The Master of Arts in Applied Psychology offers a solid education in the theories, philosophies, and practices of this dynamic and growing field through two programs of study. A dedicated faculty from each program challenges you intellectually, while giving individual guidance, providing you a strong foundation on which to build a successful career, no matter which field you pursue.
Industrial/Organizational Psychology - designed to educate students to apply psychological principles and techniques in the work environment, to increase individual and organizational productivity. For candidates in the industrial/organizational (I/O) program, Fairfield's Northeast location in a region with many non-profit and for-profit corporate organizations provides a wide range of opportunities for fieldwork, such as employee recruitment and selection, performance management/appraisal, training and development, motivations and job satisfaction, organization development, job analysis, and research and program evaluation.
Foundations of Advanced Psychology - designed to provide students with foundational knowledge of psychology, while educating them in basic research and program evaluation skills. Students who pursue this program do so to prepare themselves for advanced study in psychology or other fields, to satisfy their curiosity about psychology, or to enhance their endeavors in their current work.
Come meet our deans and faculty to learn more about our graduate programs.
Dear Prospective Student,
Having a sound understanding of psychological principles enhances our work in virtually any setting. Whether we are working with children or adults, research participants, or employees and managers, our understanding of human behavior can influence our effectiveness.
Fairfield University's programs in Applied Psychology are designed to provide you with that sound understanding of psychological principles. Upon admission, you are assigned an advisor with whom you will discuss your career interests, plan your program, and work closely throughout your course of study. Our faculty are excellent teachers who love to teach and who combine their academic endeavors with practical work in the community.
Our programs in Applied Psychology have a foundation in science, the ethical principles of psychologists, and the ideals of a traditional Jesuit education. Our academically rigorous programs will challenge and excite you intellectually and personally. The people you meet in your classes will come from diverse backgrounds and will be sharing your path to a new or enhanced career.
Please feel free to explore this program site further, and if you have any questions or would like to schedule a time to meet with me for further discussion, just send me an e-mail.
Faith-Anne Dohm, PhD
Professor of Psychology
Director, Applied Psychology Graduate Programs
Fairfield's Master of Arts in Applied Psychology provides:
Graduates of Fairfield's Applied Psychology programs are much in demand, finding advantageous field work placements and meaningful employment with some of the country's top organizations:
Our Industrial-Organizational-Personnel program benefits from the wisdom and guidance of a dedicated Alumni Advisory Board made up of graduates who enjoy contributing to the School's continuing excellence.
Theresa Clifford-Addison, M. A.
Director of Training, Staffing and Volunteers
American Red Cross
Suzanne Jean, M.A.
Associate HR Consultant
Bank of Montreal (BMO) Capital Markets
Stephen J. Koch, M.A.
Chief Operating Officer
Global Vision Hotels
Susan O'Connor, M.A.
Vice President, Talent Management
Cengage Learning
Allison (Sullivan) Voss, M.A.
Brand Experience Expert
Gap/Gap Body Store
Steve Winkel, PRC, M.A.
Director, Client Services, Global Accounts
Survey Sampling International, LLC
Learn more about how the University's Office of Career Planning can support your post-graduate goals, and how Fairfield's tight-knit alumni network can build career and mentoring opportunities that last a lifetime.
Different concentrations of study are available to candidates seeking a master's degree in applied psychology. Some candidates are interested in a pathway other than an MBA to work in organizations and are interested in developing the skills necessary for work as industrial/organizational specialists. Others seek to strengthen their academic background in psychology before pursuing further graduate studies at another institution or to prepare themselves to be entry-level research assistants in psychological research settings. Some seek to increase their understanding of human behavior in order to enhance their current work in community settings.
View course catalog
The Applied Psychology program offers two master's degrees:
Industrial/Organizational Psychology (39 credits)
Core (required)
Foundations of Advanced Psychology (33 credits)
Core (required)
Electives (6 credits)
Admission Requirements
Applicants for the M.A. in Applied Psychology must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university (or the international equivalent) and give promise of meeting the standards set by the School.
Formal Admission Process
Students seeking admission must submit:
Students from Non-English Speaking Countries
Students from non-English speaking countries are required to submit a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score report. A TOEFL composite score of 550 for the paper test, 213 for the computer-based, or 84 on the Internet-based test (iBT) with a minimum score of 21 in reading and 23 in writing is strongly recommended for admission. Fairfield's ETS code is 3390.
All application materials for formal admission should be sent to:
Office of Graduate Admission
1073 North Benson Road
Fairfield, CT 06824-5195
Phone: (203) 254-4184
Fax: (203) 254-4073
gradadmis@fairfield.edu
How to Apply
For detailed admission requirements, please refer to the links below:
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Financial Aid
To be considered for financial aid, Fairfield University requires students to complete a FAFSA form. For further information, visit the Office of Financial Aid.
When are applications due?
What are the application requirements?
Our Office of Graduate Admissions is available to explain the application requirements and to help you get your application together. You may contact them by submitting a request for information or by phoning (203) 254-4184 or toll-free (888) 488-6840.
Do I need to take the GREs?
The GREs are not required.
How much does it cost?
Tuition and fees for our graduate programs.
Do I have to be a full-time student?
Our programs are designed to accommodate students who want to attend part time because most of our students are working at least part time. Nonetheless, some of our students attend full time.
When are courses offered?
Most of our courses are offered in the evening and a few are offered on the weekends. Weekday courses generally meet once a week for two hours. Weekend courses tend to be full day courses that meet for four or five weekends or weekend days over the semester.
What is the average class size?
We keep our classes small. The typical maximum class size is 20, but class sizes range from 10 to 25.
Do I need to have earned an undergraduate degree in psychology to be eligible for admission?
Our students come from a variety of undergraduate backgrounds, which adds to the richness of our interactions in class. An undergraduate degree in psychology is not required.
How long does it take to complete the degree?
Students who attend full-time take 9 credits each Fall and Spring semester and up to 6 credits in the summer sessions. For full-time students who start in the Fall semester, the program can be completed in about 2 years. For students who attend part time, the time will vary based on how many courses are taken at a time.
Students are required, however, to complete their degree within six years after they begin their first course.
What financial aid is available?
Our financial aid office can best answer that question for you. You may reach them by phoning (203) 254-4125 or by e-mailing them, and you can visit the financial aid website.
Our graduate assistantships provide tuition credit for work. Please see the information noted on the website regarding available positions.
For more information about Fairfield University's graduate programs, please contact:
Office of Graduate Admission
Fairfield University
1073 North Benson Road
Fairfield, CT 06824
Call (203) 254-4184 or email gradadmis@fairfield.edu.
