Industrial/Organizational Psychology (M.S.)

Program Contact/Coordinator

Rebecca Martin, Interim Department Head
Department of Psychology
Hansen Hall 029
605-688-4930

Program Information

Industrial Organizational (I/O) Psychology is a unique sub-discipline of psychology which applies research that improves the well-being and performance of people and their organizations. The field encompasses areas such as personnel selection, performance appraisal, work motivation, and organizational development.

The SDSU I/O M.S. program is a 2-year, full-time program where students complete 44 credits of coursework, an internship between the 1st and 2nd academic year, and a master’s thesis. The program is based on a cohort model, where students progress through the program together and take the same courses at the same time. The program adheres to the scientist-practitioner model, which balances the training of research and applied skills, and is the basis of training in the field of I/O psychology.

Course Delivery Format

Industrial/Organizational Psychology graduate courses are delivered at the Brookings Main Campus in face-to-face term based instruction.

Available Options for Graduate Degrees

Master of Science

Option A - Thesis

44 Credit Hours

Core Requirements

PSYC 602 - Advanced I/O Psychology Credits: 3
PSYC 625 - Job Analysis and Performance Appraisal Credits: 3
PSYC 626 - Training Credits: 3
PSYC 627 - Teams in Organizations Credits: 3
PSYC 692 - Topics (COM) Credits: 1
PSYC 717 - Applied Research Methods in I/O Psychology Credits: 4
PSYC 728 - Leadership and Motivation Credits: 3
PSYC 729 - Personnel Selection Credits: 3
PSYC 730 - Tests and Measurements Credits: 3
PSYC 731 - Work Attitudes Theory and Measurement Credits: 3
PSYC 735 - Organizational Development Credits: 3
PSYC 792 - Topics (COM) Credits: 1-4 (1 credit required)
PSYC 794 - Internship (COM) Credits: 1-3 (3 credits required)
PSYC 798 - Thesis (COM) Credits: 1-6 (5 credits required)
STAT 541 - Statistical Methods II Credits: 3

Total Required Credits: 44 (Option A)

Additional Admission Requirements

GRE: Required
TOEFL: Score of 600 paper-based, 100 Internet-based
IELTS: 7.0

Applicants are highly encouraged to provide 3 letters of reference and a personal statement of career objectives describing their a) interest in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, b) reasons for pursuing a M.S. in I/O Psychology from South Dakota State University, c) research and work experience relevant to I/O Psychology, and d) career goals.

March 1 application due date and fall admission only.

General Requirements

Graduate students should consult with their advisor before registering for graduate work.

For additional information refer to the Master’s Degree Requirements .