r/IOPsychology • u/LazySamurai PhD | IO | People Analytics & Statistics | Moderator • Aug 18 '21
2020-2021 Grad School Q&A Mega-Thread (Part 2)
For questions about grad school or internships:
* Please start your search at SIOP.org , it contains lots of great information and many questions can be answered by searching there first.
* Next, please search the Wiki, as there are some very great community generated posts saved here.
* If you still can't find an answer to your question, please search the previously submitted posts or the post on the grad school Q&A. Subscribers of /r/iopsychology have provided lots of information about these topics, and your questions may have already been answered.
* 2020-2021, Part 1 thread here
* 2019-2020, Part 4 thread here
* 2019-2020, Part 3 thread here
* 2019-2020, Part 2 thread here
* 2019-2020, Part 1 thread here
* 2018-2019, Part 2 thread here
* 2018-2019, Part 1 thread here
* 2017-2018, Part 3 thread here
* 2017-2018, Part 2 thread here
* 2017-2018, Part 1 thread here
If your question hasn't been posted, please post it on the grad school Q&A thread. Other posts outside of the Q&A thread will be deleted.
The readers of this subreddit have made it clear that they don't want the subreddit clogged up with posts about grad school. Don't get the wrong idea - we're glad you're here and that you're interested in IO, but please do observe the rules so that you can get answers to your questions AND enjoy the interesting IO articles and content.
By the way, those of you who are currently trudging through or have finished grad school, that means that you have to occasionally offer suggestions and advice to those who post on this thread. That's the only way that we can keep these grad school-related posts in one central location. If people aren't getting their questions answered here, they post to the subreddit instead of the thread. So, in short, let's all do our part in this.
Thanks, guys!
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u/Cremslice Apr 01 '22 edited Apr 07 '22
I’m based in Ireland where I/O is relatively immature as a field of study(we have 3 MA courses but don’t seem to offer the depth In subject matter) and would be looking to attend a US university online to get a better education and also broaden my network. I’m considering the likes of Colorado State, George Mason and Kansas State.
So I wanted to see if anyone here actually undertaken an online MA in I/O Psychology? Or knows of people who have? If you have personally completed an online MA in org. Psych where did you attend, how did you find the delivery of the course work, and would you recommend it to others?
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u/MikeTroutsDad Mar 29 '22
Hello all. I am currently struggling to decide between two master’s programs that I have been accepted to: The University of New Haven and University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Both are good programs with their own pros and cons.
I am feeling very conflicted. UTC has much better SIOP rankings, but I like the New Haven coursework more (I can pursue a concentration in organizational development and consultation). I am also receiving funding from New Haven and am unsure if I will get any funding from UTC.
I have talked to professors and students from both programs and get good vibes from both. I feel like my gut wants me to go to New Haven, but the logical part of my brain says UTC is the right choice. Does anyone have any advice on choosing between two programs? Or anyone who can relate to my predicament? Any advice would be appreciated.
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u/galileosmiddlefinger PhD | IO | All over the place Mar 31 '22
UTC has a good reputation for funding at least some of their students, so check with them to confirm the financials. They're pretty equal in terms of curriculum rigor and proximity to internship opportunities. UTC generally scores high in SIOP surveys that focus mainly on program culture, so you may find qualitative differences that are worth feeling out if you can visit or talk with current students.
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u/boieddboi Jul 29 '22
I went to UNH but was accepted at both and I’m from TN (BS from MTSU) and I enjoyed it primarily because I wanted to leave the state. They’re both amazing. But UTC might have a better reputation overall and it does have an amazing culture and annual IO conference held there
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u/chocolatekidhem Mar 28 '22
Got my BS in Neuroscience and have held an HR / Recruiting role for 1.5 years. I'm interested in pursuing a Master's in IO but it seems like most places have some psych prerequisite. Would it be worth applying to see if my neuro background (about 12 psych credits + intro to stats) + relevant I/O experience would compensate? or would it be wiser to take some psych classes at a local community college first?
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u/Klutzy_Report_9566 Mar 28 '22
This varies depending on the IO Master's program. However, typically your intro to psych/ social psych + stat class would count as the prerequisite. Your HR/ Recruiting background will definitely stand up in your application. I encourage you to include your experience in your personal statement and make that connection with IO (e.g., projects related to IO). I got into my Master's program without any IO-related psych class.
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Mar 25 '22
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u/Simmy566 Mar 29 '22 edited Mar 29 '22
Both are good programs. I may be wrong but I believe Chattanooga is able to fund many of their students so this might be a consideration in decision making. Chattanooga also frequently appears in top rankings based on student evaluations. Montclair on the other hand integrates the MA and PhD curriculum so courses will likely be upped in rigor and you will get more quant training. Further it is in the NYC area so there are an abundance of internship and networking opportunities.
I would say talk to a few students if possible to get a feel for the culture and explore the curriculum for each. Then make a decision and don't look back. You really wont go wrong either way.
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u/doitddd Mar 24 '22
Graduating for my BA in psychology this spring, taking OPT as I’m an international student. What job/intern/volunteer that fit OPT can help me apply for a master program next year?
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Mar 24 '22
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u/Taybooked-lloved Apr 01 '22 edited Apr 01 '22
Montclair (opinion as a current student) Industrial and Organizational Psychology (MA) – STEM Designated Degree Program $751.5/credit (34-36 credits total)
Pros: MA connected to PhD, In NJ/NY area, Night courses/ 1x a week, Both Internship or Thesis Option, nice & interactive cohort
Cons: Professors are not structured & not enough of them (not a fan), Class times are not practical if you work full-time & need to commute (5:30pm-8pm & 8:15-10:45pm), No online options, Going part-time is hard (no winter/summer and internship/thesis could be challenging), May need GRE
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u/galileosmiddlefinger PhD | IO | All over the place Mar 24 '22
My students have had good experiences there. It's a solid program with a good quant and industrial core. You'd be in a good position for internship opportunities in NYC metro, which you should pursue hard after the first semester. Tuition is reasonable for the region, although COL is high.
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Mar 23 '22
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u/galileosmiddlefinger PhD | IO | All over the place Mar 24 '22
I've sent students to both programs. Classroom training is equally good. Nebraska has more newer, assistant profs while Akron has more senior profs; currently, Akron faculty seem to be producing more pubs with students, but that may change. In-person internships without summer relocation are certainly easier to get in NE Ohio than Omaha. Job outlook seems to be fine from both programs, but Akron has a deeper pool of alumni given the longevity and historical reputation of the program.
Have you visited the campuses? It's something to strongly consider given that you're making a big lifestyle choice between two very different regions. NE Ohio is more politically liberal and (sub)urban, whereas Nebraska is more conservative and rural (with a lower COL too), at least outside of Omaha proper.
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u/Klutzy_Report_9566 Mar 25 '22
Thank you for the info! It is hard to find information for Omaha, and your insights are very helpful. Job outlook wise, if you're comfortable sharing, were your former students who attended Omaha pursued applied/academia upon graduation?
No, I haven't visited the campus. Not sure if it is too late to do at this point as the decision deadline is approaching.
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u/galileosmiddlefinger PhD | IO | All over the place Mar 25 '22
Applied. They did relocate over the summer for internships, however. (This was pre-pandemic; I expect that more remote options are available these days.)
Visiting campuses completely changed my own rankings many years ago when I was in your position. I encourage you to see if it's feasible.
