online phd in organizational psychology

Ph.D. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology Online

Online Industrial-Organizational Psychology Degree: An Overview

Jobs for industrial-organizational psychology degree holders, example courses.

• Cognitive psychology
• Psychology of leadership
• Personnel psychology in the workplace
• Organizational behavior
• Research methods

Degree Requirements

Prerequisites for an online industrial-organizational psychology ph.d., online coursework.

• Research, ethics and scholarly writing.
• Theories of learning and motivation.
• Cross-cultural methods of tests and measurements. 
• Adult development and work.
• Virtual and global leadership. 

How long does an online industrial-organizational psychology degree take to complete?

• Strong verbal and written communication skills. 
• Ethical behavior and integrity. 
• Critical thinking. 
• Problem solving. 
• Interpersonal skills. 

Accreditation, Licensure and Certification

Cost and return on investment (roi), how much does an online industrial-organizational psychology degree cost, how to estimate the return on investment (roi) of your degree.

• Based on a 100% chance of graduation.
• Adjusted to account for the percentage of students who drop out.
• Or adjusted to include completion rates and additional underlying expenses.
• How will you pay for the degree? Do you qualify for scholarships, grants or other financial aid? Is your employer subsidizing all or part of your education expenses?  
• How much income will you have while in school?
• How long do you anticipate it will take for you to complete your desired degree program?
• What is the average salary for your desired role post-graduation?

Job Outlook and Salary

Pay for online industrial-organizational psychology doctorate degrees.

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• PhD in Psychology
• Industrial/Organizational Psychology

Industrial/Organizational Psychology Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology

The workplace is constantly evolving. Capella University offers an online PhD in Psychology, Industrial/Organizational (I/O) Psychology program that equips you to lead through change by assessing and solving real-world problems, enhancing culture and well-being and designing effective organizations.

You’ll be prepared with the knowledge and skills you need to pursue your professional goals.

Relevant, real-world learning

Your psychology coursework allows you to conduct research in consultation with Capella faculty.

Complementary coursework approach

Get direct, intensive experience with virtual residencies that enhance your online coursework and help you complete your program successfully.

Scholar-practitioner faculty

Learn the latest in theory and practice from experienced doctoral faculty actively engaged in their professions.

Apply today with no application fee.

At a glance

• 7 Core courses
• 7 Specialization courses
• 3 Virtual residencies
• 4 Dissertation courses
• 84 Total quarter credits (24 Max transfer)

Reduce your tuition by $5,000

Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $5K Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your doctoral degree. Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.

Courses and skills

Explore industrial/organizational psychology courses.

• This program requires a total of 84 quarter credits
• You’ll need to complete seven core courses, seven specialization courses, three virtual residencies and four dissertation courses

View all courses in catalog

What you'll learn

The PhD in Psychology, Industrial/Organizational Psychology is for students interested in the application of psychology in the workplace and other organizational settings. The curriculum provides students the opportunity to pursue coursework in coaching psychology, consultation psychology, industrial psychology and organizational psychology. Students in this specialization are interested in leader development, coaching psychology, group and team dynamics, organizational change management, systems planning, industrial/organizational assessment, employee motivation/performance improvement, strategic planning, professional development, and administrative and human resource management (including employee support services). This specialization is not designed or intended to meet licensure requirements for any licensed profession.

This specialization is designed to help you gain the following skills related to this field:

• Evaluate and apply critical thinking in response to behavior in the workplace
• Synthesize theoretical and research findings from the discipline of I/O psychology
• Evaluate ethical principles and standards of psychology to academic and professional activities
• Examine, respect and respond to individual differences and diversity in the practice of I/O psychology
• Communicate psychological concepts effectively, using the professional standards of the discipline

Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career opportunities.

Tuition and learning format

How much does the phd in psychology cost.

The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, scholarships and other factors. See GuidedPath cost information below.

A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.

• Based on the quarter system; 1-3 courses per 10-week quarter
• 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
• Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
• Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or term

$555  per credit, 72  coursework credits, 24 max transfer credits

Learn more about GuidedPath »

Tuition breakdown

Program phases.

$555 Per quarter credit

72 coursework credits

Per quarter credit

Dissertation

$2,780 Per quarter

Per quarter

Resource kit fee

$175 Per quarter

Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, and other instructional materials.

Application fee

$0 no application fee

no application fee

Tuition and program length are unique to you

Your total tuition and program length depend on a variety of factors, including:

• Academic performance
• Complexity of your dissertation
• Number of quarters spent working on practicum
• Prior coursework
• Scholarships and finances
• Unexpected life events
• Employer and/or military benefits

About cost scenarios

The cost scenarios below are examples based on general program pricing and 2024–25 Capella tuition rates and assume the average number of transfer credits a student brings into the program. Pacing and pricing information is current as of Jan. 1, 2024. These rates are the same nationwide and may change depending on factors affecting program length and price. You are responsible for paying your own travel costs related to residencies, including plane, hotel, and food expenses.

To discuss whether the specialization you’re interested in has additional factors that may affect program cost and length, contact a Capella enrollment counselor.

Cost Scenarios

*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.

Get the details

Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.

Scholarships and savings

Are there scholarships available for doctoral degrees.

Your education is an investment in your future. There are  more ways to save  than you might think.

$5K toward your doctorate

Apply for a $5K scholarship Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your doctoral degree. Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details .

Employer & association discounts

If your employer or organization is a Capella network partner, you may be eligible for a discount. Ask your employer what offers are available.

10% Military discount If you’re an active-duty military service member, spouse, dependent, or veteran, you may be eligible for discounts on tuition at Capella. Get details .

Accredited and recognized

Capella is accredited by the higher learning commission..

Accreditation and recognitions provide assurance that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services and fiscal stability. See all our  accreditations  and  recognitions .

How to apply

What are the phd in psychology admission requirements.

Applicants must provide the following information for  admission  to Capella programs and specializations:

• Admission application – no application fee required
• A master’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution
•  Your official master’s transcripts, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
• A valid, government-issued form of photo identification

GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.

International student requirements

If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.

In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:

• Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
• Transcript evaluation

Learn more about  international student admissions .

Faculty and support

What support does capella offer online students.

Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of doctoral students. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces that build on one another to help you earn your doctorate. You’ll have support from faculty, staff and online resources along the way.

Professional doctoral faculty

Work with faculty members who have years of experience and specialize in their areas of expertise throughout each phase of your program, including literature review and implementation planning.

Enrollment counselors

These specialists can provide details about your chosen doctoral program. They help you understand the differences among specializations and help you identify which is the best fit for you. They can also help you with the admissions process.

Academic coaches

Through quarterly appointments and as-needed counseling sessions, these specialists introduce you to Capella and help you tailor your program to your personal goals and experiences.

Articles and resources

Expand your perspective on academic and career topics with articles and resources from Capella University.

What’s it like to be a doctoral student?

What does it take to earn a doctoral degree? Learn more about the experience and explore each step of the journey.

Helping Professions Program Guide

Explore paths and programs that leverage your unique interests to help build a better world.

Career exploration

What can you do with an phd in psychology, industrial/organizational psychology.

