Oregon is a beautiful state that offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation. But it isn’t just a place for people to explore the beauty of the outdoors. Instead, Oregon has an extensive higher education system with a network of schools throughout the state.
As a prospective psychology student, this is extremely advantageous because you have your pick of schools and programs. And with online learning, the selection of programs you can choose is even greater because you can enroll in an out-of-state online program and still complete your degree while living in Oregon.
We will discuss some of the popular industrial-organizational psychology programs to consider in Oregon. You’ll learn about two undergraduate options and two graduate options, so you have plenty of choices for pursuing the right degree for you.
Industrial Organizational Psychology Programs in Oregon
Listed below are some of the popular schools offering industrial-organizational psychology programs in Oregon:
- Oregon Institute of Technology
- Eastern Oregon University
- Golden Gate University
- Purdue University Global
- Grand Canyon University
- National University
- American Public University
- The Chicago School
- Southern New Hampshire University
Oregon Institute of Technology
Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology
If you’re just starting your college education and want to enroll in an undergraduate psychology program, Oregon Tech’s Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology is a worthy choice. Its emphasis on applied psychology prepares you to implement the principles, tools, and techniques you learn in all sorts of settings, including businesses and organizations.
The core curriculum for this degree meets the standards outlined by the American Psychological Association. As such, you’ll take a wide variety of psychology classes to build a broad understanding of psychology as a science and its wide applicability in various settings.
For example, you’ll take a two-course sequence on Abnormal Psychology that explores mental illness. You’ll be introduced to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) and learn how to use it to identify specific mental disorders, like schizophrenia, dissociative identity disorder, and various personality disorders.
Moreover, these classes shed light on the causes of mental illness. You’ll learn how some disorders are primarily the product of genetics, while others result from environmental conditions, like trauma. Beyond that, you’ll learn the value of proper diagnostic techniques for laying the groundwork for treatment and recovery.
Regarding industrial-organizational psychology applications, you’ll take classes like social psychology, which help you understand the influences of groups on individual behavior. For example, you’ll explore concepts like groupthink and leadership–both of which are critical for business and organizational applications.
Likewise, you’ll take a two-course sequence on Behavior Modification that helps you understand the mechanisms available to help people change their behavior. In an industrial-organizational psychology setting, you might use knowledge of behavior modification to help workers identify the ways that they can better utilize their time to be more productive at work.
Other applied psychology coursework explores topics like the following:
- Basic Counseling Techniques
- Human Growth and Development
- Psychological Research Methods
- Cognitive Psychology
- Field and Career Preparation
This program also requires you to complete a capstone experience in applied psychology and an externship. These experiences allow you to apply what you’ve learned in the program and gain real-world experience in your chosen field. For example, you might seek an externship in a local organization and work with an experienced IO psychologist to complete any number of tasks, from helping revamp employee training procedures to developing a new employee recognition program.
Another benefit of completing the externship is that you can do so in your hometown. Given that flexibility, you can explore experiences at businesses and organizations where you might like to work after graduation. The externship can be a good “foot in the door” experience that leads to job opportunities in the future.
But the applied psychology coursework is just one component of this degree. You must also complete general education requirements in the following fields:
- Communications
- Math
- Science
- Social Science
- Humanities
In fact, 59 of the quarter credits you’ll earn are general education classes. You’ll also complete 54 quarter credits of electives to round out your degree.
The admissions requirements for first-year students are as follows:
- Have a high school diploma or be within one year of your high school graduation date.
- Have a 3.0 high school GPA or higher (for guaranteed admission) with no deficiencies in core coursework. You may be considered for admission with a 2.5 GPA or higher if you have no deficiencies in core coursework and no more than two deficiencies in other coursework.
- Submit high school transcripts.
- Submit ACT or SAT scores if you wish. This is not required, though.
You may also be eligible for admission if you’ve completed a high school equivalency, like the GED. You must provide an official score report for your GED tests when applying that shows a 680+ composite score and a minimum score of 170 in each exam content area.
Eastern Oregon University
Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
At Eastern Oregon University, you can complete either a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Psychology that can be tailored to your interest in industrial-organizational applications. Like the program discussed above, this one has an applied option that focuses on psychological research and its applications in practice.
For example, your coursework will prepare you to conduct effective psychological research and use psychological statistical methods to examine the data you collect. In an industrial-organizational setting, this might involve using qualitative data collected from workers about workplace safety and analyzing that data to learn how a safe work environment affects worker attitudes and productivity.
But, before you reach that point, you must first complete the 180-credit curriculum to earn this degree. As is the case with any undergraduate degree, you’ll take a variety of general education courses that give you a strong foundation of understanding of many subjects. These topics might include the following:
- Mathematics
- Natural Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Arts and Humanities
Other areas that you’re likely to take general courses include physical education, communications, and English composition. Along with these required general courses, you’ll also take a number of free electives. The elective component is critical as it allows you to take business-focused classes that align with your interest in industrial-organizational psychology.