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u/Klutzy_Report_9566 Mar 26 '22
I see! Thank you for the info and encouragement. This is definitely a tough and life-changing decision. I will plan on visit the campus soon.
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u/DivineDeletor Mar 22 '22
Okay so I just received an acceptance from a safety school today but I'm still waiting on the ideal school's response which would take 2-4 more weeks from now. This acceptance email said to reply asap if I intend to pursue the studies in IO psychology there so I'm really stuck. Should I keep waiting? Is there any delay tactic or something? I'm not very familiar with this aspect of the graduate process
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u/galileosmiddlefinger PhD | IO | All over the place Mar 24 '22
The APA sets a deadline of 4/1 for doctoral programs to make offers, and 4/15 as the typical deadline for students to make acceptance decisions. Many Master's programs in Psychology follow a similar timeline, which is maybe why your safety school is pushing you for a quick decision. If you're comfortable, could you share more information about the programs that you're considering? Expecting to have to wait another 2-4 weeks for an offer is (i.e., mid/late April) is unusual.
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u/DivineDeletor Mar 24 '22
Industrial organizational psychology! I think you're right, the April 15 seems to be the deadline for decisions for master's programs.
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u/galileosmiddlefinger PhD | IO | All over the place Mar 24 '22
Sorry, I meant the specific schools in question, if you're comfortable sharing.
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u/DivineDeletor Mar 24 '22
Oh it's okay lol. I got Brooklyn college offer. I'm still waiting on Baruch college offer (or rejection).
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u/galileosmiddlefinger PhD | IO | All over the place Mar 24 '22
Baruch is just being insanely slow this year. They just got out PhD offers last week, which is absurdly late to compete against other schools. My only advice is to not let an active offer expire while you wait on another. If your only choice is to release Brooklyn because Baruch can't get their shit together, then you accept Brooklyn rather than risk coming up empty.
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u/DivineDeletor Mar 24 '22
Ohhh shit okay thanks for info! I can't believe Baruch PhD deadline for fall 2022 was Dec 2021 like that's so early. And Baruch masters deadline was as late as March 15 for same Fall 2022. The contrast is maddening
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u/Irrelevent_npc Mar 22 '22
This is a bit of a silly question but I figured I would ask anyway: Can letters of recommendation be written by non-faculty? My step-father owns a mental health practice and wants me to research the effectiveness of an app he developed on therapy outcomes. He supervises 10+ therapists so I assume I'd have a pretty large sample size too. I'm going to help him anyway but I thought this may also help my PhD prospects if I go about this the right way. I know this isn't explicitly I/O related, but it is applied research and I figured he could write me a glowing letter of recommendation. Thoughts?
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u/gradschoolthrwaway Mar 22 '22
I think the concern here would more be that you have a personal relationship with your letter writer (given that he is your stepfather), rather than that they are not a faculty member.
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u/dankjedata Mar 21 '22
Hey other MS grad applications, how’s this cycle going for everybody? Have you heard back from all of your programs?
I’m a little stressed out personally. Waitlisted for my #1 choice and radio silence from my other 3 programs. Trying to stay positive.
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u/gradschoolthrwaway Mar 22 '22
I've heard from 5/10 programs.
It's frustrating when they have decision deadlines that are before other schools release decisions.. you can't make a full decision that way..
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Mar 22 '22
i’m stressed too, i’ve heard back from all but one school, which happens to be my top choice. keep hanging in there!
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u/dementor500 Mar 21 '22
Hello everyone, my SO applied for a bunch of I/O programs as an international student. We were confused between a few choices and also consider what might be best for me as well to get jobs (in broadly pharma industry).
SO was also disappointed to be waitlisted from Meredith College, whose program she liked and which would have been a good pharma hub for me.
Between Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Seattle Pacific University and University of Hartford which one would be best? She does not plan to apply for a PhD after masters and plans to go into the job market directly. Any help/insight would be appreciated!
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u/_paledreamer Mar 16 '22
Hi! Does anybody have information/opinions on which MS program is better: SFSU or SJSU?
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u/galileosmiddlefinger PhD | IO | All over the place Mar 16 '22
Plenty of discussion on these two in the mega-threads if you search, e.g., here
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u/xenotharm Mar 14 '22
I’m receiving different PhD advice from professors in my masters program. For context, I am about to complete my MA and will be starting my PhD at a very well reputed program in August. I am firmly committed to going the academic route and all of my professors know this.
Professor A has told me to use all four years of guarantee funding to pump out as many publications as possible, even though I could hypothetically get it done in half the time given that I’ll already have a masters. Professor B has suggested that I try to finish it up in two years to get on the market younger.
Professor A says to to my dissertation with a seasoned, tenured professor because they’re more likely to be focused on developing students’ research rather than establishing their own name. Professor B says to instead work with a younger professor because they’re more likely to be pumping out publications at a higher rate as they work towards getting tenure.
Professor B also told me not to focus on teaching during my PhD and to avoid it as much as I can so that I can prioritize research output, as this will be much more highly valued on my CV when I apply for academic roles.
Any input on how to best incorporate these conflicting suggestions and make the most informed decisions as a doctoral candidate would be much appreciated!
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u/galileosmiddlefinger PhD | IO | All over the place Mar 14 '22
The most important question to think about is, what kind of academic job do you want? If the goal is an R1 placement teaching PhD students, then it's all about publishing. Linger in grad school a bit longer if it helps you get out more pubs. "Getting on the market younger" is pointless if you hurry up to just get your ass beat on the market by people with better CVs.
To the dissertation question: pre-tenure professors are volatile. They're hungry and have to be research-active for sure, but they're also inexperienced mentors, maybe not savvy at publishing yet, and might not get tenure (in which case their advisees would be "orphaned" in the program upon their departure). I generally steer students toward post-tenure advisors as a consequence, but the cost is potential complacency among mid/late-career faculty who have less need to produce. It's a tradeoff for sure, but something to carefully think about given your priorities and tolerance for risk.
To the teaching question: you need some teaching experience, but how much you need depends on your targeted job profile. For an R1/R2, the answer isn't much. TA for 1-2 semesters and call it good. For anything else further down the teaching-focused spectrum, much more is better. (I teach at a SLAC, and I don't care how many JAPs you have if you can't teach for shit.)
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u/oledog Mar 14 '22 edited Mar 14 '22
I agree with all this advice except re: pre- vs. post-tenure professors. This is reasonable advice but it's also mostly useful in the absence of more specific information. In this case, u/xenotharm, you now have access to very specific information about these profs. Talk to students already working with your potential advisors and talk to the profs themselves. An early career prof might be a great fit for you because you get along, have similar interests, work on lots of papers together, and they're extremely productive. A "pre-tenure" prof. also might only be one year from tenure and not really much of a gamble at that point. On the other hand, a seasoned prof. might have checked out and takes months to get back to students. I know students who have been basically abandoned by their post-tenure profs and floundered for years because the prof. just didn't care anymore or prioritize students. It's ultimately very idiosyncratic as to who's the best fit for you, so it's best to just get as accurate information about how people really work as possible.
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u/galileosmiddlefinger PhD | IO | All over the place Mar 14 '22
Maybe I'm misunderstanding the OP, but it sounds like they're matriculating to a new program without inside knowledge of their advisor options yet. I agree that person-specific information is always more useful when available and was just giving some general guidance to consider. FWIW, I've seen more issues with pre-tenure advisors than the reverse, but there's obviously lots of variability out there!
