Industrial-Organizational Psychology

Coordinator: Eric C. Marcus, Ph.D., Columbia University

The study and practice of industrial and organizational psychology are directed toward enhancing the effectiveness and functioning of organizations by applying psychological principles to human work behavior.

The primary goal of the program leading to the master of arts degree in industrial/organizational psychology is to provide students with the knowledge and experience necessary to improve the satisfaction and productivity of people at work.

Graduates typically perform activities in a number of areas that focus on individual, group, and organizational processes, including the following:

Organizational change and development
Consultation
Motivation and morale
Leadership and managerial development
Conflict management
Team/group dynamics
Recruiting, selection, and placement
Performance management
Attitude and opinion measurement
Training design and implementation
Strategic human resource planning
Employment law
Job analysis and evaluation
Job design and enrichment
Employee assistance programs
Compensation and benefits
Program evaluation.

Building on a strong foundation of theory, the program emphasizes application of principles in a wide variety of work settings. The curriculum is strengthened by ongoing, active relationships with local and regional human resource and applied psychological associations. Another unique feature of the program is the Center for Dispute Resolution (CDR), which offers mediation services to University students, faculty, and staff, and provides training in mediation and negotiation. Furthermore, the I/O Psychology program at the University of New Haven conforms to the standards of the Council of Applied Master's Programs in Psychology (CAMPP).

This master's degree prepares students for careers in private and public corporations, consulting firms, government agencies, and applied research institutions. Those aspiring to enter the field, practicing professionals, and those planning for graduate training beyond the master's level will find their educational needs accommodated by the flexible nature of the program.

Admission Policy

Applicants are expected to possess social and interpersonal characteristics that will support success in organizational settings. Students who give evidence of a mature interest in the application of psychological principles to organizational problems and who hold an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university are eligible for admission.

Students who have taken the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) within the past five years are asked to report their scores to the Graduate School. For applicants whose native language is not English, TOEFL scores must be reported to the Graduate School. ESL certification is also welcomed.

An undergraduate major in psychology is not specifically required as a basis for consideration. However, students are expected to have at least an introductory-level understanding of psychological concepts, principles, and methods before taking courses in the master of arts in industrial/organizational psychology program.