Psychology - Industrial/Organizational-Social Psychology
Overview
The Industrial/Organizational-Social Psychology graduate sequence focuses on the application of psychological theory and methodology in employment and social settings. The sequence is designed to prepare students as scientist-practitioner who use psychological theory and methodology to address the problems associated with industrial, business, and government organizations, as well as the problems of individuals and groups in these settings. Students may focus their graduate study on either Industrial/Organizational Psychology or Social Psychology.
The master's degree can be completed in two years with full-time enrollment on campus.
Point of Pride
The Industrial/Organizational-Social Psychology graduate sequence focuses on the application of psychological theory and methodology in employment and social settings. The sequence is designed to prepare students as scientist-practitioner who use psychological theory and methodology to address the problems associated with industrial, business, and government organizations, as well as the problems of individuals and groups in these settings.
Advising
Kim Schneider
(309) 438-8029
DeGarmo 427
How to Apply
University Admission Requirements
A student applying to a master's program must:
- Have earned a four-year bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a college or university prior to fall admission
- Send official transcripts from each college or university, other than Illinois State, where graduate, undergraduate, or non-degree credit was earned. Transcripts can should be emailed from the school to Admissions@IllinoisState.edu or mailed in a sealed envelope to: Office of Admissions, Campus Box 2200, Normal, IL 61790-2200
International students can learn more about specific application requirements and deadlines by visiting the Office of Admissions.
Additional Program Admission Requirements
Complete your application by January 1.
Admission is offered only for the fall semester and is very competitive. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Admission offers are sent in March. The Council for Graduate Schools stipulates that an applicant has until April 15 to accept or decline an admission offer. Some admission offers may be delayed until applicants notify the department that they are declining admission.
GPA
Have a 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) for the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework or 3.0 GPA for 9 hours of graduate coursework.
Competitive applicants generally have a 3.3 GPA.
Average GPA: 3.75
Undergraduate Coursework
You must have completed at least 21 hours of undergraduate psychology courses, including:
- General Psychology
- Experimental Psychology or Research Methods
- Psychological Statistics
You’ll also need to have a proficiency in math. This includes:
- Passing grade in Finite Math or Pre-Calculus (MAT 120, 144, or equivalent)
- B grade or better in Psychological Statistics (PSY 340 or equivalent) or a score 144 or higher on the Quantitative Reasoning section of the GRE General Test
If you have not completed the required undergraduate courses, you may still be admitted. Missing courses will be added to your curriculum and must be completed during your first year of graduate study.
GRE Scores
Use institution code 1319 to submit your GRE scores.
If your subscale scores fall below the 50th percentile, we strongly encourage you to re-take the exam to improve your score. Most competitive applicants score above the 50th percentile.
Average Verbal Score: 157
Average Quantitative Score: 155
Application Materials
In addition to meeting general requirements, a complete application will need to include the following items:
- Curriculum Vitae or Resume
- Writing Sample
- Personal Statement
- Three letters of recommendation
Curriculum Vitae or Resume
Ensure your curriculum vitae or resume lists your experience. This can be paid or unpaid experience, internships, volunteer work, etc. Include the following information.
- Dates
- Employer or organization
- Business addresses
- Nature of the experiences that are relevant to being admitted to the graduate sequence
- Received academic honors and awards
- Date received
- Explanation of what the honor or award recognizes
- Research experiences, skills, and accomplishments
Writing Sample
Provide a scholarly writing sample (5-15 pages long).
Personal Statement
In 2-3 pages double spaced, address the following:
- Your Professional and career goals
- Research interests and experiences
- Qualifications for admission to this graduate sequence
- How your interests and goals fit with this graduate sequence
Letters of Recommendation
The online application system will ask you to upload three letters of recommendation. You’ll also need to enter your recommenders’ names and email addresses into the system.
Applicant Interview Day – Friday, March 6, 2020
Some applicants may be invited to visit the department during the spring semester. The Applicant Interview Day schedule includes meeting with current graduate students and other invited applicants, interviews with faculty members, lunch, and a late afternoon social. Invited applicants will be contacted by the graduate coordinator.
Application Deadlines
- Fall (August) Term — January 1
- Spring (January) Term — No spring admission
- Summer (May/June) Term — No summer admission
Graduate Assistantships
The University provides graduate assistantships as a means of financial support. They are intended as a way to facilitate a student's progress to degree while providing important professional development.
Eligibility
To be eligible for an assistantship a student must, generally:
- Be admitted as a degree-seeking student into to a graduate program
- Be in good-standing
- Be enrolled full-time (typically at least 9 graduate credits) during the fall or spring semesters
Benefits
Graduate assistants receive:
- Monthly wages paid in the form of either a stipend or an hourly wage
- A waiver for 100% of tuition during a semester of appointment
- A waiver for up to 12 credits of tuition for the summer term immediately following a fall or spring appointment
The department awards graduate assistantships to applicants who accept admission. Graduate assistantships are subject to verification of employment eligibility under U.S. immigration laws and the receipt of anticipated state funding by the University.
Costs & Funding
See Student Accounts for information on tuition and fees. Funding for graduate students is available from several different sources. Students who have been admitted from contiguous states including Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, and Wisconsin will receive in-state tuition.