Your education can help you reach your personal and professional goals. Here are some of the jobs and employment settings to consider with a PhD in Psychology, Industrial/Organizational Psychology.

Related job titles to explore*

• Behavioral scientist
• Data analytics manager
• Director of human resources
• Director of organizational development
• Employee relations manager
• Human resources business partner
• Human resources recruitment and placement specialist
• Learning and development program manager
• Psychology professor

Employment settings to explore*

• Administrative management and general management consulting services
• Colleges, universities and professional schools
• Employment placement agencies
• Executive offices
• Other general government support
• Research and development in the social sciences and humanities

*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals. Educational and professional requirements for faculty positions vary widely by employer. Understanding your target employers’ particular requirements is key in deciding on a doctoral program.

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Top 9 Online PhD in organizational Psychology

Industrial organizational psychology is an area of psychology focused on human behavior in the workplace. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage for Industrial and organizational psychologists to be $105,310. I/O psychology is a lucrative career for professionals with the right training and experience. Earning an online PhD in industrial and organizational psychology gives students the knowledge and skills needed to understand problems based on the scientific understanding of human behavior in the workplace and then solve them.

Featured Schools

For current I/O psychology practitioners, earning an online PhD in industrial organizational psychology allows them to continue their education while holding their current jobs. Students don’t need to relocate or take time away from their obligations to attend class. Working students and those with family or professional obligations benefit from the flexibility that an online program can offer. Whether the PhD student decides to ultimately work within an organization, conduct research, or teach at the collegiate level, earning an organizational psychology PhD  can open doors to career advancement.

Methodology

To create our ranking of the top online PhD industrial organizational psychology programs, we used information gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator. We identified accredited colleges that offer doctoral degrees in industrial organizational psychology. We narrowed our focus to regionally accredited institutions offering the degree in either an online or hybrid format. Information regarding student to faculty ratios, and courses/specializations were noted, and colleges were ranked by average in-state graduate student tuition.

Ranking the Top 9 Online PhD in Industrial Organizational Psychology

Average Graduate Tuition Rates

• Less than $10,000 per year= 5 Points
• $10,000 to $15,000 per year= 4 Points
• $15,001 to $20,000 per year= 3 Points
• $20,001 to $25,000 per year= 2 Points
• Greater than $25,001 per year= 1 Point

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

• 15:1 or less= 5 Points
• 16:1 to 20:1= 3 Points
• Greater than 20:1= 1 Point

#9 – Adler University – Chicago, Illinois

Online doctorate in industrial/organizational psychology.

School Profile Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1 Average Graduate Student Tuition: $40,530 Points: 4 Adler University offers a top affordable PhD in organizational psychology online that prepares students to be forward-thinking organizational experts. Required courses include:

• Advanced Organizational Development and Change
• Job and Task Analysis
• Advanced Human Factors

Students complete a unique 200-hour civic-minded internship that spans four courses. Applicants should have a cumulative 3.0 GPA in their master’s degree and submit a writing sample to be considered for the program. Graduates are successful in diverse fields such as:

• corporate enterprise

#8 – Keiser University – Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Industrial and organizational psychology, phd.

School Profile Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1 Average Graduate Student Tuition: $29,632/year Points: 4 Keiser University offers a cost-effective online PhD in I/O psychology that follows a cohort model. Cohort students complete two residencies during the program, attending workshops and presentations and engaging with faculty face-to-face. Courses include:

• Personnel Psychology
• Interventions in Social Systems
• Organizational Applications

Graduates will be able to contribute to the field through scholarship, research, and independent learning.8

#7 – Capella University – Minneapolis, Minnesota

Doctor of philosophy in psychology-industrial/organizational psychology online.

School Profile Student to Faculty Ratio: 32:1 Average Graduate Student Tuition: $14,784/year Points: 5 The top affordable online PhD in organizational psychology from Capella University is a relevant, real-world program with online courses and face-to-face residencies. Students will learn the latest theories and best practices that will help them advance team performance within their organization.

Capella offers several ways to save on the cost of tuition. The Capella Progress Reward is a $20K scholarship students can apply for to offset expenses. Capella also offers discounts to specific employers and organizations. Graduates of this top PhD industrial organizational psychology online program can apply their skills to a variety of settings including:

• research organizations
• the military.

#6 – William James College – Newton, Massachusetts

Leadership psychology doctorate online.

School Profile Student to Faculty Ratio: 7:1 Average Graduate Student Tuition: $34,800 Points: 6 William James College features a high-value online leadership psychology doctorate degree with concentration areas in:

• educational leadership
• leading non-profits and NGOs
• neuroscience of leadership psychology

This 98-credit hour program can be completed in four to six years. Courses are conducted online except during residencies. Residencies are four-day intensives that allow students to work together on theory and practice in I/O psychology. Students will attend three residencies and complete a 600-clock hour practicum and a 300-hour internship.

#5 – The Chicago School of Professional Psychology – Chicago, Illinois

Online phd in business psychology-i/o psychology track.

School Profile Student to Faculty Ratio: 8:1 Average Graduate Student Tuition: $22,554/year Points: 7 The Chicago School of Professional Psychology offers a high-quality online PhD in industrial/organizational psychology through their business psychology program. Students with their master’s degree can complete their degree in three years. Students with a bachelor’s can expect to finish in five years. Hands-on experience is key and students who enter the program post-baccalaureate will complete two internship experiences to develop professional skills. Course offerings include:

• Adult Development and Work
• Systems Theory
• Virtual and Global Leadership

The Chicago School is committed to keeping school affordable and has a variety of financial aid opportunities available.

#4 – Grand Canyon University – Phoenix, Arizona

Phd in psychology – industrial and organizational psychology – qualitative research.

• social and organizational principles to business and industry
• probability, descriptive and inferential analyses of data and statistical testing

Courses are offered in eight-week sessions and students can access course content at any time. Students can complete two or three hands-on doctoral residencies to support their dissertations. Independent research opportunities are available to better understand how memory, reasoning, and motivation play a role in the workplace.

#3 – Northcentral University – San Diego, California

Industrial-organizational psychology specialization phd.

School Profile

Student to Faculty Ratio: 1:1 Average Graduate Student Tuition: $16,881/year Points: 8 Northcentral University offers a cost-effective PhD in industrial-organizational psychology that aligns with the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology’s (SIOP) guidelines for education and training. Northcentral offers unmatched flexibility, allowing students to complete their degree around personal and professional obligations. There are no scheduled lecture hours and no group assignments. Courses include:

• Work Motivation and Attitudes
• Recruitment, Selection, and Training
• Organizational Development

Students interact one-on-one with their professors and receive personalized mentoring. This 60-credit hour program can be completed in about 48 months.

#2 – Liberty University – Lynchburg, Virginia

Ph.d. in psychology – industrial/organizational.

