Industrial/Organizational (I/O) Psychology is the study of the interaction between individuals in the workplace. Industrial/Organizational psychologists are integral members of the team: they contribute to an organizations success by improving the performance and well being of its people. An I/O psychologist studies and examines the confluence of behaviors and attitudes and how they can be improved through hiring practices, training programs, and feedback systems. I/O psychologists study job performance, job analysis, personnel recruitment and selection, student/educational selection, decision-making, performance management, compensation, training, employment law, work motivation, work/life balance, and occupational health and safety.
Masters programs in Industrial/Organizational Psychology teach students how to use psychology to solve problems in business and industry. Programs might include core courses, electives, practicums, and seminars. Topics covered include organizational behavior, personnel psychology, training, and organizational development. Courses usually utilize journal articles, textbooks, group assignments, research briefs, and class presentations. Graduates become informed of the history of I/O psychology, gain knowledge of core content areas, and are able to apply this knowledge to the diverse, multicultural workplace. Graduates earn such job titles as Personnel Analyst; Services Consultant; Compensation Analyst; Human Resources Manager; Special Projects Coordinator; Consultant for Strategic Resources; Organizational Effectiveness Consultant; Strategic Research Analyst; and Research Analyst.