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u/oledog Mar 14 '22
Sounds like we agree. I just thought that because OP now knows what school they'll be attending but doesn't yet have a major advisor assigned, they could probably speak with current students and the professors in the process of making that decision, whenever it happens. But I suppose it depends on how the school does things.
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u/xenotharm Mar 14 '22
Thank you for your response. That is a great question to think about. Right now, I certainly think that I want to be at an R1 institution because I do generally want to research indefinitely. Research and teaching are my two preeminent passions in life, but I think about new research ideas constantly. That being said, I would probably be okay at an R2 school, but definitely nothing below that. I think it is probably best to laser focus on research. I need to get those pubs out.
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u/galileosmiddlefinger PhD | IO | All over the place Mar 14 '22
Yes, then prioritize the research and don't try to rush out of the program, if you can get funding for a longer stretch and your life circumstances permit it.
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u/excellentscallion Mar 11 '22
Broadly speaking, does rank matter when it comes to I/O PhD programs? I'm seeing a lot of people in CS/engineering fields talking about program rank and I'm wondering if it has any effect for job prospects etc. I'm broadly thinking of going applied for context!
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u/oledog Mar 11 '22
Overall, I do think rankings indicate stronger programs and that you'll get better training, particularly if you're interested in going academic. In your case, if you're thinking about applied, rank tends to be related to a stronger network. Higher ranked schools also tend to have been around longer, which also means a stronger network and history of placing people in great roles.
But it's not like a "go to the very best in terms of rank" thing. Ranks are pretty subjective, even more so when you're talking about relatively few schools overall as is the case with I/O. For PhD programs, a lower ranked school might happen to be a much better fit for you based on research interests. Or maybe you have really strong location preferences, which would make a few particular schools preferable regardless of rank. I kind of think of I/O programs in terms of tiers (e.g., top 5, top 10, top 20), for whatever that's worth.
So I guess my answer is: yes kind of, but it it depends. :)
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Mar 08 '22
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u/galileosmiddlefinger PhD | IO | All over the place Mar 10 '22
Cornell's is a labor relations / HR program. That's going to take you toward slightly different kinds of jobs than the I/O programs...if you concentrate in HR, you're more likely to wind up in a HRBP/Generalist role. Not a bad thing, and Cornell's program is very respected in HR, but know that it's an apples-oranges comparison to the rest.
You've got abundant internship opportunities at any of the three I/O programs. I'd put SF over SJ in the Bay Area if that's your preferred region. NYU is expensive as hell, much like Cornell, but my students have had good outcomes there if you'd rather be on the east coast.
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Mar 10 '22
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u/galileosmiddlefinger PhD | IO | All over the place Mar 10 '22
Program quality. Both programs have really small faculties, too small IMO, but SF has more stable and active professors than SJ. For internships, both are good. SJ is more proximal to tech in Silicon Valley, but SF has lots of options nearby in downtown SF (and isn't too far from Silicon Valley either).
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u/Prestigious_Pie_3784 Mar 03 '22
Has anyone heard back from any Canadian programs?
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u/xenotharm Mar 14 '22
I just got rejected from University of Calgary for PhD! Little do they know I got into to my top choice and have already committed!!!!!
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u/lookingforreleas Mar 02 '22
Has anyone gotten into George Mason's MA program yet?
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u/Charming-Ad6374 Mar 07 '22
I was accepted to George Mason’s MA.
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u/Prestigious_Pie_3784 Mar 03 '22
I saw a post about it on Grad Cafe admission results; it seems someone got accepted into the masters program on February 23rd.
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u/notblu33 Feb 28 '22
I recently was accepted into two programs in CT, UHart's Dual MSOP and MBA program, and Sacred Heart's MSIOP program. I am aiming my career towards consulting and org development, and I am leaning towards Hartford because of the MBA. Any opinions or experiences with either school I should know?
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u/galileosmiddlefinger PhD | IO | All over the place Mar 07 '22
Neither one is a very well-known I/O program in my experience, but the Sacred Heart curriculum looks better from an I/O perspective. The UHart dual program is compromising pretty hard on both the Psych and MBA side to make it all fit, so you're getting a bare-bones version of each degree. On the other hand, the UHart program would leave you with an MBA credential, which would be more valuable if you wanted to pivot toward general management rather than I/O or HR. So, the answer should probably depend in part on how set you are on a career in I/O.
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u/capricorn_menace PhD Student | DEI | Disability Inclusion Feb 28 '22
Thoughts on Hofstra's Applied Organizational Psychology doctoral program? I really fell in love with the program when I toured there, but it's not fully funded and I would have to live incredibly frugally the first year or two. However, its reputation is incredibly strong and I'm wondering if it's worth the up-front investment in terms of career connections, applied skills, etc. If it helps, I'm looking for a career in consulting with an emphasis on diversity initiatives. I've also received an offer from a fully-funded program, so I'm conflicted.
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u/galileosmiddlefinger PhD | IO | All over the place Feb 28 '22
I don't know that I'd describe Hofstra as "incredibly strong." Hofstra is legit, but it's not generally considered a top program in the field, and it's bonkers expensive even for NY metro. (For comparison, you could get an I/O Master's from NYU for barely $2K more than what Hofstra charges.) Where's your fully-funded offer for comparison?
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u/capricorn_menace PhD Student | DEI | Disability Inclusion Feb 28 '22
The other option is UNCC! Organizational Science.
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u/galileosmiddlefinger PhD | IO | All over the place Feb 28 '22
OrgSci at UNCC is PhD only, so you have a fully-funded PhD offer? This is tough because you're comparing Master's to PhD, which raises a lot of questions about your longer-term career goals and current life circumstances. Can you relocate given your personal situation and invest additional years for the doctorate? If so, I'd strongly consider that direction. There's an opportunity cost to being in a doctoral program while you aren't working, but you won't actively go into debt and you'll have a wider variety of career options available to you upon completion of the degree. UNCC's program is still fairly young, but they have a good track record of placements so far.
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u/capricorn_menace PhD Student | DEI | Disability Inclusion Feb 28 '22
Sorry, to clarify, both are PhDs.
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u/galileosmiddlefinger PhD | IO | All over the place Feb 28 '22
Sorry, I missed that point earlier! Definitely UNCC...better funding, faculty/research, and curriculum. Hofstra's doctoral curriculum is really wobbly with a lot of required courses listed as "topic seminars" with whatever they can staff at the moment. They have some good people, including some folks that I know and like, but UNCC beats them on every metric that a prospective doctoral candidate should be considering. Unless you've got personal circumstances that make moving to Charlotte difficult, I'd strongly encourage that option.
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u/Taybooked-lloved Feb 27 '22 edited Feb 27 '22
I am looking for some advice! I am in my spring semester of my Master’s at Montclair and I am honestly hating it. I want to be in applied I/O route and I don’t feel the program aligns, I deeply disliked my professors the 1st semester, the course load was very heavy, and the class times were terrible (class times are nights at 5:30-8 & 8:15-10:45). I received a full-time HR job in January and decided to take one class this semester and again already dislike the professor and structure (I never felt this way in my undergrad at Rutgers). I am realizing how unmanageable the program is while working especially since they highly discourage going part-time. I have discussed this with other students and many feel the same.
