I/O Graduate School questions

just found this subreddit! I had a few questions about graduate school in I/O psych that hopefully you guys can help me with. I am currently an undergrad senior, looking to apply for next spring semester (January, 2013). I am looking at Masters programs in I/O. Specifically, I am looking at NYU/Columbia because I live in the area and would love to attend school in NYC.

Something I'm confused about is I know from reading other posts that it is beneficial to email current professors and ask them if they would be willing to take on future students and read up on their research, etc. Do I/O psych programs still do "research", where I should be emailing professors as well? I don't know if this is a silly question but I have, and currently, worked as a research assistant as an undergrad but not specifically related to I/O. Will I still need to conduct research with a professor in an I/O program?

I know this might be a long shot but I figured i'd just throw this out there... does anyone have any personal contacts in either of these schools that I could get in touch with? Thanks!!!!!!!!!