Master of Professional Studies in Industrial/Organizational Psychology

The MPS - Industrial/Organizational Psychology (IO MPS) is offered through the Department of Psychology in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences. 

The IO MPS program student body brings together a wide range of intellectual perspectives. Our students have academic and work experience backgrounds that go far beyond psychology. This view allows for the field of IO to progress and permeate within organizations.

We are committed to supporting students in their academic and professional growth. Throughout the year, we offer student development sessions covering key areas of I/O psychology and professional development. Additionally, faculty are always available for guidance. Students are encouraged to reach out to discuss their career goals, industry insights, and professional opportunities. For more information, email us at iomps@umd.edu.

The Master of Professional Studies in Industrial/Organizational Psychology is a 30-credit, 10-course graduate program that can be completed in as little as 15 months. The program features a broad foundation on organizational topics, including the application of research and statistical methods in business, the handling and analysis of large datasets, the methods of motivating, selecting, and developing employees, and the skill of managing organizational change.

• Core Business and Organizational Concepts: Understanding the fundamental functions of organizations, including strategy, operations, human resource management, and financial principles, to effectively align I/O psychology practices with business objectives.
• Empirically-Supported Best Practices: Learning to apply evidence-based methods to critical workplace functions such as talent assessment, training and development, leadership coaching, and performance management.
• Psychological Principles in the Workplace: Exploring motivation, leadership, job attitudes, and organizational culture to enhance employee well-being and performance.
• Advanced Research and Statistical Methods: Developing proficiency in research design, survey methodology, and statistical analysis to guide data-driven organizational decisions.
• Talent Management and Employee Development: Gaining knowledge in workforce planning, competency modeling, and designing effective training programs to optimize employee growth and organizational success.
• Organizational Change and Development: Examining theories and strategies for leading change, fostering innovation, and managing resistance within organizations.
• Applied Learning and Practicum Experience: Engaging in hands-on projects and a practicum experience to apply I/O psychology concepts in real organizational settings, bridging the gap between academia and industry.

The program can be completed in fifteen months of continuous full-time enrollment. See Designation of Full-time/Part-time Status. Full-time students enroll in two 3-credit courses (6 credits) over the course of five 12-week terms (15 months). The curriculum for both the hybrid and fully online program options is identical.

Registration Overview

• See the sample plan of study, below. Students should use this as a guide to develop a plan with the academic program director.  
• Actual course offerings are determined by the program and may vary semester to semester. Students should note if a course has a pre-requisite or co-requisite. 
• Specific class meeting information (days and time) is posted on UMD’s interactive web service services, Testudo. Once on that site, select “Schedule of Classes,” then the term/year. Courses are listed by academic unit.   
• Due to visa requirements, international students admitted into the in-person learning option (major code MPIO) are required to register for on-campus sections and attend lectures in-person.
• The program uses specific section codes for registration, which are listed on the sample plan of study.

Sample Plan, Fall Admission

Sample Plan, Spring Admission

Courses

For a listing of program courses, see the Graduate School Catalog program requirements for MPIO and MPIV. For course descriptions that includes pre-requisites or co-requisites, see PSYC.

Overall

• Program offers two learning options: in person (major code MPIO) or online (major code MPIV). The curriculum is identical in each delivery format.
• Uses the term academic calendar with classes held each 12-week term: I (fall), II (winter), III (spring), IV (summer).
• Classes are held weekday evenings (e.g., after 5:00 p.m.) to accommodate the working professional’s schedule.
• Classes complemented by pre-recorded online lectures and other course material, such as readings, assignments, and projects.
• Instruction provided by University of Maryland faculty and professionals in the field. 

In-Person Learning

• Classes meet in UMD College Park campus classrooms, offering a focused, distraction-free learning environment. 
• Instructors present dynamic and interactive seminar-style instruction.
• Students enrolled in a program that features in-person instruction are required to submit the University’s Immunization Record Form prior to the first day of their first semester/term. See Health Requirements. 

Online Learning

• Using advanced audio and video technology, UMD’s online learning environment delivers dynamic and interactive content. 
• Students required to attend live, synchronous lectures held virtually (e.g., use of video technology, such as Zoom). 
• Online lectures (lecture, slides, presentation, and Q&A interactions) are recorded and video-archived for student review.

Upon successful completion, graduates will have mastered the following competencies:

• Demonstrate knowledge of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and research trends in Industrial/Organizational Psychology.
• Use the concepts, language, and major theories of Industrial/Organizational Psychology to discuss and evaluate organizational practices and psychological research.
• Understand methodology that is used for research in Industrial/Organizational psychology.
• Critically examine published research to determine the strengths and weaknesses of this research and appreciate the limitations of published findings.
• Understand legal and ethical issues in Industrial/Organizational psychology and research and the ethical standards to protect humans, subject research participants, and employees.
• Understand the general goals of selection and training and the characteristics of valid and reliable assessment instruments.
• Summarize empirically supported approaches to selecting, developing, and retaining employees.
• Understand how culture and diversity are related to issues of individual and organizational success.
• Understand various career trajectories within industrial/organizational psychology including issues in selecting and applying to doctoral programs.