Welcome to the SIOP Graduate Training Program (GTP) Database! This tool is designed to help prospective students find Master's and PhD programs in Industrial-Organizational psychology that align with their career goals, research interests, and practical needs.
The database is populated with self-reported data directly from program directors, giving you an inside look at curriculum structures, admissions requirements, and funding opportunities across the globe.
How to Use the Search Tool
When you first open the search tool, you will see several dropdown menus. Because there are a lot of programs in the database, the best strategy is to start broad and narrow your results down gradually.
- Start with your non-negotiables: We recommend beginning by selecting the Country you would like to study or work in. Then, select the most important defining factor for your education, such as the Degree (e.g., Master's or PhD) or the Program Modality (e.g., entirely in-person vs. online).
- Review your initial list: Hit "Search" to see how many programs fit these broad criteria.
- Refine your search: If your list is too long, use the remaining fields to filter the results further. You can narrow programs down by specific State, or filter by Science-Practice Emphasis and Topic Emphasis to find programs that perfectly match your philosophical approach to I-O psychology.
There is no wrong search strategy here, so we encourage you to find the method that works best for you!
Understanding Your Results
When you click on a specific program from your search results, you will be taken to a detailed profile. The information provided by the program is divided into three main sections: Program Overview, Curriculum Overview, and Admissions & Other Information.
Below is a guide to what each section contains and why those specific fields matter to your graduate school decision. While most of the fields are self-explanatory, we highlight some of the fields we believe would be informative for your decision-making process
Field Name
Description
Why it Matters
Degree
Specifies if the program grants a Master's, PhD, or both.
This is the foundation of your search. Your long-term career goals (e.g., academia vs. applied consulting) will dictate which degree you need.
Science-Practice Emphasis
Indicates whether the program leans more toward academic research (Science), applied consulting/industry work (Practice), or offers a balance of both.
It ensures the program's training philosophy aligns with the type of career you want to pursue after graduate
Topic Emphasis
Indicates the program's balance between the "I" (Industrial topics like selection and assessment) and the "O" (Organizational topics like leadership and motivation).
Helps you find a department where the faculty's expertise matches your specific interests.
Program Director Contact
The name and email address of the faculty member who directs the program.
This is your direct line of communication if you have specific questions not answered on the website or in the database.
No. of Full-Time Faculty
The number of core faculty members specifically trained in I-O psychology within the department.
A higher number often means a wider variety of research labs, more elective options, and a broader support network for mentorship.
Institute Type
Classifies the university's funding and operational structure (e.g., Public, Private Not-for-Profit, Private For-Profit) based on National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) definitions.
This classification heavily influences your tuition costs (e.g., public schools usually have distinct in-state vs. out-of-state rates) and the availability of traditional graduate funding, like teaching or research assistantships.
Curriculum Overview
This section outlines the practical logistics of what it takes to complete the degree, including the format, time commitment, and cohort sizes.
Field Name
Description
Why it Matters
Modality
How the classes are delivered (e.g., mostly in-person, online, or hybrid).
Impacts your day-to-day lifestyle, whether you need to relocate, and how you will interact with your cohort and professors.
Time Towards Degree Completion
The average number of months or years it takes a student to finish the program.
Crucial for your financial and personal life planning.
Graduation Rate
The percentage of admitted students who successfully complete the degree.
High rates generally indicate a supportive environment with good mentorship; very low rates can be a red flag regarding student burnout or lack of support.
Part-time Enrollment Options
Indicates whether the program allows students to take classes on a part-time basis.
A non-negotiable factor for many working professionals who cannot step away from their current jobs.
Additional Completion Requirements
Major milestones beyond coursework, such as a master's thesis, doctoral dissertation, or comprehensive exams.
Helps you understand the rigor and academic milestones expected of you before graduation.
No. of Student Admissions Each Year
The average size of an incoming cohort.
Smaller cohorts offer intimate, highly personalized mentorship, while larger cohorts provide a more expansive immediate peer network.
Admissions & Other Information
This section covers what it takes to get accepted, the financial realities of attending, and what alumni typically do after they graduate.
Field Name
Description
Why it Matters
Admission Criteria & Deadlines
Lists exactly what is required to apply (GRE requirements, GPA minimums, statements, interviews) and when they are due.
This is your application checklist. Missing a deadline or omitting a required document means waiting another year to apply.
Program Acceptance Rate
The percentage of applicants who are offered admission.
Helps you gauge the competitiveness of the program so you can build a balanced list of "reach" and "safety" schools.
Financial & Tuition Support Available
Details on whether the program offers assistantships, stipends, or full/partial tuition coverage, and the estimated yearly compensation.
Graduate school is a major investment. Understanding guaranteed funding versus out-of-pocket costs is critical to avoiding heavy student debt.
Job Placement Rate
The percentage of students who secure employment in the field after graduating.
This is the ultimate return on your investment. A high rate proves the program successfully prepares students for the workforce.
Next Steps for Alumni
A general summary of where graduates end up (e.g., academia, research-based positions, applied consulting, internal HR).
Shows you the strength of the program's alumni network in the specific sector you want to enter.
