Students at Southeast Missouri State University will have the opportunity to enroll in a new industrial organizational psychology graduate program beginning in fall 2016.

"We saw the need for master's level training in psychology in this immediate region," said Dr. Leslee Pollina, chair of the Department of Psychology and professor of psychology.

Industrial organizational psychologists study human behavior in the workplace, attempting to make it a healthier environment.

Students with graduate degrees in industrial organizational psychology could work for an organization or firm, or do consulting. Industrial organizational psychologists primarily look at employee satisfaction and policies or procedures that improve employee productivity.

The new program is the only one of its kind in the immediate region, and it is unique to the area. Industrial organizational psychology is the fastest-growing area of psychology, with job opportunities expanding by as much as 26 percent between 2010 and 2018, and is an area that provides high-paying jobs for graduates. In addition to attracting psychology students, this program also is designed to appeal to students who received degrees in business or communication.

Faculty members for the program are being recruited. The faculty hired will assist with marketing the program to students and recruiting them to enroll in the program.