Below is a list of frequently asked questions. Note that detailed answers to several of these can be found on the Application for Admission page on our website.

Can I apply to the Master’s program as well?

Yes. Baruch College offers a terminal Master’s degree in I-O psychology. This program is independent of the doctoral program offered through the Graduate Center. Application materials from one program cannot be transferred to the other. Course credits and theses completed as part of the terminal master’s program cannot be transferred to the doctoral program in the event of subsequent admission and will not be counted toward the requirements of the doctoral degree.

Do I need to pay for graduate school?

All students in the program receive a tuition fellowship and a stipend. The tuition fellowship covers out-of-state tuition level in year 1 and in-state tuition level in years 2-5. International students are covered at out-of-state tuition levels in years 1-5. The stipend amounts vary from year-to-year and depend on the particular financial aid package awarded. Financial aid is awarded at the time of admission. Additional information on financial aid can be found here.

Where do graduates of the program work?

Our alumni hold positions in academia (e.g., Southern New Hampshire University, Sacred Heart University), Fortune 500 organizations (e.g., Pepsi, J P Morgan Chase, Merck, Goldman Sachs, Chevron, Facebook, LinkedIn, Morgan Stanley, Amazon), government (e.g., Office of Personnel Management; Federal Bank of New York), and consulting firms (e.g., Korn Ferry, BTS, McKinsey, Mercer-Sirota, Aon).

Should I take the GRE or the GRE subject test in psychology?

No, the GRE and the Psychology GRE subject test are not a requirement for your application.

 How many students are admitted each year?

4-5 students are admitted each year.

How long does it take to complete the degree?

The program is designed to be completed in 5 to 6 years.

How do I know if a particular faculty member is taking on new students?

All full-time faculty members are currently accepting students.

Can I work with more than one faculty member?

All students are assigned to a faculty member as a research assistant during their first year in the program. We attempt to match students with faculty based on common research interests. Students can complete their thesis and dissertation work with their research assistant supervisor or someone else. Students are encouraged to work with more than one faculty member on various research projects during the course of their training.

I applied for the Baruch I-O PhD program. When can I expect to receive my admission result?

A short list of applicants will be invited for phone interviews in late January/early February. A select group of applicants will be invited to attend visitation day in mid-February. Admissions decisions will be made by early March, and admitted applicants have until April 15th to decide whether to accept or decline the offer.

I am an undergraduate student who is interested in I-O psychology. Are there any opportunities to get involved with research at Baruch?

Faculty members intermittently have positions available for undergraduate research assistants. These students work with both doctoral students and the faculty member to develop their research skills by conducting literature searches, running studies, and analyzing data.

How involved are I-O doctoral students in research?

Very involved! All incoming students work as research assistants and begin developing their thesis ideas during their first year in the program. Students become progressively more independent researchers over the course of their training.

Do students have opportunities to attend or present research at conferences?

Yes. Students are strongly encouraged to submit their work to SIOP and other conferences.

Does the Baruch I-O PhD program accept part-time students?

No. All students are full-time students.

What are the minimum/average GRE scores of successful applicants?

The GRE is not required.

When is the application deadline?

Application deadlines are typically December 1st, but please check the Graduate Center website to confirm. Application materials submitted after the deadline will not be considered.

Do I need a Master’s degree to apply to the Ph.D. program?

No. Some students enter with master’s degrees, but most do not.

Does the program host an open house or visitation day?

A select number of applicants will be invited to attend visitation day in mid-February. Virtual open houses are offered periodically. The schedule of virtual open houses will be posted on the website.

Can I visit the program before applying or set up an informational interview?

In fairness to all applicants, we do not accommodate visits to the program prior to visitation day or informational interviews. Click here for a virtual tour of Baruch College.

Do students have internships?

Internships are not a required part of the program. For students who wish to pursue internships, the faculty recommends that they do so only after passing comprehensive exams.

How involved are students in teaching?

Students who are supported with a Graduate Teaching Fellowships are required to teach one course per semester for years 2, 3 and 4. Those who are supported with other funding packages may teach at their discretion after their first year. All students are eligible to teach during the summer sessions.

Does the University offer housing?

The Graduate Center has limited housing for which a student can apply.

Where do most students live?

Students live throughout the NYC region, including the five boroughs, Long Island and New Jersey. Graduate Center housing is also available. More information about student housing can be found here.

Do I need a degree in psychology to apply?

No, but you must have completed at least 15 undergraduate credits in psychology, including courses in statistics, research methods and I/O psychology (or a comparable course, such as applied psychology, organizational behavior, or human resource management), in order to be admitted.  

Do I need to have specific classes in psychology to apply?

Yes. You must have completed at least one undergraduate course in statistics, research methods, and I/O psychology (or a comparable course, such as applied psychology, organizational behavior, or human resource management).

Do you offer health insurance?

Students with teaching fellowships are eligible for health insurance years 1 through 5. Students who receive other types of funding are eligible for health insurance through the Graduate Center so long as they teach at least one course per semester. Detailed requirements can be found here.

What criteria does the I-O program use to evaluate applicants?

The admissions committee attends to the candidate statement, research experience, letters of recommendation, prior academic performance (GPA), and interview responses. We do not consider the GRE.

Can unsuccessful applicants re-apply to the program?

Yes.

Can I transfer a previously-completed Master’s thesis count toward the Baruch I-O doctoral degree?

Master’s theses completed as a doctoral student in another program may – with committee review and approval – be accepted in lieu of the required thesis. Theses completed as part of terminal master’s programs will not count toward the degree.

I am an international student. What important information do I need to know about the application process?

Information for prospective international students can be found on the Graduate Center website.

When are classes offered?

Classes are offered during the day during the work week. Each class meets once a week for two hours.

What is the typical class size?

Most classes will include 6-10 students. Some general required courses (e.g., statistics, research methods) will include 12-18 students.