The Study of Demand for Graduate Programs in Industrial and Organizational Psychology

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to survey 1) the interest and desire to study of future students in graduate programs, 2) the expectations on the performances of graduates in graduate programs, and 3) the experts’ opinions on directions for opening graduate programs in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Prince of Songkla University. Data was collected by using questionnaires and interviews. The results showed that: 1) most of the sample, which consisted of 380 respondents, would like to pursue a master's degree at 72.73%, and 48.05% of them was in the process of decision making.  For the duration of study, most of the sample required not more than two years for studying a master's program (76.62%).  Meanwhile, 42.86% of them required not more than three years for studying a joint master’s and doctoral program.   Also, 45.98% of them required not more than three years for studying a doctoral program.  Most of the sample required a blended learning in order to increase specific knowledge, to apply knowledge to work and daily life, which was relevant to their jobs, and increased career stability; 2) the opinions of 20 employers from the interview  revealed that the knowledge about psychology, human resources, work psychology,  communication skills, planning, strategy management, data analysis, teamwork, negotiation, technology, optimism, open-mindedness, determination and patience were the most important skills; 3) the recommendations from the three experts suggested that students of the graduate programs must have the body of knowledge in industrial and organizational psychology, research and statistics for research, language skills, and the ability to apply or build a new body of knowledge.  In addition, the admission criteria should be appropriate, and the networks with other organizations should be built.