MSIO Prerequisite Course Descriptions

PSY 220 – Research Methods

Introduction to basic research methods in Psychology. Principles of experimentation, naturalistic observation, correlational studies.

PSY 310 – Intermediate Statistics

Basic theoretical concepts of statistics and use of these concepts in selection and development of model testing, hypothesis testing and parameter estimation procedures. Both single measure (univariate) and correlation (bivariate) concepts are included.
*Note:  Applicants must have 2 semesters or 3 quarters of statistical coursework.

PSY 314 – Psychological Assessment*

Principles of assessment applied to the measurement of individual behavior and to programs intended to affect behavior. Includes interviews, tests and other methods.

One of the following two courses:

PSY 332 – Human Cognition

Study of higher-order processes basic to the acquisition of knowledge. Includes thinking, problem solving, creativity, information processing, decision making, judgment, concepts and imagination.

or

PSY 333 – Psychology of Learning

Learning is a relatively permanent change in behavior resulting from experience. Emphasizes interaction of biological and environmental variables in the processes of instinct, habituation, sensitization, Pavlovian conditioning, instrumental learning, and cognition; examination of methods, theory and applications.

One of the following three courses:

PSY 351 – Social Psychology*

Study of individuals and groups as they are affected by social interactions. Topics may include social cognition, attitudes and persuasion, social influence, interpersonal perception and attraction, aggression, altruism, and group dynamics.

or

PSY 381 – Introduction to Industrial-Organizational Psychology*

Introduction to theories, methods, findings, and applications of industrial-organizational (I-O) psychology. Topics covered include job analysis, employee recruitment and selection, performance appraisal, employee training and development, work stress, teams, satisfaction, motivation, and leadership.

or

PSY 453/553 – Principles of Group Dynamics*

Behavior in groups with attention to such factors as leadership, followership, interaction and influence including organization, management, morale, and efficiency. Problems, techniques and methods of investigation.

Important:  Applicants must have completed 4 of the 5 prerequisite courses listed above. Students missing more than one prerequisite course at the time of application may be offered provisional admission if they submit an approved plan to take the missing courses prior to admission.
*These courses are prerequisites for first semester MSIO program courses: PSY 314 AND PSY 351 or 381 or 453/553. They must be taken prior to MSIO program entry.