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Industrial Organization Psychology Program

Program Overview/Mission

With a degree in Industrial/Organizational (I/O) Psychology, you learn to apply the principles of behavioral science to understanding and solving problems people encounter at work. I/O psychologists work to build better organizations though people. The I/O Psychologist uses hiring practices, training programs and feedback systems to improve the performance and well-being of the organizations employees. They work with a variety of issues ranging from change management, motivation, diversity, employee selection, training and development, leadership, performance appraisals, and organizational development. I/O psychologists also work in a variety of industries, organizations, and in the public and private sectors.
Industrial/Organizational Psychology M.A. Faculty and Students

Goals and Objectives

The objectives of the M.A in Industrial/Organizational (I/O) Psychology program at UHCL are to offer a two-year terminal degree that prepares you to contribute to an organization's success by improving the performance and well-being of its employees. The program will provide you with a balance of the industrial and organizational areas of I/O psychology, and you will learn about individual differences, their assessment and evaluation, as well as organizational theories and interventions. The program follows the scientist/practitioner model providing you with knowledge of psychological theories and principles and how those principles apply to problem solving in organizations. The program prepares you to work in Human Resource departments, Change Management, Recruiting, consulting, as well as applying to I/O doctoral programs.


Program Degrees

Admission Requirements

  • Industrial Organizational Psychology M.A.
  • Admission Deadline
    • Fall Only
      • Deadline: February 15 
  • Application
    • Apply online through Apply Texas for admission to the University of Houston-Clear Lake as a graduate student.
      • Select Four-year College/University and Graduate School.
      • Program application is only available within the selected Fall semester.
      • Select "HSH-Industrial/Organizational Psychology-Pearland" as your first choice major only.
      • Do not apply to Psychology or General Psychology, as these are different programs, and acceptance into Psychology does not mean you are accepted into the I/O program.

    Documents for admission are submitted after completion of the Apply Texas application.  All required documents are due by the program application deadline.

  • Requirements
    • GRE Scores Optional for 2023-24 Cycle
      • General GRE Exam, www.gre.org.
      • GRE scores expire after 5 years of the testing date.
      • Submit official GRE scores to UHCL through the ETS system. It may take ETS two weeks from the date the test is taken to send the official score report.
      • UHCL GRE Code: 6916 – UNIV HOUSTON CLEAR LAKE – Grad
    • Official Transcripts: Students should submit official transcripts from every college or university attended to the University of Houston-Clear Lake, Office of Admissions or International Admissions.
      • Please review New Student Admissions in the Graduate Catalog under Transcripts and Records Information to learn how to submit an official college transcript to UHCL.
    • Coursework Requirements:
      • Must have at least 12 hours of upper level undergraduate courses consisting of 3 hours of Statistics and 9 hours of any combination of Psychology, Business, Sociology, or Anthropology.
      • If some of these courses have not been taken, you are still eligible to apply if all other expected requirements are met, but would be required to take these prerequisite classes while enrolled.
    • Additional Supporting Documents: The following documents should be emailed to the Clinical, Health & Applied Sciences department assistant (Shelly Matejka) at clinicalschool@uhcl.edu:
      • CV/Resume: describe your previous education, work experience, relevant coursework, relevant volunteer activities, any honors, published papers or other relevant life experiences.
      • Statement of Purpose: In 500-700 words, please answer the questions below.
        • What interests you most about I/O Psychology?
        • What are you most proud of so far in your academic or professional career?
      • Letter of Reference (optional): from those familiar with your ability to succeed in graduate-level study.
  • Fall Admission Details
    • All accepted students begin the program in the fall semester.
    • We review applications in March and notify applicants in April.
    • Applicants who apply after the deadline may be given consideration to the extent that positions for the program are not yet filled. 

Program Faculty

Alper Kayaalp
Alper Kayaalp

Alper Kayaalp

Assistant Professor of Industrial and Organizational Psychology ,
Human Sciences and Humanities

Contact number: 281-283-1754
Email: kayaalp@uhcl.edu
Office: HSB233 (Pearland)

Alper Kayaalp Faculty Bio

Alex Milam
Alex Milam

Alex Milam

Associate Professor of Industrial/Organizational Psychology,
Human Sciences and Humanities

Contact number: 281-212-1752
Email: MilamA@uhcl.edu
Office: Pearland HSB 231

Alex Milam Faculty Bio

Lisa Sublett
Lisa Sublett

Lisa Sublett

Assistant Professor of Industrial and Organizational Psychology,
Human Sciences and Humanities

Contact number: 281-283-3493 (UHCL campus) and 281-212-1756 (UHCL at Pearland)
Email: sublett@uhcl.edu
Office: Bayou 2233 (UHCL Campus) and HSB 235 (UHCL at Pearland)

Lisa Sublett Faculty Bio

Additional Information

For more information, contact:

Dr. Alex Milam
Program Director of Industrial/Organizational Psychology
2700 Bay Area Blvd. #2233.05
Houston TX 77058
281-283-3332
MilamA@uhcl.edu