Website Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1 Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $7,847/year Points: 8 Liberty University is a non-profit Christian university offering a high value online PhD in I/O psychology. Students gain research and professional skills to make a significant impact in their organization. Classes are completed online, and students can save money by transferring in up to 50% of the degree total. Courses include:

• Organizational Behavior and Development
• Theories and Research in Industrial/Organizational Psychology
• Psychological Research and Biblical Worldview

Various start times throughout the year allow students to begin the program when it is most convenient. An online I/O psychology PhD degree from Liberty is affordable. Unlike many other schools, Liberty has not raised tuition rates in six years.

#1 – Touro University Worldwide – Los Alamitos, California

Online doctor of psychology in human and organizational psychology.

School Profile Student to Faculty Ratio: 9:1 Average Graduate Student Tuition: $9,000/year Points: 10 Our top online PhD in organizational psychology is at Touro University Worldwide. Touro offers a 66-credit hour program that takes about three years to complete. Courses are offered in eight-week sessions and there are no on-campus residency requirements. Students will study organizational psychology, leadership psychology, and industrial psychology. Courses include:

• Applied Social Psychology
• Applied Media Psychology
• Applied I/O Psychology

Graduates have the knowledge and skills needed to design effective evidence-based solutions to touch challenges in the workplace.

Related Resources:

• 30 Great Scholarships, Grants & Awards for Industrial-Organizational Psychology
• What are the Prerequisites for Master’s in Industrial-Organizational Psychology
• Top 10 Bachelor’s in Industrial-Organizational Psychology 
• Top 25 Campus Based Industrial-Organizational Psychology Master’s Degree Programs
• Top 15 Industrial/Organizational Certificate Programs

Doctorate in Organizational Psychology Online

Take our quiz and we'll do the homework for you! Compare your school matches and apply to your top choice today.

Online doctorate programs in organizational psychology are ideal for students interested in both business and psychology. Students in these programs should enjoy research, have a desire to gain the deepest understanding of their discipline, and hold a readiness to pursue practical experiences that shapes their professional careers after graduation.

Graduates of these programs often move on to roles in hospitals, medical schools, or universities, providing education to others at the most advanced level possible. Students can shape their degree program to match their interests and career goals by following different degree paths and pursuing concentration options.

What Can I Do with an Online Ph.D. in Organizational Psychology?

Organizational psychology graduates can find work in a variety of settings. The scientific research and development services industry employs the most organizational psychologists and pays them the highest average salary. Graduates also often pursue careers as human resources managers.

Graduates interested in assisting with the training and development of an organization’s employees can find employment as training and development managers. These professionals enjoy high employment levels in the management of companies and enterprises industry and the highest pay in the religious organization’s industry.

Depending on what occupation graduates pursue, they will experience a multitude of opportunities with industry, setting, salaries, and career advancement potential. At the doctoral level, students have often already started their career and pursue an advanced degree to expand their opportunities.

Career Profiles

Industrial-organizational psychologist.

Industrial-organizational psychologists analyze human interactions and behavior in workplace environments. They work with small teams to improve testing programs, policies, selection tools, and other human resources issues. They often work with counseling management including presentations, focus groups, survey administration, and interpreting research results.

• Median Annual Salary: $72,224

Human Resources Manager

Human resources managers direct, coordinate, and plan the administrative functions within an organization. They work with the recruiting, interviewing, and hiring of new staff employers and serve as the link between an organization’s management and its employees.

• Median Annual Salary: $110,120

Training and Development Manager

Training and development managers oversee staff members within an organization and direct, plan, and coordinate programs to enhance the skills and knowledge of the employees within an organization.

• Median Annual Salary: $108,250

Postsecondary Teacher

Responsible for instructing students in a variety of technical and academic subjects beyond the high school level. They also conduct research to publish scholarly books and papers.

• Median Annual Salary: $76,000

Online Ph.D. in Organizational Psychology Program Overview

Students interested in online organizational psychology programs should first consider which type of doctoral program they would like to pursue, whether they want to earn a Ph.D. or a Psy.D. Once they decide which program to follow, they can research the admissions requirements at their ideal university. Admissions requirements vary depending on the school and specific program, so students should always keep that in mind when deciding the right fit. Curriculum also varies depending on the school, with different programs teaching different topics. Typically, students can review sample curricula on school websites before enrolling.

Types of Doctorate Degrees in Organizational Psychology

Students pursuing a doctorate in organizational psychology can earn a Ph.D. or a Psy.D. Ph.D. students typically hold an interest in teaching at the college or university level or working in medical or health settings including medical schools and hospitals. These programs are the most common degree for the discipline, comprising 75% of all doctorates awarded. The program is considered a research degree and allows students to explore industrial-organizational psychology in a deeper way than master’s programs. Students in these programs must complete a final dissertation based on original research.

Psy.D. programs are rapidly becoming more popular around doctoral students, functioning as professional psychology degrees preparing graduates to work in more focused or applied settings, including private industries and the government. Similar to a Ph.D., Psy.D. programs typically take students five years to complete. Instead of requiring students to finish a dissertation, Psy.D. programs require complete examinations and practical work experience, placing an emphasis on applied training over research. Students can determine which program suits them best based on their career goals, interests, and learning style. Ph.D. programs are best suited for students who enjoy research and critical thinking, while Psy.D. students should have more of an interest in hands-on learning.

Application Requirements and Admission Criteria

Students pursuing an online doctorate in psychology must meet the outlined admissions requirements for their program before they gain acceptance to the college or university. Each college, university, and individual program features their own unique admissions requirements, so students should pay attention to the admissions requirements at each institution they consider applying to.

Across the board, all doctoral students must hold a master’s degree from an accredited institution. Most often, doctoral programs require applicants to hold their master’s degree in an area relative to the doctoral program’s subject matter. Applicants must always complete an admissions application and submit their transcripts for consideration.

Most doctoral programs have specific GPA requirements which differ across programs. Some programs also require applicants to submit supplemental materials including a professional resume, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, or an essay.

Students pursuing doctoral programs in organizational-industrial psychology often enjoy the opportunity to tailor their degree to their career goals and personal interests by selecting a concentration. Concentration options in these programs typically include topics such as evidence-based coaching, consulting psychology, human resource management, general practice, and international business. Students should select their concentration at the beginning of their program to effectively plan their course of study. Curricula usually include three main areas: core coursework, specialization courses, and dissertation. Students attending programs where concentrations do not exist will take degree-specific coursework in place of the specialization courses.

Most doctoral programs allow students a maximum of eight years to meet all of the requirements to graduate. Typically, students maintain continuous registration in a dissertation or doctoral study course until they conduct, complete, and gain approval for their dissertation or capstone project. Dissertations usually take students longer to complete than the minimum required terms they are granted at the beginning of their doctoral program. Students must gain academic approval of a panel of independent evaluators to successfully complete and earn credit for their dissertation, with evaluation focusing on a variety of elements including form, style, and oral defense. Course topics vary depending on the school and program, but sample courses are listed below.

