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.
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.
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.
The PhD in Industrial-Organizational Psychology degree gives a wide variety of professional opportunities. Graduates of this program are prepared to conduct empirical research, develop and evaluate theories relevant to industrial and organizational settings, and apply advanced knowledge and skills in organizations. They assist businesses and organizations in individual and organizational assessments, organizational change, and human resource (HR) management including personnel selection, training programs, and gender/diversity issues. The program closely follows the guidelines for doctoral level training prepared by the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP), the Division 14 of the American Psychological Association (APA). Students will develop competence through formal training, field placement experience, and research.
Key features of the program are:
- Integration of academic training and field placement experience
- Opportunity to tailor the program by selecting appropriate electives or advanced seminars
- Introduction to research practices early in the program, facilitating the dissertation process
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Combined Program Options are available!
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