Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Ph.D.

Program Chair
Gary Burns, Ph.D.

Florida Tech’s doctoral degree in industrial/organizational (I/O) psychology provides training and research opportunities in the complex issues associated with the management of human resources in domestic and international organizations. The I/O program is based on the scientist-practitioner model and offers a wide range of I/O content courses, as well as varied research and applied opportunities. Rigorous coursework is coupled with applied projects and advanced training in research design and analysis. Students are encouraged to work closely with their faculty advisor to conduct research that can be presented at professional conferences or submitted to academic journals. The small class size of the Ph.D. program facilitates close interaction and augments the mentoring process. A concentration in international I/O psychology is also offered. Students pursuing the concentration take classes in cross-cultural psychology and international business, and are encouraged to conduct research or take classes with the program’s international partners. The I/O psychology program provides training for careers in academics, professional research organizations, and both internal and external consulting. The I/O program is affiliated with the Florida Tech Center for Organizational Effectiveness and Institute for Cross-Cultural Management, which provide opportunities for students to extend their research and consulting skills beyond the classroom.

Admission Requirements

A doctoral applicant should hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree, with a grade point average of 3.2 (on a scale of 4.0) or higher, and should submit three letters of recommendation, a statement of career objectives, résumé and GRE General Test scores. Official transcripts of all previous coursework must be submitted. The application deadline is January 15. Admission to the doctoral program is granted to a limited number of students. Preadmission contact with the faculty is highly encouraged.

Degree Requirements

The doctoral program requires 90 semester hours of credit beyond the bachelor’s degree. Students entering with master’s degrees in I/O psychology or related fields are evaluated on a case-by-case basis for possible award of transfer credit. Students are strongly encouraged to complete the requirements for the Ph.D. within four years.

The I/O doctoral program is designed to progress from general coursework to courses that are more specific in content. In the first year, students receive intensive training in quantitative methods and computer applications, and study the foundations of I/O psychology. A student who has not previously carried out a master’s thesis is required to do so, and should start in the first year. In the second year, students begin to take more specialized courses in I/O psychology, finish their foundational requirements and enroll in advanced research methods courses. Most students who are required to carry out master’s theses should complete them by the conclusion of the second year. The third year offers more specialized courses. During the third year, students are encouraged to complete an internship assignment in a corporate, government or consulting environment. Comprehensive examinations take place at the end of the third year.

The doctoral degree in I/O psychology is a research degree. Dissertation research is begun immediately after successful completion of the comprehensive examination. Typically, the fourth year is devoted to the completion of the doctoral dissertation. Before the award of the doctoral degree, the candidate must present the completed dissertation manuscript and defend the research results to the Dissertation Committee. Students may continue to enroll in special courses and advanced seminars throughout the course of the program.