The Industrial and Organizational Psychology track in the Psychology PhD program develops competency through research and training for the application of psychological principles to organizations. The degree is patterned on the scientist-practitioner model of the American Psychological Association (APA).
Program graduates are involved in many issues of critical importance to society, including fairness in the selection and treatment of employees, the creation of work environments that maximize the satisfaction and productivity of employees, and the study of technological influences on human performance.
The doctoral program provides students with training consistent with the scientist-practitioner model. A key assumption of the program is that every graduate must be a highly competent scientist who can contribute to both the science and practice of the discipline.
You can view our Industrial and Organizational Psychology Doctoral Program Handbook in the link above.
The Psychology PhD program in Industrial and Organizational Psychology (I/O) requires four to five years of full-time study beyond the baccalaureate and three to four years beyond the master's. The first few years are devoted to course work and the final year to the doctoral dissertation.
All students are required to complete a Master of Science (MS) degree “along-the-way” that includes 38 credit hours and a thesis. This requirement can be waived by the program director for students entering the doctoral program with a master's degree based on courses taken and the quality of the thesis completed at the previous institution.
The I/O program requires a minimum of 75 credit hours of graduate study for students who enter the program with a baccalaureate degree. The nature of this study is determined by the I/O Area Program Committee.
Total Credit Hours Required: 75 Credit Hours Minimum beyond the Bachelor's Degree
Program Prerequisites
Bachelor's or master's degree in Psychology or another allied area.
Evidence of successful completion of undergraduate courses in statistics and in the general area of experimental psychology.
Degree Requirements
I/O Area Courses
30 Total Credits
- Complete the following:
- INP6005 - Overview of Research in Industrial and Organizational Psychology (3)
- INP7214 - Industrial Psychology I (3)
- INP7310 - Organizational Psychology I (3)
- INP7081 - Professional Issues in Industrial and Organizational Psychology (3)
- PSY7315 - Psychometric Theory and Practice (3)
- PSY7217C - Advanced Research Methodology I (4)
- PSY7218C - Advanced Research Methodology II (4)
- PSY7219C - Advanced Research Methodology III (4)
- INP7071 - Research Methods in Industrial and Organizational Psychology (3)
Psychology Field Courses
6 Total Credits
- Complete the following:
- SOP5059 - Advanced Social Psychology (3)
- EXP6506 - Human Cognition and Learning (3)
Research Courses
6 Total Credits
- Earn at least 6 credits from the following types of courses: INP 6933 - Seminar in Industrial and Organizational Psychology 3 Credit Hours (taken twice) or INP 6971 - Thesis 3 Credit Hours (taken twice)
Teaching Experience
3 Total Credits
- Complete all of the following
- Earn at least 3 credits from the following:
- EXP6939 - Teaching Seminar (3)
- All students must successfully teach a minimum of one undergraduate course as instructor of record prior to completing the I/O Psychology PhD degree. Fulfillment of the Teaching requirement involves first taking the UCF College of Graduate Studies online and face-to-face GTA Training and EXP 6939 - Teaching Seminar.
Elective Courses
15 Total Credits
- Complete all of the following
- Students must select five elective courses. These courses must be approved by the student's major adviser and the program director. The available elective courses include, but are not limited to the courses listed below.
- Complete at least 5 of the following:
- MAN6311 - Advanced Topics in Human Resources Management (3)
- MAN7207 - Organization Theory (3)
- MAN6385 - Strategic Human Resources Management (3)
- INP6605 - Training and Team Performance (3)
- INP6215 - Assessment Centers and Leadership (3)
- INP6058 - Job Analysis and Performance Appraisal (3)
- INP6318 - Recruitment, Placement and Selection (3)
- INP6933 - Seminar in Industrial and Organizational Psychology (3)
- INP 6933 - Seminar in Industrial and Organizational Psychology: 3 Credit Hours (may be taken up to 6 times for credit)
Dissertation
15 Total Credits
- Earn at least 15 credits from the following types of courses: PSY 7980 - Doctoral Dissertation
Candidacy Examination
0 Total Credits
- After completing all required courses, students must pass all four sections of the Candidacy Examination. This is a written examination covering the content of the field and are graded by the I/O faculty. Candidacy Examinations may be taken a maximum of two times. Failure to pass the examination will result in the student being dismissed from the program.
Master of Science in Industrial and Organizational Psychology
0 Total Credits
- Graduate students enrolled in the Industrial and Organizational PhD Program earn a Master of Science in Industrial and Organizational Psychology en route to their doctorate unless they are admitted with an acceptable Master's degree. This is a nonterminal Master's degree available only to students in the Industrial and Organizational Psychology PhD program.
Admission to Candidacy
0 Total Credits
- The following are required to be admitted to candidacy and enroll in dissertation hours: Completion of all course work, except for dissertation hours. Successful completion of the candidacy examination. The dissertation advisory committee is formed, consisting of approved graduate faculty and graduate faculty scholars. Submittal of an approved program of study.
Independent Learning
0 Total Credits
- Given the nature of graduate training and the pursuit of a doctoral degree, graduate students in industrial and organizational psychology are expected to engage in independent learning throughout their graduate career. The completion of the doctoral dissertation is an example of independent learning in which all graduate students participate. In addition, a master's thesis or other research projects will be undertaken by the students from the first year on. To facilitate this process, students are expected to attend weekly program-sponsored research presentations during the fall and spring semesters and will be required to give at least three of these presentations prior to graduation.
Grand Total Credits: 75
Application Requirements
Application Deadlines
