M.A. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology Degree Program: Core Courses Description
Guide organizational success. Improve group performance. Enhance individual work life. Those are just a few of the things I/O Psychology practitioners do on a daily basis. By applying principles of psychology to business, you will be able to positively impact a variety of workplace conditions, as well as the lives of scores of individuals.
In order to prepare you for this challenging career, The Chicago School’s online-blended I/O Psychology master’s program offers a proven curriculum based on the most current theories and practices. Most importantly, you will receive instruction by experienced practitioners who are experts in their field.
The I/O Psychology program is comprised of:
• An experienced faculty member who is a personal mentor/facilitator/resource for students
• An instructional environment that recognizes you as a mature learners and welcomes your experience
and expertise into the classroom
• The latest research and reading materials that exposes you to new theories, concepts, and best
practices relevant to your career
• Classmates who provide a broader range of workplace experiences and diverse perspectives on
workplace situations and challenges
Students must successfully complete 40 credit hours to graduate from the program. The competency model of the I/O Program is based on the guidelines published by Division 13 (Consulting Psychology) of the American Psychological Association.
CORE COURSES
IO 510 Organizational Behavior (3 credits)
This course explores organizations at the individual level, examining the relationship between employees and managers, as well as employees and teams. It examines the factors that drive productivity and success in organizations, including motivation, diversity, work stress, conflict and negotiation, decision-making, personality, and attitudes.
IO 511 Organizational Culture & Design (3 credits)
This course explores organizations at the organizational level, examining the relationship between culture and organization design, as well as structure and environment. It examines the impact of change in strategy and technology; environmental turbulence and organizational maturity; and reviews organization development as a means to advance the changing nature of organization. Supporting topics include corporate ethics, life cycle and control, organizational climate, and globalization. Students will also develop an organizational change strategy for a company in turmoil.
IO 512 Organizational Consulting Skills (3 credits)
Every day, I/O psychology practitioners consult countless businesses in multiple ways, whether the role is internal or external and no matter what the service or field of concentration. Consulting is defined as advancing the goals of a client–an individual, group, or organization–by using learned approaches that create mutually rewarding relationships. This course develops skills vital to building profitable client relationships, including acquiring new business, writing winning proposals and expanding one’s referral base. Through case studies and actual projects, students work with clients in real time. Legal, ethical, and financial issues are addressed.
IO 519 Statistics and Lab (4 credits)
The course presents the descriptive and inferential statistical techniques used in decision making. This course also examines problem-solving research methods currently used in organizational and industrial psychology. Students will apply univariate and multivariate statistics using computer programs designed to fulfill the needs of practitioners to address real organizational problems using research methods. This course is delivered in a blended format, where students complete the “lecture” portion of the class online and the lab portion on-ground.
IO 527 Training Lab: eLearning for Corporate Training (1 credits)
The course introduces students to technologies used in developing online/blended and distance learning training commonly used in the corporate setting. Students will become familiar with common distance learning platforms and enhancements/add-ons such as Skype, Elluminate, Prezi, Voicethread, Eyejot, Poll Everywhere, Camtasia, and/or others. Runs concurrently with IO524, Training: Theory, Design, and Evaluation.
IO 524 Training: Theory, Design, and Evaluation (3 credits)
Prerequisite(s): IO 512 . This course provides an examination of the design and implementation of effective training programs in organizations. It addresses critical areas such as conducting needs analyses of the organization, the job, and the individuals performing the job. Students will learn and apply modern learning theories, principles of adult learning, and cross-cultural issues. They will develop their ability to evaluate training, especially the transfer of training, to the workplace.
IO 522 Performance Management (3 credits)
This course builds skills of measuring and improving business performance at the individual and team level. It focuses on developing a culture of performance and rewarding that performance. Supporting topics include legal issues of performance appraisal, multi-source methods of appraisal and models for multi-year performance management. Students analyze their organization’s performance system, revising it based on theory and best practices.
IO 523 Employee Selection (3 credits)
This course provides students with the requirements for creating a legally defensible selection system. It addresses job analysis, fair employment practices, selection validation, and behavioral interviewing processes. Students practice analyzing a job and creating measures for the selection process. Exercises include using learned tools and processes to reduce turnover and to ensure stronger employee retention. Based on theory and best practices, students can evaluate and revise their organization’s selection process.
IO 525 Management and Leadership (3 credits)
Management and leadership is the heart of organizational life. This course examines how managers and leaders create results by empowering culture and organizational commitment. Leading with the premise that there is no ideal leadership style and that an effective style depends on realistic assessment of the organizational culture, life cycle, and market environment, students apply management and leadership theory to their own work environment, evaluating how specific situations can be effectively addressed.
For questions concerning any course, or to inquire about the Master’s in Industrial & Organizational Psychology program in general, please call 866-907-4209 or request more information.