So, for example, if you aspire to use your psychology education to improve the functioning of a business, you might take classes like Human Resource Development, Business Leadership, and Organizational Theory. Likewise, you might take classes on marketing, management, and human capital.
These and other elective courses fit nicely with the required psychology coursework for this degree. Six psychology courses are necessary to meet this requirement, including a two-course general psychology sequence, writing in psychology, and Introduction to Lab Methods. You’ll also take a course called The Psychology Major, which explores tips and techniques for being a successful psychology student.
The final required psychology class is Statistics and Experimental Design. This course is crucial for your development as an applied psychology major. It focuses on the major tenets of designing research and the data analysis techniques required to make sense of the data you collect. You’ll learn many different methods of analyzing data, including computer statistical analysis, regression, non-parametric statistics, and analysis of variance, to name a few.
The final aspect of this program is your choice of four capstone options:
- Psychology Research Topics
- Experimental Psychology
- Research/Experimental Psychology
- Honors Thesis
In each case, these classes require you to apply what you have learned to complete a tangible task. For example, the Psychology Research Topics option requires you to write a research paper that highlights your understanding of research design, statistical analysis, and literature review techniques. Meanwhile, the Experimental Psychology option is a detailed study of psychological research, including data analysis and ethical considerations. You’ll develop a proposal for research and carry out your research over the course of the class.
The Research/Experimental Psychology track is an extension of the Experimental Psychology option. This portion of the sequence requires you to revise your research proposal and collect and analyze relevant data. You’ll then present your findings in a research poster.
The final option is to complete an Honors Thesis. A thesis is a highly detailed and lengthy research project. You’ll conduct thorough research over the course of the semester and write a manuscript discussing your findings. Your manuscript must adhere to publication requirements, and you must also orally defend your thesis to a committee. Likewise, you’re required to participate in a professional presentation of your thesis.
Though this program is not specifically geared toward IO psychology, you can customize it to apply to IO situations. If this is of interest to you, ensure you meet the following requirements before applying:
- Have a high school diploma or its equivalent.
- Submit official high school transcripts or GED scores.
- Pay the required application fee.
Golden Gate University
Master of Arts in Industrial-Organizational Psychology
Golden Gate University’s online Master of Arts in Industrial-Organizational Psychology is available to you as a resident of the Beaver State. And since California and Oregon are in the same time zone, you can seamlessly join online classes and activities without worrying about a time difference.
This 33-credit program exposes you to the central components of IO psychology. You’ll focus partly on the theoretical framework of industrial-organizational psychology, though you’ll also have plenty of opportunities to learn how to apply the skills you develop in real-life situations. This might be done through research, practicum experiences, or job shadowing, to name a few.
The curriculum is divided into two segments: core coursework and electives. You must complete 27 units of core classes and six units of electives of your choosing.
The core coursework examines topics like Personal Leadership, Executive Coaching Theory and Practice, and Leading Complex Change. But not all of your coursework revolves around leadership and change. For example, you’ll take Applied Psychological Research, which explores the processes of inquiry about human behavior. You’ll learn about the scientific method and quantitative and qualitative research and discuss ethical considerations, too.
A related course is Tests and Measurements. This class teaches you how to administer psychological tests and how to interpret their results. More specifically, you’ll learn how to use measures of intelligence, interest, and personality to guide decisions about hiring employees, job placement, and training.
Other courses tackle topics related to organizations as a whole. For example, the Organizational Behavior and Development class looks at the structure of organizations and how to use psychological information to improve organizations. Furthermore, you’ll examine how to assess the function and performance of organizations. Then, using data you gather from psychological and sociological measures, you can go about developing a plan to improve the health of the organization.
Other required courses discuss topics such as:
- Consulting Skills
- Diversity in Organizations
- Conflict Resolution: Ethics, Theory, and Practice
The Conflict Resolution course is especially important. Often, IO psychologists play an important part in improving the culture of organizations. Ensuring that conflicts are minimized is a key part of that task.
You have wide latitude regarding the six units of elective courses you take to complete this degree. On the one hand, you might focus on team-based topics, like Teamwork in Organizations and Acquiring and Retaining Human Resources. On the other hand, you might emphasize counseling aspects of IO psychology by taking Therapeutic Communication and Counseling Skills and Coaching Interpersonal Skills and Practices. Other elective options include the following:
- Learning and Development
- Ethics in Managing People at Work
- Adaptive Decision-Making
- Strategic Analysis and Design
- Introduction to Project Management
As a result of your studies, you’ll graduate with a significant set of IO psychology skills that you can immediately use in the workplace. You’ll have a full understanding of IO theories and principles, the nature of ethical practice, and the use of assessment tools to determine the health and performance of organizations and their individual workers.
The application for graduate admission to Golden Gate University is available online. Follow these steps to apply:
- Create a Golden Gate University Account.
- Complete the online application.
- Submit unofficial transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended, including those from the school that conferred your undergraduate degree.
- Provide an up-to-date curriculum vitae or resume.
- Submit a statement of purpose.
