Apply: MS Industrial/Organizational Psychology

A student standing at the front of the class.

Graduate Application Process

Apply Now

Testing Requirement Waiver

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, GRE, GMAT and MTEL testing have temporarily been waived from the application requirements for a number of our graduate programs through Spring 2026.

MS in Industrial/Organizational Psychology Graduate Application Process

Required Materials

Statement of Purpose

The following questions ask about your interests, training, experience, and overall preparedness for Master of Science level study in IO psychology. 

Please answer each question as fully as you can. Asking the same questions of all applicants helps us ensure a level playing field as we don’t want to miss any important information about your qualifications. 

Evaluating your candidacy: We are a quantitative discipline so fluency with math and science is expected in our classes from the get-go. If you have not been able to work on research presentations in your undergrad (see question 5) then it is not an automatic rejection. However, having prior research experience is a plus as it informs us of your demonstrated interest in scientific pursuits.

In assessing your candidacy, we review your application holistically. This means that in addition to your responses to these structured questions, we carefully read (a) your transcripts to see how you have done on quantitative courses including statistics and research methods, (b) letters of recommendation (these are best procured from individuals who can speak to your skills and knowledge to undertake graduate level work), (c) work experience, and (d) resume.

Statement of Purpose Questions

Note: each response should be between 150-250 words in length.

1) Why do you wish to pursue a Master of Science degree in IO psychology? Which areas of HR specialties appeal to you? Please also share your long-term goals for a career in IO psychology.

2) Describe your training and experience with statistics and research methods that will help you take on the rigors of a Master of Science IO program. Please note: we are looking for your self-assessment on what you have learned in these classes and/or how you have used this knowledge in your classes/jobs. We can see your grades in your transcripts, so this question is asking you to provide commentary beyond just your grades.

3) Describe any applied experiences (work, internships, volunteering, etc.) you have had that have helped prepare you for graduate study in a Master of Science IO program.

4) Please tell us about any experiences you have that show your scientific bent of mind. For example, you can include your senior/honors thesis (completed or ongoing), research presentations, or evidence-based initiatives and/or other projects you may have worked on at your workplace. For each, please describe how you contributed to the outcomes.

5) Optional: What else do you think the faculty should know about you? Tell us about any special circumstances (e.g., in life, education, and/or work) you would like us to be aware of when considering your application.

Deadlines

  • Applications accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed once complete.

Prerequisites

Back to top