Welcome to the Social-Organizational Psychology Program
M.A. and Ph.D. Programs Rank in Top 10 Nationally
July 2004
According to a study published in the July 2004 Industrial-Organizational Psychologist (Kraiger & Abalos, 2004), the M.A. and Ph.D. programs in social-organizational psychology at Teachers College, Columbia University rank in the Top 10 nationally for overall performance. Specifically, the overall weighted index places the Ph.D. program at No. 7 and the M.A. program at No. 9.
Two researchers at the University of Tulsa crafted a study design "based on a broader set of criteria than has traditionally been considered" (p. 30). The 20-item survey collected data from graduate students in industrial-organizational (I-O) psychology programs. The goal was to gain insights on topics critical to educational success. These topics included issues of faculty support and accessibility, quality of instruction, placement services, practice-based experiences, connection with the I-O community, culture of the program, and availability of educational resources.
Cheri Ostroff, Professor of Psychology and Education and Coordinator of the Ph.D. Program, applauded the emphasis on students:
"Rankings derived from student perceptions of the overall quality of the program are important, if not more important, than rankings based on more objective criteria such as faculty publications and reputations. After all, if students are not satisfied with the quality of the program and with the attention and support provided by the faculty, the long-term reputation and survivability of the program will be in jeopardy. The high overall rank that our program received speaks to the dedication and enormous efforts that both students and faculty alike have put into making our program one of the best in the country."
The high marks are also particularly impressive considering that funding, cost of living, and program costs were factored into the rankings. For a private university to provide high levels of intellectual and academic support in New York City, tuition costs cannot remain competitive with public universities. Thus, not surprisingly, the rankings based on program costs and resources list few private institutions. Despite these factors, Teachers College, Columbia University and its opportune location in the world's financial and cultural center foster graduate study, research, and professional development.
The students in the social-organizational psychology program are clearly satisfied with their academic experience and the supporting environs. Commending the program community, Warner Burke, the Edward Lee Thorndike Professor of Psychology and Education and Program Coordinator, remarked: "Congratulations to all of us! Being in the top 10 with both programs is especially gratifying. I am very proud of us all!"
About the Program in Social-Organizational Psychology
The program in social-organizational psychology offers graduate study leading to the M.A. and Ph.D. It enrolls approximately 300 students and prepares them to engage in research, consultation, leadership positions, and teaching in educational, business, governmental, and community organizations. The program specializes in organization change, human resource management, and conflict resolution with a wide range of courses and an internationally recognized faculty. In a ranking based on graduate programs in organization development and change at the M.A. level, this program ranked No. 4 overall in the nation (Varney & Darrow, 1998).
About Teachers College, Columbia University
Founded in 1887, Teachers College is the graduate school of education for Columbia University and also houses applied psychology programs for the University. According to U.S. News & World Report, Teachers College typically ranks as one of the top schools of education in the nation.
References
Kraiger, K., & Abalos, A. (2004). Rankings of graduate programs in I-O psychology based on student ratings of quality. Industrial-Organizational Psychologist, 42(1), 28-43.
Varney, G. H., & Darrow, A. L. (1998). Name recognition of master's level graduate programs in organization development and change. OD Practitioner, 30(1), 36-40.