George Mason University - Online MPS in Applied Industrial and Organizational Psychology

The College of Humanities and Social Sciences at George Mason University offers an online Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Applied Industrial and Organizational Psychology (IO Psychology). This program is designed for human resources and business professionals who wish to advance their communication and hiring skills, and create a positive work environment for all involved in their company. Industrial and organizational psychology is the scientific study of human behavior in organizations. MPS students learn how to determine top candidates for their organization, evaluate and reward employees, improve training programs, improve performance, and create an environment of innovation and empowerment. Focus areas include research methods, data analytics, communication, motivation, innovation, and how to empower employees.

The MPS in Applied Industrial and Organizational Psychology courses are fully online, with one practicum required. The program comprises 30 credits, including required courses, practicums, and electives. The program can be completed part-time in just 21 months, however, students have up to six years to do so. Courses begin in the fall, spring, and summer, and are taken one at a time, with each lasting eight weeks. Application materials include transcripts showing a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA, evidence of work experience in a related field, two letters of reference, and a personal essay. Graduates of this degree program may go on to positions such as Human Resource Manager, Industrial-Organizational Psychologist, Management Analyst, or Training and Development Manager.

George Mason University utilizes the Blackboard Learning Management System (LMS), offering asynchronous online courses. Interactive tools for faculty and students include blogs, discussion boards, chat rooms, and email communication. Class materials and methods may include videos, individual and group projects, and assessments. Most courses require 8-12 hours of work per week.

Courses for the MPS in Applied Industrial and Organizational Psychology include 12 credits of fundamentals of industrial and organizational psychology, nine credits of principles of research and data analysis in psychology, three credits of Application of Evidence-Based Principles in Psychology, and six credits of electives. Prerequisite courses include Research Methods and Statistics plus Industrial and Organizational Psychology or a related course. Foundation courses include Introduction to the Science and Practice of Industrial and Organizational Psychology; Foundations of Industrial Psychology; Foundations of Organizational Psychology; and Employee Selection. Research and data analysis courses include Psychological Research Methods and Applied Data Analysis In Psychology I-II. The evidence-based application course is Practicum in Applied Psychology, during which students complete a practicum in an organizational setting. This course may be taken twice for up to six credits which would increase the total credit load.

Electives include Performance Management; Workplace Training; Motivation and Well-Being; Applied Leadership in the Workplace; Benefits and Compensation; and Organizational Change and Development.

George Mason University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC).