Program Overview and Objectives

The UMD IO Psychology Master's program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the field of IO, as well as how IO practice can be augmented by a strong understanding of statistics and business. In addition to understanding industrial and organizational psychology concepts such as Selection, Training, Organizational Change, and Performance Management, IO practitioners need to be savvy translators of statistics and methods. IO MPS students learn basic and advanced techniques - including, but not limited to - Correlations, Regressions, Factor Analysis, and Social Network Analysis - but also what information each of these analyses provide and how to translate these findings to drive business decision making. Many times, IO is thought of as existing within the human resources or analytics division of an organization. In our program, students also learn about other key areas of businesses, such as Marketing, Finance, and Operations, and how IO interactions with other business functions in an organization. This insight is instrumental to understanding what value IO practitioners can provide to their organizations. 

We also emphasize that understanding goes beyond learning theoretical concepts. Theory is critical for effective practice, but we ensure that students are trained to dynamically apply research and theory in ambiguous and complex organizational situations. In each class, IO MPS students can expect to learn traditional IO theory, as well as how these concepts translate into application in real organizations. We do this through: working on real issues organizations have faced, utilizing case studies, and learning from current IO practitioners. The goal of the program is to provide students with a broad understanding of psychological principles and focused training in the research and application of IO psychology. In this program, you will learn cutting-edge techniques to improve the livelihoods and outcomes of employees and organizations. This degree will prepare students for a wide range of careers as internal IO practitioners, external consultants, the public sector, non-profits, and more.

The IO MPS program provides high levels of rigorous academic training, hands-on practical experiences, and career guidance while meeting the needs of students and working professionals. The program is completed in 15 months over the course of 5 terms. Students complete two classes per term. Education is designed to accommodate the schedules and lifestyles of students with full-time jobs. Students can choose to complete the program in one of two ways: an in-person, hybrid model and a fully virtual model. More information on each model can be found in the FAQs. Students are always welcome and encouraged to meet with faculty outside of class time. 

Admissions Terms

We admit students into our program twice a year - in the SPRING and in the FALL. This offers two options for completing the IO MPS. Both options offer seminar-style instructions, career guidance, and applied opportunities. 

• The Spring cohort offers a fully virtual option to students whose schedules require greater flexibility. Spring students will attend live-synchronous virtual classes through easy to use web-based technology that enables learning in an engaging, interactive environment. Virtual classes are also complemented by pre-recorded online learning resources. 
• The Fall cohort offers blended learning with face-to-face instruction on the UMD - College Park campus complemented by online lectures. Students are required to attend classes once per week in College Park.

The Spring and Fall 2024 admissions cycle is now open!

• Students who start in the Spring begin classes in late February/ early March.
• Students who start in the Fall begin classes in late August.

Why might the UMD IO MPS program be the right fit for you?

Immersive IO Training

Your IO training is based on lectures, case studies, project based activities, group career guidance sessions, out-of-class applied experiences, networking, professional development, and more. Through your coursework, you will have the opportunity to help businesses solve pressing questions, work through simulated organizational challenges, and analyze business case studies. UMD has produced exceptional IO practitioners and researchers for at least six decades, beginning with the UMD Ph.D. program. Our alumni and faculty have gone on to be presidents of the Society of Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP), have won numerous awards from SIOP, and are recognized experts and leaders in industry and research. Alumni and friends of the UMD IO program are a great resource for current students navigating their professional paths. In addition to introducing you to the content and skills you need to master as an IO professional, we help you to refine and meet your professional goals. You will also have the opportunity to attend workshops on careers in IO psychology, presentation skills, interviewing and resume development, and the horizon of IO psychology, among other topics.

Flexible yet Rigorous Academics

Our students come from all walks of life - directly from undergrad to busy early careers to full-time professionals with families. The hybrid course format allows students face-to-face time with faculty and other students, as well as the flexibility to learn and complete assignments on their own time. Students are only required to come to campus once a week for three hours for in-person classes. The complementary online learning can include- recorded lectures, readings, group projects, and other activities. 

Career Preparation

Alongside traditional course curricula and applied experience opportunities, the Master’s program has a special emphasis on helping students achieve their goals through faculty guidance. Whether students are interested in pursuing a career in consulting, HR or training, government, research, or considering applying to Ph.D. programs, our faculty are committed to helping students prepare for their future endeavors. Admitted students may also take advantage of the many opportunities and resources offered through the University, including their outstanding educational resources and career services division.