Industrial/Organizational Psychology

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	Already have your Master's Degree? Looking for post-graduate programs? Explore our Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) in industrial/organizational psychology.
	Admissions Contact Samantha Sargent Recruitment and Admissions Coordinator for the School of Social Work and Behavioral Sciences ssargent2@springfield.edu (413) 748-3060
	Contact Mia Tran, PhD Director of Industrial/Organizational Psychology Department of Psychology (413) 748-3316 ntran3@springfield.edu
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What is industrial/organizational (I/O) psychology? It is the scientific study of psychology and human behavior in the workplace to improve organizational and employee outcomes such as performance, productivity, efficiency, engagement, climate and well-being. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it is one of the fastest growing occupations.

Springfield College IO Psychology Masters of Science Program

The Springfield College I/O Psychology masters of science program uses a scientist-practitioner model that allow students to understand how data science and psychological theories can be used to address real-world workplace challenges. Students in the program develop research and practical knowledge on the field’s current trends, and experience skill-based training on applied research, measurement, consulting, and Human Resources.

What can you learn in the program?

The program’s unique curriculum prepares students to develop the core competencies to be successful future professionals that can use research and data to help transform organizations to make more data informed decisions, and thrive in complex and ambiguous environments.

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Hear from Springfield College Assistant Professor of Psychology Ny Mia Tran as she provides an overview of the Industrial/Organizational Psychology graduate program.

Through the program, students will be learn how to:

Develop or implement a talent management strategy (recruiting, selecting, and retaining high performing employees)
Develop or implement effective employee training and development using a needs analysis
Design, utilize and translate assessments tools to improve organizational effectiveness and climate
Conduct research and analyze data to solve workplace issues
Address or manage workplace ethics, equity, and diversity to foster an inclusive setting
Develop and assess leadership development initiatives

Program Details

Flexible afternoon/evening course schedules ideal for part-time and full-time working students.
Applied and experiential learning in our courses using case studies, simulations, and applied projects with real organizations.
Small class sizes to support students learning and development.
Strong alumni network for internship and job placement.
Network with scholars and practitioners in the field through program sponsored professional workshops or events.
Build life-long support network with your peers through organized program social events.
Opportunity to complete a thesis or research project.

Pictured are our IOP students and faculty at the 34th Annual SIOP 2019 Conference in National Harbor, Maryland. The Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) national conference is attended by approximately 4,500 scholars, practitioners, and students domestically and internationally every year in early April. Our graduate students attend this conference each year to gain exposure to the broad application of knowledge from the field by engaging in an array of conference events. This conference experience provides students with a greater understanding of the various career paths they can pursue upon graduation.

Student Testimonial

R. John Reidy

Area of Interest: Leadership Development, Group Dynamics, Consulting

What I enjoy most about the program includes the scope of information that graduate students are exposed to in the industrial/organizational world, the support from faculty and staff to find the best course of learning to fit my career goals, and overall the sense of community that Springfield College provides.

Students in the program have the opportunity to work on applied projects that advance their knowledge and practice in I/O Psychology. With the support and guidance of our program faculty, students gain data analysis experience and receive consulting training through real organizational projects.

Alum Testimonial

Shannan Fields G`21

The I/O program helped me to understand and critically think about the workplace and the systems within it. The program offered many opportunities for real-world experiences that helped me apply and grow my skills. I value my time at Springfield College because I could tell that every student and faculty member I met wanted and believed I could succeed.

Alumni Excellence Award

In 2018, Shannon Langone '97 G '15 was the recipient of the Alumni Excellence Award. After completing her master's in Industrial/Organizational Psychology in 2015, she became the Manager of Recruitment for UP Education Network, a nonprofit that partners with public school districts to turn around chronically underperforming schools. She is now the Director of Recruitment of all six of UP's schools in Massachusetts.

More recent Alumni Excellence Award recipients include Kris Gustaitis (2019) and Susanna Tharakan (2020).

