Program Description/Overview
This doctoral program in Industrial and Organizational Psychology prepares graduates for a variety of practitioner careers on the human side of organizations and for teaching. The program focuses on areas such as management consulting, organizational development and change, people analytics, and organizational leadership - any area in which the principles of industrial and organizational psychology make an impact. It also supports careers in diversity and inclusion, talent management and human resources, talent development, strategic planning facilitation, talent assessment, and employee engagement analytics.
Structured as an intensive, year-round course of study that spans 15 terms over three years, the program allows students the option to attend part-time and extend their completion timeframe.
Program Learning Outcomes/Goals
PLO1: Explain and apply industrial-organizational psychology principles, concepts, models, theories, and methods.
PLO2: Explain and apply ethical and legal principles to situations in industrial-organizational psychology.
PLO3: Demonstrate a positive, pro-active, and non-judgmental attitude towards diverse cultures and identities.
PLO4: Design culturally competent professional services in respective areas for diverse populations.
PLO5: Analyze data, evaluate results and communicate findings using applied and academic research methods.
PLO6: Explain and apply research, psychometric, and people analytics concepts to problems in industrial-organizational psychology.
PLO7: Critically evaluate and synthesize the industrial-organizational psychology and related literature.
Training Model
Coursework in this program emphasizes higher levels of critical thinking skills developed in a sequential and developmental manner. The curriculum prepares students to engage in practical organizational diagnosis, critically evaluate research literature, and make original contributions to existing research. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are woven throughout the program, and an emphasis on needs analysis and organizational diagnosis drives the practitioner courses.
Critical thinking is further enhanced by integrating discipline-specific theories, models, concepts, and methods into both practitioner and research skill development.
Students begin by studying relevant literature, then move on to case studies and other instructional methods that bring the practitioner context to life, and finally progress through practical exams or project-based learning to applied projects.
The progression of learning research skills involves critically evaluating existing studies in theory courses right from the start and learning statistical, research, and people-analytics methods followed by production of a dissertation. Research skills are assessed in a two-part doctoral comprehensive exam.
Students work both individually and in virtual groups in their coursework. By working in groups, students develop advanced skills in business communication, learn to collaborate with peers who have different working styles, and gain firsthand insights into the importance of valuing diversity and appreciating multicultural issues.
Professional Behavior Expectations/Ethical Guidelines
Students in this program are regarded as professionals-in-training and must adhere not only to all university-wide conduct requirements but also to the ethics code of the American Psychological Association. They are expected to be familiar with any relevant professional guidelines and standards applicable to business settings. If concerns regarding ethical or professional behavior arise, they may be referred to the SERC and the Program Director for resolution.
Internship, Practicum, and/or Dissertation Information
A three-course sequence dedicated to professional skills development and applied projects enables students to apply key industrial and organizational psychology competencies. This sequence helps students prepare for practical experience aligned with their career goals and their stage in the program. One option in the applied project courses allows students 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 may complete virtual practical projects or virtual applied research projects that involve analyzing real or hypothetical cases and proposing evidence-based solutions. For example, a virtual project might involve documenting a past professional experience as a case study, reanalyzing it using theories, principles, and methods learned in coursework, and then proposing an improved solution compared to the original implementation.
The dissertation component comprises eight courses, beginning with foundational workshops on effective literature searches, academic writing, the research process, and data analysis. This structured progression continues through subsequent dissertation courses, guiding students in each step of their dissertation. The expectation is that the dissertation will be completed by the eighth dissertation course, enabling graduates to emerge with strong practitioner and research skills.
Credit Units
Total Credit Units: 66
Total Core Credit Units: 66
Total Elective Credit Units: N/A
Total Concentration Credit Units: N/A
Degree Requirements
Pass two parts of the doctoral comprehensive exam.
Prerequisite Courses
Applicants must hold a master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Adequate preparation in psychology, the social sciences, or management sciences is required, demonstrated by successful completion (with a grade B or better) of two undergraduate or graduate courses in the social sciences - such as psychology, social psychology, industrial and organizational psychology, sociology, anthropology, organizational behavior, leadership, or human resources management, and one undergraduate or graduate course in statistics.
Return to: