This fall marks a significant milestone for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s Industrial-Organizational (I-O) Psychology program as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. Established in 1975, the program has evolved from a promising initiative designed to support local personnel managers into one of the nation’s premier I-O master’s degree programs.
Program director Chris Cunningham attributes the program’s sustained success to a strategic blend of rigorous academics and practical application. “Our longevity and impact highlight how essential I-O psychology competencies are to effective talent management and organizational functioning,” Cunningham said. “We continue to see a high demand for our graduates, reflecting the real-world relevance of what we teach.”
The UTC I-O program is comprehensive, combining foundational theory with critical skill-building in job analysis, personnel selection, data analytics and organizational effectiveness. This blend is intentionally crafted to keep graduates ahead in a rapidly evolving workplace.
Brian O’Leary, head of the Department of Psychology, emphasized that recent years have brought significant advancements. “Under Chris’s leadership since 2015, the rigor of the curriculum has grown to meet the ever-changing challenges of the modern workplace. Concurrently, the reputation of the program, buoyed by the RCIO conference, has continued to grow as evidenced by the large number of applications we receive each year while only accepting around 20 outstanding candidates, making us one of the most selective terminal masters I-O programs in the country.” he said. O’Leary pointed to the recent addition of a tenure-track faculty line as evidence of the program’s growing prominence.
Ryan Carter (’09), now director of talent management and people analytics at HubSpot, was drawn to UTC’s I-O Psychology program after exploring several graduate schools.
“I had an outstanding experience visiting UTC, learning about the curriculum, connecting with students and exploring the area. It felt like the right place for me,” Carter said.
He credits professors Mike Biderman and Cunningham with helping him deeply understand I-O concepts and applications, particularly in people analytics and change management.
Ryan Carter (’09), now director of talent management and people analytics at HubSpot, was drawn to UTC’s I-O Psychology program after exploring several graduate schools.
“I had an outstanding experience visiting UTC, learning about the curriculum, connecting with students and exploring the area. It felt like the right place for me,” Carter said.
He credits professors Mike Biderman and Cunningham with helping him deeply understand I-O concepts and applications, particularly in people analytics and change management.
“Dr. Cunningham consistently challenged me in a way that helped me deepen my understanding of the field,” he said. Carter also recalled strong friendships formed through traditions like Thursday night karaoke at Sing it or Wing it and attending Lookouts baseball games.
Reflecting fondly on his student experience, Carter emphasized the strong friendships formed through traditions like Thursday night karaoke at Sing it or Wing it and attending Lookouts baseball games.
Meghan Schneider (’13), currently leading physician executive development at HCA Healthcare, chose UTC’s I-O program for its applied practicality and the opportunity to live in Chattanooga.
“I am so grateful that I chose UTC,” Schneider said. “Those memos and Cunningham’s white paper exercises were brutal but taught us to write clearly and concisely. That strength in written communication helped me in my career tremendously.”
She recalled translating complex statistics into business memos under Biderman, a skill that earned her visibility in executive circles. “The UTC I-O program truly prepared me for a career I love,” she said.
Meghan Schneider (’13), currently leading physician executive development at HCA Healthcare, chose UTC’s I-O program for its applied practicality and the opportunity to live in Chattanooga.
“I am so grateful that I chose UTC,” Schneider said. “Those memos and Cunningham’s white paper exercises were brutal but taught us to write clearly and concisely. That strength in written communication helped me in my career tremendously.”
She recalled translating complex statistics into business memos under Biderman, a skill that earned her visibility in executive circles. “The UTC I-O program truly prepared me for a career I love,” she said.
Earl Brown (’84), co-founder of Industrial Psychologists Inc., built his career utilizing skills from every UTC course, notably job analysis, training and workplace assessments.
“Every class is used in my career,” Brown said. His practical experience through TVA practicums propelled him into leadership roles with companies such as Halliburton NUS and the American Bureau of Shipping. “
We have employed several of the I-O professors and program students to assist on projects,” he said. “That’s a testament to how well-prepared they are.”
Earl Brown (’84), co-founder of Industrial Psychologists Inc., built his career utilizing skills from every UTC course, notably job analysis, training and workplace assessments.
“Every class is used in my career,” Brown said. His practical experience through TVA practicums propelled him into leadership roles with companies such as Halliburton NUS and the American Bureau of Shipping. “
We have employed several of the I-O professors and program students to assist on projects,” he said. “That’s a testament to how well-prepared they are.”
Brown’s career has spanned multiple industries — including energy, healthcare, food production and even international maritime operations. Over the years, his work has taken him to places like Venezuela, Spain, Canada and Equatorial Guinea.
“I’ve interviewed people on offshore platforms, audited operations in Alaska and delivered presentations at major safety conferences,” he said. In 2007, Brown co-founded his own firm alongside his wife and another UTC graduate. “The I-O program gave me the foundation to build a business. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished and proud to be part of this program’s legacy.”
Beyond individual careers, the program’s legacy is embodied in its annual River Cities Industrial-Organizational Psychology Conference (RCIO), now celebrating over two decades. The event reflects the program’s commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
Looking ahead, the program seeks to expand student scholarships, research funding and alumni engagement initiatives. Cunningham said alumni and donor support will be critical to sustaining its impact for the next 50 years.
“Fifty years means we’re doing something right,” he said. “We’re proud of our legacy, but even more excited about what’s ahead.”
As UTC celebrates half a century of shaping the workplace through science and practice, the impact of the I-O psychology program is clear: Alumni across the globe continue to leverage their education to create healthier, more effective workplaces — exemplifying the power of the UTC I-O experience.
UTC I-O Psychology
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For 50 years, UTC’s I-O Psychology program has prepared graduates to lead in talent management, data analytics, and organizational development across industries. From practicum experiences to the RCIO Conference, the program continues to equip students with the tools to make work better — for everyone.
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