University of Baltimore

College of Arts and Sciences

M.S. in Applied Psychology - Industrial & organizational Track (42 hours)

 

I-O track 42 hours (14 courses)

 

Core M.S. courses (4)

 

·  APPL 601 The Biological Basis of Behavior (3)

Survey of the anatomical structures and physiological processes that underlie psychological functioning. Topics include the role of the central nervous system and the sensory, endocrine and muscular systems as they contribute to the individual’s adaptations to internal and external environments. Lab fee required.

 

·  APPL 603 Learning and Cognition (3)

Study of the major theories and models of human learning from both the traditional behaviorist perspective and the contemporary cognitive perspective and an experiential overview of how people acquire, store and use information. Theoretical and empirical information is applied to the understanding of human behavior in a wide variety of settings.

 

·  APPL 631 Intermediate Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (3)

The logic of hypothesis testing and assumptions underlying its use are the framework for studying analysis of variance and covariance and multiple regression. These tools are learned in the context of application to psychological research. Students learn to complete statistical analyses using a microcomputer statistical package and to interpret the results.

 

·  APPL 632 Research Methods for Applied Psychology (3) sample syllabus

Builds on the fundamentals of research design and on knowledge of basic statistical techniques to provide a broad overview of the major research methods of applied psychological research. Students learn to frame inquiries and problems as research questions. The relative merits and drawbacks of the major research methods are explored. Students develop a research proposal to investigate an applied research question. prerequisite: APPL 631

 

Core I-O  (5)

 

·  APPL 641 Organizational Psychology (3) sample syllabus

Studies how principal theories and empirical findings from research in organizational psychology are used to improve employee performance and satisfaction. Emphasizes the interactive effects of situational and individual difference variables as they influence organizational behavior. Overview includes motivation, leadership, employee morale, group dynamics and interpersonal communication. Students apply theoretical and empirical findings to solutions of work-related problems in case studies. Lab fee may be required.

 

·  APPL 642 Motivation, Satisfaction and Leadership (3) sample syllabus

Critical and in-depth examination of the research evidence for theories of leadership and job satisfaction. Using motivation as a central concept, students gain an understanding of how group dynamics and personal, environmental and cultural factors influence organizational behaviors. Students work in teams to solve performance-related problems presented in case studies. Lab fee may be required. prerequisite: APPL 641 or approval of program director

 

·  APPL 644 Personnel Psychology (3) sample syllabus

Overview of the area of personnel psychology. Topics include job analysis, personnel selection and placement, training and development and performance appraisal. Special attention to measurement procedures involved in personnel selection and performance appraisal. Equal employment opportunity laws and their effect on personnel practices are discussed. Lab fee may be required. prerequisite: permission of instructor (for non-psychology majors)

 

·  APPL 645 Personnel Assessment (3) sample syllabus

Application of the technical material learned in Personnel Psychology related to assessment techniques used to select, promote and evaluate personnel. Hands-on experience with these methods, including development of the most common ones. Assessment techniques discussed may include ability tests, personality and honesty tests, drug testing, work samples, interviews, training and evaluation forms and performance appraisals. Students go through the process of developing surveys for attitude assessment. Lab fee required. prerequisite: APPL 644 or permission of instructor

 

·  APPL 651 Job Analysis (3)

Survey of job analysis methodology and issues, using experiential projects. Includes tools used in conducting a job analysis: data gathering techniques, legal and technical standards and the Occupational Information Network. Emphasis is on variation in approach dependent on subsequent application of the results.

 

·  APPL 655 Practical Applications in I/O Psychology (3) sample syllabus

An opportunity to practice real-world application of the competencies acquired in the degree program. Students propose solutions to simulated or actual challenges faced by organizations and demonstrate their ability to integrate and apply broad knowledge of personnel and organizational psychology. prerequisites: APPL 632, 642, 645 and 651

 

Electives

 

·  APPL 707 Practicum in Industrial/Organizational Psychology (1-4) sample syllabus

Supervised participation in field research in applied job settings. Hands-on experience with I/O work assignments is performed and evaluated. The work and/or field research is designed by the student or senior personnel and should enhance a student’s vita/resume. Government, industry, public/community service or other settings may be generated by the instructor or the student. Setting and research/job duties must be proposed and agreed upon in writing by the student, the instructor and an authorized representative from the organization. To the extent that settings/positions must be generated by the instructor, enrollment is limited according to availability. A maximum of 6 credits may be applied toward the degree. Eligible for continuing studies grade. prerequisite: permission of instructor

 

·  APPL 646 Employment Law in Human Resource Management (3) sample syllabus

Review and analysis of federal laws and their application to human resource management (including employee selection, promotion, performance appraisals, discipline, termination, compensation, benefits and safety). Covers EEO, Affirmative Action, Civil Rights Acts, Americans with Disabilities Act and other antidiscriminatory legislation, as well as FLSA and OSHA. Examines legal issues such as privacy, sexual harassment, drug testing and employees’ rights versus employers’ rights. Addresses strategies for creating policy and legal concerns in a context of organizational behavior and motivation theories.

