SMU Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences

Master of Science in Organizational Psychology

Begin your journey toward a rewarding career in industrial/organizational psychology with SMU guiding you every step of the way. Decide today to pursue a career that makes a real impact. With SMU, you’ll gain the necessary knowledge, skills and connections to turn your ambitions into reality.

59%

of students are from outside of Texas
2023-24 school year

94%

of Dedman graduates have jobs within 6 months of graduation

Dallas HallThe Master of Science in organizational psychology at SMU is a comprehensive 36-hour program (completed in 18 months). It emphasizes advanced psychology principles tailored to be directly applicable in real-world organizational settings. Unique to this program is its non-thesis structure specifically designed to prioritize the development of practical skills over research-based pursuits.

Highlighting its innovative edge, the program is STEM-designated, recognizing its focus on integrating science, technology, engineering and math principles within the field of psychology.

Why industrial/organizational psychology matters

Identifying barriers to productivity and efficiency

Every organization grapples with obstacles that can hamper productivity and efficiency. I/O psychology empowers professionals to identify and enact strategies to overcome barriers ranging from job dissatisfaction, miscommunication and poor leadership to lack of motivation and lack of resources to foster a more productive and efficient work environment.

Understanding and aiding in organizational change

Change is a given in any organization, yet poorly managed changes can lead to chaos, resistance and a decline in performance. I/O psychologists serve a crucial role in understanding the dynamics of organizational change. They help reduce change-related anxieties and resistance, paving the way for strategic growth and adaptation.

Improving job satisfaction, employee retention and overall organizational efficacy

One of the central tenets of I/O psychology lies in its goal to enhance job satisfaction and improve employee retention rates. By exploring factors such as workplace environment, job design, leadership style, reward systems and work-life balance, I/O psychologists can formulate strategies that boost employee engagement and overall job satisfaction.

There are a lot of benefits to having a small cohort. There’s more one-on-one interaction with your professor and that allows for more deep insights and deep learning.

Westley Giadolor ’23, management consultant associate at KPMG