Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about the I/O Program
Academics and Calendar
Visiting the Campus
Application and Admissions
International Students
Finances and Housing
Learn More

Questions About the I/O Program

Does the I/O program have any links to the MBA program?

We do not have a formal joint degree with the business school (Stern), but students may take related electives there. Things like Managing Organizations, or Consumer Behavior can be pulled in as electives. It would be wise to do further investigation, however, before pursuing either option as they lead to relatively different end points. For those pursuing the MBA, the focus of their attention is accounting / finance / Marketing, etc. If you would like to run a company or manage a business, that is quite valuable.

In contrast, students enrolling in I/O are already focusing on the Human Capital issues. We have MBA graduates in our program that have chosen to specialize further. Most of our students can pick up some business to be credible, but are clear that they want to specialize in things like recruiting, or training, etc. Or, you could take an M.A. level course in Social or Organizational Psychology (e.g. Group Dynamics or Teambuilding) if you have already determined that you want to specialize, for instance in talent management. If that course is accredited at the Masters level, you might be able to request for a transfer in those credits as an elective if you are eventually accepted to the program.

Is there a significant difference between the General M.A. and I/O M.A. programs?

Yes.  The two programs differ greatly in admissions criteria, course structure, and expected outcomes. The I/O program is much smaller and more competitive. The applications are similar, but an extra case study is required for I/O admission.  Most students in I/I want to complete the degree and take a structured set of courses that build upon each other.  So order and timing can matter in building competencies toward specific end points for qualification for graduation.

How important are quantitative skills? Will I have to do research and use statistics frequently in my I/O coursework?

Quantitative skills are very important. You must be competent and technically proficient in statistics for the program, especially for advanced electives.

Do students work or have internships while in the I/O program?

Many students enter the program as current members of the workforce and maintain their jobs. Other students find jobs or internships, usually part-time, while taking classes along the way.  While it is strongly recommended to do so in order to gain valuable applied experience to supplement material learned in class, working or completing an internship is not mandatory.

When should I start looking for a job or internship while in the I/O program?

It is never too early to start looking for a job or internship, especially since companies often start their search several months before they actually want their candidates to begin working.  Depending on individual work experience, many students begin their search in the fall semester in hopes of finding a job or internship in the following spring or summer, while those with more work experience may prefer to wait until later in their first year to start looking. The NYU Wasserman career center provides resources for job searching.

What are the I/O classes like?

While each class is unique, most classes strive to allow you to merge science and applied work. The structure of each class is designed to best facilitate comprehension and execution of the material. Class work includes casework, discussion, lectures, external projects, and individual and group presentations.

What is the average I/O class size?

Classes range from 10 students to the low 20s, with an average of about 16.

What is the ODA?

The Organizational Development Association is the official student and alumni organization for the I/O program at NYU, and it seeks to create a bridge between the classroom and the workplace.  We are a community dedicated to building essential skills for successful I/O careers through professional development and networking. The ODA offers students an opportunity to be a functional part of an organization in a learning environment. Leadership roles are available for both new and existing members through managing events and projects related to the ODA’s mission.

How do I join the ODA?

Sign up at Student Orientation and attend General Body Meetings at attend at least some events.

What are the I/O comprehensive exams like?

To complete the program, students must either take a comprehensive exam or write a thesis. The Comprehensive Exam, or Comps, is the most common choice of the MA I/O program students as the culmination of their work in the program, due to the applied focus of the program. The test requires answering three case-study type questions: one from the Industrial (I) branch, one from the Organizational (O) branch, and one from the Research Methods (R) branch.  One hour is allotted for each question. Answers are rated by multiple faculty members based on comprehensiveness, use of I/O theory, and realistic applicability. Typically students develop study groups to prepare for the Comps.

How is the I/O program at NYU different than other I/O Master’s programs?

NYU offers a balanced Master’s program in this field, hitting both the Industrial and the Organizational aspects evenly and stressing the importance of each.  NYU also offers a high-caliber, personal experience made possible by the small number of select applicants accepted in each cohort. NYU’s schedule encourages students to develop their professional careers while pursuing their degree. Ideally, upon completion of an MA from NYU’s program, a graduate can enter an organization in a management position.

How long does it take to complete the I/O Master’s program?

Many students complete the program in two calendar years, but some many need more time to complete their thesis or comprehensive exams.  Much depends on the working status of the student against the progression of coursework and program completion.  Students have anywhere from 2 to 5 years.

How often are I/O courses offered?

Courses tend to be offered cyclically, but demand also plays a role in class scheduling. Generally speaking, you will have an opportunity to take all classes that you are interested in completing within the usual two-year period students take to complete the degree.

Can I work while I’m enrolled in the I/O program?

Yes. All master’s courses are offered in the evening on weekdays (usually at 4:20 and 6:20), so many students have day jobs while they are in the program.  Organizations may be able to help with support through tuition remission programs.

I just want to take a few I/O classes. Do I still need to apply?