Purdue University Global
Online Master of Science – Industrial Organizational Psychology
Another path to consider for a graduate degree in IO psychology is Purdue Global’s online Master of Science program. This program is fully online and follows an accelerated format, allowing you to complete it in as little as one year.
The program offers a concentration in IO psychology, preparing you to apply psychological principles in workplace settings. Through this program, you’ll study theories, techniques, methods, and practices associated with IO psychology. Topics covered include workplace attitudes, leadership, human resource management, and employee evaluation.
Core courses address general psychology principles that apply to many areas of practice. For example, Foundations of Professional Psychology introduces you to essential skills and knowledge for effective practice. Ethics and Standards for Professional Psychology further builds on these concepts, helping you develop a strong professional identity and commitment to ethical practice.
Several courses emphasize research methods, including:
- Advanced Research Methods
- Applied Statistics for Psychology
- Testing, Measurement, and Assessment
These classes teach you how to gather and analyze data using psychological principles, applying your findings to improve both organizational function and employee performance.
Another required course, Life Span Development, explores human growth through various stages of life. You’ll learn about key developmental milestones and study human growth through cultural and contextual models.
The program also includes a five-course concentration sequence in IO psychology to enhance your specialized training for effective practice in organizational settings.
A critical course in this sequence is Industrial/Organizational Theory and Development. This course provides an overview of IO psychology and essential methods of practice, exploring the field’s history as well as topics such as ethical considerations, sociocultural influences, and organizational behavior.
The Organizational Management and Behavior course focuses on how organizations function, examining aspects like change management, conflict resolution, and effective communication strategies.
Further required courses in the concentration include:
- Workplace Motivation and Attitudes
- Organizational Leadership—Management, Training, and Evaluation
- Human Resources Management
You may also choose to complete an IO psychology practicum, a five-credit field placement providing hands-on experience in an organizational setting. This practicum allows you to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world context under the guidance of experienced professionals.
As part of the program, you’ll decide between completing a thesis or a capstone project. Both options require research, but the thesis emphasizes a more theoretical approach, while the capstone involves developing a research proposal with a literature review, hypothesis, and testing methods.
To apply to Purdue Global’s program, you must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Submit official transcripts showing completion of your degree.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Submit an Enrollment Agreement.
- Complete the Identity and Document Verification process by providing a valid government-issued photo ID.
- Arrange for program financing.
- Provide proof of English proficiency if English is not your first language.
The application process is available online, and Purdue Global is ready to support you as you pursue your academic and professional objectives in psychology.
Grand Canyon University
Online Master of Science in Psychology
Grand Canyon’s Master of Science in Psychology emphasizes industrial-organizational psychology, which prepares you for working in business settings. Throughout this program, you’ll learn effective methods that help businesses and organizations meet their long-term goals, recruit and train effective employees, and create a positive and productive work environment.
Moreover, your coursework will help you develop a range of essential soft skills important for this type of work. These skills include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Interpersonal management skills
- Conflict resolution capabilities
- Leadership skills
- Effective communication skills
This program requires you to complete 36 credits to graduate, all of which are required core courses. Each course is eight weeks long. Your studies begin with Introduction to Graduate Studies in the Liberal Arts. This class provides insights into the graduate learning experience–what to expect in your classes, tips for success as an online student, and an overview of the tools available to you to be a more successful graduate student.
From there, you’ll take classes like Contemporary and Ethical Issues in Psychology, which examines crucial topics like scholarly writing, literature review, and professional skill development. You’ll discuss modern ethical issues in this field and have opportunities to examine relevant research in IO psychology.
Social and Cultural Psychology is also a central area of study in this program. This class explores various social factors, including groupthink, multiculturalism, and diversity. You’ll examine topics like attitudes, competition and cooperation, mass communication, and altruism, to name just a few topics. These and other studies will be done in the context of seeking to understand how various forces influence our individual behavior within a social setting.
Other classes focus on the organizational aspect of business. For example, Organizational Behavior and Development analyzes the theories underlying organizational development. It also discusses how organizations function and how you can use psychological interventions to improve that functioning. Likewise, you’ll take Industrial-Organizational Psychology, which teaches you how to apply organizational and social methods to improve various aspects of workplace functioning.
Additional required coursework includes the following:
- Graduate Statistics
- Research Methods
- Strategies for Effective Leadership and Consultation
- Principles of Personnel and Human Resource Management
Lastly, you’re required to participate in a professional capstone. This two-credit course occurs during the final semester of your studies and serves as a review of what you’ve learned in the program. You’ll examine various occupations in the IO field, construct an overview of your experiences and achievements in IO psychology, and devise a plan for achieving your career goals after graduation.
This program’s curriculum directly aligns with the standards established by the American Psychological Association. That being the case, you’ll graduate with a full set of industry-standard skills and competencies that you can put to work in any number of IO psychology-related careers.
The general requirements for admission are as follows:
- Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
- Have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.8 or higher.
- Submit official transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended.
If you can’t meet the 2.8 GPA requirement, you might be considered for admission if you achieve a satisfactory score on the GRE. This program requires you to have a 300 combined score on the verbal and quantitative portions of the GRE.
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