Degree
- Master of Science https://www.stmarytx.edu/academics/programs/master-industrial-organizational-psychology/ https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/IO-Psychology-student.jpg
Locations
- On Campus
The comprehensive exam is required for all students pursuing this degree.
Students must pass a written comprehensive examination. Students are required to demonstrate breadth of knowledge in the discipline, specific areas, and the ability to integrate what has been learned. The exam is offered twice a year, in the fall and the spring semester. Note that no examinations are offered in the summer sessions.
To be eligible for the examination, students must be in good academic standing (i.e., not on academic probation or suspension), been admitted to candidacy, completed all prerequisites, have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher, have a “B-“ or better in all required courses, and have at least a “B-“ average in all core courses at the mid-term grading period of the semester.
Students may have a final core course in the semester they are taking comprehensive exams, but the student is responsible for all material covered in the course. All other core courses must have been completed in prior semesters.
Additional details about the comprehensive examination and policies will be provided to the students in the semester when they are eligible to take the exam.
Comprehensive Exam
Students have several optional opportunities when pursuing this degree:
The 225 hour practicum experience is a very important component to the degree program. Students will have the opportunity to use the skills that they have developed in their degree program at their placement site(s). Practicum placements are made in collaboration with the Graduate Program Director and the student candidate.
Placements vary depending on student interests and aptitudes, available supervision, student demand, and programmatic factors that may be out of the immediate control of the University.
Students in our program are encouraged to cultivate practicum placements in the community provided these are approved in advance by the Graduate Program Director. Additional, program specific, practicum requirements may be obtained from the Graduate Program Director.
In the past, students have completed their practicum at organizations such as: Valero, Optech Inc., City Public Service (CPS), Professional Service Industries, Inc. (PSI), United Services Automobile Association (USAA), and many others.
Internships and Projects
Students can select to either participate in a thesis or non-thesis option to graduate. For many students, the primary reason to pursue a thesis is to obtain an independent research and writing experience prior to entry into a doctoral program. For some, it is a means of acquiring greater depth of knowledge in a subject of interest, or preparation for employment in a specialized field.
Although reasons for writing a thesis vary, the purpose of the research is to discover new knowledge or enhance existing knowledge in the field of interest. A project that helps to solve a practical problem may also be acceptable. The thesis is a cumulative experience, which provides a record for student achievement in the program.
The technical and grammatical quality of a thesis is an index of the professional abilities of the student, the supervising professor, and committee members. Moreover, it is representative of the quality of graduate education of the University.
Thesis Option
See the full degree plan:
Industrial / Organizational Psychologists study human behavior in organizations and the workplace. An example of courses in this program include:
- Statistical Computing and Data Visualization
- Human Factors
- Personnel Psychology and Talent Management
- Group Dynamics in Organizations
For a full list of course names and descriptions, please see the catalog:
I/O psychologists quantify human behavior and industrial activities. Students who complete the program are prepared to do the following, but not limited to:
- Develop and use tests for selection of employees
- Conduct job analysis and evaluations
- Identify training and development needs of organizations
- Evaluate the effectiveness of organizational interventions
- Facilitate organizational change and development
- Maximize the effectiveness and quality of work life for individuals and work groups in organizational settings.
Many of our graduates have gone on to pursue a Ph.D. in Industrial / Organization Psychology at other universities or to work at companies such as:
- USAA
- Valero
- Andeaver
- CST Brands
- Zachary Group
- Operational Technologies
- Booz Allen
- SWRI
- Zappos
Potential job titles might include: President, Vice President, Director, Manager, Principal, Staff Member or Consultant of:
- Organizational Development
- Organizational Effectiveness
- Organizational Capability
- Talent Management
- Leadership Development
- Selection Systems