If you only want to take one or two courses, applying for summer is a less complicated way to go about it, though fewer courses are offered in the summer than in the normal academic year. See below under application and admissions. There is no I/O non-degree status. For the General MA program, apply as a non-degree student using the same application as degree students (the application must be submitted on paper, no online applications are accepted for the non-degree status). Please see the application page on the GES site http://gsas.nyu.edu/page/grad.admissionsapplication.html. Students can only apply as non-degree if you are interested in General MA classes.

Academics and Academic Calendar

What is the academic calendar?

The fall term usually begins in early September, the spring semester begins in late January, and summer session begins in late May. For more specific dates, consult the university calendar at: http://www.nyu.edu/registrar/calendars/academic-calendar.html

How many classes will I take every semester?

A full-time load is three classes. However, if you’re working at the same time, it is recommended that you take fewer courses.

Visiting the campus

How can I take a campus tour

Tours are conducted by the NYU Undergraduate Admissions Office only. Please contact the NYU Undergraduate Admissions Office to make an appointment for a tour - http://admissions.nyu.edu. You also may call (212) 998-4524 to make an appointment. Please note that while you are welcome to visit the Academic Affairs Office, the Psychology building is a high security building and you will not be able to walk around the building or see any classrooms.

Can I make a personal appointment to meet with an advisor?

Due to the high volume of applications we receive each term (hundreds), demand far outweighs our capacity to meet with students before they are accepted into our program. As an alternative, we suggest that interested students attend one of our open house sessions, where they can meet with the director of the program and ask questions.  Please check the web site (http://www.psych.nyu.edu), or call Academic Affairs if you still have questions after reading this page of FAQs.

Can I sit in on a class?

Unfortunately, no.  We have a small program that is quite interactive.  We do not allow any visitors in courses as it can be
disruptive to the learning process.  Unfortunately, the demand exceeds our capacity in this regard. As an alternative, we suggest that interested students attend one of our open house sessions, which can provide you with more targeted information, and allow you to ask questions to the director to the program. Check with the department web page (http://www.psych.nyu.edu) or call Academic Affairs at (212) 998-7920 for the open house schedule and to request a seat, or visit http://psych.nyu.edu/programs/ma/openhouse.html for the schedule.

Application and Admissions

Does my undergraduate major have to be psychology in order to apply to the program?

No, we accept students from all concentrations. However, we do require that applicants have completed two courses by the time they apply to the program: an introductory psychology course and a statistics course.

How many years of study are required to be eligible for the program?

Four years of undergraduate study are required to be eligible. In the American education system, this implies a total of sixteen years of academic study.

What is the undergraduate GPA requirement to apply?

The minimum acceptable undergraduate GPA is a 3.0 (B).  If your GPA is lower than this because of courses unrelated to psychology, such as pre-med courses, this requirement might be relaxed.

Is the reputation of my university taken into consideration during the application process?

The admissions committee recognizes the academic rigor of many universities, but undergraduate institution alone does not provide enough information to accept or deny an applicant.

Does it matter where I take the undergraduate prerequisites?

The prerequisite courses can be taken at any accredited university. We accept credits from online schools, but only those that are accredited. We prefer online schools that have an affiliated campus to those that do not.

Is research/work experience in the psychology field required for application?

Neither research nor employment in the field of psychology is a required part of the application. However, experience in psychology absolutely makes an application more competitive for the I/O program.

Who should I ask to write my recommendation letters?

Someone who knows you well academically is best, but professional supervisors are also acceptable. If possible, at least one academic reference is preferable.

Do I really need three letters of recommendation?

Yes.

Can I request to defer my acceptance?

Yes. It is difficult to defer in the I/O program, however, as there are many other eager applicants.  So unless there is a substantial reason to delay for a semester, it may not necessarily be granted.

You may request defer due to circumstances beyond your control (such as a one-time medical condition), but only for one future semester.  To do so, you must officially accept the offer of admission, submit your tuition deposit, and request the deferral from the graduate school.

If I am not accepted to the PhD program, can I use the same application for the master’s program?

Yes. On the PhD application, there is a checkbox to determine whether you would like to be considered for the master’s programs.  In which case if the applicant wishes to be seriously considered they should complete the case analysis and submit that as a part of their application as well.

What is the most important element of the application?

There is no specific part of the application that carries the most weight. Good grades and high GRE scores are both important in the admissions process. Any research or employment in the psychology field also improves an application.

What are the average GRE scores of accepted students?

Every applicant pool is different. As a result, the average GRE scores of accepted students vary with each application cycle. We do not publish average GRE scores but rather the minimum scores required. For the I/O Psychology program, the minimum quantitative score is 600 (150) and the minimum verbal score is 580 (158). If English is not your first language, we do not place as much emphasis on verbal scores if TOEFL is quite good. If your score is below the minimum, you are still welcome to apply to the program, but please be aware that your application will be less competitive. Accepted students often earn scores significantly higher than the minimums.

How do I submit my GRE scores?

You submit your official scores through ETS. The NYU code for GRE submission is 2596.

What if I can’t receive my official GRE scores until after the application deadline?

If you have received the score range from ETS by the time you submit the application, add it to the beginning of your personal statement as unofficial. However, know that we cannot process your application until we receive official scores from ETS. Plan to take the GRE’s well in advance of the application deadline.

