Courses Industrial/Organizational Psychology

In this course, learners improve their ability to navigate the virtual campus and become familiar with library, career center, and writing center resources. Learners identify the educational steps and requirements necessary for successfully completing the doctoral degree program in their chosen specialization; review their specialization’s requirements, associated professional roles and organizations, and ethics and professional standards; and articulate a professional identity based on doctoral-level psychology training. For PhD in Psychology learners only. Must be taken during the learner’s first quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

In this course, learners analyze multicultural perspectives and factors such as ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and gender, and their influences on the ethical behavior of psychology professionals. Learners evaluate and articulate multicultural issues within the context of different settings and practice applying ethical reasoning principles and standards within their profession. Prerequisite(s): PSY5002 or PSY8002.

Learners in this course explore historical and contemporary schools of thought such as behavioral, humanistic, and psychodynamic psychology. In particular, learners begin the process of becoming independent researchers by developing a dissertation topic that is appropriate for their specialization and aligned with foundational theories within their chosen school of thought. For PhD learners in Psychology only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

In this course, learners investigate the fundamental concepts needed to conduct quantitative research. Learners examine and apply quantitative research techniques; appropriate applications of quantitative research; research design, measurement, and analysis, and their associated interdependencies; variable types and levels of measurement; sampling; descriptive and inferential statistics; and hypothesis testing. Learners define the strengths and limitations of descriptive statistics, analyze the quantitative scales of measurement, review the logic of probability and null hypothesis testing, and leverage technology when applicable. Learners also determine the steps necessary to ensure human subjects protection, and consider methodological adaptations when conducting research with vulnerable and diverse populations. Learners may only earn credit for PSY7864 or RSCH7864.

Learners in this course assess the fundamental concepts needed to conduct qualitative research. Learners practice qualitative research techniques; appropriate applications of qualitative research; the strengths and weaknesses of qualitative research design, sampling, and analysis and their associated interdependencies; and leverage technology when applicable. Learners also determine the steps necessary to ensure human subjects protection, and consider methodological adaptations when conducting research with vulnerable and diverse populations. Learners may only earn credit for PSY7868 or RSCH7868. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

In this course, learners synthesize knowledge of quantitative research methodology and use it to develop a quantitative research design that may form the basis of their dissertation research project. Learners compare their quantitative research design to a previously developed qualitative design on a similar topic and identify and justify the methodology most appropriate for investigating their research topic. For PsyD and PhD in Psychology learners only. Prerequisite(s): PSY7868. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

In this ten-week virtual residency, learners develop and evaluate proposed topic areas and theories for their doctoral project. Learners analyze the literature on potential topics to assess relevance to the discipline and potential methods to use in the doctoral project. Learners gain an understanding of the writing, research, and critical thinking skills necessary to complete the final project. Further development of the doctoral project is determined through a final assessment. This residency includes required synchronous sessions. For PhD in Behavior Analysis and PhD in Psychology learners only. Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): PhD in Psychology learners must have completed PSY7115. PhD in Behavior Analysis learners must have completed PSY7860, PSY8301, PSY8302, PSY8303, PSY8352. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

In this ten-week virtual residency, learners apply advanced research and writing skills through the development of a detailed project framework based on work in prior residencies. Learners develop a project framework that includes methodological and/or research design, sampling or participant recruitment plan, intervention plan (if applicable), strategies for data collection, analysis, and outcomes of the project. Further development of the doctoral project is determined through an assessment of the project framework, which is finalized once the learner enters the advanced doctoral stage of the program. This residency includes required synchronous sessions. For PhD in Behavior Analysis and PhD in Psychology learners only. Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): PSY-V8925. PhD in Psychology learners must have completed PSY7868, PSY8625. PhD in Behavior Analysis learners must have completed PSY8307. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

In this ten-week virtual residency, learners apply advanced research and writing skills through the development of a detailed project framework based on work in prior residencies. Learners develop a project framework that includes methodological and/or research design, sampling or participant recruitment plan, intervention plan (if applicable), strategies for data collection, analysis, and outcomes of the project. Further development of the doctoral project is determined through an assessment of the project framework, which is finalized once the learner enters the advanced doctoral stage of the program. This residency includes required synchronous sessions. Learners must complete Track 3 prior to beginning the comprehensive examination phase of the program. For PhD in Behavior Analysis and PhD in Psychology learners only. Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): PSY8307 or PSY8658; PSY-V8926. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

Learners in this advanced course examine a variety of statistical analyses, including statistical power and effect size in research design, factorial and repeated measures of analysis of variance (ANOVA), analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), selected nonparametric analyses, and bivariate and multiple regression. Learners are expected to have proficiency in the use of statistical software appropriate to dissertation-level research. Prerequisite(s): PSY7864. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

This course extends the topics covered in PSY7868 by further exploring the philosophical underpinnings of qualitative research and inquiry and emphasizes effective execution of the six school-approved dissertation research methodologies: ethnography, case study, grounded-theory phenomenology, heuristics, and generic qualitative research. Learners examine primary source references, books, and journal articles written by the developers of the six methodologies and gain an understanding of their nuances and applications. This course is designed to prepare learners to develop and conduct their own qualitative study for a dissertation. Prerequisite(s): PSY7868.

In this course, learners identify and confirm theories and research of industrial/organizational psychology. Learners examine and explain the various psychological constructs affecting individuals, groups, teams, and organizations in the workplace and assess diversity and ethical principles as they relate to decision-making processes. Learners also evaluate the differences between industrial and organizational psychology and implement various assessment methods, models, and interventions applicable across workplace settings.

