3+2 Bachelor’s to Master’s in Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Overview
Elmhurst University’s 3+2 pathway allows students to earn both a Bachelor’s degree in psychology, with minors in communication and business administration, and an M.S. in industrial/organizational psychology within a five-year timeframe.
Industrial/organizational (I/O) psychology applies psychological science to the workplace. I/O professionals address workplace issues involving employee selection, training and development, performance management, leadership, teams, motivation, assessment and organizational development. I/O psychology can be a great fit for students who are interested in psychology and are also drawn to business, human resources, leadership, data or consulting.
Key Features and Benefits of the 3+2 Pathway
- Save time and money. Complete your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in five years instead of the traditional six-year route, reducing the overall cost of earning both degrees.
- Have a clear path from the start. Follow a structured academic plan and receive advising from the M.S. in I/O psychology program director beginning in your first year of college.
- Build a career-relevant combination of skills. Psychology, communication and business administration provide preparation in human behavior, research, communication and business that supports graduate study and careers in I/O psychology.
Program Structure
During the first three years, students complete a psychology major and minors in communication and business administration. Students follow a structured academic plan across Fall, January, Spring and Summer terms to complete their undergraduate degree requirements in three years.
The psychology major and communication minor provide some flexibility in course selection, while the business administration minor follows a set sequence of courses designed for students in the 3+2 pathway. Instead of microeconomics and macroeconomics courses, the business administration minor includes Business Analysis Using Microsoft Excel and Survey of Business Analytics, providing analytical preparation particularly relevant to I/O psychology.
As part of the psychology major, students complete the courses needed for the M.S. in I/O Psychology program, including Introduction to Psychology, Statistics, Research Methods, and Introduction to I/O Psychology.
Students who successfully complete the undergraduate pathway requirements are eligible for a streamlined, fast-track admission process for the M.S. in I/O Psychology program. Students submit a resume and statement of purpose to the M.S. in I/O Psychology program admission team by June 1 for fall admission.
The graduate portion is an on-campus, cohort-based program with evening classes twice a week, typically Monday and Wednesday. Students progress through a set sequence of courses with their cohort. The program combines psychological science with practical experience through applied research, collaboration, hands-on projects and opportunities to solve real workplace problems. Students complete an internship as their graduate capstone experience.
Exceptions to the internship requirement may be considered for students interested in pursuing a thesis, subject to program approval.
Admission Requirements
The 3+2 pathway is designed for first-year students who:
- Have a cumulative high school GPA of 3.00 or higher
- Complete pre-advising with the M.S. in I/O Psychology program director
Transfer students may also be eligible depending on prior coursework and at the discretion of the program director.
Program Expectations
To remain in the 3+2 pathway, students must:
- Maintain an undergraduate GPA of 3.00 or higher
- Earn a C or better in all major, minor and prerequisite courses
- Remain in good academic standing
- Follow the recommended academic plan with guidance from the M.S. in I/O Psychology program director
Once students enter the M.S. program, graduate academic requirements apply.
Because the undergraduate curriculum is carefully sequenced, dropping, withdrawing from, repeating or delaying required courses may affect a student’s ability to complete the undergraduate portion of the pathway in three years. Students should consult with the program director before making changes to their academic plan.
Take the Next Step
Interested in combining psychology, communication and business while earning your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in five years?
Contact the M.S. in I/O Psychology program director, Jessica Sim, at [email protected] to learn more about the program.
How to Apply
Submit your undergraduate application to Elmhurst University. Qualified applicants will be invited to complete the 3+2 Bachelor’s to Master’s in Industrial/Organizational Psychology pathway application and schedule a meeting with the program director.
FAQ
The three-year undergraduate sequence includes summer terms, with summer tuition charged separately at a per-credit rate. Undergraduate and graduate programs have separate billing and financial aid processes.
Scholarships and aid awarded during undergraduate enrollment do not carry over to the graduate program. There are some scholarships and grants available for graduate students.
Due to the accelerated pace of the program and the sequence of coursework, changes in schedules can delay a student’s timeline for completing the full program. Students should work with the program director when changes to schedules occur.