I/O psychology

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[AcronymAllergy]

Just graduated with a bachelors in psychology, aiming for either a PhD or MBA in I/O psychology. My question is, what types of jobs should I be looking for to be competitive for these programs? I have fairly extensive research experience (3 years total) but most was volunteer/for credit so it wouldn't count as full-time work experience. What other options are out there and what sorts of things will make me stand out? My GRE is an 1150, planning to retake for a 1200+, undergrad gpa 3.3. Any suggestions? Also, as I understand it: the MBA is more for business while the PHD would be better suited to teach. Is that accurate?

Quick point--I could be mistaken, but to the best of my knowledge, you aren't going to get an MBA in I/O psych (it'll be a masters of I/O). I could certainly see an MBA and an I/O masters being similar, and perhaps they offer dual-degree programs in the two.

I personally don't know much about masters I/O programs, so I'll mostly defer to those who've looked into it themselves. If the programs are much at all like other masters of psychology, they're going to be much more interested in what types and amounts of research you've done than any sort of work experience. However, again, I have no first-hand knowledge of what masters I/O programs are be interested in seeing in applicants.

For the PhD, it's definitely going to be about research, research, and more research. They're going to want to know that you have interests and strengths in learning and applying advanced statistical techniques, though, as I/O doctoral programs tend to place a heavy emphasis on that area.

 

[wigflip]

Some institutions housing social work programs offer dual degrees in MSW/MBA. Not the same as psychology, of course.

 

[paramour]

Yeah, the folks I know with master's degrees in I/O have MA's not MBA's (which are business degrees and a completely different ball of wax entirely).

 

[Goobernut]

Strangely enough, I have heard that one route to I/O phd is to get your MBA, then apply to I/O PhD programs. One of my classmates is going through a similar mind bending decision making process. I personally cannot confirm the MBA to IO PhD route with any research of my own, but I know her work is desperate to keep her. So they offered to pay for her MBA if she stays, because they know she wants her PhD in I/O.


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