The average incoming class size in the I/O program ranges from 10-12 students. The number of students in any one class typically varies from 5-15 depending on the level of the course.

There are typically about 20 M.S. students enrolled in the program.

There are typically about 40 Ph.D. students enrolled in the program.

We have seven full time professors who teach and supervise students in the I/O program. To learn more about the faculty and their research interests, check out the faculty page.

We typically receive over 100 applications per year.

On average, 8-12 students are admitted into the program a year (this includes both the masters and Ph.D. program).

Approximately 3.5

The average GRE score is approximately 306 which is the GRE Verbal and GRE Quantitative combined. The GRE Psychology test is not required for admission.

Typically the Master's degree program is completed in 2 years. If you are entering with a Bachelor's degree, the Ph.D. program is typically completed between 4 1/2 and 5 years. Students have the same classes and developmental opportunities regardless of their choice of program.

Complete admission information is available on the admissions website.

The deadline for priority consideration in both programs is December 1. Applications can be submitted after this date, but are subject to availability. It is generally a good idea to get your materials in early so you can make sure your file is complete.

Students are encouraged to visit the program any time. Some students choose to visit before applying, and others visit once they are accepted to make their final decision.

We take a whole person approach to selecting students. GRE scores are a factor, but only one in a set of factors we look at when making our select decisions, which is why they are recommended, but not required. GPA particularly within the subject, and the last two years of school is examined. We also take a close look at letters of recommendation for indicators of "fit" with our work values and organizational culture. Written statements are also useful tools when selecting students, especially when they clearly articulate particular interest in and alignment with our program along with future career goals. While test goals are a valid predictor, they are not the only one we use.

Courses in psychology are relevant and helpful, especially those that emphasize psychological research methods. An Intro to I/O course would be helpful. If your school doesn't offer this, a human resource or organizational behavior class might be appropriate.

The I/O Faculty at Florida Tech is very active in scholarly work. Each faculty member maintains a strong team based program of research. Our program faculty has roughly 25 papers a year accepted at the SIOP conference. In addition our faculty publishes on average two publications a year per person. Our faculty members have also written several scholarly books, contributed chapters to edited books, and serve on editorial boards of refereed journals. In the last 3 years we have had over 100 papers and presentations at SIOP and 50 journal publications and book chapters.

Many students are also involved with research here in the I/O program. Much of the research is conducted in teams. Each research team has between 5-10 members that range from 1st to 5th year. We encourage students to present at conferences and publish, and encourage faculty to publish with their students.

There is no rule here stating that you have to work with the faculty member that you were initially assigned to as an academic advisor.  We encourage students to switch to an advisor that they are comfortable with, and also share interests with.  Once you have found an advisor you can still work with multiple faculty members across different projects.  Many of our students are on two research teams.

Yes, the students here at Florida Tech definitely make the conference rounds.  We have very high attendance rates for the SIOP conference.  In addition we have had students present papers at APA, Academy of Management, and the South Western Management Association, as well as a number of international I/O and cross cultural psychology conferences.

The I/O professors at Florida Tech have a great deal of consulting experience.  These consultations include expert legal testimony, statistical analyses for court cases, development of employment and certification exams, development of personality measures and large scale organizational surveys, team building, leadership training, and 360 degree performance appraisal systems. Several of the faculty are actively involved in and in The Center for Organizational Effectiveness and the Institute for Culture, Collaboration and Management through which they supervise and work on consulting projects in many different areas. 

Students can get as much hands on experience as they want.  This usually is in the form of a practicum in outside organizations.  During the practicum students receive over 300 hours of training in I/O related skills.  Once the practicum is over, many students elect to stay employed with the organization until they finish school to get more experience.  In addition, students can gain hands on experience through the Center for Professional Service, our campus based consulting firm.  These consulting projects are staffed by students, and supervised by the I/O faculty.

Florida Tech I/O alumni are employed in a variety of settings. Many of our students move forward into traditional consulting or applied research positions with companies such as Apple, Amazon, IBM, Development Dimensions International, Korn Ferry, Marriot, Center for Creative Leadership, PSI, L3Harris Corporation, Army Research Laboratory, Walt Disney World, Proctor & Gamble, Nordstrom, and NASA. Others begin academic positions at colleges and universities across the US and beyond.

Our goal is to maintain a balance between applied and academic perspectives.  All of our faculty consult and conduct research.  That allows the faculty to provide real world examples and data in and outside of the classroom.  We adhere to the scientist practitioner model of training, and our curriculum emphasizes commitment to balanced training.

Either the practicum or thesis is required at the Master’s level.  Internship/practicum is not required for the doctoral level. Participation outside of class in other applied or research activities is not required, but is highly encouraged.

Information on graduate student fees can be located on the registrar's webpage. Students usually take 9-12 credit hours per semester and 3-6 hours in the summer.

Many of our students receive some funding, but most do not receive full funding. Funding is in the form of tuition remission and can be from research assistantship, teaching assistantship and scholarship. Students may also receive stipends from their work in our consulting and research centers.

Most who apply receive graduate funding.  This can extend in to the 4th or 5th year.

It is not likely you will teach in your first semester unless you enter the program with your Master’s degree.  Some research assistantships are available for 1st years. Nearly all students who desire teaching experience have the opportunity to teach or TA undergraduate classes in psychology and research methods.

