Masters Degree Organizational

The Professional School of Psychology has offered graduate programs in psychology since 1979. The School focuses on quality education, preparation for professional practice, and meeting the educational needs of mature, working professionals. The Professional School of Psychology is approved under California Education Code 94310.2.

Students who enroll in the Master of Psychology — Organizational program are typically, (a) people who want to gain skills and competencies that will allow them to advance within their current corporate environment, or (b) people who are (or hope to be) internal consultants within their current corporate environment. Persons who are part of a private firm that provides external consultant services to business enterprises tend to seek doctoral level education. This Masters program is designed for students who have experience working in organizations, but not necessarily a background in psychology.

The program builds a master level competency in understanding and intervening at the individual, group, and organizational level. Courses cover both theory and practice. Our faculty members offer the combination of extensive first-hand leadership experience and the ability to link their experiences to appropriate theoretical frameworks, research findings and insights gained from consultations in a wide range of organizations.

For certain highly motivated students, it is possible to arrange a tutorial-oriented masters program in organizational psychology. In most residential courses, the assumption is that for every in-class contact hour, the student spends two hours outside of class in preparation, reading, reflection, research, and writing. In a masters tutorial setting, this ratio rises to 1:3.

The Application Process

The application process begins with a personal screening interview to ensure ‘goodness of fit’ with the program and educational philosophy of the School. With the concurrence of a representative of the School, a prospective student may visit a class. The Admissions Committee ordinarily communicates a decision on a completed application within two weeks. Requirements include a bachelor degree and experience working in organizations in administrative, leadership, or change agent roles. Access to a computer, printer, and e-mail is essential.

Curriculum Format

The program is structured for completion in 18 months. Students meet in-person one full day each month, and participate in distance learning by telephone and e-mail between sessions. Each student is assigned a faculty mentor who works with the student throughout the program. The mentoring relationship supports inter-course integration, preparation of the student’s thesis, supervision of the practicum, and application of material in the work environment. Routine contact with faculty is also intended to aid students in work pacing. Intensive reading is required in this program and, as mentioned, students should expect to spend three (3) hours of work outside the classroom for everyone one (1) hour of faculty contact.

Program Requirements

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Total Units: 48