PhD in Applied Organizational Psychology

FAQ

Apply Now
Attend an Event
Request Info

What are the entry requirements for the PhD program?
  • Successful completion, at an accredited institution, of a master’s degree (or equivalent) in one of the social sciences or in business
  • GRE Verbal, Quantitative, and Writing and Personal Potential Index (PPI) scores must be provided from an examination within the previous five years of the date of application. For non-native speakers of English, a TOEFL may be required unless waived by the program director, after having received evidence of English-language proficiency.
  • A personal statement of interests and career intentions
  • A personal interview
  • Two letters of recommendation
What are the requirements of the PhD program?
  • Completion of the 96-s.h. program with a cumulative grade point average of B or better
  • Successful completion of a two-stage comprehensive examination that includes (1) a multiple choice exam administered at the end of the first year of the program used to assess strengths and weaknesses, and (2) an essay exam administered at the end of the second year. Students who fail the essay exam twice will be dropped from the program.
  • Students must maintain a B average each semester, receive no more than one C per semester and no more than three C's in total toward the PhD or the student will be dropped from the program
  • Completion of a satisfactory research dissertation
  • Satisfactory performance in an oral examination, to be given subsequent to the completion of the dissertation
  • Please visit hofstra.edu/bulletin_psychologyapporgPHD for more information on the requirements for the successful completion of the PhD program in Applied Organizational Psychology
How many credits can be transferred from my master's degree or undergraduate into the PhD program?
  • A maximum of 38 credits may be transferred from prior graduate level work to satisfy courses in the three areas above. All transfer courses must be approved by the program director. The maximum number of transfer credits is subject to the basic regulations governing doctoral programs at Hofstra University.
Can I apply with an undergraduate degree?
  • No, only students with master’s degrees (or equivalent) in social sciences and business will be are eligible for acceptance into the PhD program.
Can I attain a master’s degree en route/en passant to a PhD degree?
  • No, however, many students who have completed a master’s degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology at Hofstra University do apply for admission into the PhD program and continue their studies into the PhD program.
What type of research projects are available for students to participate in?
  • Students are normally assigned a research advisor based on their research interests and the research interests of professors. Once assigned, students will work on present projects their advisors are working on. Some of those projects include, but are not limited to, research studies in a lab, research studies in an organization, writing journal articles, writing book chapters, and presenting at SIOP.
  • Please visit the faculty page at:
Will I be able to work in a research lab under a research advisor or supervisor?
  • Yes, at least in the first semester of the first year in the doctoral program, students will be paired with faculty members who share similar research interests as theirs.
Can I be a part-time student?
  • No, students are only allowed to take full-time course loads every semester throughout their PhD program. A full course load equates to at least 10 credit hours per semester. However, in their final years students are allowed to take fewer credits.
How long does it take to obtain a PhD?
  • On average, it takes 3 years to complete the PhD program in Applied Organizational Psychology at Hofstra. Some students who enter the program as prerequisite students might take 4 to 5 years to complete the program.
When will I start the internship portion of this program?
  • The internship portion of the program will start in the final year – year 3 or 4 – of study in the PhD program.
Can I do my internship at my current organization if I am already working?
  • Yes. If the student is working in an organization then the student can do the internship portion of the program in the organization. Internship placement usually begins late in the spring semester of the second year and continues through September or until all placements are made.
How will I be able to get an internship?
  • The Psychology Department is responsible for placing students on internships. However, if the student starts the search on their own, it is important that they inform the internship director before applying for any position. The internship director must approve any internship which the student finds on his own. Students MUST communicate with the internship director before contacting any organizations regarding internships. The I/O program has established partnerships with both private and public organizations.
Will international students be able to do the internship portion of the program?
  • Please visit Hofstra University’s International Student Affairs Office prior to accepting any internship offers and to ask any questions related to international students and their eligibility for work while studying in the United States. Visit the International Student Affairs Office website for contact information.
Are students encouraged to pursue their own research interests?
  • Yes, students are often encouraged to pursue their own research interests.
What if my research interests are not directly aligned to the research of existing professors?
  • Even though student research interests are not directly related to that of professors, some professors and students do collaborate to work on research projects. However, it is advisable that students work with professors whose line of research they share a genuine and passionate interest in.
Do I have to write COMPS?
  • Yes, ALL students will have to write/sit the Comprehensive Exams otherwise known as COMPS. Students need to successfully complete the two-stage comprehensive exams that include:
    • A multiple choice exam administered in January of the first year of the program that is used to assess strengths and weaknesses.
    • A multiple essay exam administered at the end on the first year. Students who fail the exam twice will be dropped from the program.
When will I be writing COMPS?
  • Comprehensive exams will be written in January of the first year and at the end of the first year.
What is the dissertation process?
  • Contact Dawn Gallo at 516-463- 6298 or dawn.gallo@hofstra.edu for more information on the dissertation process.