There is some limited funding for research related expenses, but most students do pay their own way to conferences.

Most of our students do take out student loans.  Information regarding student loans can be found in our financial aid department. Check out the financial aid website for more information.

A part time job is feasible once you have adjusted to the increased pace of grad school.  Roughly half of our students have some type of outside employment.  Many of these students have paid internships working in HR or I/O types of positions.

Research assistants are usually given greater responsibility in the research teams.  They are often research team leaders.  These individuals organize the day-to-day activities of the research teams.  These activities include literature search, training team members, study design, data collection, statistical analyses and preparing papers and presentations.  Teaching assistants either help teach lab sections of courses, or teach the entire course.  Teaching GSAs meet regularly with faculty advisors to receive guidance on effective teaching and talk about issues that may have popped up.

Intro to I/O Psychology, Stat and Research Methods I & II, Organizational Psychology, Test and Measures, and Intro to Research Methods.

Students are enrolled in three classes per semester, totaling nine hours per week.  To prepare adequately for class and exams, students typically spend from 20-30 hours per week studying.  Extra activities (e.g., research teams and committees) require additional time. 

The atmosphere of Florida Tech’s I/O program is very collaborative in nature.  Students have the opportunity to work closely with faculty on research and applied projects.  In addition, students may also work with one another in research teams and on projects in the classroom.  This collaborative atmosphere fosters an environment in which students are encouraged to learn from working with faculty, as well from working with their peers.

Florida Tech’s I/O program is grounded in the idea of providing rigorous training and professional development while maintaining a laid-back culture.  We are in a state of growth which has been possible largely because of an emphasis on capitalizing on the unique strengths of the faculty and students.  Students are encouraged to pursue their unique interests, in addition to structuring their learning experience in a way that will be most beneficial to their professional goals.  A core value of the program is being open to, and learning from diverse viewpoints.  The presence of this value has played a major role in shaping the culture and learning experiences provided in the program. 

We have students and alumni from all over the world including Barbados, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Lebanon, Puerto Rico, Sweden, Taiwan, South Africa, Nigeria, Panama, Saudi Arabia, the Philippines, South Korea, Brazil, Trinidad and the USA. We have had students with a wide range of ages; however most are recently graduated traditional students.

Our faculty members come from various parts of the country including Ohio, New York, Florida, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. 

The mentoring program for the incoming and current students provides a wealth of information about our program.  It is a great way to get to know students before attending school at Florida Tech and to ask any questions you may have.

Students try to find the time to relax in social settings when they have the time. Some students have internships or outside jobs. Melbourne is in central Florida and big cities are close - Orlando is only about 45 minutes, Miami is about 3.5 hours, Daytona is about 1 hour. There are nice beaches about 10 minutes from school, shopping, restaurants, bars, golf courses, etc. Most students would agree that Melbourne is a quiet surf town. 

While some students live on campus, most of our students opt to live off campus in apartments or rental homes. There are no residence halls solely devoted to graduate students.

Florida Tech is  a relatively safe campus. We have roaming security day and night.  The campus is well lit and in a safe part of town.  Students would be advised to take regular security precautions.  Check out the Department of Security website for more information. The Florida Tech Trolley provides free transportation around campus and to downtown Melbourne on the weekends.

Rent has recently fluctuated greatly due to growth on the Space Coast. Your are encouraged to visit Apartments.com or the ApartmentAvidsor page for FIT students for information on rentals.

It is best to start planning as soon as you know that you will be attending the university as vacancies in the area do fill up quickly. Rentals are typically formally secured 1-2 months prior to arriving.

There is plenty of housing within walking distance of campus and the Florida Tech Trolley provides free transportation around campus and to downtown Melbourne on the weekends. However, most students find it desirable to have a car.

The weather is sub-tropical and usually sunny. In the winter a light jacket may be desired at times.  From summer through fall, it can be extremely hot and humid (some of us call this the "pool season") and rain is very common even if only for few minutes a day. Check out Weather.com for the most current forecast (32901).

Melbourne is a calm location with a small town feel.  Orlando is relatively close and is a popular destination on Friday nights.  It takes about an hour to get there.  Florida Tech is very close to the ocean, it only takes about 5-10 minutes to get there.

There is a health center on campus; for more information visit the Holzer Health Center website.

For information about student health insurance visit the student health insurance program webpage.

Students also make good use of the Clemente Center, Florida Tech's fitness and aquatic center.

It is recommended that you have your own computer, but the campus does have resources available.  Laptops are convenient since most of the buildings on campus permit wireless internet access. 

Please contact Dr. Jessica Wildman at jwildman@fit.edu or phone at +1 (321) 674-7130 for more information. 

Or join us for our upcoming virtual information sessions! Come ask questions and hear more about our curriculum, student opportunities, and beach town life in sunny Melbourne prior to our priority deadline of December 1, 2024.

Florida Tech IO grad program virtual info session #1
Date: Thursday, October 24, 2024
Time: 6-7PM Eastern
Zoom link: https://fit.zoom.us/j/99606157864

Florida Tech IO grad program virtual info session #2
Date: Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Time: 1-2PM Eastern
Zoom link: https://fit.zoom.us/j/99121213412