Program Outcomes

Students pursuing online doctoral programs in psychology learn a variety of valuable skills during their program. Students studying organizational-industrial psychology graduate their program ready to assume leadership roles in today’s multicultural business environment. They develop and master intervention and assessment skills to help organizations solve issues, manage various business complexities, and enhance performance. In these programs, students learn to create and administer management systems including training, performance management, organizational development, employee selection, and change management. Students learn to think critically, use research to derive useful conclusions and resolutions to common issues in business, and they master communication skills to work effectively with everyone in their organization. Organizational-industrial psychology programs combine skills in psychology with skills in business and human resources to produce graduates ready to thrive in their chosen pathway.

Accreditation for Online Organizational Psychology Doctorate Programs

Students pursuing a Ph.D. online should ensure they enroll in an accredited program. Accreditation guarantees that a school meets standards of academic excellence and, at most nonprofit universities, comes from a regional accreditation body like the Higher Learning Commission. The Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System offers programmatic accreditation for psychology doctorate degrees, which guarantees that programs are rigorous and provide adequate career training for graduates in the field.

Best Accredited Online Ph.D. Programs 2024

Online Ph.D. programs provide students with flexible schedules and affordable tuition. Check out the top-ranked programs in this comprehensive guide.

Best Accredited Online Master’s Programs 2024

Best Accredited Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs 2024

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Home / Discover Psychology Degree Programs / Online Industrial Organizational (I/O) Psychology Programs / Best Ph.D. and PsyD in Industrial Organizational (I/O) Psychology Degree Programs

Best Ph.D. and PsyD in Industrial Organizational (I/O) Psychology Degree Programs

2024 - best phd/psyd in industrial organizational (i/o) psychology, what will i learn in an online industrial-organizational psychology doctorate program, admissions requirements for a doctorate in industrial-organizational psychology, list of i/o psychology doctorate degree programs.

Going into the industrial-organizational (I/O) sector of psychology is an exciting career choice. More and more, industries are beginning to realize how important it is to consider the psychology behind employee training, motivation, and learning. As an I/O psychologist , you’ll have the skills that it takes to help companies support their employees and achieve maximum growth. 

The Doctorate Degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology rankings from counselingpsychology.org are based on a comprehensive methodology that considers a variety of factors. These include quality of programs, such as program duration and faculty experience; overall affordability, including tuition and cost of living; admissions competitiveness; and the diversity of programs offered. For further information, please see the methodology page .

The Pennsylvania State University

The Pennsylvania State University is a large, public university located in State College, PA. It offers a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate programs and is the only university in the state to offer a Doctorate Degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology. With over 45,000 students and over 250 undergraduate majors, Penn State offers a diverse and stimulating learning environment.

Claremont Graduate University

Claremont Graduate University's Department of Psychology offers a rigorous PhD and PsyD program in Organizational Psychology, housed within the Drucker School of Management. The program combines theory, research, and hands-on experience to prepare students for careers in consulting, research, or academia. With a beautiful campus in Southern California, students have access to top industry professionals and cutting-edge research opportunities.

University of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida is a public research university located in Orlando, Florida. It is the largest university in the nation by enrollment with 66,183 students. UCF offers a Doctorate Degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology, as well as a wide range of other degree programs. UCF is dedicated to providing an excellent education and empowering its students to become leaders in their fields.

In an online I/O psychology doctorate program, you’ll learn how to work with companies to help them understand the psychology that helps their employees grow. There are many factors that will affect the amount of time that it takes you to complete your doctorate program. You’ll need to choose whether it makes more sense for you to go to school full or part-time. One of the benefits of taking your classes online is that you may be able to complete your courses faster than if you’re only working in a traditional classroom environment. If you teach at the university where you’re earning your doctorate, you may also need more time to complete your degree. 

Components of your I/O doctorate psychology program may include: 

• Assessment of group and individual dynamics and how these dynamics affect motivation and performance
• Optimization of work-life balance
• Identifying areas of potential growth in training and leadership within an organization
• Creation of criteria to effectively evaluate employees and leaders
• Assessment of customer preferences

In your doctorate program, you may be able to highly personalize your program, allowing you to spend time studying the part of your field that’s of the most interest to you. Many industrial-organizational psychologists work to help organizations support the efficiency of their workers by streamlining training programs and developing initiatives that encourage employees to achieve. Others work to improve company leadership by observing leaders in action and providing them with feedback and the next steps to move their department forward.

You may also have the chance to participate in research while you’re earning your doctorate degree. This can both give you the chance to explore your area of interest and make valuable contributions to industrial-organizational psychology as a whole. At the end of your doctorate program, you may be required to present a dissertation to the faculty of your department.

It’s important to remember that admissions requirements for doctorate programs in industrial-organizational psychology will differ depending on the type of program you choose. In order to gain admittance to a Ph.D. or Psy.D. program in I/O psychology, you’ll either need to have a master’s degree or a bachelor’s degree plus work experience. While having an undergraduate degree in a related field (like business, psychology, or sociology) may be preferable, it’s not always required. You may need to have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher.

In addition to your undergraduate and graduate work, you’ll also likely need to provide a writing sample and a personal statement that explains why you’re interested in going into the field. You may also need to provide your GRE scores, as well as letters of recommendation from employers or instructors.

Find an online or campus-based doctorate program in industrial-organizational psychology today – our state-by-state listings make it easy to find a great program near you.

Jump to Your State Listings

Auburn university at montgomery.

• Industrial and Organizational Psychology Campus

Alliant International University-San Diego

• PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psychology Online
• Organizational Behavior Campus
• Positive Organizational Psychology Campus

Colorado State University-Fort Collins

• Industrial/Organizational (I/O) Psychology Campus

Connecticut

University of connecticut.

• Ph.D in Industrial and Organizational Psychology Campus

Florida Institute of Technology-Online

• Ph.D. in Industrial Organizational Psychology Campus

Florida International University

• PhD in Psychology: Industrial-Organizational Psychology Campus

Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale

• Industrial and Organizational Psychology, PhD Campus
• Ph.D. Industrial & Organizational Psychology Campus

Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus

• Industrial/Organizational Psychology Campus

University of Georgia

• Industrial-Organizational Doctoral Program Campus

DePaul University

• Industrial-Organizational Psychology MA/PhD Campus

Kansas State University

• Industrial/Organizational Campus

Wayne State University

• Ph.D. in Psychology: Industrial/Organizational Campus

Western Michigan University

• Industrial Organizational Behavior Management Campus

Saint Louis University

• Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Ph.D. Campus

University of Nebraska at Omaha

• Master's and Ph.D. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology Campus

Rutgers University-New Brunswick

• Organizational Psychology Campus

CUNY Graduate School and University Center

• Industrial and Organizational (I/O) Psychology Campus

Hofstra University

• PhD in Applied Organizational Psychology Campus

North Carolina

University of north carolina at charlotte.

• Organizational Science Campus

Bowling Green State University-Main Campus

• Industrial Organizational Psychology Campus

University of Akron Main Campus

• Industrial/Organizational Psychology at Akron Campus

University of Cincinnati-Main Campus

• Community & Organizational Research for Action Campus

Wright State University-Main Campus

• Human Factors and Industrial/Organizational Psychology Campus

University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus

• Industrial-Organizational Psychology Campus

Portland State University

• Industrial-Organizational (I-O) Psychology Campus

Pennsylvania

• Industrial/ Organizational Psychology Campus

South Carolina

Clemson university.

