Foundational Courses - 6 SH

LAP 509Advanced Social Psychology

3

or

LAP 510Advanced Theories of Personality

3

and

RES 510Research Methodology and Writing

3

Note: LAP 509/LAP 510 may be waived for students who have previously completed at least one undergraduate or graduate course in Psychology, including General Psychology, or equivalent with a grade of "B" or better. RES 510 may be waived for students who have previously completed one undergraduate or graduate course in Statistics, Research Methods, Quantitative Analysis, or equivalent with a grade of "B" or better.  

Gateway Course - 3 SH

LAP 528Survey of Industrial and Organizational Psychology

3

Core Courses - 27 SH

HRM 520Performance Analysis and Measurement

3

HRM 521Talent Acquisition and Retention

3

LAP 516Research Design

3

LAP 517Psychological Statistics and Analysis

3

LAP 526Psychology of Organizational Leadership

3

LAP 532Work Motivation and Job Attitudes

3

LAP 533Measurement of Individual Differences

3

OBD 515Training and Development

3

OBD 533Organizational Effectiveness and Development

3

Note: LAP 517 must be taken for 3 SH. 

Capstone Course - 3 SH

LAP 589Capstone in Industrial and Organizational Psychology

3

Program Electives - 3 SH

Students may select any LAP or cognate discipline graduate level courses with the approval of Program Chair or designate.