Industrial and Organizational Psychology

The Doctorate in Industrial and Organizational (I-O) Psychology at BGSU was ranked third in US News 2022 rankings. The goal of the BGSU I-O Psychology doctoral program is to prepare students for careers as active contributors to the psychology of work.

Advanced learning and developmental experiences are provided through coursework, research and applied projects.

Apply Now

Request Information

International Students

We are strong proponents of the science-practitioner model, meaning that as a student, you will receive a wealth of opportunities beneficial to either a career in research or in applied settings (i.e., consulting or business).

The program has a strong culture of collaboration and cooperation, which leads to a fast rate of student progress. Many students complete their Ph.D in approximately 4 and a half years. Our more than 50-year history as one of the nation’s earliest I-O programs means we have an extensive alumni network.

A balanced focus on high-quality work and a supportive environment

The I-O psychology program shares the psychology building with doctoral programs in behavioral neuroscience, clinical, cognitive and developmental psychology. As a student, you will have office space within the department and free on-campus parking. Additionally, you will have access to a modern graduate student computer lab and many faculty members have lab space for graduate students to work and conduct research.

The psychology department hosts a very active undergraduate participant pool to facilitate data collection by students and faculty. This system is electronically monitored, making it easy for both researchers and participants to connect.

In addition to the high quality of academic life at BGSU, our I-O Psychology students and faculty appreciate the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between work and fun. We know balanced individuals produce more significant amounts of high-quality work!

During the annual fall mixer, the Bonnie A. Sandman Award, Sliter Award for Excellence in Occupational Health Psychology and IPRA Excellence in Applied Psychology Award are granted to students demonstrating excellence in research and practice.

STAND OUT in courses

Psychometrics
Motivation and Morale
The Social Environment of Work
Organizational Staffing
Occupational Health Psychology

The BGSU Doctorate in Organizational and Industrial Psychology was ranked #3 by US News in 2022

Curriculum

BGSU students acquire a solid foundation in psychological theories and principles through their coursework. Subjects are drawn from various psychological areas within the department, which ensures our students will emerge from BGSU’s doctoral program as well-rounded scientist-practitioners.

Research

I-O psychology graduate students are strongly encouraged to engage in research during their time in the program. Our faculty members are active researchers and their research interests cover a wide range of I-O psychology topics.

This excellent research training has led to placements of BGSU graduates at R1 universities. Additionally, BGSU student’s have the opportunity to present their research at conferences such as the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Work, Stress and Health, the Academy of Management, the American Psychological Association and the Society of Judgment and Decision Making and have also led to many publications.

Applied Projects

Students gain applied experience through projects with businesses contracted through the Institute for Psychological Research and Application. Although not required, many BGSU students take summer or year-long internships to gain more applied experience.

Career

You can find Bowling Green State University's Industrial-Organizational Psychology program graduates in many places, ranging from academic to applied settings.

Graduates of the BGSU I-O psychology doctoral program are conducting original research, impacting workplaces and benefitting the bottom line of companies and improving the wellbeing of their employees.

Annually, the I-O doctoral students, led by a faculty advisor, create the BGSU I-O Alumni-Observer, which helps keep alumni of the program apprised of the great things going on in the department, and vice versa.

GO FAR in your career

Talent Specialist
Assessment Research and Analytics
Employee Metrics and Staffing
Senior Research Scientist
Principal People Scientist
People Analytics

Students gain applied experience through projects with area businesses contracted through the Institute for Psychological Research and Application

The process of candidate selection and how people function in the workplace are considered on the BGSU I-O psychology Ph.D.

More Information

The doctorate in Industrial and Organizational Psychology program is a part of the Department of Psychology in the College of Arts and Sciences

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the doctoral degree, students in Psychology are expected to be able to:

Achieve competencies in graduate level statistical methods.
Achieve competencies in graduate level psychological research methods.
Achieve competencies that reflect the breadth of psychology.
Achieve competencies in program specific/core knowledge area.
Acquire direct experience in teaching
Acquire direct experience in mentored research
Design, implement, evaluate, and summarize the results of at least two independently conceived research projects
Develop professional relationships and roles outside of the classroom
Acquire skills in dissemination of research findings to the scientific community

Accreditation and/or Program/Cluster Review

Bowling Green State University [BGSU] is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. BGSU has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 01/01/1916. Questions should be directed to the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.

The Industrial and Organizational Psychology program will go through Program/Cluster Review during the Academic Year 2020/21.

Our doctoral program in clinical psychology has been continuously accredited by the American Psychological Association since 1971.

Professional Licensure (If applicable)

Bowling Green State University programs leading to licensure, certification and/or endorsement, whether delivered online, face-to-face or in a blended format, satisfy the academic requirements for those credentials set forth by the State of Ohio.

Requirements for licensure, certification and/or endorsement eligibility vary greatly from one profession to another and from state to state. The Industrial/Organizational Psychology Ph.D. program does not lead to professional licensure.

Gainful Employment (If applicable)

Under the Higher Education Act Title IV disclosure requirements, an institution must provide current and prospective students with information about each of its programs that prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation.

The psychology program is not a recognized occupation that requires a Gainful Employment disclosure.

* Job placement and salary information was compiled by the Office of Academic Assessment through the Graduation Survey from AY2015-2018. The data are gathered around the time of Commencement and a follow-up survey six months post Commencement. For the salary question, data for programs with fewer than fifteen responses are not included. Salaries for those programs are from the National Association of Colleges and Employers Summer 2019 Survey. For questions regarding the data, contact assessment@bgsu.edu.

Updated: 07/26/2022 08:12AM