Industrial-organizational psychology is the scientific study of human behavior in organizations and the workplace. As an I-O Psychology major at USF, you’ll learn about major psychological theories and their application in human resources through hiring, training and talent development, performance appraisal, motivation and work satisfaction.
You’ll also learn more about organizational communication, organizational change and development, team building and leadership, culture and diversity, safety in the workplace and more. You’ll conduct field research and assessment, and will grow your skills in literature-based research, problem solving, oral and written communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and independent learning. You’ll also enrich your commitment to values and ethics while doing research and business—guided by the values of respect, integrity, compassion and service.
Graduates will be able to apply their understanding of major psychological theories and principles in their organizations and work life. They will be prepared for entry-level job positions and graduate-level training. According to a survey, jobs in the I-O psychology field are projected to increase by 19 percent before 2024.
Accreditations
The University of St. Francis is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Testimonial
“USF has given me an unforgettable experience. Faculty members have allowed me to grow both intellectually and as a person. Each professor has supported me and my goals, and was more than willing to help me achieve anything I set my mind to. I was pushed and motivated to learn, grow, and become a better person. This incredible support system has surrounded me with an incredible group of colleagues, mentors, and friends.“
–Autumn Lee
What Can You Do With This Degree?
Some job titles include: Workforce Insights Analyst/Manager (you’ll collect and analyze data to improve hiring, training, organizational development, performance evaluation and workplace safety); Evaluation & Assessment Analyst/Manager (you’ll design and prepare evaluation plans for management, group projects and other company initiatives); Talent Management Specialist/Manager (you’ll develop and manage talent management programs to train supervisors and leaders); HR Organizational Development Specialist (you’ll determine the organization’s current and future staffing needs and design and lead employee training and development programs). This is just a small sampling, there are many other roles you can fill!
Grow Through Real-World Experience
The University of St. Francis students are encouraged to combine practical experience with their college curriculum. Employers say they often look for students who have an internship on their resume, therefore, internships are a significant part of the USF experience.
Internships will allow Industrial-Organizational Psychology majors to learn, first-hand, how to work with organizations in a variety of areas such as selection and placement, training and development, organizational development and change, performance measurement and evaluation, quality of work life, consumer psychology and engineering psychology.
