Feeding the Graduate Pipeline Through Undergraduate I-O Concentrations Peter D. Bachiochi Eastern Connecticut State University

Abstract Undergraduate I-O concentrations offer students a more in-depth exposure to the sub-areas within the field. Such programs can provide students with better preparation for I-O graduate programs and careers. Several sample programs are highlighted and qualitative responses from students and supervisors are provided. Students reported being better prepared for graduate study than their peers and supervisors reported high levels of satisfaction with student interns and employees.

Sample I-O Concentrations Eastern CT State U. Eastern CT State U. 6 courses* 6 courses* –Required Courses Social Psych Social Psych I-O Psych I-O Psych Tests & Measures Tests & Measures –Upper-Level Choices Groups & Teams Groups & Teams Leadership Leadership Job Sat & Motivation Job Sat & Motivation Measuring Work Beh. Measuring Work Beh. Diversity at Work Diversity at Work Personality Theories Personality Theories Internship Internship Middle Tennessee State U. Middle Tennessee State U. 8 Courses* 8 Courses* –Required Courses Intro to I-O Intro to I-O Personnel Sel. & Placement Personnel Sel. & Placement Wage and Salary Admin. Wage and Salary Admin. I-O Training & Development I-O Training & Development Organizational Psych Organizational Psych Motivation & Work Attitudes Motivation & Work Attitudes –Electives Human Factors Psych Human Factors Psych Safety Psychology Safety Psychology Group Dynamics Group Dynamics Persuasion Persuasion Apprenticeship in Psychology Apprenticeship in Psychology * Plus core major courses

Sample I-O Concentrations Quinnipiac University Quinnipiac University 4 Courses* 4 Courses* –I-O Psych –Advanced Personnel Psych –Advanced Organizational Psych –Fieldwork in I-O * Plus core major courses Moravian College Moravian College 5 courses* 5 courses* –Social Psychology –I-O Psychology –Personality –Tests & Measurement –Seminar in I-O

Collaborative Concentrations SUNY – New Paltz SUNY – New Paltz 8 Courses* 8 Courses* –Psychology Courses Industrial Psychology Industrial Psychology Organizational Psych Organizational Psych Intro to Psych Testing Intro to Psych Testing Independent Study Independent Study –Philosophy Reason/Argument or Logic Reason/Argument or Logic –Business (choice of 3) Principles of Mgmt Principles of Mgmt Operations Mgmt Operations Mgmt Organization Theory Organization Theory Marketing Marketing Consumer Behavior Consumer Behavior HR Management HR Management Motivation & Work Beh’r Motivation & Work Beh’r Marywood University Marywood University 11 Courses* 11 Courses* –Psychology Courses I-O Psychology Psych of Assessment Conflict & Dispute Resolution –Business Courses Organizational Behavior Personnel Management Org’l Communication –Electives Multimedia Applications Special Topics Seminar Apprenticeship Psychology of Gender Internship * Plus core major courses

A Realistic Preview and a Leg Up “I was one of the only people in my program who had any experience with I-O before starting the Masters program. Some of them were quickly disillusioned…they were expecting something more exciting or sexy. I was confident it was something I was interested in. Having had the basics really helped me in my classes.” “The biggest way the I-O concentration helped me was in the actual research for grad school projects/papers. Since I had experience finding articles, knowing where to look.., and which sources were reliable, I could get to writing papers sooner than other classmates.”

Preparation for Work, Too “My undergrad I-O work helped me gain some familiarity with the I-O ‘lingo’, which really gave me an edge in the workplace. Instead of spending the first year or two of my professional career learning the I-O language, I was already a step ahead.” “Much of what I learned in I-O psych has prepared me for the H.R. position I currently hold. I remember doing exercises in class regarding hiring practices…I run into that same issue as I’m reviewing applications and conducting interviews for potential new hires.”

Supervisor Feedback “Moravian students have always been prepared to work in the world of OD. Each of them had skills…to make significant contributions.” “

Conclusion Undergrad I-O concentrations are rare outside of schools with I-O grad programs. Undergrad I-O concentrations are rare outside of schools with I-O grad programs. Concentrations vary in terms of focus and requirements. Concentrations vary in terms of focus and requirements. Provide preparation for both grad school and employment. Provide preparation for both grad school and employment. Students report multiple advantages over other students Students report multiple advantages over other students Many graduates find their way back to grad school after time in the field. Many graduates find their way back to grad school after time in the field.