Industrial/Organizational Psychology, General Concentration, M.A.

M.A., Industrial/Organizational Psychology

A total of 48 credits is required of candidates for the master of arts degree in industrial/organizational psychology. Candidates for this degree must complete 24 credits in the core curriculum. Another 24 credits (including concentrations, program options, and electives) are chosen after consultation with the program coordinator in light of the student’s academic and professional goals. Students may not complete more than nine credits of electives until they have satisfied the core requirements. Up to nine credits of electives may be taken in other departments, such as industrial engineering, economics, management, marketing, and public administration.

Transfer Credit

The transfer of credit from other institutions is permitted subject to the Graduate School policy on transfer of credit detailed elsewhere in this catalog.

Thesis

Students may elect to write a thesis as part of the program of study. The thesis must show ability to organize materials in a clear and original manner and to present well-reasoned conclusions. Thesis preparation and submission must comply with the Graduate School policy on theses as well as specific departmental requirements.

Program Options

Students have the opportunity to develop a program that meets their particular needs and interests by choosing from many elective courses and various program options. These options include a thesis, for those interested in future pursuit of a doctoral degree; an internship, for those interested in a practical introduction to an organizational environment; or a practicum, for those already employed.

Option 1 (Thesis) is intended primarily for those who are interested in continuing their education in doctoral-level programs. This option gives students the research experience necessary to be successful in pursuit of admission to and completion of a Ph.D. program.

Option 2 (Internship/Practicum) allows the student to acquire special skills by coordinating formal course work with an internship or practicum in an organizational setting. The internship gives the student with limited work experience opportunity to work in cooperating organizations or consulting firms. The practicum experience is for the student who is currently employed.

The content of the practicum or internship is established jointly by the cooperating organization, the program coordinator, and the student. A comprehensive project report is required in which the student analyzes and integrates internship/practicum experiences with relevant research and coursework.

Option 3 (Approved Electives) consists of elective courses selected under faculty advisement. The choice of electives is intended to provide the student with a broad interdisciplinary background, complementing the student’s own academic training and interests. A comprehensive examination covering material from the required core psychology courses is required under this option.

Program Concentrations

Within each program option described above, students may concentrate in industrial-human resources, organizational development, or conflict management. A concentration requires 12 credits of electives, which are counted as part of the 24 credits required in the elective option (Thesis, Internship/Practicum, or Approved Electives) selected by the student. If a concentration is selected, the student must notify the program coordinator as well as the Registrar. A concentration is not required if the student’s educational or career goals can best be met without this specialization.