  

·  APPL 647 Training and Organizational Development (3)

Theory, findings and methods relating to how an organization ensures that its employees are equipped to accomplish its mission. Students learn about techniques to assess and implement organizational change. Through hands-on activities, they learn to develop and implement programs such as skills training, team building and management development.

 

·  APPL 648 Employee Selection (3) sample syllabus

Examines testing and decision theory, legality and societal issues involved in matching individual knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics with organizational needs. Discussions include employment interviews, cognitive abilities testing, integrity and substance abuse testing, personality measures, biographical data and other procedures. Lab fee may be required. prerequisite: APPL 644

 

·  APPL 649 Special Topics: Industrial/Organizational Psychology (3)

Studies a topic of industrial/organizational psychology of mutual interest to students and faculty that is not currently part of course offerings. Topic may vary. May be repeated for credit as course topic changes. Lab fee may be required.

 

·  APPL 650 Work Groups in Organizations (3) sample syllabus

Study of group dynamics in the context of organizations, focusing on the predominant psychological theories and research findings that explain the formation and development of work groups. Emphasis on learning how effective strategies and techniques can be used to enhance teamwork in organizations.

 

·  APPL 653 Consulting Skills (3) sample syllabus

Focuses on the essential skills and abilities needed for successful consulting to organizations. Topics include business development, project management, cost estimation and report writing. Emphasizes learning techniques used for successful group presentations and developing skills for effective oral and written communication.

* APPL 658 CHANGE MANAGEMENT (3)
Theory, findings and methods relating to how organizations manage and mismanage change. Students learn about techniques to assess and implement organizational change. Through hands-on activities, they learn to develop and implement change management programs, including skills training and team building. Prerequisite:This course is open only to the following majors: Applied Psychology or Certificate in Professional Counseling Studies. Other majors may take this course with departmental permission only.

 

·  APPL 604 Interviewing (3)

The interview as an informational, research and clinical tool. Interview formats and their construction, as well as the skills required for their utilization, are reviewed. The relationship of the interview to other information-gathering procedures is considered. Lab fee required.

 

 ·  APPL  707 Practicum in Industrial/Organizational Psychology (1-4)

 

Supervised participation in field research in applied job settings. Hands-on experience with I/O work assignments is performed and evaluated. The work and/or field research is designed by the student or senior personnel and should enhance a student’s vita/resume. Government, industry, public/community service or other settings may be generated by the instructor or the student. Setting and research/job duties must be proposed and agreed upon in writing by the student, the instructor and an authorized representative from the organization. To the extent that settings/positions must be generated by the instructor, enrollment is limited according to availability. A maximum of 6 credits may be applied toward the degree. Eligible for continuing studies grade. prerequisite: permission of instructor

 

·  APPL  779 Directed Study

 

The pursuit of independent work under the supervision of a faculty member. This work should relate to a topic not covered by the regular departmental offerings and may provide a basis for entrance into courses with special prerequisites. The student writes a proposal that is approved by the supervising faculty member and the graduate program director prior to registration. Pass/fail grading. prerequisites: completion of required core and approval prior to registration

 

·  APPL 789 Research Proposal Development (3-6)

 

Independent study in which the student develops a proposal for research founded in the literature and practice of applied psychology. The student must have the requisite skills for bringing the proposal to completion. The end product of the course is a research proposal that may be presented to the division as a thesis proposal. Course is NOT eligible for continuing studies grade. Pass/fail grading. prerequisite: prior permission of faculty member

 

·  APPL 799 Thesis

An independent and original research effort, supervised closely by full-time faculty. It should be founded in the literature of applied psychology. The student is expected to demonstrate an ability to formulate research questions as testable hypotheses, to analyze data using appropriate research methods and design and statistical tools, and to present the entire work in a well-written document using APA style. The number of credits is determined when the proposal is approved. Eligible for continuing studies (CS) grade; otherwise grading is pass/fail. prerequisite: approval of thesis proposal prior to registration