Program Description/Overview
This program prepares students with a foundation for a variety of careers on the human side of organizations by combining organizational psychology and organization development theories, concepts and methods with a practical focus. Graduates can pursue careers in organizational leadership, talent management, organization development, training and development, human resources, diversity and inclusion, and related practice areas. The degree also prepares students for positions across various sectors, including corporations, government agencies, and nonprofits. The program provides a pathway to the Doctor of Philosophy in Industrial and Organizational Psychology , preparing students for consulting and more specialized or diverse career paths.
The master’s program is to be completed full-time in one year by taking two courses per term. Alternatively, students may choose to take one course per term, which extends the program’s duration.
The online (asynchronous) M.A. in Organizational Psychology program allows students to engage in structured learning at their own pace.
Students enrolled in online courses can interact and engage with peers and professors, thereby building professional networks. This flexible format enables working students to maintain their professional commitments while advancing their education.
Program Learning Outcomes/Goals
1: Describe and apply organizational psychology principles, concepts, models, theories, and/or methods.
2: Describe and apply ethical and legal principles to situations in organizational psychology.
3: Demonstrate a positive, pro-active, and non-judgmental attitude towards diverse cultures and identities.
4: Design culturally competent professional services in respective areas for diverse populations.
5: Analyze data, evaluate results and communicate findings using applied research methods.
6: Work effectively in teams and apply teambuilding concepts.
Training Model
Students gain foundational knowledge by studying theories and real-world cases and they acquire practical skills through class projects. Coursework prepares them to critically evaluate evidence-based principles of the organizational psychology and integrate these principles into the management and development of human talent in the workplace. The curriculum progresses from advanced critical thinking and evaluation of research-based models to technical skill development and applied learning techniques.
Multicultural and diversity issues, ethical practices, as well as proficiency in business concepts are integrated across all courses as cross-cutting competencies. This approach ensures that graduates are prepared to provide professional-level services in a variety of organizational settings.
Professional Behavior Expectations/Ethical Guidelines
In addition to adhering to all university-wide conduct requirements, students in this program must comply with the American Psychological Association’s ethics code and familiarize themselves with professional guidelines and standards applicable to business practitioners.
Internship, Practicum, and/or Dissertation Information
Through the Capstone Project course, students apply their organizational psychology competencies to a chosen practice area, aligning the project with their current career stage.
One option is to undertake an internship. The availability of an internship outside of California is based on the state in which the student is located and requires prior approval. Alternatively, students can complete virtual practical projects or virtual applied research projects. For example, a virtual project might involve writing up a past professional experience as a case study, reanalyzing it using theories, principles, and methods from coursework, and proposing an improved solution compared to the original implementation.
Credit Units
Total Credit Units: 33
Total Core Credit Units: 33
Total Elective Credit Units: N/A
Total Concentration Credit Units: N/A
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