Master of Arts in Industrial/Organizational Psychology

"My professors served as amazing mentors and coaches," said Geronda Wollack ’15 M.A., an operations analyst in HR strategy at Gartner. "They were very focused on my success and were readily available to discuss my career goals. I have built relationships with my professors that I believe will last for a very long time."

Learn to transform organizations and individuals’ work experience

With a master's in industrial/organizational psychology, you will bring psychological principles to the workplace to benefit both employees and employers.

With a degree in industrial/organizational psychology, you will:

  • Learn to work with individuals and groups on organizational change and development, leadership and management development, conflict management, team dynamics, and strategic human resource management
  • Benefit from opportunities to participate in internships or complete thesis research.
  • Enjoy a flexible course curriculum and schedule that accommodates graduate assistantships, internships, or full-time jobs
  • Have the option to complete a practicum project at the organization where you are currently employed
  • Complete the program in two years (full time) or less than three years (part time)
As well as:
  • Have the option to choose concentrations in industrial-human resources psychology, organizational development and consultation, psychology of conflict management (a graduate certificate in psychology of conflict management is also available), and talent analytics
  • Be part of a cohesive and supportive community that extends long past graduation
  • Benefit from attending professional development events and participating in professional associations
  • Begin forming your professional network with fellow students and young professionals

Application Considerations
  • GRE is not required
  • Rolling admissions
  • Merit-based scholarships and assistantships are available (if offered).

Read the latest MAIOP Infoline Newsletter

Careers in INDUSTRIAL/ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY

A number of HR-related positions are over the last five years in the U.S., according to LinkedIn’s new report, , with three positions making the top 5. The Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology reports that the median salary for M.A. graduates in I/O is $87,500, two to four years after graduating. 2022 Report (See page 7)

$82K

Human Resources Analytics Managers

#2 fastest-growing job in 2023

$103K

Diversity and Inclusion Managers

#3 fastest-growing job in 2023

$75K*

Employee Experience Managers

#5 fastest-growing job in 2023

Concentrations

The Psychology of Conflict Management Concentration

In any organization, conflict is inevitable. Through this concentration, students gain the knowledge and skills to work with interpersonal and intergroup conflict in productive ways. Students will learn the role of communication, power, identity and culture in the constructive resolution of conflict. They also learn the skills involved in negotiation and mediation of interpersonal conflict in the workplace.

Industrial-Human Resources Psychology

Students will be able to apply psychological principles to enhance human resources and organizational functions covering key areas in training and development and performance management. This concentration will prepare students for roles in HR, where they can influence organizational strategies and contribute to the development of a thriving workplace environment.

Organization Development and Consultation

Change is a constant in the life of any organization. This concentration offers a valuable educational pathway for students aiming to master the dynamics of organizational change and the nuances of effective consultation. Students will have the skills to hold influential roles in organization development, consulting, change management, and beyond, making them highly desirable candidates.

Talent Analytics Concentration

Students choosing this STEM eligible concentration will be able to apply techniques of data analytics to workplace and talent management. Specifically, students will be equipped with knowledge and skills needed to source, analyze, and visualize workplace related data to inform decisions and make recommendations that will enhance organizational success.

Selected Courses and Programs
  • This course provides an overview of the frameworks, theories, critical issues, and practices associated with the psychological well being of people in the workplace. The study of worker well-being, a sub-area of occupational health psychology, includes topics such as work-life integration, alternative employment schedules and employment relationships, antecedents, moderators and consequences of work stress, and organizational interventions to facilitate the health and well-being of workers in organizations.

  • Analysis of various theories of organizational and managerial behavior emphasizing the work organization and its internal processes. Psychological factors at play in organizational settings, including motivation, incentives, and conflict, are explored. Research findings relevant to an understanding and prediction of human behavior in organizations are also examined.

  • Theories, assumptions, and constraints underlying construction and application of psychological tests and measures in industry. Emphasis on selection, validation, and interpretation of appropriate standardized tests and surveys for specific applications in organizations such as employment testing and employee attitude assessment.

  • The meaning of work, theories of motivation, values and expectations, performance and reinforcement, job satisfaction and motivation, pay as an incentive, interventions to increase work motivation.

  • The University of New 51¶ºÄÌ offers a wide variety of in-depth courses that create a transformational educational experience for our students. To view the complete list of courses you'll take while pursuing a master’s degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, check out the Academic Catalog:

MAIOP Infoline

The latest issue of MAIOP Infoline, the official newsletter of the University’s master’s degree program in industrial/organizational psychology, features faculty discussing their research, an alumni spotlight, student reflections, and a look at how students in the program create a work-life balance.

View Now
Society for Human Resource Management

The Society for Human Resource Management student members of the University of New 51¶ºÄÌ are committed toward the preparation of all of our members for careers in the Human Resources and Industrial/Organizational Psychology fields through the development of skills and abilities in the following areas:

  • Networking
  • Mentoring
  • Effective Communication
  • Group Problem Solving
  • Technological Application
  • Community Service

Learn from professors who are dedicated to your success.

Our faculty are leaders and innovators in their fields, bringing both deep professional experience and academic rigor to the classroom.

Spotlights
Charger Advantage

Get an inside look at what differentiates the University of New 51¶ºÄÌ and how your experiences as a student will prepare you for success.

Nationally Recognized Center for Career Development

All University of New 51¶ºÄÌ students have access to the many resources available through the University’s Career Development Center, which has been named one of the best in the nation by The Princeton Review.

From career assessments, networking, and job shadowing to on-campus interviews and salary negotiation, the Career Development Center provides the skills and connections to identify a meaningful career and an opportunity to pursue your passion.

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Upcoming Events
Next Steps
  • Candidates for the master’s degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology must have:

    • An undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university
    • An introductory understanding of psychological concepts, principles, and methods
    • Taken an undergraduate course in statistics before enrolling in required graduate statistics courses

    All applications must provide:

    • Undergraduate transcript
    • Two (2) letters of recommendation
    • Personal statement (up to 500 words)

    NOTE: GRE scores are optional

    Graduate Admissions
  • The University of New 51¶ºÄÌ Graduate School is an excellent value with reasonable tuition. Of course, you will still have bills to pay and the Financial Aid office can help.

    Learn More