Michigan State University was ranked the No. 1 industrial-organizational psychology program in the nation by the 2009 "U.S. News & World Report." The MSU I-O psychology program is centered around research, beginning with research already started and directed by faculty, which prepares students for a life in academia as professors or researchers. The program enrolls between 15 and 20 students and provides around a $15,000 stipend for research assistantship.
The Penn State University industrial-organizational psychology program is ranked second in the nation, according to the 2009 "U.S. News & World Report." The Penn State I-O program provides students with coursework, research opportunities and practical experience to prepare students for a future in professional and academic settings. Much of the I-O research has been requested by companies, firms or governmental agencies, and students work with faculty to complete this research. Assistantships are available to cover tuition and to provide a monthly stipend.
The University of Minnesota psychology program is ranked third in the nation, according to the 2009 "U.S. News & World Report." Although the University of Minnesota I-O psychology program prepares students for both professional practice and academia, the core of the program focuses on study and research. The program is competitive; only 44 of the 389 applicants in 2010 were accepted. Assistance is provided to student in the form of fellowships or grants, assistantships and loans.
Bowling Green State University is ranked fourth in industrial-organizational psychology, according to the 2009 "U.S. News & World Report." The Bowling Green State University I-O program is slightly faster than other programs, with most students graduating within four and a half years, compared to the typical five. The program provides many research opportunities through the department's Institute for Psychological Research and Application and the opportunity to present the research at many prestigious conferences, such as the American Psychological Association (APA). The program also helps students find a one-year internship at large companies, such as Google, after completing their master's degrees.