Publication Date

5-2014

Advisor(s) - Committee Chair

Elizabeth Shoenfelt (Director), Reagan D. Brown, Amber N. Schroeder

Degree Program

Department of Psychology

Degree Type

Master of Arts

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to replicate and expand upon the survey research by Erffmeyer and Mendel (1990) on the perceived relevance of graduate training in industrial-organizational (I-O) psychology at the terminal master’s level. A review of the literature discussed core competencies, as well as the advantages of internship experiences and thesis requirements. Results indicated that graduates view their training as well targeted towards knowledge and skills they regard as useful at their internship, first job, and current position. Results also indicated that graduates viewed their internship experiences as highly beneficial and worthwhile experiences, regardless of their supervisor. Results additionally indicated that graduates value the thesis requirement significantly more than current students and view the knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with completing a thesis as high in usefulness. Implications and limitations of these findings are discussed, and directions for future research on master’s level I-O training are discussed.

Disciplines

Business Administration, Management, and Operations | Industrial and Organizational Psychology | Interpersonal and Small Group Communication | Psychology

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