• Ph.D. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology Campus

Texas A & M University-College Station

University of houston, george mason university.

• Industrial-Organizational Psychology Concentration Campus

Liberty University

• Ph.D. in Psychology - Industrial/Organizational Online

Old Dominion University

• Industrial | Organizational Psychology (Ph.D.) Campus

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

• Industrial / Organizational Psychology Campus

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In the field of organizational behavior we research fundamental questions about the behavior of individuals, groups and organizations, from both psychological and sociological perspectives.

A distinguishing feature of Stanford’s PhD Program in organizational behavior is the broad interdisciplinary training it provides. Our students benefit from their interactions with scholars from many disciplines within the Graduate School of Business, as well as from Stanford University’s long-standing strength in the study of psychology, organizations, and economic sociology.  The program is broken down into two broad subareas: Macro Organizational Behavior and Micro Organizational Behavior .

Cross-registration in courses, access to faculty, and participation in colloquia are available in other Stanford departments, such as sociology and psychology . Strong relations with these departments mean that students can build their careers on the foundation of strong disciplinary training in psychology and sociology, respectively.

A small number of students are accepted into the program each year, with a total of about 20 organizational behavior students in residence.

The doctoral program places a heavy emphasis on training students through active engagement in the process of doing research. In addition to formal seminars with invited presenters, our faculty and students exchange research ideas and advice at informal weekly lunches and lab meetings. Students work as research assistants and are expected to conduct independent research early in the program. 

Macro Organizational Behavior: Organizational Theory and Economic Sociology

The Macro OB track is dedicated to training students who will be leading researchers in the fields of organizational theory and economic sociology. Our faculty members are among the foremost scholars who bring a sociological approach to the study of organizations and markets.

The training provides a deep grounding in the study of:

• Organizations as social systems
• The dynamics of change in organizations
• Industries and markets
• The relationships between organizations and their environments

Faculty study a range of topics, such as:

• The role of identity and categories in organizational processes
• Organizational culture and its dynamics
• Change in cultural categories and markets
• Social movements and their influence on firms and markets
• Firm strategies and the effects of long-run histories of strategic interaction
• The impact of workforce demographic change and labor market inequality
• Organizational learning processes
• Social networks
• Entrepreneurship and firm formation processes

Micro Organizational Behavior

The study of how individuals and groups affect and are affected by organizational context. Drawing primarily on psychological approaches to social science questions, this area includes such topics as:

• Decision-making
• Moral judgment
• Social norms
• Negotiation and bargaining
• Cooperation and altruism
• Group processes
• Stereotyping and injustice
• Personality
• Power, status and influence

There is also a formal institutional link between the behavioral side of marketing and the micro side of organizational behavior, which is called the Behavioral Interest Group. The Stanford GSB Behavioral Lab links members of this group. This lab supports work across field boundaries among those with behavioral interests.

Preparation and Qualifications

All students are required to have, or to obtain during their first year, mathematical skills at the level of one course each of calculus and linear algebra, probability, and mathematical statistics.

Macro Organizational Behavior Faculty

William p. barnett, robert a. burgelman, glenn r. carroll, julien clement, amir goldberg, helena miton, hayagreeva rao, sarah a. soule, jesper b. sørensen, micro organizational behavior faculty, justin m. berg, jennifer eberhardt, francis j. flynn, michele j. gelfand, deborah h. gruenfeld, michal kosinski, brian s. lowery, ashley martin, david melnikoff, dale t. miller, benoît monin, charles a. o’reilly, jeffrey pfeffer, emeriti faculty, michael t. hannan, roderick m. kramer, joanne martin, margaret ann neale, jerry i. porras, recent publications in organizational behavior, social norm change: drivers and consequences, bayesianism and wishful thinking are compatible, changes in social norms during the early stages of the covid-19 pandemic across 43 countries, recent insights by stanford business, why investors throw money at eccentric ceos, psst — wanna know why gossip has evolved in every human society, unlocking the “iron cage” of corporate conformity.

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2024 Best Online PhD in Industrial Organizational Psychology Programs

If you’re interested in top roles helping today’s industry leaders use insights into human behavior for large-scale workforce management, you may consider getting a PhD in Industrial Organizational Psychology online.

Earning a PhD in Industrial Organizational Psychology means becoming immersed in theoretical frameworks and the latest research in the field. You may become an expert in the disicpline.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

Your PhD may open doors to well-paid jobs, including exciting opportunities in executive leadership, consulting, or postsecondary teaching. Today there are many options for pursuing industrial organizational psychology doctoral programs online, making your dreams even more accessible.

Universities Offering Online PhD in Industrial Organizational Psychology Degree Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

Adler University

Adler University’s social justice-driven PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psychology program teaches students to analyze and understand scientific research and become socially responsible organizational experts.

Graduates often find work in nonprofit organizations, corporate enterprises, consulting firms, and the public sector, maximizing human potential and shaping the culture of these organizations.

Adler University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Capella University

Students enrolled in the PhD in Psychology program at Capella University can select the industrial and organizational psychology concentration in order to learn about consultation ethics, leadership theories, and practical methods for promoting positive workplace change.

Required courses include consultation psychology, psychology of leadership, program evaluation, and world analysis and selection.

Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Keiser University

The PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psychology program from Keiser University is a research-based, online program that helps students prepare for active leadership positions within various organizations.

Most of the core coursework can be completed online, but students will be required to take part in two on-campus residencies before graduation.

Keiser University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

National University

National University offers a PhD in Psychology with a concentration in Industrial Organizational Psychology. Strong emphasis is placed on learning about team processes, the structure of organizational development, small group theory, and the dynamics of leadership and management.

The program requires the completion of 20 courses and typically takes 4 years to complete.

National University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology offers a PhD in Business Psychology with an optional industrial and organizational psychology track. It’s only for full-time students, and it takes between 3 and 5 years to finish. Courses in the curriculum include systems theory, adult development and work, and virtual and global leadership.

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.

Online PhD in Industrial Organizational Psychology Programs

Leaders in the field of industrial and organizational psychology use insights into what makes people tick for defining and advancing best practices in workforce human resources.

For industry leaders with large workforce teams to manage, industrial and organizational psychologists provide critical expertise into some of the most complex areas of labor policy.

Industrial human resources executives rely on research and survey data to discover or improve upon the best practices that will support effective hiring and promotion. They also utilize this information to improve team collaboration incentives and outcomes, reduce employee turnover, and accelerate the development of human and social capital.

With a doctorate in industrial organizational psychology, you may gain the skills needed to apply research methods in real workforce settings. This is similar to the case with a PhD in Child Psychology , forensic psychology, or adolescent psychology. You’ll also be trained in how to contribute your own research and how to find and keep pace with new research and emerging best practices.

With this developed expertise, you may qualify for opportunities in senior HR management and policy making roles or leading HR training and development design and implementation. You may also engage in research, advocacy, consulting, or university teaching roles.

