Program Overview
The goal of this program is to enable graduates to apply scientific knowledge and research methodology to improve organizational performance and to increase customer and employee satisfaction. It is based on the philosophy that researchers and practitioners benefit when they collaborate on problems of mutual interest. The program is designed to continue the education of students who have already completed a master's degree in a social science or business.
This program builds on several graduate programs, especially Hofstra University’s MA program in Industrial/Organizational (I/O) Psychology, the doctoral programs in psychology, and the MS and MBA programs in the School of Business. It differs from these programs in its multidisciplinary perspective and in its emphasis on organizationally relevant methodology, which together synthesize science, application, psychology, and organizational studies.
The program's overall approach is based on a scientist-practitioner model in which students are exposed to research methodology, factual content, theory, and how to apply these concepts to problems in organizations. The program collaborates with many organizations in the Greater New York area, including businesses, industries, public agencies, health systems, and nonprofit organizations. The PhD program invites students with diverse backgrounds and work experiences.
Graduates will have expertise in two major areas:
- Applications of research methods and statistics to practical problems in organizations.
- Disciplines related to human behavior in organizations, such as industrial/organizational psychology, management, business, sociology, and economics.
The Practical Model
A major part of the program involves projects in organizations. These projects serve the educational needs of the students and advance scientific knowledge in the field of organizational psychology. A major part of the program involves internships with organizations from the within the New York area, including businesses, industries, public agencies, health systems, and nonprofit organizations. These projects serve the educational needs of the students and advance scientific knowledge in the field of organizational psychology.
Research
Research seminars provide an opportunity for students and faculty to collaborate on publications, presentations, and research proposals. Students will gain experience conducting applied research relevant to an organization, in both laboratory and field settings.
- Laboratory research is performed under the supervision of a faculty member.
- Field research is conducted under the joint supervision of a faculty member and a representative of the organization.
Dissertations
The collaboration between the student and faculty member during research seminar leads to the student’s doctoral dissertation. Dissertation research may be conducted in the laboratory, the organization, or both. In addition to sound scientific methodology, the dissertation must have both practical and theoretical significance.