Saint Louis University's graduate program in industrial-organizational psychology prepares doctorate-level professionals with the knowledge, research abilities, assessment skills and intervention approaches to impact organizational issues at the individual, group and system levels to improve individual well-being, group functioning and organizational effectiveness. SLU's program examines important topics within these levels, including: Individual differences, Performance management, Selection, Motivation, Groups/teams, Organizational development, Occupational health, Systems and process consultation. This SLU program requires that students complete a minimum of 73 credits (or the equivalent for students who enroll with a master's degree in industrial-organizational psychology). In addition to coursework and professional training activities, industrial-organizational psychology students must complete and successfully defend an empirical thesis and dissertation. In SLU's doctoral program in industrial-organizational psychology, students will learn to conduct research on and in organizations and how to apply psychological theory, models and principles in the workplace. Through supervised research and professional experience, students are trained as science practitioners and are expected to develop competence in research and, if their career goals warrant, organizational consultation. Supervised applied experience is essential for good training in the doctoral psychology program. While it is not required, most students take advantage of a vast network of professional connections that the program has established in St. Louis and complete practica (i.e., short-term projects) and/or internships (a one-year minimum commitment). Graduates will be able to articulate explanations about industrial-organizational psychology's approaches that are appropriate to the audience being addressed (e.g., professional or general audience).
Career Path
Graduate career path includes University Professor (Industrial-Organizational Psychology), Postdoctoral Research Fellow (I-O Psychology), Department Chair (Psychology/Organizational Behavior), Curriculum Developer (Organizational Psychology Programs), Research Director (Workplace Behavior/Organizational Science), Scientific Journal Editor (I-O Psychology Focus), Graduate Program Coordinator, Organizational Development Director, Talent Management Specialist, Corporate Training Director, Employee Engagement Consultant, Diversity & Inclusion Director, Human Resources Analytics Specialist, Workforce Analytics Consultant, Management Consultant (I-O Psychology Focus), Leadership Development Program Director, Executive Coach, Change Management Specialist, Performance Assessment Consultant, Compensation & Benefits Analyst, Organizational Effectiveness Consultant, Workplace Culture Strategist Policy Analyst (Workforce/Organizational Behavior).
