Industrial/Organizational Psychology

The SDSU Industrial/Organizational psychology (I/O) MS program is a 2-year, full-time program where students complete 44 credits of coursework, an internship between the 1st and 2nd academic year, and a Master’s thesis.  The program is based on a cohort model, where students progress through the program together and take the same courses at the same time. The program adheres to the scientist-practitioner model, which balances the training of research and applied skills, and is the basis of training in the field of I/O psychology.

As the only MS program in the northern tier of the Great Plains region (including Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming), the MS program at SDSU adheres to the Guidelines for Education and Training at the Master's Level in I/O psychology recommended by the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP). These guidelines contain a list of competencies that graduates completing this degree program should possess for optimal skill development.

The SDSU program is designed to equip students with specialized training based on research findings derived from the behavioral sciences. Training is provided in these traditional I/O areas: job analysis, leadership, organizational development, performance appraisal, psychological measurement, research methods, selection, statistical methods, teams, training, work attitudes, and work motivation. Students develop the knowledge and appreciation of contemporary I/O psychology theories, research methods, and are equipped with analytical tools that are commonly used in the I/O field. An internship also complements academic coursework. Consequently, students will effectively apply these knowledge and skills to settings where people are engaged in work.

The statistics and research methods requirements for the program serve as a solid foundation for students interested in applied research settings upon completed of their Master’s, while also preparing students for pursuing a doctoral degree.