Industrial/Organizational Psychology, M.S.

Program Chair
Lisa A. Steelman, Ph.D.

Industrial/organizational (I/O) psychology is concerned with applying professional skills and focusing scientific research on problems people encounter at work.

The goal of the master’s program is to offer a two-year terminal degree that prepares master’s-level professionals to work within the broad human resource function in organizations. In addition, the program serves as a preparatory sequence for those graduate students who wish to continue their education in a doctoral program. To accomplish this goal, the master’s program addresses the prediction and measurement systems necessary for making accurate personnel decisions with respect to the selection, placement, training and evaluation of employees. It covers the impact of group and other social influences on job-related behaviors, motivation, commitment and communication, and is also concerned with planned change within the organization.

The industrial/organizational master of science degree program at Florida Tech follows the scientist-practitioner model of graduate training, emphasizing the development of research skills, knowledge of I/O theory and techniques, and applied experiences. Through extensive coursework, students receive great breadth in training, focusing on industrial psychology, organizational psychology and measurement/statistics. Florida Tech offers both M.S. and Ph.D. level training in industrial/organizational psychology. The goal of these programs is to train well-rounded I/O psychologists who have flexibility in their career paths and the skills to make a significant difference in society.

The primary culminating experience that prepares the I/O psychology student for a career is the practicum. Practicum experiences reflect a wide variety of career opportunities within the business environment. Ideal career placements for graduates would include positions in employee selection and placement, performance appraisal, training and evaluation, organizational development, compensation and benefits, and employee relations.

Students who plan to continue on a traditional academic track may opt to complete the master’s thesis. The thesis track allows a student to work with a faculty advisor on an independent research project. Students are mentored in areas such as research design, data collection, database management, statistical analysis and preparing a document for submission. Students are also encouraged to develop their computer literacy, critical evaluation and problem-solving skills. The I/O program is affiliated with the Florida Tech Center for Organizational Effectiveness and Institute for Cross-Cultural Management.

Admission Requirements

A master’s applicant should hold a bachelor’s degree in psychology or business, although graduates from other fields are encouraged to apply. A student without a bachelor’s degree in psychology may be required to complete up to nine credit hours of psychology coursework at the undergraduate level before registering for graduate-level courses. These courses are in addition to the 45-credit degree requirement.

A master’s applicant should have a grade point average of 3.0 (B) or higher, and should submit three letters of recommendation, a statement of career objectives, supplement form and GRE General Test scores. Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate courses attempted must be submitted. All applications should be submitted by January 15. Preadmission visits to the campus and conferences with faculty and students are strongly encouraged.

Degree Requirements

The Master of Science in Industrial/Organizational Psychology requires the satisfactory completion of a minimum of 45 credit hours of approved coursework and the passing of a final program examination administered in the semester of graduation, or successful defense of a master’s thesis.