Getting a professionally-focused degree like industrial-organizational (I-O) psychology is a solid choice, given the increasing focus on making workplaces more functional and productive. And getting yourpsychology degree in Marylandis also a good choice because of its proximity to many large cities with a high volume of businesses and organizations.
Whether you are just beginning your college education, seeking a graduate program to complete your education, or somewhere in between, Maryland has theindustrial-organizational psychology programsto help you achieve your goals.
Below are some of the popular options to consider for your training in I-O psychology. Each one is discussed in detail, including information about the program’s focus, core coursework, requirements, and admissions information. Let’s get started!
Industrial Organizational Psychology Programs in Maryland
Listed below are some of the popular schools offering industrial organizational psychology programs in Maryland:
Frostburg State University
Frostburg State University gets its name from the city where it wasfounded in 1898. Back then, the school was a teacher training school, but today, it has greatly expanded its degree offerings to include many other areas of focus, including education, business, liberal arts, and more. In fact, FSU offers nearly 50 undergraduate programs of study, more than a dozen graduate programs, and one doctoral program.
FSU is a small school with fewer than 5,000 students, most of which are undergraduates. The school attracts students from around the region because of itsmany accolades for academics.
The Industrial and Organizational Psychology Minor from Frostburg State is the only undergraduate I-O program in the state. It’s a good way to get introduced to I-O psychology to see if this is the field of study for you.
As part of this program, you will learn about psychological theories and how they can be applied to the workplace to alter behaviors, improve efficiency, and improve productivity. You will also study research methods to learn the basics of conducting psychological research as it relates to organizational psychology.
Additionally, you will study the various forces that impact worker behavior and how those behaviors influence what happens in the workplace. You will study topics like human resources, organizational leadership, and communication as part of your exploration of workplace issues.
This 18-credit minor is interdisciplinary in nature, with courses in psychology and management both required. This minor is available to students with any major.
You can apply as a first-year student online at any time. To qualify, you must have completed the following courses in high school:
ACT/SAT scores, an essay, and letters of recommendation are optional.
The University of Maryland
The University of Maryland is the largest and most prestigious public university in the state. The universitygot its start in 1856when Maryland’s General Assembly chartered it as an agricultural school. The first class had only 34 students. Today, though, the university hasalmost 41,000 students, 12 academic colleges, and offers hundreds of programs for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students.
Not only has the University of Maryland grown over the years, but it has also established itself as one of the premier public universities in the nation. It’s a top research university and offers many undergraduate and graduate programs ranked among the country’s best.
The University of Maryland’s Master of Professional Studies in Industrial/Organizational Psychology gives you the flexibility of choosing a 100 percent online option or an on-campus option for completing your studies. The curriculum is exactly the same regardless of which option you choose.
This 30-credit program can be completed in as little as one year. During that time, you will take courses like:
This program also includes a practicum component during which you will observe a practicing I-O psychologist in a real-world setting. The mentorship you get during the practicum and the exposure to I-O psychology applications will be invaluable as you continue your education and begin your career.
You must submit a graduate application to apply. You must also complete a supplementary application for the I-O program. The following must be submitted with your applications:
You can also submit a writing sample, a description of your research or work experience in I-O psychology, and a portfolio if you wish. An admissions interview may also be necessary.
The University of Baltimore
Today, the University of Baltimore is still a small school – there arefewer than 4,000 students. However, it has grown to include more than 70 degrees and programs for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students. The university offers courses during the day, night, and on weekends and has an online campus to give you the most flexibility for completing your degree.
The M.S. in Applied Psychology, Industrial and Organizational Psychology Concentration from the University of Baltimore focuses on preparing you for research andpractice as an I-O psychologist. The curriculum includes traditional coursework, opportunities for research, and experiential learning activities that mold you into an effective leader.
What’s more, you will learn how to help organizations find talent, train employees, and motivate workers to perform their duties at a higher level.
This 42-credit program takes about two years to complete. During that time, you will take courses including the following:
You will also take 12 credits of elective courses that allow you to tailor your studies to your specific areas of interest. Examples of elective courses include Interviewing Psychology, Employment Law in Human Resource Management, and Personality at Work, among others.
This program also requires the completion of an applied program in I-O psychology in which you propose solutions to simulated or real-world workplace problems to demonstrate your competency in critical I-O psychology skills.
The admissions requirements for this program are as follows:
The University of Maryland Baltimore County
UMBC was established with a commitment to giving students a high-quality education. The university has also strived throughout its existence to make education easily accessible for all. Today, UMBC offersover 100 undergraduate degrees and graduate programs, including a selection of doctoral degrees.
With more than 14,000 students, UMBC is a good-sized school that offers many student organizations and experiences that enhance your education.
The Master of Professional Studies in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from UMBC is a 30-credit program that integrates psychology, business, management, and related concentrations to prepare you for work in a variety of business-related fields. This on-campus program starts each fall and requires two years to complete.
You will take various courses to build the necessary knowledge and skills in I-O psychology. Some of these courses include the following:
You can apply to this program online at any time. To do so, you must havean undergraduate degree in psychologyor a related field from an accredited college or university. Alternatively, you can have an undergraduate degree in another field so long as your coursework includes Introduction to Psychology, Research Methods, or Statistics.
Furthermore, you must have a 3.0 GPA or higher and submit a personal statement outlining your goals for the program. You must also provide the following:
Industrial Organizational Psychology Work Opportunities in Maryland
Working in Maryland as an I-O psychologist presents some interesting opportunities. On the one hand, you might use your expertise to go into private practice or consulting and work on a contractual basis with businesses and organizations throughout the state and region. This career path usually requires a terminal degree (a Ph.D. or Psy.D.) and a handful of years of experience working in the field.
Another option you might explore in Maryland is working for a federal agency. Maryland’s proximity to the nation’s capital makes it easy to commute to work if required. And with so many federal agencies in the area, there are virtually endless possibilities for finding a job in organizational management, human resources, talent development, or related fields.
With a few years of experience under your belt, you might shift from practicing I-O psychology to teaching it. Academic positions usually include a teaching component and research, too, so you would be responsible for leading courses for undergraduate and graduate students as well as conducting original research on campus.