Funding

How much does the PhD in Applied Organizational Psychology cost?
Will I receive departmental funding while pursuing studies in the PhD program?
  • Yes, the department does provide some funding for students in the program throughout the 3 years of enrollment in the program. However, this DOES NOT cover ALL tuition fees and expenses.
Are teaching assistantships/graduate assistantships available to students in the PhD Applied Psychology?
  • Unfortunately, graduate assistantship positions are unavailable to PhD students.
Where can I get funding or financial aid for this program?
  • Please visit Hofstra University’s financial aid webpage (hofstra.edu/sfs/financialaid/index.html) for more information.
Are there departmental scholarships I can apply for?
  • Unfortunately, there are no scholarships for the Applied Organizational Psychology program.
What sources of finance are available for international students wishing to attend this program?
  • International students are considered for academic merit-based scholarships only. Please note that an SAT or ACT score must be received for scholarship consideration.
  • Please visit or call Hofstra University’s International Student Affairs Office for more information at 516-463-6796 or (hofstra.edu/StudentAffairs/international/omisp_scholarshipsloans.html) or visit the Admission Office’s webpage (hofstra.edu/Admission/adm_international_faq.html).
Will I get paid for the internship portion of the program?
  • Most students have paid internships. If one is not available, we do what we can to help the student.
My department funds do not show up on my bill or account, how can I rectify this?

Student Demographics

How many students are accepted into the program each year?
  • On average anywhere from six to eight students can be accepted each academic year.
 What previous degrees do students in the program usually hold?
  • Students hold master’s degrees from a myriad of social sciences and business areas, including but not limited to, psychology, industrial and organizational psychology, MBA – Marketing, Management, and Industrial and Organizational Psychology.
In what industries do student work?
  • Students work in both the private and public sectors in areas of human resources, academia, consulting, and health sectors, just to name a few.
What positions do students typically hold after graduating?
  • After graduation students go on to hold positions such as Director of Human Resources, Director of Talent Acquisition, Associate Professor, Research Specialist, just to name a few. Visit the alumni page of the program for up-to-date information on our graduates.
How many students are assigned to a research advisor?
  • Typically one to two students are assigned to a research advisor per year.

Student Life

What is the atmosphere and relationship like between students in the program?
  • The cohort style of the program facilitates a close relationship between students in the program.
Are students encouraged to participate in societies outside of the program?
  • Students do not generally participate in societies outside of the program although there is no restrictions saying that they are not allowed to do so.
What societies are students encouraged to join?
  • All students in the PhD program can become members of PhD’s in Applied Organizational Psychology (PAOP), which is the association for students in the program.
Do PhD students interact with master’s students?
  • PhD students frequently interact with master’s students. Students from both programs are often found studying and socializing in Room 105 Hauser Hall, which is the office for Industrial/Organizational Psychology at Hofstra.
What is the relationship like between students and professors?
  • Professors and students interact frequently with each other both inside and outside of class,
Are there mentoring relationships between students and alumni?
  • Hofstra maintains a close network with their alumni. Networking events are held frequently to build connections and find job opportunities.
What if I would like to collaborate with students from other schools on a research project, would I be able to do that?
  • Yes, you are certainly able to work on research projects from students from other schools.
What career resources are available for students?
  • There is a Center for Career Design and Development on campus which is available to students. They provide help with resumes, interviews, and other career advice.
Will I be provided with assistance to land an internship?
  • Yes, the program will assist you in obtaining an internship in your third year.
What academic help or resources are provided for students?
  • Students can contact other students or faculty if they need any academic assistance.
Are students encouraged to go to SIOP conferences as a group or individually? Is that paid for by the department or school?
  • Students can go to SIOP conferences as a group or individually. Students generally pay to go to the conferences. However, there are discounts for PAOP members and students who are presenting.

Career Prospects

What kind of jobs are available for students after completing the PhD program?
  • Students can obtain many different types of jobs such as consulting, academia, human resources, and others.
Are there career placement services available for students after duration of studies?
  • There is a Center for Career Design and Development on Hofstra’s campus open to PhD students.
What if I want an academic career, what opportunities are available for students to teach?
  • Sometimes there are both TA and adjunct faculty positions offered to students at Hofstra and nearby universities.