Industrial-Organizational Psychology: PhD, Los Angeles and San Diego

Program Outcomes

All OP Programs

• Knowledge of research design, measurement, and statistical tools appropriate for basic research as well as for applied research in such areas as selection testing, surveys, and program evaluations
• Ability to understand and critically evaluate the literature in a given area 
• Ability to integrate knowledge of ethical behavior in organizational studies 
• A positive, pro-active and non-judgmental attitude towards diverse cultural and international identities and in their interpersonal and professional interactions.
• Ability to conceptualize and deliver culturally competent professional services in their respective areas to diverse populations.

Additional for PhD I/O (LA, SD, and I/O portion of Joint MBA/PhD I/O, I/O portion of Dual PhD in Clinical and I/O in San Diego)

• Knowledge of I-O Psychology concepts, models, and theories 
• Knowledge of principles of Organizational Behavior, Industrial, and Organizational Psychology 
• Skills in applying psychometric concepts to problems in I-O Psychology 
• Knowledge of research design, measurement, and statistical tools of psychologists 
• Knowledge of professional ethics and legal requirements in the practice of Psychology

Training Model

The doctoral (PhD) program in Industrial-Organizational Psychology at the Los Angeles and San Diego campuses combine rigorous academic training in psychology and organizational theory with advanced education in organizational design and development, management consultation, and human resources management. Academic studies are integrated with the equivalent of one year of full-time professional training placement in major corporations, business organizations, or public sector agencies. The philosophy underlying this program is the belief that the foundations of effective organizational change are science-based, especially the science of human behavior in work settings. The program is designed to address both sides of the consultant/client relationship. This relationship is critical to the success of the modern organization. Increasingly, companies use consultants, whether internal to the organization or external contractors, to advise and help line managers, HR managers and executives, to design and implement change projects.

Graduates are prepared for careers in a wide variety of practice areas including management consulting, organizational assessment and design, human resources development, organization development, diversity training and change management.

Specialized Admissions Requirements

Students enter the PhD program in Industrial-Organizational Psychology with a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field and take four to five years to complete the PhD. There are a limited number of openings for students who wish to enter on a part-time basis.

Curriculum and Degree Requirements

In a typical four-year program, the first two years provide substantive coursework in general and organizational psychology, statistics, research design, and measurement. Students are also involved in research and independent study projects.

At the beginning of their third year, students demonstrate mastery of the stated competencies through comprehensive examinations. In their third and fourth years, students complete academic requirements for the PhD, develop and complete their dissertation, and participate in supervised professional training placements in the business community or the public sector.

Doctoral degree course requirements total 92 units. A description of each course is listed by course number in the Course Description section of the catalog. Curriculum requirements are subject to change.

Curriculum Plan

Industrial-Organizational Psychology Program Faculty: Los Angeles and San Diego

Faculty for the PhD in Industrial-Organizational Psychology program are listed below:

Camala Boyce, PhD, Lecturer (San Diego)

Nurcan Ensari, PhD, Professor and Director, I/O Psychology Certificate Program - Istanbul Bilgi University, Turkey  (Los Angeles)

Bernardo M. Ferdman, PhD, Professor (San Diego)

Dale Glaser, PhD, Principal Lecturer (San Diego)

John Kantor, PhD, Associate Professor and Program Director PhD in Leadership, Associate Program Director for I-O (San Diego)

Patricia Denise Lopez, PhD, Associate Professor (Los Angeles)

Rodney Lowman, PhD, Distinguished Professor (San Diego)

John Renner, PhD, Assistant Professor and Director, Organizational Consulting Center (OCC-SD / San Diego)

Jonathan Troper, PhD, Assistant Professor and  Director, Center for Innovation and Change (CIC / Los Angeles)

For a detailed description of program faculty background and research interests, please see the alphabetical listing of Faculty  in the California School of Professional Psychology.