Bellevue University Online Master of Science in Industrial/Organizational Psychology

Why Bellevue University? 

Bellevue University is a mid-sized private university focused on adult education located in Bellevue, Nebraska, in the Omaha area. It offers an online program leading to the degree of  Master of Science in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. 

The required minimum undergraduate GPA for admission to this program is 2.5. There are no other requirements for admission. Test results are not required. 

Program Snapshot

University Name	Bellevue University
Location	Bellevue
State	Nebraska
Niche.com Grade	C+
Name of Degree	Master of Science in Industrial/Organizational Psychology
School or Department Administering Program	School of Graduate Studies
Credits	36
Cost per credit	$630.00
Tuition for Entire Program	$22,680.00
Test Requirements	none
Minimum GPA	2.5
Prerequisite Courses and Skills	none
Campus Visit Required?	no
Typical Time to Complete	2 years
When Can Students Start the Program?	Spring, Fall, Summer
Program Concentrations	none
Synchronous classes	no
Required Courses	Profession of Industrial/Organizational Psychology Social Psychology Job Analysis and Performance Appraisal Applied Organizational Psychology Organizational Development Statistical Methods I and II Personnel Selection Measurement and Design Practicum and Skills Development Applied Research Methods Advanced Industrial and Organizational Psychology Practice
Does the Program Include a Capstone?	No
Does the program include a practicum or internship?	Yes
Other Features that Make the Program Unique	assigned student coach; designed for learners returning to school; cohort model emphasizes networking; small class sizes
Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program)	Demonstrate efficacy in communicating theoretical importance and business application in a way that can be understood across job titles, departments, and organizations Apply current industrial/organizational psychology theory to solve organizational problems Define how to leverage data, analysis techniques, and statistical interpretations to provide meaningful insights that support business decisions Design and conduct assessments and measurements regarding individual, team, and business variables Develop research methods that address applied business topics Demonstrate the ability to identify organizational problems and recommend strategic solutions.
Program Description	This accessible program required 36 credits of coursework, including a required practicum. There is no capstone project or thesis offered. The curriculum introduces students to the core concepts of applying psychology in workplace settings, including solving organizational problems, applying statistical methods, designing and conducting assessments, and recommending strategic solutions.

What will I Learn?

Graduates of this program will be equipped with professional communication skills necessary to advocate for the importance of psychological approaches in the workplace and in other large organizations. Graduates will have a problem-solving orientation, based in evidence-driven decision-making.

Students begin the program by studying foundational topics in courses such as Professional of Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Applied Organizational Psychology, Organizational Development and Social Psychology. 

They learn the key techniques of measurement and research in Job Analysis and Performance Appraisal and in two courses in Statistical Methods. They apply these skills further in Applied Research Methods and Measurement and Design. They learn to solve organizational problems using psychological tools in Personnel Selection and Advanced Industrial and Organizational Psychology Practice. All students must complete the required course entitled Practicum and Skills Development. 

How much will the program cost?

Students finish their degree within 2 years and pay $630.00 per credit for a total of 36 credits, or just over $22,500.00  for the entire degree.

How does the program fit into my life?

The Bellevue program prides itself on being accessible to working students, with a high degree of scheduling flexibility. Students can complete their assigned work at any time, and all courses are taught using this so-called “asynchronous” learning model. Online activities can include, but are not limited to, watching videos, completing assignments, participating in group discussions, or taking interactive quizzes.

Most students complete this program within two years. Students can start the program in Fall, Spring or Summer semesters. In contrast to the schedule flexibility, this program offers less curriculum flexibility, because all students must take the same courses in the same order.

Summary

Bellevue University focuses on an adult education mission, with the majority of students being working adults returning to academic work. Therefore this program offers fewer opportunities to interact with academically prestigious faculty engaged in active psychological research than is available in some other programs. However, applicants can be assured that instructors will be familiar with the needs and challenges of online learners and working students.

Bellevue boasts that classes are small, with 24 students or fewer in each class. Another selling point of this program is the cohort course model, in which all students take the same classes in  the same order. While this model may be off-putting for some applicants looking for exploration and creativity in course choices, it may be perfect for other students who want to build networks and relationships while following a predictable pathway to their degree.