About This Program

Resources

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

Alie Baranauskas
Recruitment and Admissions Coordinator for the School of Social Work and Behavioral Sciences
abaranauskas@springfieldcollege.edu
(413) 748-3060

Contact

Mia Tran, PhD
Director of Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Department of Psychology
(413) 748-3316
ntran3@​springfield.edu
Instagram

Follow us on Instagram. 

View the career outcomes

Visiting Options

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. 

Request More Information

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. 

I/O Psychology faculty and students holding iPads, discussing around a table

Student Testimonial

Brenna Kelly

My favorite part about the I/O program at Springfield College is that the curriculum is entirely transferable to the workplace. It prepares you with the skills and abilities needed to succeed within the I/O field and gives you incredible networking opportunities.

Currently, I am a second-year SCIOP student with one semester left until graduation! Additionally, I am a Human Resources Intern at CRRC MA, where I perform organizational development and change work within a train manufacturing plant.

The best advice I would give to students interested in an I/O graduate program would be to be open to the many different career paths that I/O offers. Put your all into every class you take and see what clicks for you!

Brenna Kelly

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.

Shannan Fields

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).

IO Psych Alumni Excellence Award 2018 group

Alumna Spotlight

Tabitha McCourt, M.S. '18 is currently the HR Generalist at RealPage, Inc. (a Real Estate Tech Company). She supports 2 business units, Buildium and Propertyware which are Real Estate software. In addition, she will be supporting a new acquisition soon, HomeWiseDocs.

Recent achievement or success: She had a recent career change from HR in a manufacturing plant to HR at a Boston-based tech company!

"My graduate project was about the impact of management training on employee organizational commitment. In my previous role as an HR Manager I was able to develop a training program for all levels of the company that was able to utilize my research. The Springfield College IOP program gave me the foundations that I needed to start a career in HR. I was the graduate fellow for the 2017-2018 academic year, which provided leadership experience that I am still utilizing in my career today."

Tabitha McCourt

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 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.
Careers and Internships
Faculty and Staff

Paar Family Grant Scholarship Fund

The Paar Family Grant Scholarship was established with the gifts from Dr. Henry Paar, ’49. The income from the fund is to be used to provide scholarship aid for a student who is need of financial assistance and who meets at least the minimum requirements of all students receiving financial aid. Therefore, applicants who do not have any other fellowships or scholarships will receive top priority. This scholarship is also particularly geared towards those students who have overcome adversity and made it to graduate school in spite of tremendous odds. Both incoming and current graduate students are eligible to apply.

To apply, please email each of the following items to the Scholarship Committee chair, Dr. Matt Brubaker (mbrubaker@springfield.edu) by April 30, 2022:

  1. Completed application form
  2. 1-3 page application essay, describing:
    • Why you are studying psychology
    • Your goals both personally and professionally
    • Justifications for the scholarship based on the required criteria
  3. Unofficial copy of your current academic transcript
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 intladmissions@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

A. Program requirements (12 credits)

B. Research requirements (11 credits)

C. Selectives (6 credits)

Select a minimum of six credits from the following:

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):

View the catalog.

APPLY ONLINE

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis prior to the start of the intended term of entry.

Priority deadlines are as follows:

  • March 15 for fall (September) entry
  • December 1 for spring (January) entry

All required supporting materials are due as follows:

  • April 1 for fall (September) entry
  • January 1 for spring (January) entry
Graduate Program Courses $1,138 per credit
Approximate total cost (38 credits) $43,244
Graduate Student Fee* $396
Enrollment Deposit $300

All approximate costs above are based on 2022-23 academic year costs.

*The graduate student fee (full time) includes the following costs for the 2022-23 academic year.

  • Student Government Fee: $21
  • Community Engagement Fee: $36
  • Recreation Fee: $324
  • Class Dues: $15

The graduate student fee (part-time) is $87.50 per semester.

VIEW ADDITIONAL FEES AND ESTIMATED INDIRECT EXPENSES

FELLOWSHIPS AND SCHOLARSHIPS

Fellowships & Scholarships

Let us help you make your graduate education as affordable as possible.

Student Employment

Work on our campus to earn money while pursuing your graduate degree.

AmeriCorps

Make a lasting impact on students' lives while helping to fund your education