This course provides a comprehensive review of leadership theories and factors, including leader development, leadership styles, and multicultural issues relevant to leadership in various settings. Learners research and evaluate leadership principles and apply leadership theory to clinical, counseling, educational, organizational, and sports settings. Learners examine case studies; investigate and evaluate the processes and best practices of leader development; analyze their own leadership strengths; and relate this knowledge to their professional practice.

Learners in this course evaluate current theories of psychological consultation and analyze the variety of roles and interventions that engage psychological consultants in an applied setting. Learners examine psychological consultants’ contributions to clinical, educational, industrial, and organizational settings and demonstrate the competencies required to evaluate and conduct psychological consultative services through applied case work, practice, and self-appraisal. Other course topics include consultation ethics, models of consultation research, and the dynamics of the consultant-client relationship.

Learners investigate essential concepts, principles, applications, and social and theoretical issues of psychological testing. Learners gain understanding in the construction of tests; analyze the development and use of tests in measuring aptitudes, achievement, attitudes, interests, and personality; and identify underlying theories of various tests. Learners analyze the characteristics desired in psychological and educational tests, with particular emphasis on reliability and validity, and evaluate best practices and professional standards for educational and psychological testing, including test bias and fairness. In addition, learners assess the role of technology in delivery, administration, scoring, and interpretation of tests.

Learners assess ethical and legal responsibilities in the workplace. Learners analyze ethical dilemmas, apply relevant legal standards, and evaluate ways professionals integrate and utilize these standards to resolve workplace issues. Learners build on their foundational work through the development and application of legally sound solutions that are grounded in science and scholarship to these workplace issues.

This course is a comprehensive review of the major concepts, issues, and practices involved with work analysis and personnel selection. Learners gain and apply knowledge of work analysis methods, legal issues in selection, considerations in evaluating the appropriate use of assessments in selection processes, and strategies for selection decision making. Learners engage in hands-on activities to apply critical work analysis and selection principles. Prerequisite(s): PSY6710, PSY7610, PSY7864.

Learners in this course review relevant theories and research methods of workplace psychology, coaching, and consultation assessment. Learners study the assessment process, identify assessment tools and their applications, and examine ways to evaluate and deliver assessment feedback. Topics include individual, group, and organizational assessment; psychometric testing; quantitative/qualitative principles and research methods; and ethical and multicultural issues associated with assessment. Prerequisite(s): PSY7610.

In this course, learners explore various psychological theories, concepts, and principles of motivation. Learners evaluate the factors of motivation that influence personal and professional performance, success, and satisfaction. Learners also synthesize research in order to identify, assess, and integrate motivational strategies and apply models of performance enhancement.

This course provides an examination of the theories, techniques, methods, and processes of program evaluation. Learners synthesize knowledge and skills gained from prior coursework to design a program evaluation, plan its implementation, and communicate the results in appropriate and effective formats. Prerequisite(s): PSY7864.

This course is an examination of personality development from the perspective of several theoretical orientations: psychodynamic, humanistic/ existential, dispositional, and learning theory. Learners analyze and evaluate these theories and consider how other factors such as culture and gender contribute to personality development. This course also allows learners to apply personality theory to their professional practice.

This course provides a foundational understanding of group development, processes, and behaviors. Learners evaluate current group psychology theory and research and identify the elements of effective groups to gain an understanding of the psychology of group dynamics. Topics include group formation and structure, power and influence, performance and decision making, leadership, followership, and conflict in group dynamics.

Learners investigate the theory and application of multivariate statistics, including discriminant analysis, factor (components) analysis, multiple analysis of variance (MANOVA), and logistic regression. Using SPSS, learners perform and interpret the results of these analyses. Learners also apply multivariate analysis, analyze and understand research results in peer-reviewed psychology journals, and utilize SPSS to produce output consistent with the correct parameters and assumptions of specific multivariate procedures. In addition, learners evaluate the mathematical aspects of multivariate and inferential statistics theory and application. Prerequisite(s): PSY8625.

Learners identify business practices for starting, operating, and maintaining a viable consulting business. Learners develop an understanding of the knowledge and skills for consulting, including preparing for a consulting career, starting and promoting a consulting business, maintaining the business, and learning how to actualize personal values and ethical acumen in their daily work. Finally, learners also acquire the consulting competencies of branding, marketing, and selling, as well as building and maintaining client relationships.

Learners in this course study the psychological underpinnings, theoretical framework, and foundational elements of evidence-based coaching. Learners explore the stages of the coaching relationship and determine an effective coaching framework to apply in different contexts, including positive psychology and Gestalt perspectives. Learners also identify ethical and multicultural issues related to evidence-based coaching. Prerequisite(s): PSY7610.

This course includes an overview of the comprehensive examination process, the university’s expectations of academic honesty and integrity, the three core themes of the examination, and the evaluation criteria. The courseroom mentor provides three questions addressing the core themes and learners write answers to the comprehensive examination questions. Answers are evaluated by faculty readers using point-scale scoring rubrics. Upon passing the comprehensive examination, learners are eligible to register for the first dissertation course. Department consent is required for registration. Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): Completion of all required and elective coursework with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. Completion of practicum courses, if applicable. Fulfillment of all residency requirements. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

This course provides learners with resources, guidance, and peer and mentor support during each dissertation course as they complete the required milestones. Department consent is required for registration. Grading for this course is S/NS. Learners must register for this course a minimum of four times to fulfill their specialization requirements. Prerequisite(s): PSY9909 or PSY9919. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.