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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What do I/O Psychology graduates normally do?

Typically, I/O Psychology graduates work in the fields of Human Resources, Training and Development, Research, Academics, Organizational Development, Consulting, and Occupational Health. I/O Psychology graduates are equipped to work in most industries including business, government, social service, or education. Some I/O Psychology graduates go on to earn their doctoral degree with a specialization in a particular research area.

What is the difference between a thesis and a research project?

Thesis and Research Projects may be quantitative (a statistical examination of a topic within the field of I/O Psychology), qualitative (an examination of trends or common issues relating to a topic within a field of I/O Psychology), or a Multi-Method (combination of quantitative and qualitative methods). The APA format is followed for both the Thesis and Research Project options.

Students who choose the Thesis option typically take approximately three semesters to complete. The course work involved in the process includes Foundations and Methods of Research, Educational and Psychological Statistics, Thesis Seminar, and Thesis. Students who choose the Thesis option will have a Thesis committee and oral defense of the topic, similar to the dissertation process. Typically students are prepared for doctoral work after completion of the Thesis. It should be noted that the actual document produced is the same for both the Thesis and Research Project.

Students who choose the Research Project option take approximately two semesters to complete. The coursework involved in the process includes Foundations and Methods of Research, Educational and Psychological Statistics, Research Project, and a choice of Organizational Research, Computer Research Topics, Qualitative Research Methods, or Educational and Psychological Statistics II. Students may present their topics at conferences or other educational opportunities. This option is generally preferred by those students who intend to pursue a professional career immediately after graduation.

Please see Research Topics: Past & Present for information on past and present research at Springfield College.

What are the typical salaries of I/O professionals?

I/O salaries vary widely according to the type of job and organization. The most recent U. S. survey, conducted by Burnfield and Medsker (1999) notes that in 1997 the median salary for SIOP members was $80,000. Starting salaries in 1998 averaged $55,000 for new Ph.D.s and $38,750 for new Master's degree recipients.

Can I visit the campus?

You are more than welcome to come and visit the campus, speak with students, and meet the program director at any time. You may also choose to sit in on a class to get a more realistic view of what the program course content involves. If you are interested in setting up an appointment, please call (413)748-3091, and speak with Dr. Michael A. Surrette.

When is the application deadline for the program?

Students wishing to begin the program in the Fall semester are encouraged to have their application in by the end of February.

Can I start in the Spring or Summer semesters?

Students have the option of starting in the Fall, Spring, or Summer semesters. The program is based on rolling admissions.

What is a Certificate of Advanced Study?

Students who have obtained a master's degree may pursue programs in several of the graduate areas of specialization that lead to a Certificate of Advanced Study. The emphasis in this program is on the enrichment and advancement of the student's preparation through research, supervised clinical experience, independent study, or further specialization. While this program is usually terminal, part or all of the credit earned may be used toward a doctorate degree at some institutions.

Can I get a PHD after receiving an MS from this program?

There is not a doctoral program here at Springfield College in the field of I/O Psychology. Some students have gone on to receive a Ph.D. from various universities across the country. The focus of the I/O program is to prepare students to enter the workforce with a Masters degree.

What are the living options on and off-campus?

The College encourages graduate students to live in on- and off-campus, College-owned housing in an effort to create a strong, vibrant campus community. Four types of graduate housing are available at Springfield College.

The Graduate Living Center contains six apartment suites for groups of four graduate students per suite. Each fully furnished suite has a private entrance; a kitchen/dining room; a cable-ready, common living room; two bathrooms; and four bedrooms with separate telephone hookups and voice mail. An adjacent building has a laundry room and a common room. These units blend the independence of apartment-style living with regard for economy (i.e., heat, electricity, hot water, local phone service, and maintenance are all included in the occupancy fee of $4,890 for the 2002-2003 academic year). A $200 deposit is required.

College-owned apartments are located within easy walking distance of the campus. Each offers two to four private bedrooms; a living room; kitchen; and bathroom. The apartments are furnished with beds, desks, dressers, chairs, sofas, and appliances. Laundry facilities are also available nearby. The rent for the academic year includes heat and utilities. Students wishing to rent these units for the academic year are required to sign a nine-month or twelve-month lease and to pay a $200 deposit. Applications for graduate housing are processed thorough the Office of Residence Life and assignments are made on a first-come, first-served basis.

Are there graduate associateship or assistantships available?

There are a number of associateships and assistantships available throughout the Springfield College community. Various departments offer graduate students the opportunity to lessen the “financial burden” of their graduate experience by providing the opportunity to work for a department or program. Associateships are typically 12 to 24 credits with a stipend. For the I/O Psychology program there is a 12 credit graduate associateship offered. The candidate is typically a second year student with experience in recruiting, research, and project management. The candidate works 20 hours per week for the Director of the program performing various duties including all facets of recruiting, organizing events for the program, completing ongoing projects, clerical and office work, and acting as a liaison for the program.

There are also an abundance of assistantships available on campus which are paid. These are work-study campus jobs within departments and administrative buildings.

What would I do for my fieldwork/internship/co-op?

Students in the program have done internships and co-ops in a variety of settings throughout the New England area. Our program has established links with area businesses and have successfully placed interns in positions in the areas of: Human Resources, Training &Development, Recruitment, Career Development, Organizational Development, Project Management, Consulting, Research, Counseling, Academics, Health and Safety, and Sales. From amusement parks to large financial institutions to manufacturing giants, Springfield College I/O Psychology graduate students have done internships in a variety of fields.

How long will it take me to finish the program?

Full time students finish the program within two years. Part-time students, depending on their availability have finished the program in 2.5 – 3.5 years. Please see the plan of study on the Program Description page.