Today’s automation-driven changes in workforce dynamics are accelerating workforce professional development needs and increasing the need for effective workforce collaboration. So, the role that organizational psychologists can play may be growing more urgent every day.

Industrial Organizational Psychology Careers & Salaries

With an online PhD in Industrial Organizational Psychology, you may qualify for important management, consulting, and teaching roles. Getting an online Ph.D. may also open doors to roles in research and policy advocacy, including government careers.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , leaders in IO psychology can qualify for a range of dynamic and well-paid jobs.

Experts in IO psychology may help senior executives develop or evaluate all aspects of HR policy, design, and implementation. Senior policymakers in HR management might be charged with applying scientific methods to improving hiring and placement practices.

They may also be tasked with increasing productivity and employee satisfaction and loyalty as well as designing cost-efficient, effective employee evaluation and retention programs.

With an advanced degree in industrial organizational psychology, you should find yourself equipped to follow a number of exciting and diverse career options. In some cases, positions may require additional licensing.

Doctorate in Industrial Organizational Psychology Curriculum

Advancing on what an online bachelors in industrial organizational psychology and an online masters in industrial organizational psychology will provide, online PhD organizational psychology programs help students develop expertise in research methods and analysis.

They offer courses in the psychological sciences designed for real-world workforce policy and management.

• Introduction to IO Psychology : This course is a survey of the principles underlying psychological investigation and theory, including competing theories of organizational behaviors and dynamics.
• Organizational Behavior : You’ll learn about the personal, interpersonal, cultural, and structural dynamics that influence behaviors in large organizations.
• Theories of Organizations and Organizational Development : You’ll learn how insights into organizational behavior support competing theories of organizational structures and development. You’ll also receive insights for designing effective workforce systems and policies.
• Leadership Competencies : You’ll learn about the relational, ethical, and cultural challenges leaders face in effectively managing, supporting, and developing human and social capital in large organizations and complex systems.
• Personality Theory and Research : You’ll develop your knowledge of personality dynamics from a range of perspectives: biological, cultural, psychological, and social-interpersonal.
• Team Theory and Team Development : This course is an exploration of the psychological and interpersonal dynamics that impact team development, including effective collaboration, knowledge sharing, goal setting, motivation, productivity, and achievement.
• Psychometric Testing Theory and Test Construction : You’ll study the principles of psychometric testing and test design, with attention to assumptions, reliability, and ethics.
• Recruiting, Development, and Retention Management : You’ll learn practical applications of IO psychology theory for core pillars of workforce policy and management as well as for design and implementation of effective hiring, development, promotion, and retention policies.
• Research Methods : You’ll learn a variety of psychological researching and surveying methods as well as ethical parameters for using them.
• Statistical Methods : You’ll learn advanced techniques for gathering, constructing, and evaluating complex data sets and for interpreting data from different kinds of survey constructs.

Courses will vary by program, but your online PhD in Industrial Organizational Psychology is a deep dive into fundamentals of psychological theory and testing. You’ll study how to best utilize these fundamentals in the design and assessment of policies and practices supporting effective human resource management.

Admissions Requirements

Admissions to an online PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psychology program will often require that you’ve completed an undergraduate degree in psychology or a related field. Some may also require work-related experience or completion of a masters degree.

In most cases, to apply for your online doctoral program in IO psychology, you will need:

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree
• A satisfactory college GPA
• GRE or GMAT test scores, if required
• Letters of recommendation

Many online IO psychology PhD programs strive to make the application process as quick and convenient as possible. School admissions officers are both knowledgeable and helpful if you need assistance.

Accreditation

Doctoral programs need to deliver high-quality instruction in advanced practices, research, and methods.

Regional accreditation helps ensure you’re getting a good return on your investment in terms of faculty qualifications, online programs, and other academic resources that can support your learning and advanced research work.

Earning your doctorate from an accredited online program can help ensure that your achievements will be honored by other institutions and prospective employers. Organizations such as the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) can help you learn more about accreditation and identifying accredited schools.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

If you are committed to earning an advanced degree, like a PhD in IO Psychology, there are many financial aid options available to qualifying students to help you achieve your goals.

Common forms of need-based financial aid include student loan programs, grants, and scholarships. If you’re already working in your field, you may qualify for workforce incentives of employer-based tuition assistance.

Many organizations also offer merit-based scholarships that you may qualify for. If you’re anticipating need-based financial aid, you may start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) .

What Can You Do with a PhD in Industrial Organizational Psychology?

A Ph.D. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology should qualify you for a range of high-level positions in a variety of professional roles and settings.

Careers you may be equipped to pursue include human resources manager or specialist, training and development specialist, senior psychologist or research psychologist, and postsecondary teacher.

Working in industrial and organizational psychology roles may also qualify you for opportunities in the business sector, in health care, in consulting, and in government.

Roles and areas of concentration you may want to consider include organizational policy and development, workforce training implementation, workplace testing and assessment, personnel management and evaluation, leadership development, and teamwork dynamics.

If you’re interested in research, teaching, and advocacy, you may find interesting job opportunities in higher education, consulting, and labor relations policy development.

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Industrial/Organizational Psychology?

Getting an advanced degree requires coursework as well as time for researching and writing a dissertation or for doing a research-related practicum. So, an online doctoral degree will typically require about 3 to 5 years.

How long it takes to get a PhD can vary by school and program. Some online programs offer more accelerated study timelines. For example, if you follow an 8 week semester and stay continuously enrolled year-round, you may be able to finish in less time.

By the same token, online programs offer lots of flexibility. If you plan to keep working or need to balance school with other commitments, this kind of flexible study schedule is likely to increase the time it takes you to finish your online PhD.

What Is the Difference Between a PhD in Industrial vs. Organizational Psychology?

Industrial and organizational psychologists help develop policies, systems, and interventions related to human capital.

A PhD in Industrial Psychology focuses on establishing effective systems that can be applied at scale across large workforces. Such systems include:

• Recruitment
• Classification
• Compensation
• Performance Appraisal

Organizational psychology focuses on applying results-oriented workplace structures and practices.

The organizational psychologist helps business leaders incentivize positive employee growth, increase motivation, and activate shared and collaborative decision-making across all levels of the organization with designs that impact:

• Socialization
• Occupational Stress
• Group Performance
• Organizational Development

Depending on your interests and academic concentration, you may focus more on science-based human resource policy management, or you may have more interest in the personal, psycho-dynamic factors that influence workplace culture.

What Is the Difference Between a PhD in Organizational Development vs. Industrial Organizational Psychology?

With an online doctorate in industrial organizational psychology, you should find yourself well positioned to pursue jobs in organizational development. Leaders in organizational development are usually more focused on change-based initiatives and organizational transformation.

Experts in organizational development help organizations assess impediments to organizational innovation, adapt to environment changes, or achieve specific goals for improving key aspects of organizational culture or for carrying out organizational transformation.

Organizational development specialists or consultants may also serve as leadership coaches or leadership recruiters, helping organizations define and develop leadership competencies aligned with specific organizational change initiatives.

Is a PhD in Industrial Organizational Psychology Worth It?

