Psychology: Industrial-Organizational Psychology

Program highlights

• A legacy of leadership. Established in 1965, the BGSU I-O psychology Ph.D. program was among the first of its kind and has been ranked in the nation’s top 10 since the 1990s – and in the top 5 the last several years running. We have a robust and engaged alumni network that connects current students with industry leaders and scholars, serving as a resource for mentorship, career opportunities and collaboration, both now and into the future. 
• Combined M.A. and Ph.D. Most careers in I-O psychology require a doctorate. BGSU offers a combined program of study for the master’s and Ph.D. Most students complete both in 4.5 years. 
• Studies tailored to your goals. Students pair up early on with an advisor whose special competence matches their interests. Low student-faculty ratio allows for extensive supervision and individualized attention.
• Strong research component. The BGSU Department of Psychology is renowned for its commitment to applied I-O psychology research. Areas of interest include employee selection, judgment and decision-making, stress and well-being in the workplace and work motivation. 
• Spotlight your studies. Research by BGSU doctoral candidates is routinely published in peer-reviewed journals. BGSU graduate students also present at conferences, such as the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Work, Stress, and Health, the Academy of Management, the American Psychological Association, the Association for Psychological Science and the Society of Judgment and Decision Making. 
• Real-world experience. Build a great resume with applied I-O psychology opportunities.
  • Partner with local businesses and groups to address organizational needs within the Institute for Psychological Research and Application, a consulting group led by faculty and students. 
  • Expand and refine skills through internships matching your professional interests. Prior placements have included the Rand Corporation, Gallup, Proctor & Gamble, PepsiCo, Marriott, Walter Reed Army Institute of National Research and the National Institutes for Occupational Safety and Health.
• Funding through research and teaching assistantships. I-O psychology Ph.D. students gain both experience and funding through research assistantships and teaching assistantships. So long as students are progressing on their Ph.D., they can receive a tuition waiver and graduate stipend for modest living expenses for at least four years.
• Collaborative, supportive community. Both professors and students in the Department of Psychology have an open-door policy. The overall spirit is collegial rather than competitive.