About This Program

Admissions Contact

Graduate Admissions and Recruitment
School of Social Work and Behavioral Sciences
graduate@springfieldcollege.edu

Program Contact

Curriculum and Delivery

  • 38-credit program
  • Courses offered on campus in Springfield, Mass.
  • 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
  • Opportunity to complete a thesis or research project
  • Opportunity to complete internship placements
  • Course requirements

Start Dates and Duration

  • Start in September (Fall semester)
  • Courses are offered full- or part-time
  • Full-time complete in 1.5 - 2 years
  • Part-time complete in 3-4 years

Paying for Your Education

Career Opportunities

  • Explore the career outcomes
  • Strong alumni network for internship and job placement
  • Network with scholars and practitioners in the field through program-sponsored professional workshops or events
  • Build a life-long support network with your peers through organized program social events 
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Resources

Upcoming Events

Stay tuned for information on upcoming events!

Group of business persons in business meeting. Group of entrepreneurs on meeting in board room.

Be a Social Change Agent.

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.  

The MS in Industrial/Organizational Psychology at Springfield College 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. 

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 

How to Apply:

Admissions Requirements

  1. Complete the FREE online application: Once your application form is processed you will receive an email with your application portal login credentials and instructions for submitting supplemental materials as listed below.
  2. 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. 
  3. 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. 
  4. 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.
  5. GRE Optional: Students have the option to submit GRE scores but they are not required.
  6. Transcripts: An official transcript from each college/university you have attended is required. 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

In addition to the above admissions requirements, all international applicants from non-English speaking countries are required to submit:

  • Proof of English language proficiency by way of the TOEFL or IELTS: Other tests may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. Please refer to our language requirements for more information on acceptable tests, minimum scores, exemptions, and conditional acceptance. 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 (NACES). For this we recommend SpanTran, with its customized portal for Springfield College applicants. World Education Services or Josef Silny & Associates, Inc. are also recommended for your credential evaluations.

The Office of International Admissions can assist you with questions you may have about enrolling at Springfield College as an international student by emailing intladmissions@springfieldcollege.edu.

Application Deadline

Domestic Students:

  • Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as space is available.

International Students:

  • Application and Supporting Materials Deadline: May 1

Hands On Learning, Engaging Conversations

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.

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

Faculty Highlighted Article

Professor Ny Mia Tran was featured in WalletHub's recent article 'States Where Employers Are Struggling the Most in Hiring'.

Mia Tran

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
Spring Fling Social and Student Awards Event, 8 people standing in a group
Spring Fling Social and Student Awards Event

Hosted every year in the spring semester the event showcases student research presentations followed by end-of-the-year celebrations and an award ceremony for the Graduate Student Excellence Award. 

The award recipient is selected based on their performance and contribution to the program, and the IOP profession. It is a fun event to celebrate another year of SCIOP with great food, conversation, and shared experiences.

Group picture of alumni excellence award event, 8 people standing with an award
Alumni Excellence Award Event

A selected group from our alumni are nominated and awarded the Alumni Excellence Award in recognition for their professional excellence, outstanding achievement in the field, and recognized for their service to others. The recipient is invited on-campus to accept their award and provide a presentation on their career journey. This event also serves as a networking opportunity for current students to develop relationships with others in the field. 

In this picture is Kristain Gustaitis, Director of Total Rewards at Hollingsworth & Voss, who received the Springfield College IO Psychology Alumni Excellence Award Recipient in 2022. Other awardees included: Kristin Leutz, Jason Delano, and Mike Gellman.