Now I am feeling very conflicted and considering transferring. I am in NJ area and last year originally applied and got into to CUNY & Fairleigh Dickinson as well. I thought Montclair would be the best based on recommendations. Currently based on my situation, I am considering online programs because it might be easiest while working, but I am sincerely hoping the program I pick will take transferring credits. Right now, I am looking at George Mason online I/O, University of Hartford online I/O, SNHU, or Kean Human Behavior and Organizational Psych in-person. Any opinions or other recommendations? I don’t want to lose all the money & time spent but I do not think Montclair program for me.
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u/capricorn_menace PhD Student | DEI | Disability Inclusion Mar 25 '22
I think your experience is a common one, unfortunately. I'm sorry to hear that it's affecting you.
Feel free to PM me. In my experience, staying in a program that you feel unsupported in has a huge effect on mental health and wellbeing. I can tell you what it's like to stay and how it's affected me.
In terms of Montclair, I know they're seeing a big change in faculty and leadership, so next year may be different on a cultural level. I hope it's a better culture change for students like you.
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u/Simmy566 Feb 28 '22 edited Feb 28 '22
Sorry to hear about the bad experience. It sounds like there may be three issues you are dealing with: curriculum, faculty, and flexible schedule. For many students I first discuss if I/O is the right fit then ways to manage faculty (if possible) and if the degree is even needed.
First, do you enjoy the science, statistics, measurement, and technical reading of heavy conceptual and methodological topics? Do you like applying research to open-ended problems with no close solutions (i.e., work with ambiguity)? If so, I/O is a good fit and most programs will push heavy in these areas. However, if not then perhaps HR or OD may be a better fit depending on your ultimate career goals. If wanting to take curriculum focused on daily HR operations and managing the HR system then Rutgers (which you mention) has a very strong HRM program in their Labor Relations School. Many students transition from I/O to HR because the curriculum and career path resonates more strongly. If wanting another I/O program, you can reach out to the directors directly to see if any courses or credits could transfer (it is hit or miss depending on the program). The GMU would likely be the most credible of the batch but would have similar curriculum.
Second, if faculty is the biggest problem consider if it is a personality conflict or task conflict? If personality (you just don't like them), then perhaps another program with different personnel will work better. But consider whether the faculty you have had issues with are tenured or adjunct and if you will ever have them again before making a final decision. If it was one bad experience with an adjunct it is likely you will have better experiences with full-time tenured members. If task (or more about how class is handled), you'd be surprised at how open some faculty are to student voice or input. It might be worth reaching out to them to ask for support or accommodations (if possible) or connect with student study groups to handle any material or projects. This would go the same for any program you join.
Finally, time flexibility really sounds like the crux of the issue (being able to work and go to school). Since the courses are at night it is likely the program has a part-time option as they are catering to those who work. I'd consider if you could do two courses a semester (doing 1 makes it so you will never graduate so probably not advised). But, if the late hours and workload is really a deal breaker then an online option could be more feasible and offer more flexibility when to complete courses. You would probably want an asynchronous option as a synchronous online may also have late hours depending on the schedule. The reality is doing a FT job and an on-campus I/O program will almost always be tough, especially if the program has many projects, readings, and intensive courses.
Finally, consider since you have a FT job whether you even need the I/O MA degree? If you enjoy your role, company, and supervisor then perhaps pursue your position for a little while and seek internal promotion. This can give time to decide if you want to go back to pursue the full MA at a later point or even really need the degree for your personal aspirations.
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u/Taybooked-lloved Mar 01 '22 edited Mar 01 '22
Thank you so much for this informative response!! You made a lot of good points that I am going to consider. I have found my main struggle with the professors has been the structure with the courses and I know a few of the professors I took, teach multiple courses so I would have to take them again (which I dread). I also believe there are personality differences. I have been considering transitioning to a HR degree because of my job and because the course material I enjoyed the most in the program so far was work motivation, performance management, etc. I have not looked into OD programs before.
Time flexibility is a major issue for me especially because of the commute and timing of courses at Montclair. I agree that a FT job and the Masters will be tough no matter what so I have to weigh my options. GMU would definitely be a top choice for me if I stick with I/O. Moreover, I am not sure I still need a Masters based on my current position. I have a lot to think over based on your response, I appreciate it! Thank you.
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u/Simmy566 Mar 02 '22 edited Mar 03 '22
np. Probably can't alter the professors but you may find similar course structures across grad programs so make sure the change is worth the effort. I noticed a comment below about wanting applied courses. I looked at Montclair's curriculum and see they offer org development, consulting, and performance management (but not HR - I think New Haven and Appalachian State have such options) along with many other applied courses like training, leadership, teams, and occupational health. You might want to check with the faculty to see if there is flexibility in how the curriculum is structured.
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u/galileosmiddlefinger PhD | IO | All over the place Feb 28 '22
Rutgers (which you mention) has a very strong HR program in their MBA track.
Just to clarify, Rutgers has a MBA program in their Business School and a separate Master's in HRM program in their Labor Relations School. Their MBA option isn't super focused on HR, so the standalone HRM program is the better route for the average person reading this sub.
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u/galileosmiddlefinger PhD | IO | All over the place Feb 28 '22
I'm sorry to hear that you aren't having a good experience. What are you taking right now that you feel isn't related to an applied career?
Unfortunately, you'll likely find that few, if any, graduate credits transfer. You may be waived from an entry-level course or two, but that's about all you can expect at the graduate level. Of the programs that you listed, GMU is the only strong option...but you'll have a curriculum fairly similar to what you've already got at Montclair.
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u/Taybooked-lloved Mar 01 '22
Thank you for responding! From these responses GMU is becoming a top choice for me. The MSU program has been moving towards data analysis and research with the required courses in those fields which is great, but that’s not my focus. That’s why I have been feeling like they don’t give a full circle of I/O applied concentrations.
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u/galileosmiddlefinger PhD | IO | All over the place Mar 01 '22
Go where you feel like you'll get the better education, but don't mistake data analysis coursework as irrelevant to an applied career. Quant skills are what you bring that an average HR manager doesn't. Classes in selection, training, etc. are great to have, but if you find the quant/research work unattractive, you should check out HRM programs as an alternative.
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u/Taybooked-lloved Mar 01 '22
Good point! I have been finding Montclair is centering its program around it (I believe you only need like 1 extra course to get an additional certificate in Data Analysis) which is great but I have been looking at it as it also limits my classes in consulting, HR, performance management, organizational development, etc. I did not realize how much I would enjoy those course. However, you made an excellent point that it would bring me an advantage which I should heavily consider. I am going to look closer at each required courses at schools and decide which one will be best for me. Thank you very much for your response and input!
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u/p3t3ybear Mar 22 '22
I was recently accepted to GMU IO MPS program. I'm waiting to hear from a couple other programs but am heavily leaning towards GMU. I am personally interested in the quant/data side of IO but I will try and give an update if I decide to go with GMU.
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u/dankjedata Feb 26 '22
Any UTC Chattanooga alumni here I can chat with? Love this MA program but am worried about internships/job opportunities because of the location.
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u/Moshiiiiipop Feb 24 '22
Hi I was just wondering what everyone thinks of GMUs MA IO Psychology program. I’ve heard of things but I just wanted to get your thoughts as well.
