Program Overview
The Master of Arts in Industrial and Organizational Psychology (MAIOP) prepares graduates to work in a variety of areas related to organizational research and design, organization development, talent management, consulting and leadership for business, industry, and the public sector. The degree offers curricula that supports the integration of theory, practice, applied research, and community service within the disciplines of industrial and organizational psychology and related fields. Knowledge and skills developed in the program will enable graduates to provide consultation to, and leadership in, organizational settings on the level of the individual, the work group, and organizational systems and structures.
This degree requires students to complete two practica: a 200-hour Social Justice Practicum and a 300-hour organizational development practicum completed in an organizational setting. The program also requires students to complete the MAIOP master’s thesis. The thesis requirement requires students to demonstrate the requisite abilities to critically analyze research and theory and its application to practice in the field of Industrial and Organization Psychology. The MAIOP thesis supports students who wish to continue their academic pursuits.
Designed for the professional learner, the program is offered in a flexible weekday, weekday evening, and weekend format. This allows students to maintain their involvement with their work while completing the program.
Graduates of the core M.A. in Organizational Psychology program are not eligible for registration as a clinical counsellor.
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission, an applicant must meet the following criteria:
- A baccalaureate degree or equivalent from an accredited institution.
- A GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale for all undergraduate or graduate coursework.
- The equivalent of six semester credit hours in baccalaureate level psychology with a grade of C or better. These courses must include introductory psychology and research methods.
- International students must have a minimum score in one of the following English proficiency tests:
- 92 or better on the Internet-based TOEFL (iBT) with no band lower than 22.
- 7.0 IELTS overall with no bands below 6.5.
- PTE must have a minimum score of 62.
Approved applicants will be evaluated through a writing sample and an interview as the final step in the application process. Students must complete all coursework required for the program at Adler University- Vancouver Campus. The only exceptions to this policy are any courses accepted for transfer credit in accordance with the University’s official transfer credit policy. For full details about the admissions requirements, visit adler.edu.
Practicum - Vancouver Campus
Social Justice Practicum (SJP)
In their first year of the program, students will spend eight to 10 hours per week over the course of six months at an approved Social Justice Practicum (SJP) site and must concurrently enroll in required coursework. A minimum of 200 hours of SJP is required. For more information, students should contact the manager of Community Action & Engagement, Vancouver Campus.
Professional Practicum
Students are required to complete a 300-hour organizational development practicum, which is typically completed in an organizational setting. Prior to commencing the practicum, each student will receive a review by program faculty to ensure capacity and readiness to complete the practicum. Students receive supervision by designated practitioners in the organizational setting, as well as via supervision by the Organizational Psychology faculty of Adler University. The goal of the practicum is for students to build their capacity as a practitioner by applying their knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values from their experience in the program. Students are typically at their sites two to three days per week for a period of four months. Approved sites include a range of settings, such as HR or OD departments in public, private, or nonprofit organizations, EAP firms, management consulting firms, and relocation or outplacement firms.
Graduation Requirements
- Satisfactory completion of 45 credit hours, including all required courses.
- Satisfactory completion of 200 hours of the Social Justice Practicum.
- Satisfactory completion of 300 hours of organizational development practicum.
- A cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher, and no more than two courses or six credits with a final grade of C.
- Successful completion of the MAIOP Thesis.
Submission of completed graduation application and full payment of all outstanding tuition and fees.
