Industrial-Organizational Psychology

The Industrial-Organizational Psychology program at the University of Georgia offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare students for dynamic careers in the field of workplace psychology. This program combines rigorous coursework with practical research experiences, enabling students to develop a deep understanding of the scientific principles underlying human behavior in organizational settings. Students will explore a diverse array of topics, including personnel selection, training and development, performance appraisal, leadership, motivation, organizational development, and workplace well-being. The curriculum emphasizes the application of psychological theories and research methods to solve real-world problems faced by organizations today.

Throughout the program, students engage in hands-on projects, internships, and mentorship opportunities that foster professional growth and networking within the industry. Faculty members are dedicated experts with extensive research and consulting backgrounds, providing mentorship and guidance tailored to each student's career aspirations. The program also offers specialized coursework in statistics, research design, and assessment, equipping students with the quantitative skills necessary for empirical investigation and data-driven decision-making.

Graduates of the Industrial-Organizational Psychology program at the University of Georgia are well-prepared for careers in a variety of settings, including corporate human resources, consulting firms, government agencies, and academic research. Many alumni have gone on to hold positions such as organizational consultants, HR analysts, talent management specialists, and academic researchers. The program's strong emphasis on both theory and application ensures that students not only gain knowledge but also develop the practical skills essential for effective problem-solving and leadership in diverse organizational environments.

With a focus on ethical practice, diversity, and inclusion, the program aims to cultivate professionals who can make meaningful contributions to enhancing workplace productivity, employee satisfaction, and organizational success. Whether students are interested in pursuing doctoral studies or entering the workforce directly, the University of Georgia's Industrial-Organizational Psychology program provides a solid foundation for a rewarding career dedicated to understanding and improving the human elements of organizations.

In the field of Industrial-Organizational Psychology, we take a scientific approach to the management of human capital within organizations. With our practitioner-focused format in the IOMP, we educate students on how to understand and apply the science of our field in order to add real value to organizations. It is essential for practicing I-O Psychologists to be able to diagnose organizational issues by applying theory and analyzing data and to then propose and build solutions or interventions using solid research evidence. Therefore, we focus the curriculum on developing these practitioner capabilities and less on conducting academic research.

Courses are taught by a combination of our world-class faculty in the I-O Ph.D. program at UGA and practicing I-O Psychologists who work in Atlanta and the surrounding area. Students must successfully complete 12 courses, consisting of 36 credit hours in order to graduate. The curriculum consists of several core I-O courses, up to two electives, and a practicum project. The electives will enable students to tailor some of their studies to their own interests or career needs.

The following illustrates typical coursework completed in two years. Students are expected to progress with their cohorts.The curriculum is subject to change in any given year as we continue to adapt the program to emerging industry needs.

• 6 Semesters
• 2 Courses per Semester 
• All Classes are 3 credit hours

YEAR 1

Year 1, Fall

• Intro to Industrial/Organizational Psychology
• Organizational Research Methods I

Year 1, Spring

• Testing & Measurements
• Organizational Research Methods II 

Year 1, Summer

• Motivation & Engagement
• ELECTIVE 1

YEAR 2

Year 2, Fall

• Competency Modeling and Evaluation
• Leadership Development

Year 2, Spring

• Talent Acquisition
• Talent Development

Year 2, Summer

• Practicum - Consulting Skills
• ELECTIVE 2

Typical Elective Courses: Principles of Leadership, Diversity & Teams, Organizational Change, and Predictive Analytics

Campus Location: University of Georgia Gwinnett Campus, 2530 Sever Road, Lawrenceville, GA 30043

1. UGA Graduate School online application

2. Resume or Curriculum Vitae: Clearly detail your work history, education, and other achievements.

3. Statement of Purpose:  Provide a statement of no more than two pages in length on why you want a graduate degree in this field, what you want to get out of the UGA program, and what you hope to achieve over your career.

4. Letter(s) of Recommendation: Submit name(s) and email address(es) via the online application. The system will send an email requesting those individuals to upload their letters. The system asks for three recommendation names. You are only required to submit one name for the IOMP but can submit up to three names.Submitting more than one recommendation letter can strengthen your application.

5. Transcript(s): One unofficial transcript from each university you’ve attended should be included as part of your online application. Unofficial transcripts not submitted as part of the online application must be mailed hard copy only to the UGA Graduate School.

6. GRE Scores: Scores for Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical are required. The Psychology Subject test is NOT required. If you have more than 5 consecutive years of full-time, professional work experience, you may request a waiver of the GRE requirement. To request this waiver, email frostb@uga.edu with your resume, unofficial transcript(s), and a brief explanation for your request.

International Applicants Only:  

The graduate school requires international applicants, immigrants to the U.S., and permanent residents of the U.S. whose native language is not English and who have not received a bachelor’s degree from a university in which all instruction is in English to submit a valid TOEFL (or equivalent) score. Only official TOEFL (or equivalent) scores less than two years old will be accepted. 

Financing for the Industrial-Organizational Psychology program at the University of Georgia is structured to support a diverse student body through various funding options. Tuition fees are established annually by the university and are subject to change based on state legislation and institutional policies. In-state students benefit from relatively lower tuition rates compared to out-of-state students, reflecting the university's commitment to serving Georgia residents. For the academic year, graduate tuition for in-state students typically ranges around $12,000 per year, while out-of-state students may pay approximately $30,000 annually. These figures include fees for enrollment, technology, and other mandatory charges, but do not encompass incidental costs such as housing, textbooks, and health insurance.

Financial aid opportunities are available through several channels. The university offers graduate assistantships, which often include a tuition waiver and a stipend in exchange for research, teaching, or administrative responsibilities. These positions are highly competitive and are awarded based on academic merit and departmental needs. Additionally, students can apply for fellowships and scholarships provided by the university, the state of Georgia, and external organizations committed to supporting graduate education in psychology and related fields.

Students are encouraged to explore external funding sources such as federal student loans, including Grad PLUS loans, which help cover educational expenses not met by scholarships or stipends. The Financial Aid Office at the University of Georgia provides comprehensive guidance on eligibility, application procedures, and deadlines to ensure applicants can maximize their financial resources. Moreover, some students may secure private loans or grants from professional organizations related to industrial-organizational psychology.

It is also possible for students to seek part-time employment within university facilities or local communities to supplement their income. The university's career services offer resources and job placement assistance tailored for graduate students. Overall, financing the Industrial-Organizational Psychology program involves a combination of university funding, external scholarships, federal and private loans, and personal or family contributions, facilitating access to quality education for a wide range of students interested in this field.

The Master of Arts in Industrial-Organizational Psychology at the University of Georgia is a comprehensive program designed to prepare students for careers in the application of psychological principles to workplace environments. The program emphasizes the development of skills in employee assessment, training and development, organizational development, leadership, and consulting. Students gain a strong foundation in research methodology, statistical analysis, and ethical practices relevant to the field of I-O psychology. Coursework typically includes study areas such as personnel selection, training methods, performance appraisal, motivation, and work design, alongside applied consulting skills.

Students in the program have opportunities to engage in practical experiences through internships, research projects, and collaboration with industry partners, fostering real-world application of the theoretical knowledge gained in classes. The program often encourages specialization in specific areas such as human factors, organizational development, or selection and assessment, depending on the student’s interests and career goals. Faculty members are active researchers and practitioners, providing mentorship and guidance tailored to individual student needs.

Graduates of the program often pursue careers in diverse settings including corporate human resources departments, consulting firms, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. They are equipped to work as organizational development specialists, HR analysts, talent acquisition experts, and workplace consultants. The program aims to produce professionals who can design and implement effective organizational interventions, improve employee well-being, and contribute to the overall effectiveness and efficiency of organizations.

Admissions criteria typically require an undergraduate degree, relevant experience, and a strong academic record. The program emphasizes a collaborative learning environment, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and professional development. Graduates emerge with a deep understanding of the scientific principles underlying workplace behavior and the ability to apply these principles in diverse organizational settings. With a robust network of alumni and industry contacts, the University of Georgia’s MA in Industrial-Organizational Psychology provides students with valuable opportunities for career advancement and continued professional growth in this dynamic field.