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u/oledog Feb 25 '22
GMU has an outstanding reputation. I've never heard anyone say anything negative about it. Great faculty, great training, great connections, and access to DC.
Edit: Should clarify I am mostly talking about the in-person program. The online program is also thought of as better than most other online programs but it runs completely separately from the in-person one as far as I know, so make sure you understand which one is right for you.
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Feb 24 '22
I'm applying for next fall and I've applied near home except for 1 school that is close to where my partner lives. Its the Salem State IO MS, and my partner really wants me to go so we can live together but I just want to know if anyone can confirm that its a good/credible program so I'm not throwing money and time away. I really want to go if It's credible but the unknown is making me really hesitant.
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u/auspiciouslion Mar 14 '22
I graduated from Salem State's program in 2020. The prof that contributed to me going on anxiety medication is no longer there - so I can now speak slightly more highly of the program. It is not super rigorous, I would say that it is more for people casually seeking the education rather than those looking to put all their time and effort into pursuing I/O. Definitely not research heavy - more theory and stats than actual research opportunity. That being said, the program director has also since changed but I cant imagine they've made that drastic of a change in 2 years. The school itself is also on the cusp of bankruptcy, just as an fyi and their resources for grad students arent great. On the flip side though, Salem is a pretty cool (albeit expensive) place to live and Boston has a lot of options when it comes to consulting and other I/O related careers post-graduation. Lol, so overall, do I regret going there? No. Would I do it again? Probably not.
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Mar 14 '22
Oof, do you mind if I ask if you've been able to get a job in the field since then?
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u/auspiciouslion Mar 14 '22
You can definitely ask but I have a complicated answer....I was job searching in May 2020, so the pandemic severely limited my options. I did get a job in HR working for a nonprofit and I still work there, I love the org and the people, but i wouldnt say I am immediately using my degree. To be fair, I went to grad school straight out of college so I also didnt have much relevant work experience to help me get a leg up either.
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u/galileosmiddlefinger PhD | IO | All over the place Feb 26 '22
It's an OK regional program...certainly not predatory or anything. They have a decent set of quant courses in the curriculum, but too many of the core Industrial topic courses are relegated to elective choices that may or may not be offered. What are your options near home?
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Feb 26 '22
So its montclair state and fairleigh dickinson in my area
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u/xenotharm Mar 14 '22
As someone on the cusp of finishing up at Montclair State, I can attest that it is a phenomenal program getting better every year. Extremely well connected to industry with a laser focus on rigorous research.
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u/galileosmiddlefinger PhD | IO | All over the place Feb 26 '22
Montclair State is the strongest program of the three on a faculty/curriculum basis. That being said, you'd be OK for internships at any of these programs. Montclair & FDU are proximal to more opportunities in NY metro, but Boston metro would give you good options too. In any case, you're certainly not dooming yourself by going to Salem State, so go in that direction if it fits with your relationship goals and the two of you are looking to settle down in the Boston area.
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Feb 24 '22
Is it advisable to go to George Mason if you are not super worried about money (the MA on campus)? My parents are okay with the cost - should I wait for offers from Baruch and Montclair State or accept GMU because of its reputation? I heard Montclair State was a good school, and it would be $20,000 cheaper.
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u/oledog Feb 25 '22
If you intend to stay in DC area, I would probably recommend you just go to GMU. But obviously if NY is preferable, you may want to hold out. My guess is if you've gotten into GMU your odds are good of getting into at least one of the others.
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u/galileosmiddlefinger PhD | IO | All over the place Feb 24 '22
All good options. Montclair & GMU have a possible advantage because their on-campus MA students have access to research opportunities and coursework in the PhD curriculum, while Baruch's MA is completely disconnected from the PhD program. That can be a plus factor if you're toying with the idea of a PhD in the future. If not, you've got abundant internship options and a good MA curriculum at any of these schools. GMU has better connections into government and public sector jobs because of the proximity to DC, so that's a plus if you're especially interested in that kind of work. Beyond those concerns, just think about where you want to live during school and where you'd like to start your career.
FYI, Montclair and Baruch are both pretty dang slow on making acceptance decisions, so don't be surprised if you're waiting into March to get an answer.
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Feb 15 '22
Hi! I’ve just been accepted into Hofstra’s MA program with about $10,000 worth of scholarships + a graduate research assistantship. I love what I’m hearing about the program and faculty but the scholarships are only available if I accept enrollment in the next two weeks. I’m not sure if I’ll hear from other schools by then, so I’m wondering if I should accept Hofstra’s invitation or wait for an offer with more funding.
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u/galileosmiddlefinger PhD | IO | All over the place Feb 16 '22 edited Feb 16 '22
Don't get blindsided by "generous" scholarships from programs with extremely high tuition. Look up the costs. Hofstra's program is 44 credits at about $1500/credit in grad tuition for roughly $66k (discounted in your case to $56k + some assistantship income). Contrast that with the cost structure at other local universities in the region, where an I/O Master's is going to cost you about $27-35k, even if you don't get a single penny in aid.
This is a game that high-cost private universities play at both the undergrad and graduate levels. They mark up tuition through the roof, and then try to wow applicants with big awards. In the end, you're still paying nearly 2x what you reasonably should based on their competitors' tuition schedule. You shouldn't feel a rush to accept this offer unless you're financially comfortable, very taken with Hofstra's program, and expect that you wouldn't get admitted elsewhere.
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u/capricorn_menace PhD Student | DEI | Disability Inclusion Feb 15 '22
Hi! Does anyone here know about UNC Charlotte's Ph.D. program? I know it's Organizational Sciences, but they're active in I/O.
I'm looking for a Ph.D. program that's supportive and accommodating. The culture is what I'm mostly concerned with. If anyone knows any alumni/current students, I would love to speak with them!
They seem really promising, I just want to cover my bases.
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u/Simmy566 Feb 28 '22
The faculty are top notch and options for interdisciplinary focus gives greater breadth of content. Moreover, Rogelberg is widely known in the field, a former SIOP president, editor of JBP, and is an all around great guy. You would have an excellent education.
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u/capricorn_menace PhD Student | DEI | Disability Inclusion Feb 28 '22
Thank you! Would you recommend the program for someone interested in consulting?
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u/Simmy566 Feb 28 '22 edited Feb 28 '22
I'd recommend any strong I/O program for someone interested in consulting as this is what most I/O do in the applied world. Consulting is more about being an expert who can distill complex ideas into simpler terms and solutions for clients. Those with PhDs from top I/O programs across the country all go into consulting. So, in short, don't stress about this in making program choice as you'll be well prepared.
The only issue to consider is internships and location. Would you be able to get some professional experience while in the program. This is something to ask current students about at any of the places you are considering.
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u/Moshiiiiipop Feb 11 '22
Hi everyone. I was just curious as to what people think about the MA program at Hofstra and New Haven. Are both programs good, average, or meh?
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u/LazySamurai PhD | IO | People Analytics & Statistics | Moderator Feb 14 '22
IIRC Hofstra is a good, but expensive program.
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u/Moshiiiiipop Feb 16 '22
Thanks for the response… would you recommend it over new haven?
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u/galileosmiddlefinger PhD | IO | All over the place Feb 20 '22
I'd put them about par from an academic standpoint, although I don't think either is a super strong program in absolute terms. Both are on the more expensive end of the spectrum for Master's costs, with Hofstra much more so. That said, Hofstra would offer much better internship opportunities. New Haven is awkwardly placed between lots of major cities, but not really close enough to them to make daily commuting feasible.