Yes, a PhD in Industrial Organizational Psychology is worth it for many students. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, life, physical, and social science jobs are set to grow at 5% over the next 10 years, faster than the average for all occupations.

Common IO psychology careers in this field for those with advanced degrees include human resources manager, development and training specialist, organizational development specialist or consultant, and university professor.

Today’s business leaders are increasingly aware of the valuable role that human capital plays in organizational productivity and innovation.

With your online PhD in Industrial Organizational Psychology, you should be equipped to help organizations implement or design evidence-based policies and practices to improve human resource efficiencies on a large scale.

With a concentration in organizational psychology or organizational development, you can help both successful and struggling organizations drive improvements to workplace culture, helping them confront new challenges or meet new goals.

Getting Your PhD in Industrial Organizational Psychology Online

A PhD in IO Psychology may open doors to an exciting mix of jobs in senior HR management, organizational development or organizational leadership consulting, workforce recruitment and training, or postsecondary teaching.

Many of these positions combine academic research and the implementation of powerful policies and solutions to drive organizational productivity or transformation.

If you want to gain expertise in this intriguing area of critical leadership practice, then enrolling in an online industrial organizational psychology doctorate program could be a beneficial move. You can even start your PhD journey today by exploring accredited online degrees in psychology to find the one that best fits your study preferences and career goals.

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Understand the Human Experience from a Biblical Worldview with an Online PhD in Psychology

Do you want to deepen your knowledge in psychology and use your research to contribute to the field of understanding human behavior? Liberty University’s PhD in Psychology can provide rigorous research training that can better prepare you for a career in academia and research. An online PhD in Psychology is ideal for students who want to bring new knowledge of human behavior to the field and find new ways to help people heal, grow, and thrive.

Liberty’s PhD in Psychology is designed to prepare you to evaluate research and to understand the truth about human behavior from a biblical worldview. Our mission is to  Train Champions for Christ , and we fulfill this mission by training professionals to use science and biblical values to understand the full breadth of the human experience. Our unique, biblically-based approach to this field can help prepare you to make a positive impact on those you work with.

With Liberty’s PhD in Psychology, you can take part in optional face-to-face on-campus intensives that will allow you to meet faculty and other students while you develop your professional and research skills.

What Will You Study in Our PhD in Psychology Degree?

Liberty’s online PhD in Psychology is designed to build on your previous study and experience in human psychology and develop you into a researcher and psychologist who demonstrates ethical and academic excellence while integrating biblical values into your practice.

Through this program, you will:

• Learn how an appreciation of biblical values enhances psychiatric practice by putting human value at the forefront of technique and theory.
• Develop a grounded critical approach to psychiatric research and theory while integrating a biblical worldview into approaches to current issues in psychology.
• Master psychiatric research and writing techniques that can establish your work in the study of human behavior.
• Complete dissertation research through your program with mentorship from your professors so that you have the option to present research at conferences.

Through this program, you will be encouraged to become a thought leader on a variety of topics related to the human experience. Our goal is to help you venture into the world of psychiatric research and practice and offer insights based on biblical foundations of truth that can help people heal and thrive.

Featured Courses

• PSYC 510 — Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology I
• PSYC 710 — Psychological Research and Biblical Worldview
• PSYC 716 — Theories and Research in Industrial/Organizational Psychology
• PSYC 775 — Teaching of Psychology

Degree Information

• This program falls under the  School of Behavioral Sciences .
• View the  Graduate Behavioral Sciences Course Guides   (login required).
• View the  PhD in Psychology Dissertation Handbook
• The online PhD in Psychology is a non-clinical, non-licensure program.

Why Choose Liberty’s Online Degree?

To help you meet your educational goals in a way that fits your life, our online PhD in Psychology provides scheduling flexibility and keeps affordability in mind. Our PhD in Psychology’s online format allows you to take your classes from home without traveling to campus. However, this program still provides a community of psychology professionals and the ability to take optional intensive courses to allow you to connect in person.

Throughout this program, Liberty incorporates a biblical worldview into your instruction. This perspective in your research and practical training in psychology can help you develop professional and academic excellence without compromising an ethical appreciation for human life. Additionally, our caring faculty are devoted to helping you grow personally and academically.

With our online PhD in Psychology, you can learn effective clinical techniques, essential behavioral theory, and develop your research and writing expertise. You can be equipped with a thorough understanding of human thought and behavior while developing your own research to further the field.

Earning a PhD in Psychology online with Liberty means that you will be trained to engage with research and psychiatric practice critically and biblically. If you are interested in becoming a thoughtful, articulate, and research-focused professional, then this is the program for you.

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Potential Career Opportunities for PhD in Psychology Graduates

• Corporate psychologist
• Program or department head
• Project manager

Degree Options for Our PhD in Psychology Program

Focus your studies in psychology with a specialization.

Behavioral Health Leadership

Through the  PhD in Psychology – Behavioral Health Leadership , you can hone your research and leadership skills as you prepare to pursue administrative and management positions in mental and behavioral health organizations.

View the Degree Completion Plan .

Developmental Psychology

Through the online  PhD in Psychology – Developmental Psychology , you can learn about research theory related to human development, including cognitive development, social development, and language development.

General Psychology

The online PhD in Psychology – General Psychology provides an in-depth study of advanced psychiatric research and practice while giving you room to customize your course content.

Industrial/Organizational Psychology

In the online  PhD in Psychology – Industrial/Organizational Psychology  track, you will study human behavior in organizations and the workplace. You will focus on deriving principles of individual, group, and organizational behavior and applying that knowledge to developing solutions for challenges in the workplace.

Social Psychology

In the online  PhD in Psychology – Social Psychology  track, you can learn about research and theory related to social processes and relationships, attitudes, and other constructs related to social psychology.

In the online  PhD in Psychology – Theology  track, you can learn how to study the Bible and integrate that study of the Bible with research in psychology to further your understanding of psychological concepts.

Not sure what to choose?

Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.

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Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.

Eligible current and former military service members and their spouses may qualify for a special rate of $300/credit hour ( learn more ) .

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Admission Information for Our PhD in Psychology

Admission requirements.

• A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required) .
• Send official college transcripts (mailed as sealed, unopened copies or sent via a direct electronic transcript system). A regionally or nationally accredited master’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA is required for admission in good standing.
• Contact information  for 2 recommenders is required (approved recommenders are the student’s former college professors or supervisors).
• Statement of Purpose  is required (1,000-1,500 words, double spaced).
• Departmental approval is required.
• Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy .

Preliminary Acceptance

If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:

• Be in your final term and planning to start your doctoral degree after the last day of class for your master’s degree.
• Complete a Master’s Self-Certification Form confirming your completion date. You may download the form from the Forms and Downloads page or contact an admissions counselor to submit the form on your behalf.
• Submit an official transcript to confirm that you are in your final term. The preliminary transcript must show that you are within 6 credit hours of completion for a 30-48 credit hour master’s degree or within 9 credit hours of completion for a 49+ credit hour master’s degree.
• Send in an additional, final official transcript with a conferral date on it by the end of your first semester of enrollment in the new doctoral degree.

