Industrial Organizational Psychology (MS)


Graduate

Program Details

TheMaster of Science in Industrial Organizational Psychology program is no longer accepting or processing inquiries or applications.

Industrial-Organizational (I-O) psychology is the scientific study and the application of science to workplace issues. The Master of Science in Industrial Organizational Psychology is dedicated to training students to be successful professionals in the field of I-O psychology. Students graduate from the program ready to share their expertise in organizational development, talent management, human resources research and employee evaluation with organizational consulting firms and multinational corporations. 

Admission

Admission Requirements

The admission committee considers many variables. The entire set of credentials presented by the applicant is considered. However, a low standing on one criterion [e.g., grade point average (GPA), Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) score] does not automatically mean rejection, nor does one very high standing on one criterion mean automatic acceptance.

The School of Psychology has decided to waive the GRE test for those applicants seeking admission for Fall 2022.

  • The applicant must possess a bachelor's or master's degree or their equivalent from a regionally accredited institution. The prior academic record must indicate ability and preparation necessary for pursuing graduate studies.
  • The minimum prerequisite for the program is 18 semester hours of undergraduate courses in psychology. These include courses in general (intro) psychology, introductory statistics, psychology research methods, and nine semester hours in other upper-division, undergraduate courses. The undergraduate course in I-O psychology as well as the psychological testing course are required, but that both may be taken after acceptance to the program.
  • A minimum 3.0 is required in undergraduate and/or graduate coursework. Overall GPA in a degree program and GPA in the psychology courses are both assessed. Xavier University's institution code is 1965.
  • The General Test portion is required for all applicants. Applicants are required to take the GRE subject test if they neither majored nor minored in Psychology.
    (NOTE: The School of Psychology has decided to waive the GRE test for those applicants seeking admission for Fall 2022.)
  • Research experience is also considered. This may reflect anything from collecting data to publication in refereed journals.
  • In addition, work experience is also assessed. This may include internships and/or work experiences relevant to I-O psychology.
  • Three letters from academic/research sources, along with those describing other types of experience are required. It is strongly recommended that a minimum of two of the letters be from an academic resource.
  • Compatibility of the applicant's interests with those of the faculty is often considered, but is not necessary for acceptance.
  • The applicant's ability to write, as reflected in the Statement of Purpose, as well as in technical writing, shown in published research, is also taken into account.
  • Above all, the applicant should demonstrate why they are interested in pursuing graduate study in I-O psychology, and why they feel Xavier is appropriate for that study.

Admission Process

Please be advised that the deadline for completed applications in February 1.

Applicants from foreign countries or those who completed their degree overseas are required to submit transcripts evaluated by World Educational Services, a financial statement, a sponsorship letter, and official TOEFL scores. All applicants should see that the School of Psychology receives the following items:

  • Apply online.
  • A non-refundable $35 application fee.
  • One copy of official transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended. These include colleges and universities that involve transfer credits.
  • Three letters of recommendation are required.
  • A written statement (Statement of Purpose) reflecting a commitment to I-O psychology.
  • GRE scores -- General Knowledge (required). Xavier University's institution code is 1965.
  • A completed application for financial assistance (optional).
  • Any other information that might aid in the selection process (for example, relevant research and/or work experience).

Financial Aid

A limited number of graduate research and lab/teaching assistantships are available within the School of Psychology. Applicants are also encouraged to apply for graduate assistantships in other departments on campus. For more information on these assistantships, contact the Office of the Graduate School at 513-745-3360 or email xugrad@xavier.edu.

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Curriculum

Internship

The three-credit hour internship comprises 120 clock hours of supervised work in an appropriate field setting. This work may take the form of a project arranged with an employer that allows the student full responsibility for designing and carrying out the project, or the internship may bring the student into an ongoing activity within an organization, such as employment interviewing or testing. The student receives a final grade for the internship.

Thesis

The thesis consists of six credit hours and takes the form of an empirical research study. Under the supervision of a full-time faculty advisor, the student develops a thesis proposal and presents this to a three-member committee made up of faculty members and/or interested I-O psychologists from the Cincinnati community. Upon completion, the student defends the thesis to the same committee.

Computer Language Requirement

Students in the master's degree I-O psychology program must demonstrate proficiency in a computer language (typically SPSS), gained through the courses PSYC 520 and 521, Computer Statistical Language I and II.

Sample Courses

General Psychology - ProSeminar: Applied I-O Psychology

Research - Advanced Statistics I and II, Computer Statistical Language I and II, Advanced Research Design and Analysis, Thesis

Industrial-Organizational Psychology - Personnel Psychology, Internship in I-O Psychology, Assessment Techniques in I-O Psychology, Seminar in I-O Psychology, Organizational Psychology, Training and Development, Performance Appraisal, Professional Development Issues in I-O Psychology

Tuition and Fees

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Faculty in the Industrial Organizational Psychology Program

Professor in the master of organizational psychology program interacting with a student in a classroom

Students in the master of organizational psychology program interact with faculty members who have diverse academic and research interests, as well as professional training. Teaching is the primary mission of the department.


Faculty Profiles


Professional Opportunities for Organizational Psychology Students

Student in the Industrial Organizational Psychology program at an internship site

Students in the master of organizational psychology program are arranged with internships in a number of industries, giving them the opportunity to practice the skills they've learn in the classroom.


Internship Info


Student-led Organizations for Organizational Psychology Students

Students in the industrial organizational psychology program working together at a desk

Organizations for students in the master of organizational psychology program include the Ohio Psychological Association of Graduate Students, the Xavier Psychological Association Graduate Students and XU Graduate Student Organization.


Student Organizations

Industrial Organizational Psychology (MS) Program at Xavier University

According to the Society of Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Industrial-Organizational (I-O) psychology is the scientific study of working and the application of that science to workplace issues facing individuals, teams, and organizations. The scientific method is applied to investigate issues of critical relevance to individuals, businesses, and society. From organizational consultants to multinational corporations your expertise will be called on for organizational development, talent management, human resources research, employee evaluation and much more.

Xavier University's College of Professional Sciences prepares undergraduate and graduate students intellectually, morally and spiritually for careers and professions of service. CPS challenges students to strive for academic excellence and life-long learning through promoting collaboration and community partnerships, and incorporating research, scholarship and innovation.

Xavier University is a private university located in Cincinnati, Ohio, providing a liberal arts education in the Jesuit Catholic tradition. Founded in 1831, the University is the sixth-oldest Catholic university in the nation. It has been ranked among the top 10 master's-level universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report for the past two decades. The Princeton Review names it one of the "Best 385 Colleges in America."