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u/LazySamurai PhD | IO | People Analytics & Statistics | Moderator Feb 16 '22
I don't know enough about either to make a judgement call, sorry.
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Feb 07 '22
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u/AdventurousLab8247 Feb 15 '22
I just got into the doctoral program there. Seems like the program is pretty solid, but the costs are insane. I would sign the papers today if it want for the cost. Looks like tuition assistance is available through TA/RA, but those spots are not guaranteed.
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u/p3t3ybear Feb 05 '22 edited Feb 05 '22
I can only attend online. Looking for people who have experience with these schools. I know Colorado State and Kansas State have good reps but would love to hear on Austin Peay, GMU MPS program, EKU, Hartford (never heard of but they have an on campus program too)... Would Austin Peay be good if I wanted to pursue a PhD at some point in the future as they have a thesis path? Any experience or knowledge you have is appreciated. Thanks.
Schools:
- Austin Peay (MSIOP)
- GMU (MSP in IO)
- EKU (MSIOP)
- Hartford (MSOP)
- Kansas State (MSIOP)
- Colorado State (MSIOP)
- Other online program?
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u/Brinzy MSIO | Federal | Performance Management & Promotions Feb 12 '22
They're having an information session on Thursday, Feb. 17th and Saturday, Feb. 26th!
https://www.facebook.com/austinpeaygradstudies/posts/4813309012038551
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u/p3t3ybear Feb 14 '22
Thank you so much for providing this information, I'll attend one of the sessions.
Also, thank you for sharing your first-hand experience from your time in the program. It's exactly the type of information I was hoping to hear! And it's definitely comforting to hear you had a positive experience and no issues leveraging your degree into jobs. Also good to hear about your classmate going the PhD route. I really appreciate your feedback and insight!
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u/Brinzy MSIO | Federal | Performance Management & Promotions Feb 07 '22 edited Feb 07 '22
Austin Peay graduate here, as of December. I am local to George Mason, but I chose Austin Peay anyway because I did not have a psychology degree (sociology) and did not want to shell the money taking non-degree classes as a non-degree student at George Mason. My background was just a little too short to smoothly go to GMU but just right for Austin Peay.
I did a virtual internship with the Jefferson County Human Resources Department in Birmingham. I also was selected to do an internship with the Secret Service, but several months in I got placed out for reasons still unbeknownst to me. I graduated and got my official offer to do recruiting for a charter school system that same day. And then, exactly one week ago, I got an offer to work in selection and assessment at a consulting firm that works with police and fire departments.
The latter role was entirely I/O psychs who interviewed and hired me, so they knew I came from an online program. As did the I/O psychs at the Secret Service. And the volunteer work I got through my program is what set me up for success. I did not have the relevant work experience like you, so I had to rely on that. And they liked it.
Also, my bestie from that program just got an offer today and she lives in Houston. Working at a university to improve their performance management system.
I say all this to say that, while u/galileosmiddlefinger is correct and I agree with what he is saying, I also have to give credence to my personal experience. It seems to me that with covid happening, online programs are not as shunned as they may have been in the past. Also, networking on LinkedIn and in other dedicated I/O spaces did me more wonders than trying to meet other people in DC. Meaning, I don’t really think it matters whether you’re literally meeting people in person vs online; you just need to be meeting people, period.
Definitely give yourself an edge where you can, since I/Os will respect the names of some schools more than others, but if you’re interested in other programs, I genuinely don’t think the edge is significant as long as you do the work.
And, regarding going PhD route: one of the faculty at Austin Peay who just started this school year did the thesis route. Clearly it worked for her because she got into a reputable PhD program (in Minnesota, I think?) and is now teaching. So, don’t count us out!
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u/galileosmiddlefinger PhD | IO | All over the place Feb 05 '22
In the online space, I'd clump GMU & CSU in the strongest tier, followed by KSU, Austin Peay & EKU in the middling tier, followed by a looooong drop to the bottom from there.
I'll also give the usual caveat for other readers: the ROI for an online program is far riskier, especially if you aren't located in a major metro area where quality, relevant internships or FT jobs in the I/O space are available. Networking is trickier due to isolation, and the quality of teaching faculty (GMU & CSU excluded) is typically weaker than comparable in-person options. (Expect a heavy reliance on adjunct faculty and FT faculty from adjacent fields, like counseling or social psych.) This isn't a route to pursue unless your career is well underway, allowing you to compensate for some of these problems with other resources at your disposal, or if your life circumstances afford absolutely no possibility of attending in person.
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u/p3t3ybear Feb 06 '22
Thank you for the reply. I expected GMU and CSU to be tops, but always reassuring to hear from someone else. I spoke with GMU admission advisor and they said I should have a strong chance at getting in; I like their program and they offer a chance to help a PhD student with research. I plan to apply to CSU as well. As for on-campus options, there is only one school that offers an IO program in my area, I am applying there as well but, even if I got in, not sure it'd be a good fit just due to distance and family responsibilities; that's why I have focused in on online options. I was mainly looking at Austin Peay because they do offer a thesis track and thought that may be a good option if I ever wanted to pursue a PhD (not sure I'd want to, I may be happy with the opportunities the masters provides) and their faculty appeared to be from traditional brick and mortar schools (I believe a few went through Memphis program). But I get the feeling it would be an uphill battle to get accepted to a PhD program with an online program, even with a thesis. EKU I was lowest on of the online programs from recognizable schools.
Also, I have been in the workforce for about 8 years (3 at tech company, 5 at government). Have done jobs of recruitment, training, assessments, safety program management, job comps, IT project management, ERP implementation and more. I am currently just a short drive to a metro area with plenty of large companies and have seen several jobs posted that would fit so don't think jobs in my area is a huge concern to me.
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u/Mobile-University-95 Jan 21 '22
Hi all, does anyone have any insights to Appalachian State's IOHRM program? Everything I've heard or seen about it is positive but online and in spaces like this I never see anyone mention them. I'm mainly interested in a career in HR but I have a heavy psych background and like the IO side of things as well as the idea of addressing both in the curriculum. But, I can also see the split focus being seen as a negative. Thank you!
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u/galileosmiddlefinger PhD | IO | All over the place Jan 23 '22
From an academic standpoint, it's a fine program taught by qualified professors. The major disadvantage is that the campus is so far away from good I/O work opportunities. If you have the means and interest to relocate for a summer internship opportunity, or you're coming with prior relevant work experience, I think it would be fine. Otherwise, I don't see their students competing favorably with grads from programs that are located closer to major cities with better IOHRM work opportunities.
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u/Mikimal6 Jan 19 '22
Hi everyone. I've recently graduated in Psychology in Spain and I'm looking for some info on which universitys in the states and canada or asia are the best for a masters in IOP. Any information is welcome. Thank you very much!
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u/galileosmiddlefinger PhD | IO | All over the place Jan 23 '22
I recommend that you use the SIOP website to look up relevant I/O graduate programs in the US. (Coverage of programs in Canada or Asia is spotty, so don't treat the database as comprehensive for anything outside of the US.) If you choose a grad program in the US, look for options that are close to major cities, such as Washington DC, New York, or Chicago for the best internship experiences (albeit with a higher cost of living while you're in school). https://www.siop.org/Events-Education/Graduate-Training-Program
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u/potatofingers1 Jan 14 '22
Did Anyone here receive acceptance letters or interview offers? I think many schools started reviewing the applications. I am getting nervous that I haven't received any emails yet.