Admissions Requirements

This program enrolls students in the fall and spring terms only.

Complete the application form. No application fee.

Start your application process by completing the online application form. Be sure to complete your application by submitting all the required materials outlined in this section.

Graduate Admissions Essay

Once your application form is processed you will receive an email with your application portal login credentials. Once you login to your application portal you'll be able to upload your essay.

In two to three double-spaced pages, please describe significant life experiences that have contributed to your interest in your field, your understanding of this field, your occupational objectives, and why you have chosen Springfield College.

Resume

Please include any college activities, out-of-school leadership experiences, work history, and community involvement to support your interest in or qualifications for graduate study. Once your application form is processed you will receive an email with your application portal login credentials. Once you login to your application portal you'll be able to upload your resume.

Letters of Recommendation

This program requires two letters of recommendation. Recommenders will receive an email when you submit your application and will be able to upload your letter to your application.

Interview

This program requires an interview.

Official Transcripts from All Institutions Previously/Currently Attended

An official transcript from each college/university you have attended is required.
Transcripts must be in English. If the transcript is not in English you will be required to submit a professional credential evaluation completed by any member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services. In some cases, including if you plan to request coursework be transferred, a course-by-course translation is required. For this we recommend the World Education Services or Josef Silny & Associates, Inc.
In order to be considered official, transcripts must be received directly from the original source, by email to graduate@springfield.edu, or mailed to the college address:
Springfield College
Office of Graduate Admissions
263 Alden Street
Springfield, MA 01109

International Applicants

All international applicants from non-English speaking countries are required, in addition to the items listed above, to submit:

Proof of English language proficiency by way of the TOEFL or IELTS. If your undergraduate degree was earned in the United States and you successfully completed College level English, we will consider English language proficiency met.
Please note: Transcripts must be in English. If the transcript is not in English you will be required to submit a professional credential evaluation completed by any member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services. In some cases, including if you plan to request coursework be transferred, a course-by-course translation is required. For this we recommend the World Education Services or Josef Silny & Associates, Inc.

Our Associate Director of International Admissions Nicholas Venn can answer any questions you may have about enrolling in Springfield College as an international student. You may email him at nvenn@springfield.edu or via phone at (413) 748-3891.

To submit materials:

After submitting your online application form you will receive user login credentials to access your student application portal. From that portal, you will be able to upload your graduate admissions essay and your resume. Recommenders will receive an email when you submit your application and will be able to upload your letter to your application. In order to be considered official, transcripts must be received directly from the original source, by email to graduate@springfield.edu, or mailed to the college address:

Springfield College
Office of Graduate Admissions
263 Alden Street
Springfield, MA 01109

Curriculum

A. Program requirements (12 credits)

PSYC 635 - Psychology in Organizations Credits: 3
PSYC 642 - Talent Acquisition Credits: 3
PSYC 646 - Organizational Conflict Management Credits: 3
PSYC 650 - Organizational Development and Change Credits: 3

B. Research requirements (11 credits)

RSCH 610 - Foundations and Methods of Research Credits: 3
RSCH 612 - Proposal Design Credits: 2
RSCH 615 - Qualitative Research Methodology Credits: 3
or
RSCH 620 - Educational and Psychological Statistics I Credits: 3
PSYC 626 - Research Project in Psychology Credits: 3

C. Selectives (6 credits)

Select a minimum of six credits from the following:

PSYC 648 - Training and Development in Organizations Credits: 3
PSYC 649 - Communication and Motivation in Organizations Credits: 3
PSYC 652 - Consulting Skills Credits: 3
PSYC 680 - Group Dynamics Credits: 3
PSYC 686 - Fieldwork/Internship and Seminar Credits: 1-16
(may be taken for a maximum of 3 credits toward selective requirements)

D. Alternative Content Selectives

In consultation with the Program Director, select from the following courses to meet the program requirement of 38 credits (Note: students may also select courses from the Industrial and Organizational Psychology Selectives that were not used to meet that requirement):