Industrial and Organizational Psychology—Personnel and Human Resources, M.A.
School of Natural and Behavioral Sciences
Program Overview
Join the next generation of leaders in the fast-growing STEM field of industrial and organizational (I/O) psychology. The Master of Arts program in industrial and organizational psychology—personnel and human resources is unique because it allows you to specialize in the “industrial” side of I/O psychology.
Using the scientist-practitioner model, you will be trained to focus on personnel psychology and human resource management, such as selection and hiring, training and development, job analysis, and performance appraisals. This program follows the educational recommendations of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) as well as the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP).
Whether you are a seasoned professional looking to enhance your career through a master’s degree or a recent B.A./B.S. graduate aiming to enter the personnel psychology and HR field, this program can help you take the next steps toward realizing your career goals.
Program Details
The program information listed here reflects the approved curriculum for the 2024–25 academic year per the Brooklyn College Bulletin. Bulletins from past academic years can be found here.
Program Description
This program prepares the student for entry-level analyst and associate positions in the areas of personnel and human resources in organizations. It shares a common core of five courses with other concentrations in industrial and organizational psychology, but it places additional emphasis on theory, research, and practice in areas such as human resource management, job analysis, recruitment, selection, training, compensation, retention, and outplacement.
Matriculation Requirements
Applicants should offer:
- an overall GPA of 3.00 or better,
- a minimum of 12 credits in psychology, and
- courses in statistics and in research methods, with a grade of B or better in both courses.
Degree Requirements
Students must complete 36 credits and receive a passing grade on the comprehensive examination. The eight required courses include Psychology 7101G or 7231G; and 7105G, 7106G, 7210G, 7232G, 7236G, 7241G, and 7242G. The remainder of each student’s program consists of four elective courses (12 credits) that must be Psychology 7000-level courses within the psychology department. Other courses may be used as electives with prior graduate deputy approval. The comprehensive examination is a requirement of the program and students are eligible to take it when they have registered for their 24th credit.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Knowledge base in psychology: Acquire advanced knowledge in general core domains of industrial/organizational psychology (e.g., ethical, legal, professional contexts of I/O practice).
- Scientific inquiry and critical thinking: Acquire advanced knowledge in specific core domains of I/O psychology, according to the program of choice.
- Human relations: knowledge of group psychology, organizational structures, leadership, and motivation.
- Ethical and social responsibility in a diverse world: Acquire knowledge and skills in data collection, data analysis, research methods, and program evaluation including the critical analysis of research articles and scientific literature.
- Communication: Acquire skills in effective oral and written communication of scientific research to a wide range of audiences (e.g. scholars and practitioners). This includes mastering APA style, presentation software, and report writing.
- Professional development: Acquire advanced knowledge in additional industrial/organizational domains (e.g., gender, diversity, occupational health psychology, communication, career development, and other areas).
Admissions Requirements
- Fall Application Deadline: March 1, rolling admission
- Spring Application Deadline: The program does not accept applications for spring.
Supporting Documents for Matriculation
Submit the following documents to the Office of Graduate Admissions:
- Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Applicants who earned a bachelor’s degree outside the United States need to submit a course-by-course international transcript evaluation. See Graduate Admissions for more information.
- Résumé
- Two letters of recommendation
- Personal/professional statement
- Completed Application Summary Fact Sheet (PDF).
Be advised this program does not accept nondegree seeking applicants.
Required Tests
- F-1 or J-1 international students must submit English Proficiency Exam: TOEFL—79, IELTS—6.5, PTE—58–63, Duolingo—105–160.
Refer to the instructions at Graduate Admissions.
Contact
Tōnia Hucey, Graduate Program Assistant
5401 James Hall
E: tonia.hucey@brooklyn.cuny.edu
P: 718.951.5601
Or contact:
Office of Graduate Admissions
222 West Quad Center
2900 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11210
E: grads@brooklyn.cuny.edu
P: 718.951.4536
Office Hours
Mondays–Fridays, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
To make an appointment with a graduate admissions counselor, visit:
The Support You’ll Find
Brooklyn College is an integral part of the cultural and artistic energy of New York City. Our faculty members in the Department of Psychology offer incomparable expertise and tremendous talent, and each brings a unique perspective to their teaching and mentoring in and out of the classroom.
Internships and Employers
Through job fairs, the internship database, and internship panels, the Magner Career Center gives students in the psychology, industrial and organizational (I/O) programs access to career opportunities at a wide variety of employers, including:
- BNY Mellon
- Citi
- City University of New York
- Columbia University
- The Estee Lauder Companies Inc.
- JP Morgan & Chase Co.
- Mount Sinai Health System
- New York City Department of Education
- New York City Health + Hospitals
- New York-Presbyterian Hospital
- New York University
- Northwell Health
- Snap Inc.
- Success Academy Charter Schools