How can I compensate for low GRE scores?

If your GRE scores are very low, it is best to retake the test. Otherwise, high grades, good recommendation letters, and experience in the field or in business may compensate to some extent for low scores. Please note that if English is not your first language, the verbal GRE score may be less critical if TOEFL is good.

Does the application process take into account the changes made to the new GRE format?

Yes. We recognize that the GRE has recently changed and have worked very closely with ETS on standardizing the two score distributions by comparison.  A score from either scale will be accepted, but results must be from within the last 5 years.

Can I take the GMATS instead of the GRE?

For I/O MA program yes, they will accept GMAT scores in place of GRE. Yet, these scores must be official and not paper score reports. The School Code for the GMATs is: 5TF-5G-76

Do I have to take the advanced PSYCHOLOGY GRE to apply?

No, we do not require that applicants take the GRE in psychology.

Can I apply as a summer student?

Yes. Students can apply for summer courses with a simple, one-page application (http://www.nyu.edu/summer). However, if you want to take more than just a class or two during summer, then you need to apply normally and you may be able to start in the summer if admitted.

When can I apply to the program?

We accept applications for the fall, spring, and summer terms.  Similar criteria are applied for every cycle.  The same standards for admission are used.  That said, the makeup of the applicant pool and the competitiveness of those applying each cycle might result in different outcomes.  So an applicant may apply multiple times across different cycles presuming enhancements are to be made to render the application more competitive.

What are the application deadlines for each semester?

For Industrial/Organizational Psychology:

Spring Semester: October 1

Summer Semester: February 1

Fall Semester: February 1

What happens if I submit application materials late?

Materials that are submitted late will be accepted but stamped “late” and to the discretion of the admissions committee considered.

Do early applications receive priority?

No. Applications received on or before the deadline are reviewed equally regardless of when they were submitted.  The review process for I/O begins the day after the deadline when the pool is complete.

When will I get an answer from the program regarding my application?

The I/O program will generally send out decisions by April 15th for summer and fall applicants, and by November 15th for spring applicants though applicants considered to be borderline may wait longer for decisions.

How and when are admissions decisions distributed?

Decisions begin to be communicated roughly one month post the I/O deadline.  The most qualified applicants are selected first.  The department works down the list of qualified applicants.  Those that have not received decisions may still be in contention or on a wait list.  Pending accepted students putting in a deposit and enrolling, additional seats may or may not become available.  Those seats remaining will be offered on a case-by-case basis based on qualifications.  So this process may take as much as two to three months to finalize.

How many students apply each year? What percentage of applicants is accepted?

Each year hundreds of students ask to be considered for the I/O program.  The department takes in approximately 20 to 30 applicants from this pool each year.

What is the average age of students in the program?

The average age of students is difficult to gauge.  We have students who are anywhere from 22 to over 50 years old.  There are experienced professionals as well as relatively new college graduates with internship or HR experience perhaps.

International Students

I am an international student but I have an undergraduate degree from an institution in the United States. Do I need to submit TOEFL scores?

If you have earned an undergraduate degree at an American university teaching primarily in English, the TOEFL is not required. Apart from this exception, the TOEFL is required for all international applicants.

As an international student, who do I contact about inquiries regarding visa applications and other paperwork?

The Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) is the best resource for questions specific to studying at NYU as an international student.: http://www.nyu.edu/life/student-life/international-students-and-scholars.html

As an international student, do I need to submit my application earlier than the official deadline?

No, international students are not required to submit applications before domestic students. However, bear in mind that obtaining a student visa is often a long process, so international students should plan accordingly.

Finances and Housing

How much is the program tuition?

Please consult this link for detailed tuition fees. The master’s program requires a total of 36 credit points for an average of 9 points per semester of study. Keep in mind that tuition fluctuates yearly. http://www.nyu.edu/bursar/tuition.fees/

What kind of financial aid is offered?

The department itself does not offer any financial aid. However, there are a few ways to ease the financial burden. We do offer paid teaching assistant positions to some master’s students. There are also Research Assistant positions.  Please note that these opportunities are very competitive, and not normally given to first-year master’s students. Usually the compensation from being a TA can pay for about 1 course.  If you have external funding through grants or foundations already, the graduate school does have matching grant system.  For more information please visit http://gsas.nyu.edu/page/financialaid.financingeducation

What housing options does the university offer?

Graduate housing is available for the first year of the program but not the second. Many students find apartments in the area. Please consult the offices of on-campus and off-campus housing for more information.

http://www.nyu.edu/life/living-at-nyu/on-campus-living.html

http://www.nyu.edu/life/living-at-nyu/off-campus-living.html

LEARN MORE

What is the best resource to learn more about the program and talk to faculty members?

The department offers several open houses throughout the year. These sessions are a great opportunity to explore the program further and interact with faculty and staff. Open houses are offered every couple of months. For information about the next open house, visit the website. http://psych.nyu.edu/programs/ma/openhouse.html

Who do I contact with more specific inquiries about the master’s program?

If your question was not answered above, please email akilah.sigler@nyu.edu or call Academic Affairs at (212) 998-7920.

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