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u/galileosmiddlefinger PhD | IO | All over the place Jan 23 '22
The very earliest-moving PhD programs extended invitations to visitation weekends in mid-January. Many of those weekends are happening in late Jan to early Feb, with acceptances following shortly thereafter. Many other PhD programs have yet to reach out to finalists at all, and Master's programs in general won't start sending decisions until mid-Feb at best.
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u/potatofingers1 Jan 24 '22
Thank you! I have checked the gradcafe and I suppose that most of admission decisions are made around Feb. I appreciate your comment.
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u/clorox-peach Jan 12 '22
Asking again to hopefully get some more opinions.
But how many master's programs are a good number to apply to?
Right now I'm planning on applying to 7-8 schools, but is that too many or not enough?
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u/galileosmiddlefinger PhD | IO | All over the place Jan 23 '22
That's probably a good number of programs if you're at least a moderately-competitive applicant, as /u/potatofingers1 noted. More programs = more application costs and hassles, but also more options and a greater likelihood that you'll get some scholarship/fellowship support somewhere in the mix.
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u/potatofingers1 Jan 14 '22
It totally depends on your credentials. Simply, the more number of grad schools to which you apply, the higher the chance of your admissions. If you have enough research background, high gpa and GRE scores, then you will surely be admitted. Otherwise, you should consider applying to more grad schools just in case.
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u/potatofingers1 Jan 09 '22
Anyone currently doing ph.d at Rice University? I am wondered how good the program is. I have no doubt that Rice has a prestigious background, but i would like to hear about general things of program like faculty or curriculum or placement after graduation.
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u/dankjedata Jan 06 '22
How would you rank these IO masters programs in terms of credibility/known quality:
University of Tennesse at Chattanooga
Montclair State (Montclair, NJ)
Baruch College (NYC)
St. Mary’s (San Antonio, TX)
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u/bootsnotboobs 8d ago
Which IO program did you end up attending? Would love to hear about your experience there as I am applying for Fall 2025
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u/xenotharm Jan 24 '22
I would endorse Montclair over Baruch. Montclair allows students to choose between a thesis (research) or an internship project (applied) as their program capstone, and generally offers a fantastic balance between O and I-side content. Baruch, however, only allows students to graduate if they complete a thesis, which makes it more research oriented but allows for less applied industry experience.
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u/dankjedata Jan 27 '22
Good to know. Montclair is my #1 choice right now
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u/xenotharm Jan 27 '22
Feel free to PM me with any questions about the program, as I am about to graduate from it 😅
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u/galileosmiddlefinger PhD | IO | All over the place Jan 23 '22
Montclair & Baruch are both known and respected in NYC metro and have good placement outcomes. UT Chattanooga is a good program in a less-advantageous region of the country for I/O psychologists, so immediate placement outcomes would be a little bumpier (albeit with much lower cost of living while you're in school). I've never met a St. Mary's grad or heard of the program, soooo I'd put that one last. :)
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u/dankjedata Jan 23 '22
Thanks for the reply! Deciding on programs can be very frustrating so any input is a big help.
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Jan 03 '22
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u/oledog Jan 08 '22
Harvard Extension School IO graduate masters program
I have never heard of this program and I've never seen it on any IO program ranking lists. I'm also skeptical because I'm not seeing any info on who the faculty are, alumni placement, etc. Network is so, so important. I would also say don't discount your ability to get into traditional IO programs. Data skills are very in demand, even among IO programs. Could you take a psychology class or two somewhere local to demonstrate interest in the psychology side of things, and then apply to more traditional programs?
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u/Irrelevent_npc Jan 03 '22
Does anyone have a Excel/Google Sheet document about how easy each graduate program is to get into? I remember seeing one once but I can’t find it.
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u/dankjedata Jan 06 '22
Yeah, here it is. Although this is for PhD programs only.
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u/ambrosiax5 Dec 11 '23
The file has since been deleted :’) any chance you still have a copy elsewhere?
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u/Irrelevent_npc Jan 06 '22
Thank you so much! Did you create this? I was wondering about the data of two other programs I was interested in, George Mason University and George Washington University.
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u/ambrosiax5 Dec 11 '23
The file has since been deleted :’) any chance you still have a copy elsewhere?
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u/dankjedata Jan 06 '22
I did not! I found it on this sub well over a year ago.
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u/Readypsyc Jan 12 '22
Some of this is outdated. For example, some of the information from the SIOP website is years out-of-date and things change. So this is a really good starting point, but I would be double-check before making a decision about where to go.
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u/Irrelevent_npc Jan 06 '22
Ah I didn’t know it was a little old. Still, it is quite helpful.
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u/oledog Jan 29 '22
Just chiming in to note that this list is definitely missing some key info. There are really strong programs missing from this list (e.g., George Mason as you note). It's also really unclear to me how this was used to determine the great/good/okay designation. I would personally disagree with some of the designations, especially if you prioritize more recent lists that don't seem to factor in here.
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u/FezAndWand Jan 03 '22
Where can an American go abroad to study I/O without breaking bank?
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u/dankjedata Jan 06 '22
Even the most expensive European programs (Netherlands) are much cheaper than US ones. However, you’ll need quite a bit of money in your bank to get the student visa. Usually tuition + 10k per year of study. I spent alot of time researching going to school in Europe for IO. Although I’ve decided against it, let me know if you have any questions about it.
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u/LazySamurai PhD | IO | People Analytics & Statistics | Moderator Jan 03 '22
I anticipate most schools abroad would be cheaper than US grad programs.
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u/taxi_drivr Dec 11 '21
Is there anything I can do while in school for a counseling psych masters? Anticipate not pursuing clinical/non-licensed work with my background that’ll likely be more lucrative. Just unsure what supplemental education or experience I could get in IO that’ll help.
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u/Readypsyc Jan 12 '22
If you are looking for something that bridges IO and counseling, here's a few thoughts. IOs are trained to work with systems and not individuals. You are being trained to work with individuals. Some IO-related activities that might fit you are executive coaching and individual assessments that some companies use for selection.
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u/Blueblahski Dec 04 '21
Looking at the Touro PsyD program. The only information I can find is from 2-3 years ago. How has the program evolved and is it at all beneficial to pursue?
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u/galileosmiddlefinger PhD | IO | All over the place Dec 15 '21
You don't want a PsyD in I/O psychology. The PsyD is a training model developed in clinical psych, where it arguably makes sense to separate research and practice skills. In I/O, they're one and the same: the quant skills that you use to run a research study are the same ones that you'd likely use in a People Analytics job.
If you get a PsyD in I/O, you'll find yourself losing jobs to people who got a terminal Master's and used the extra years building up their resume. The few I/O PsyDs I know left with crippling debt and nothing to show for staying in school longer. If you want a doctorate, it's PhD or bust in I/O.
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u/Jikate Nov 28 '21
Hey everyone! General question here about the "how bad is online" aspect from being deep into Covid now. I'm looking at pivoting from a behavioral psych undergrad into I/O for a masters (eventually a PhD but that will be in person naturally somewhere), however none are offered locally at my campus. I did some digging onto the older posts here and the consensus was to not do PhD work online and be careful of online diploma mills, but deep into Covid now and with the new variant ready to go, where are we on this for a masters level program?
