Admission Standards

The I/O Psychology Program offers a non-thesis M.A. only degree and a M.A./Ph.D. degree

Admissions decisions are based on several criteria, including:

• the student’s overall and psychology grade point averages (GPA)
• three letters of recommendation from persons familiar with the applicant’s academic work
• personal statements describing interest in I/O psychology

Persons with psychology majors or extensive backgrounds in psychology are preferred.

Please also note that admitted students must provide the Department of Psychology with an official transcript, showing proof of degree conferral from the student's institution or an official letter of completion from their university registrar's office if an official transcript is not yet available. Students who do not provide proof of degree conferral before fall semester begins are not eligible to hold an assistantship/scholarship and will be unable to register for classes.

Non-Thesis M.A. Only Degree

This 2-year M.A. degree program does not involve writing a master’s thesis. It is designed for students who wish to gain a broad knowledge of I/O psychology in order to work in applied settings after they complete the degree. Students take relevant coursework, have an applied practicum experience, and finally, take a “comprehensive-style specialty” examination as the capstone of their two years of coursework.

Learn more about the application procedure.

M.A./Ph.D. Degree

Students wishing to pursue a doctoral degree in I/O Psychology should apply to the M.A./Ph.D. option if they have earned a bachelor’s degree. They should apply to the Ph.D. option if they already hold a master's degree in I/O psychology or a closely related field, or will have completed such a degree by the time they begin the program. Students in the M.A./Ph.D. option complete the master’s degree in two years. Completion of the remaining coursework, comprehensive examinations, and writing the dissertation typically takes from 2-4 additional years, with completion of the entire doctoral degree in 5 years a reasonable goal.

Learn more about the application procedure.