Industrial and Organizational Psychology

The goal of industrial and organizational psychology is to promote the improvement of working conditions in organizations while at the same time ascertaining and improving organizational performance. I/O psychologists can improve hiring practices, develop training programs, and conduct such training, and they can conduct research to help solve organizational problems. They work in human resource departments and in research departments, or as internal or external consultants.

Our Master’s Programs

• Psychology, Industrial and Organizational—Group Processes and Organizational Behavior, M.A.
• Psychology, Industrial and Organizational—Personnel and Human Resources, M.A.

Two different degrees, one in group processes and organizational behavior (previously human relations) and one in personnel and human resources (previously organizational behavior), prepare students for entry-level positions in consulting firms that offer services in organization development areas or for comparable-level positions in the areas of personnel and human resources in organizations.

Both programs follow the Scientist-Practitioner Model by focusing on systematic, scientific, and empirical research to help solve problems in organizations and enhance organizational functioning. Both programs share a common core of five courses. Courses in research methods, statistics, and area-specific psychological research and theory provide the foundation for field applications. The concentration in group processes and organizational behavior provides specialization in organizational development, organizational effectiveness, group processes, team performance, culture, and leadership. The concentration in personnel and human resources provides specialization in areas related to human resource management, such as job analysis, recruitment, selection, training, compensation, retention, and outplacement.

Is This Master’s Degree for You?

Both programs in industrial and organizational psychology are designed for:

• recent graduates from a baccalaureate institution, and
• professionals who are currently working in various fields in practice and are interested in the field of organizational development, organizational consulting, training, or human resources.

Contact Information

Graduate Program Assistants

Tonia Hucey
5401 James Hall
E: Tonia.Hucey@brooklyn.cuny.edu
P: 718.951.5601

I/O Program Director

Professor Elisabeth Brauner
5603 James Hall
E: ebrauner@brooklyn.cuny.edu
P: 718.951.5601

Graduate Deputy Chair

Associate Professor Benzion Chanowitz
4414 James Hall
E: benzionc@brooklyn.cuny.edu
P: 718.951.5601

• SIOP—Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology
• Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP)
• Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)

Be Sure to Read

• Business section of The New York Times
• SIOP White Papers
• The Industrial-Organizational Psychologist (TIP)