Program Overview

Industrial and Organizational Psychology Ph.D. Concentration

The University of Connecticut's industrial and organizational psychology concentration emphasizes the research and application of psychological methods and principles to understand human behavior in work settings. Faculty work closely with students to develop a course plan and research experiences that highlight personnel and organizational psychology or human factors and ergonomics. Many students also develop special expertise in quantitative research methods and occupational health psychology.

Program Overview

UConn graduate students earning a Ph.D. in psychological sciences can choose a concentration in industrial and organizational (I/O) psychology. The I/O concentration focuses on applying psychological methods and principles to understanding human behavior in work settings. Students in this concentration work closely with their professors to develop a course plan and research experiences that emphasize one of two areas of specialization:

• Personnel and organizational psychology
• Human factors and ergonomics

Students also have the option of completing graduate certificate programs in occupational health psychology, quantitative research methods, or health psychology.

Research

The I/O concentration is designed to provide learning experiences for students to apply their research skills in organizational settings. Students in the I/O concentration develop research and measurement skills that can be used to address the problems of business, government, and industry. All students are expected to engage in research during every semester that they are in residence at UConn. This is carried out in close collaboration with faculty in the program.

In addition, all students are required to complete a field research experience as part of their graduate training. Those who plan to pursue academic careers are also urged to take advantage of opportunities for independent classroom teaching experiences.

Outcomes

Students who complete the I/O concentration are prepared to enter careers in academic settings and a variety of applied settings, including large corporations, government research units, and consulting organizations. Examples of organizations where alumni have accepted positions upon graduation include:

• Aptima Corporation
• AON Consulting
• Bowling Green State University
• IBM Corporation – Human Factors Solutions
• IBM International – Global Employee Research
• LIMRA International
• Quinnipiac University
• San Diego State University
• The Hartford
• University of Georgia
• the U.S. Dept. of Transportation Research Center
• Wayne State University

Financial Aid

Most students admitted into the Ph.D. program receive a graduate assistantship for research or teaching. The assistantship includes a tuition waiver, stipend, and a range of other benefits. Students can also apply for other scholarships, fellowships, and awards based on financial need and academic merit, as well as interdisciplinary graduate training programs.

Admissions

All application materials must be received by December 1. Applicants must designate "industrial and organizational psychology” as their concentration in the online application. It is recommended that applicants review the list of faculty members and reach out to inquire whether they are accepting new students.