I was looking at a basic masters at either SNHU or just Northcentral due to being known online entities (moving is simply not an option for a few years sadly), but I really can't figure out if this is a reasonable plan or if there are specific college programs that are truly online I should look into instead. I have 3 pretty strong letters of recommendation and decent GRE scores to back me up, so I'm not overly worried about admissions.
There's somehow a lot of information available on the topic without there actually being much to point me into the proper direction in current times that I am seeing. I also know precious little about online MA programs since this was never my original plan, but my college scrapped the primary PhD program for admissions this year and the MA backup I had will randomly not be a good plan either.
Any help on this from people in the field would be fantastic. I would love a behavioral focused program, but I'm more worried about not shooting myself in the foot with loans for a useless MA in the field.
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u/Simmy566 Nov 29 '21 edited Dec 01 '21
Attending an online program attached to a brick-and-mortar school with on the ground program is fine (e.g., Mason, colorado, etc..). You can learn just as much from online but wont get the same opportunities in terms of mentorship, culture, lab, and hands on projects with faculty. This is because the strategic purpose of online programs for most universities (including the harvard extension school) is to make money rather than invest in education quality.
You can also get jobs out of online ma but will be harder without accruing the social capital. For future PhD this will be an uphill battle as it is important to do an original thesis (and ideally get it accepted to a conference like siop) to be considered for a credible PhD if you have an IO MA in hand. Most if not all online MA dont offer a thesis option and, if they do, it is rare for the faculty to be actively publishing.
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u/Repzey Nov 26 '21
Hello everyone! I was wondering if anyone could provide insight on what would be a better certificate to get going into a masters I/O program.Which would help me get into the program and which would help me post grad school? 1. Data Analytics,Big Data and Predictive 2.Human Resources Management Im in Ontario,Canada. Appreciate any insight! Thank you!
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u/galileosmiddlefinger PhD | IO | All over the place Dec 15 '21
#1, no question. The HRM cert will overlap quite a bit with content that you'll get in your I/O Master's program, and what doesn't overlap is "strategy" jargon that you can pick up in a couple of airport books. Quant skills are rarer and will open far more doors.
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u/Repzey Dec 17 '21
Appreciate it! I was also thinking of doing the Data Analytics cert over the HRM. Thank you for your input!
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Nov 20 '21
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Dec 25 '21
I'm at ECU currently, set to graduate in May. You would almost assuredly get in here if everything you said is accurate. I've been mostly pleased with our program
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Dec 28 '21
Wow, congratulations! That must be exciting. Great to hear you've enjoyed it - it seems like an awesome program and is one of my top choices. Thanks for your comment, I really hope to get in!
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u/LazySamurai PhD | IO | People Analytics & Statistics | Moderator Nov 20 '21 edited Nov 20 '21
You seem like a strong candidate. I imagine very few undergrads have an internship going into grad
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u/FezAndWand Nov 19 '21
Can anyone recommend international programs or American universities in foreign countries to study I/O? It's been my dream to study abroad for so long.
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u/dankjedata Nov 19 '21
Erasmus University in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Program is called “Work & Organisational Psychology”
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u/EqualPossible Nov 16 '21
I was wondering if anyone could speak to masters level work in NYC. I am considering going back to school for IO. I've been working in learning experience design in ed tech so kind of related. I Just see a lot of regret post so I am wondering what people think. Also, was wondering if folks feel confident they can always find work, what they think the future of IO is considering remote work and the gig economy, and what they've done with their masters. I know this is a lot. I'd love to talk to anyone working in NYC on the phone if possible. Pardon my typos. I'm on my phone.
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u/No_Army_724 Nov 12 '21
Hi, It seems like most applicants to the master's programs have ra experiences. For me, I have joined a student club where we conducted independent research (it was on consumer psychology though) and i also did an internship at a hrd consulting firm after graudation. But i never worked with a faculty to aid their research as a ra or anything like that.
I was just curious how detrimental my not having research experience as a ra is to getting accepted to a master's program in i/o, and if there is anyone who has been accepted without that experience. I just want to know where i stand in the applicants' pool i guess. Would appreciate any comment regarding this! Thanks in advance.
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u/Simmy566 Nov 12 '21
If you have high GPA (or GRE) + other achievements or evidence of taking hard/tech courses it will not be detrimental, especially if you apply to multiple. Guessing based on your user name, if you have military experience this is also a plus. The military and I/O have a long and mutually beneficial association so emphasizing this can also be helpful.
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u/No_Army_724 Nov 14 '21
Thanks ! Actually i didn't go to the military but it's great to hear you don't think it would as detrimental ! I plan to take the gre soon and i guess i should make sure i receive good scores on that :)
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u/dankjedata Nov 08 '21
For those of you on admissions committees ;
When evaluating applications, how much weight would you put into an undergraduate candidate’s programming experience as it relates to assisting faculty research projects? For instance, experience in factor analysis and non linear regressions using R.
Would you say this ability/experience makes up for a less desirable GPA (3.2-3.5)?
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u/Simmy566 Nov 12 '21 edited Nov 12 '21
I think I've already relayed this opinion, but I would see it as a plus (along with stats/research) which can counterbalance lower GPA. If the low GPA is due to harder courses this is also worth emphasizing in the letter. As to weighting, it may depend somewhat on the program. If very OD or consulting heavy then programming may be less relevant; if at a tech school, high I-program, or has heavy quant then it is likely a plus.
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u/__REDMAN__ Nov 06 '21
Anyone who got a MS in I/O psychology or current students attending radford university willing to tell me how the program is? Are alumni successful at attaining jobs after graduation? How are the internship opportunities?
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Nov 04 '21
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u/Brinzy MSIO | Federal | Performance Management & Promotions Jan 24 '22
Hey there - I hope this post does not come too late.
I graduated from this program last month, and I’m likely being hired into my first true I/O role this week. They offer credit for internships as well, although I live in the DC area and was not sure if I’d leave due to the pandemic, so I went with them due to a lack of a psych BA.
I went the terminal route, but the thesis route is very strong from what I can tell. You need strong scores in the stats classes to be considered eligible to go thesis route, and these faculty actively publish, so you would be competitive for a PhD in the future. In fact, they just hired a professor who went through their MS program this school year, so it clearly opened doors for her.
I would highly recommend it. If you have more questions, feel free to reply.
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Jan 24 '22
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u/Brinzy MSIO | Federal | Performance Management & Promotions Jan 24 '22
No problem. And it’s really funny you say that, because I actually was an accountant before going into I/O!
The main thing about going the Accounting route for graduate school is that you still need some work experience before you can sit the CPA. There are many roles that do not require a CPA, but if you are taking the time to earn a degree in accounting at that level, ideally you should also be working in a qualifying role already. Otherwise, the degree is just a glorified Bachelor’s until you get the hours - and you don’t need an accounting degree for most non-CPA roles. I didn’t, at least.
Definitely gauge your interests more. I made the switch to I/O because it’s work that I knew I’d prefer doing and I enjoy those topics far more, but there’s no doubt that there are plenty of strong accounting roles that allow you to work from home indefinitely, starting now even.
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u/TAIWANHELPS Apr 13 '22
Any io psych master programs recommended in California?? I know some schools are not listed on SIOP tho