Golden Gate University Online Master of Arts in Industrial/Organizational Psychology

Why Golden Gate University? 

Golden Gate University (GGU) is a large private university located in San Francisco, California. They offer an online program leading to the degree of Master of Arts in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. The program is administered by the university’s Graduate School.

To apply, you do not need to submit any test scores. You can apply at any point during the year. Students are expected to have earned a minimum GPA of 2.5 in their undergraduate coursework. There are no required prerequisite courses. 

 Program Snapshot

University Name	Golden Gate University
Location	San Francisco
State	California
Niche.com Grade	not rated
Name of Degree	Master of Arts in Industrial/Organizational Psychology
School or Department Administering Program	Graduate School
Credits	33
Cost per credit	$1,090.00
Tuition for Entire Program	$35,970.00
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?	Fall, Spring, Summer
Program Concentrations	none
Synchronous classes	both
Required Courses	Personal Leadership Leading Complex Change Applied Psychological Research Tests & Measurements Organizational Behavior and Development Executive Coaching Theory & Practice Consulting Skills Diversity in Organizations Conflict Resolution: Ethics, Theory and Practice
Does the Program Include a Capstone?	No
Does the program include a practicum or internship?	No
Other Features that Make the Program Unique	required courses in leadership, executive coaching, and consulting skills; opportunities to take project management and other business -focused courses as electives; lots of adult learners in classes
Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program)	Understand the main theoretical frameworks of industrial-organizational psychology with emphasis on organizational behavior, team and individual functioning, and leadership in a global context Examine the dynamic and evolving nature of professional practice with focus on careers in industrial-organizational psychology, as well as human resources, executive coaching, and management consulting Learn assessment tools to measure and diagnose individual, team, and organizational performance; Explore contemporary challenges such as diversity in organizations, managing generational differences, and the growing role of human resources technology
Program Description	The program’s 33 credits can be completed within 2 years. The program consists of coursework only: there is no required capstone or required internship. Students learn the main theoretical frameworks of Industrial/Organizational psychology, and learn leadership, organizational behavior, assessment and other skills.

What will I Learn?

Graduates of this program are equipped to apply psychological concepts to problems in the workplace, to prepare for careers in human resources, executive coaching, and management consulting. Graduates will be able to assess problems and suggest and implement solutions in the areas of organizational performance and behavior, team and individual functioning, and organizational leadership. Students explore challenges such as diversity, generational differences, and human resources technology. 

The curriculum of this program is split between business-oriented practical classes and more theoretical psychology classes. Students begin the program by studying foundational topics in courses such as Personal Leadership, Leading Complex Chang and Applied Psychological Research. They learn additional skills in Tests & Measurements and Executive Coaching Theory & Practice. Advanced learning occurs in courses in Organizational Behavior and Development, Consulting Skills; Diversity in Organizations and Conflict Resolution: Ethics, Theory and Practice. Students do not complete a capstone project or a practicum.

How much will the program cost?

Students finish their degree within 2 years and pay $1,090.00 per credit for a total of 33 credits, or just under $36,000 for the entire degree.

How does the program fit into my life?

Students can apply for this program at any time, and can start in the Fall, Spring or Summer semester. The required courses usually take most students two years to complete. Students are not required to visit San Francisco, although they may visit campus if they wish.

The program is designed to make university learning as easy as possible for the working adult, with flexible scheduling and curriculum. Learning happens at set times each week (synchronous learning) and at the student’s own pace (asynchronous learning model). Students complete online activities including watching video lectures, completing homework, assessing skills with online quizzes, and discussing issues with classmates. 

Summary

Applicants to this program may be attracted to its business and management orientation, and its focus on building skills for careers in management consulting. In particular, the program requires courses in leadership, executive coaching, and consulting skills, and offers opportunities to take project management and other business -focused courses as electives. 

This accessible university boasts that most students are adult learners returning to higher learning. This means that students can be assured that faculty and staff will be familiar with the challenges of online learning and balancing work and life responsibilities. The program is high in cost, but does not offer some of the same opportunities for prestigious research collaboration or building networks through internships.