Industrial and Organizational Psychology

What is Industrial and Organizational Psychology?

Industrial and Organizational (I-O) psychologists use science and statistics to solve workplace issues and to help workers and businesses thrive.

Our program is committed to preparing students for the current issues facing the workplace today. As such, our I-O curriculum includes examining inequities, historical and current, facing employees. The combination of I-O practice and an employee-centered justice approach enable students to move beyond the socio-political trends of the day and identify the root cause of problems facing employees and organizations today.

I-O Psychologists help organizations by:

• selecting and training the best employees
• determining how to retain and recruit talented employees
• learning what stressors make jobs difficult
• developing great organizational leaders
• understanding work motivation
• studying how to make workplaces safer
• and by analyzing what can help organizations grow, change, and adapt

Whether you’re at the start of your career as a psychologist or looking to further expand your training, consider this online degree from Park University.

Industrial Psychologist was ranked #2 for Best Science Jobs by US News & World Report in 2020.  US News & World Report rated Industrial Psychologist as #20 in best STEM jobs in 2020.

Locations & Learning Options

Master of Arts in Industrial and Organizational Psychology

The master’s degree has been designed with early and mid-career working adults in mind where students will focus on one course every eight weeks. The 11-course curriculum is designed to be completed in seven semesters, including summers and an internship. The program is completely online and asynchronous, allowing students the flexibility to complete their work around their busy schedules.

Application Deadline:

Applications are due July 1^st for entry into the fall cohort.  Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year with decisions being made mid-July.  New cohorts will be accepted each fall.

Industrial and Organizational Psychology Undergraduate Certificate:

As a student in our Industrial and Organizational Psychology Certificate program, you can take face-to-face classes for the certificate program at our Parkville, Missouri campus or online.

Locations

• Online
• Parkville

What is special about Park’s MA in I-O Program?
Park University’s MA in I-O program will specifically focus on creating I-O leaders who focus on equity and justice in the workplace.  Coursework will address equity, diversity, and inclusion as it pertains to all people and all aspects of the workplace.

Graduation Requirements
Park University grants the Master of Arts upon completion of the following requirements:

• Completion of a minimum of 33 semester hours.
• Successful completion of Comprehensive Exam.
• Successful completion of an I-O Psychology-related internship.
• Successful completion of the group research project.
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 for Park University courses.
• Satisfaction of all requirements for a major as outlined in this catalog.
• Completion of all earned credit with no more than 2 grades of C earned.
• Submission of an Application for Graduation.

M.A., Industrial-Organizational Psychology Admissions Requirements

Required Criteria:

• Transcript from undergraduate (min 3.00/4.00 required) and previous graduate if applicable (min) 3.70/4.00 education
• Current Resume
• Professional Statement: Below is an outline of major points that your statement will be evaluated based upon
  • Stating professional goals and linking how earning a masters in I-O psychology serve those goals.
  • What previous experience(s), skills, and attributes do you have that make you a good fit for the Park I-O program.
  • What previous experience do you have or what prepares you to be successful in a fully online asynchronous program.
  • How does the Park I-O program’s commitment to an employee-centered view of equity and justice align with your personal values and professional goals.
  • What has prepared you for the analytical thinking and quantitative ability needed to train and develop skills in I-O Psychology (i.e., statistics, the scientific methods, using and understanding numbers).
  • Justification or reasoning application should be considered if GPA falls below above requirements.

Recommended Criteria:

• GRE
• Undergraduate coursework: Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Human Resource Management, Organizational Behavior, Statistics, Experimental Design/Research Methods, Measurement and Test Construction
• Undergraduate research participation in I-O psychology or related topics