Program Overview

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Program at a Glance

Program

Industrial-Organizational Psychology, MA

Format

Online, Hybrid

Total Units

33

Requirements

No GMAT or GRE Required

Fall '25 Early Application Deadline

July 13

Program Overview

Golden Gate University's MA in Industrial-Organizational Psychology program offers a comprehensive and practical education designed to empower future leaders in the field of I-O psychology. This program blends core psychological principles with essential business and leadership expertise, ensuring that graduates are prepared for immediate impact and long-term success in this dynamic field.

Degree Outcomes

Graduates of the Master of Arts in Industrial-Organizational Psychology will possess the skills and knowledge to:

• Understand the main theoretical frameworks of industrial-organizational psychology with emphasis on organizational behavior, team and individual functioning, and leadership in a global context.
• Examine the dynamic and evolving nature of professional practice with focus on careers in industrial-organizational psychology, as well as human resources, executive coaching, and management consulting.
• Learn assessment tools to measure and diagnose individual, team, and organizational performance.
• Explore contemporary challenges such as diversity in organizations, managing generational differences, and the growing role of human resources technology.

Admission Requirements

• Applicants should hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or the equivalent from a recognized foreign institution (outside the United States), and provide official transcripts.
• All applicants will need to submit a Statement of Purpose (SOP) and a resume.
  • For applicants with a GPA under 3.0, the Statement of Purpose should address the circumstances that led to the applicant's academic performance, what has changed, and why they think they'll be more successful now.
• Applicants whose native language is not English must meet the English Language Proficiency Admission Requirements.

Curriculum

Core Courses

• LEAD 301: Personal Leadership - 3 unit(s)
• LEAD 304: Leading Complex Change - 3 unit(s)
• PSYCH 308: Applied Psychological Research - 3 unit(s)
• PSYCH 344: Tests and Measurements - 3 unit(s)
• PSYCH 345: Organizational Behavior and Development - 3 unit(s)
• PSYCH 349: Executive Coaching Theory and Practice - 3 unit(s)
• PSYCH 354: Consulting Skills - 3 unit(s)
• PSYCH 355: Diversity in Organizations - 3 unit(s)
• PSYCH 356: Conflict Resolution: Ethics, Theory and Practice - 3 unit(s)

Elective Courses

Select two of the following:

• HRM 302: Acquiring and Retaining Human Resources - 3 unit(s)
• HRM 306: Learning and Development - 3 unit(s)
• HRM 308: Ethics in Managing People At Work - 3 unit(s)
• LEAD 303: Teamwork in Organizations - 3 unit(s)
• LEAD 305: Adaptive Decision Making - 3 unit(s)
• MBA 311: Strategic Analysis and Design - 3 unit(s)
• MGT 345: Context of Business - 3 unit(s)
• PM 340: Introduction to Project Management - 3 unit(s)
• PSYCH 320: Therapeutic Communication and Counseling Skills - 3 unit(s)
• PSYCH 361: Coaching: Interpersonal Skills and Practices - 3 unit(s)
• PSYCH 398: Internship: Applied Psychology - 1-3 unit(s)

Additional courses offered by the Ageno School of Business may be used to fulfill this requirement in consultation with the program director and/or the student's academic advisor.

Featured Faculty

Dan Popkin-Clurman

Senior Adjunct Professor

Communication Coach and Trainer

Dan Popkin-Clurman is a coach, trainer, and professor. Over the past thirty-five years, he has provided communication training and coaching to individuals and organizations in the private, public, government, and nonprofit sectors. He is on the faculty of the psychology department in the Edward S. Ageno School of Business at Golden Gate University.

Anil Awasti, MA, MBA, SPHR

Adjunct Professor

Director, Talent and Culture | HR and Operations Consultant; Beneficial State Foundation

Anil Awasti is a Human Resources and Operations Leader who has worked for several Nonprofit organizations in the Bay Area in senior and executive leadership roles. Within the Human Resources field, he has extensive experience in Strategic Planning, Compensation, Employee and Labor Relations, Union Negotiations, Conflict Management, and Project Management.

Graduate Tuition

The tuition for most graduate degree programs at Golden Gate University is $1,090 per unit, covering the cost of high-quality, career-focused education led by experienced faculty. This investment supports essential resources, including personalized academic advising, state-of-the-art technology, and student services designed to help adult learners succeed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the learning modes available for this program?

The program is offered in two modes: fully online asynchronous and hybrid. The asynchronous mode allows you to complete all coursework online with no residency requirement. The hybrid mode combines online learning with two designated campus weeks per term.

What is the residency requirement for hybrid students?

Hybrid students are required to attend two designated campus weeks per term. The remainder of the term is conducted asynchronously online.

How long does it take to complete the program?

The quickest completion time is 1 year for full-time students. The average completion time is 1.5 years, allowing for a more balanced approach that suits many working professionals.

Is work experience required for admission?

No prior work experience is required for admission to the program.

What kind of background do successful applicants typically have?

Successful applicants often have backgrounds in psychology, business, or related fields. However, the program welcomes students from diverse academic and professional backgrounds.

Can I specialize in a particular area of I-O Psychology?

Yes, the program offers a wide range of electives, allowing you to tailor your studies to your specific interests and career goals.

What career opportunities are available for graduates?

Graduates are prepared for roles in various fields such as human resources, management consulting, organizational development, and executive coaching, among others.

Is the program STEM-designated?

Yes, this is a STEM-designated degree program, which can be particularly beneficial for international students.

What is the application process?

Applicants should hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and provide official transcripts. Those with a GPA below 2.50 should submit a statement of purpose and a resume.

Are there opportunities for practical experience within the program?

Yes, the program offers an optional internship course, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in the field.

Where can I learn more about the field of I-O Psychology?

For more information about the field of Industrial-Organizational Psychology, you can visit the Society for Industrial-Organizational Psychology (SIOP) website. SIOP is a leading professional organization in the field and offers valuable resources for both students and professionals.