Curriculum
A key factor which differentiates I/O psychologists from other business professionals is the science-based perspective for dealing with organizational issues. In other words, organizational interventions and processes used by I/O psychologists are based on a foundation of scientific findings. What this means for our students is that we must train them to be consumers of the science of I/O psychology. Thus, our students are trained to read, understand, and evaluate scientific research. Additionally, our students are trained to understand and perform analytics techniques so that they can make evidence-based decisions.
Under this scientist-practitioner model, students will gain foundations in both core and cutting-edge topics such as in topics such as talent management, leadership, competency modeling, succession planning, job attitudes, employee motivation, organizational development and organizational change.
The order and content of classes may vary slightly from cohort to cohort. A sample two-year curriculum plan is as follows:
Fall Year 1
- PSYC6171 – Industrial/Organizational Psychology (3)
- PSYC6102 – Organizational Research Methods (3)
Spring Year 1
- PSYC6205 – Field and Lab Based Quantitative Research Methods (3)
- PSYC6173 – Job Attitudes (3)
Summer Year 1
- PSYC6175 – Organizational Development and Change (3)
- PSYC6640 – Topics in Organizational Psychology (3)
Fall Year 2
- PSYC6172 – Talent Acquisition (3)
- PSYC6207 – Measurement in Organizations (3)
Spring Year 2
- PSYC6177 – Talent Management (3)
- PSYC6630 – Topics in Talent Management (3)
Summer Year 2
- PSYC6899 – Readings and Research (1)
- Comprehensive Examination
Although it is uncommon, students who are interested have the option to complete a master’s thesis. Students who select this option will have a proposal, a defense, and will take a required six (6) credits of PSYC 6999. Additionally, students who complete the master’s thesis option will not be required to complete the comprehensive exam.