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)

At the completion of the M.S. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology (I/O Psychology), students will be able to:

PLO1. Examine how the field of industrial and organizational psychology contributes to effective performance and productivity in the 21st century work organization.

PLO2. Interpret and critique published research in the field of industrial and organizational opportunities and solve organizational problems.

PLO3. Explain the foundational role of job analysis with respect to all personnel functions, evaluate various job analysis approaches, and conduct a job analysis.

PLO4. 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. Critically examine the role of work motivation and job attitudes in predicting work behavior.

PLO6. Critique and apply methods of optimizing team effectiveness in organizations.

PLO7. Summarize classic and contemporary theories of leadership, and critically evaluate the impact of leadership on organizational functioning.

PLO8. 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 Graduate School of Business and Leadership Admissions Requirements, the program requires:

  • Official scores for the Criterion Online Writing Assessment (taken within the last five years)     
    • Requirement may be waived for applicants with a 3.0 or higher GPA and for applicants who hold a graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution
  • A written statement of academic and professional goals
  • 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:

Required Courses

Foundational Courses - 6 SH

LAP 509Advanced Social Psychology

3

or

LAP 510Advanced Theories of Personality

3

and

RES 510Critical Thinking and Research Skills

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 - 24 SH

HRM 520Performance Analysis and Measurement

3

HRM 521Talent Acquisition and Retention

3

LAP 521Psychological Research Design and Analysis in the Workplace

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

Capstone Course - 3 SH

LAP 589Capstone in Industrial and Organizational Psychology

3