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An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to [email protected] .

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Through your dissertation, you can contribute to the understanding of human experience and behavior.

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• Harvard Business School →
• Doctoral Programs →
• PhD Programs
• Accounting & Management
• Business Economics
• Health Policy (Management)

Organizational Behavior

• Technology & Operations Management
• Program Requirements

Scholars in the doctoral program in Organizational Behavior at Harvard Business School are prepared to pursue an interdisciplinary inquiry into issues that are broadly related to the functioning of individuals within groups, at either the micro or macro level. Graduates of our program go on to become the leading researchers and thinkers in organizational behavior, shaping the field and advancing theoretical understanding in posts at schools of management or in disciplinary departments.

The Organizational Behavior program is jointly administered by the faculty of Harvard Business School and the Department of Sociology in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, and students have the opportunity to work with faculty from both the Faculty of Arts and Sciences and Harvard Business School.

Curriculum & Coursework

Our program offers two distinct tracks, with research focused either on the micro or macro level. Students who choose to focus on micro organizational behavior take a psychological approach to the study of interpersonal relationships within organizations and groups, and the effects that groups have on individuals. In macro organizational behavior, scholars use sociological methods to examine the organizations, groups, and markets themselves, including topics such as the influence of individuals on organizational change, or the relationship between social missions and financial objectives.

Your core disciplinary training will take place in either the psychology or sociology departments, depending on the track that you choose. You will also conduct advanced coursework in organizational behavior at HBS, and complete two MBA elective curriculum courses. Students are required to teach for one full academic term in order to gain valuable teaching experience, and to work as an apprentice to a faculty member to develop research skills. Upon completion of coursework, students prepare and present a dossier that includes a qualifying paper, at least two other research papers, and a statement outlining a plan for their dissertation. Before beginning work on the dissertation, students must pass the Organizational Behavior Exam, which presents an opportunity to synthesize academic coursework and prepare for an in-depth research project.

Research & Dissertation

Examples of doctoral thesis research.

• Cross-group relations, stress, and the subsequent effect on performance
• Internal group dynamics of corporate boards of directors
• Organizational mission and its effect on commitment and effort
• Psychological tendencies and collaboration with dissimilar others

Aurora Turek

Justine Murray

Jaylon Sherrell

“ In HBS’s Organizational Behavior program I receive outstanding, rigorous training in disciplinary methods and also benefit from the myriad resources that HBS has to offer. HBS scholars are looking to apply their research to real-world problems, come up with interventions, and make a real difference. ”

Current Harvard Sociology & Psychology Faculty

• George A. Alvarez
• Mahzarin R. Banaji
• Jason Beckfield
• Lawrence D. Bobo
• Mary C. Brinton
• Joshua W. Buckholtz
• Randy L. Buckner
• Alfonso Caramazza
• Susan E. Carey
• Paul Y. Chang
• Mina Cikara
• Christina Ciocca Eller
• Christina Cross
• Fiery Cushman
• Frank Dobbin
• Samuel J. Gershman
• Daniel Gilbert
• Joshua D. Greene
• Jill M. Hooley
• Rakesh Khurana
• Alexandra Killewald
• Talia Konkle
• Max Krasnow
• Michèle Lamont
• Ellen Langer
• Joscha Legewie
• Ya-Wen Lei
• Patrick Mair
• Peter V. Marsden
• Katie A. McLaughlin
• Richard J. McNally
• Jason P. Mitchell
• Ellis Monk
• Matthew K. Nock
• Orlando Patterson
• Elizabeth A. Phelps
• Steven Pinker
• Robert J. Sampson
• Daniel L. Schacter
• Theda Skocpol
• Mario L. Small
• Jesse Snedeker
• Leah H. Somerville
• Elizabeth S. Spelke
• Tomer D. Ullman
• Adaner Usmani
• Jocelyn Viterna
• Mary C. Waters
• John R. Weisz
• Christopher Winship
• Xiang Zhou

Current HBS Faculty

• Teresa M. Amabile
• Julie Battilana
• Max H. Bazerman
• David E. Bell
• Ethan S. Bernstein
• Alison Wood Brooks
• Edward H. Chang
• Julian De Freitas
• Amy C. Edmondson
• Robin J. Ely
• Alexandra C. Feldberg
• Carolyn J. Fu
• Amit Goldenberg
• Boris Groysberg
• Ranjay Gulati
• Linda A. Hill
• Nien-he Hsieh
• Jon M. Jachimowicz
• Summer R. Jackson
• Leslie K. John
• Jillian J. Jordan
• Rakesh Khurana
• Joshua D. Margolis
• Edward McFowland III
• Kathleen L. McGinn
• Tsedal Neeley
• Michael I. Norton
• Leslie A. Perlow
• Jeffrey T. Polzer
• Ryan L. Raffaelli
• Lakshmi Ramarajan
• James W. Riley
• Clayton S. Rose
• Arthur I Segel
• Emily Truelove
• Michael L. Tushman
• Ashley V. Whillans
• Letian Zhang
• Julian J. Zlatev

Current Organizational Behavior Students

• Jennifer Abel
• Yajun Cao
• Hanne Collins
• Grace Cormier
• Megan Gorges
• Bushra Guenoun
• Elizabeth Johnson
• Caleb Kealoha
• Kai Krautter
• Justine Murray
• C. Ryann Noe
• Dominika Randle
• Elizabeth Sheprow
• Jaylon Sherrell
• Yoon Jae Shin
• Erin Shirtz
• Samantha N. Smith
• Tiffany Smith
• Channing Spencer
• Yuval Spiegler
• Emily Tedards
• Aurora Turek
• Julie Yen

Current HBS Faculty & Students by Interest

Recent placement, nicole abi-esber, 2023, elliot stoller, 2023, ariella kristal, 2022, leroy gonsalves, 2020, alicia desantola, 2019, catarina fernandes, 2019, rachel arnett, 2018, evan defilippis, 2023, hayley blunden, 2022, lumumba seegars, 2021, karen huang, 2020, stefan dimitriadis, 2019, elizabeth hansen, 2019, erin frey, 2018, jeff steiner, 2023, ahmmad brown, 2022, yanhua bird, 2020, jeffrey lees, 2020, alexandra feldberg, 2019, martha jeong, 2019.

2024 Best Online PhD in Organizational Psychology [Doctorate Guide]

PhD in Organizational Psychology programs are designed for students who are interested in studying human behaviors and applying their knowledge to business environments.

Industrial organizational psychologists may work with individuals, teams, or managers in a workplace. This position typically focuses on improving company culture and efficiency by analyzing personal and professional behaviors of employees and management.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

If you’re interested in pursuing an online doctorate degree in organizational psychology, continue reading for more information about this degree program and possible careers.

Online PhD in Organizational Psychology Programs

PhD programs in industrial organizational psychology are designed to teach students about employee and business relations from a psychological perspective.

You may study a variety of topics while pursuing a PhD in organizational psychology. Some programs may even offer specialized courses that align with your personal interests in the field. Common subjects that are studied in relation to IO psych PhD programs include:

• Business and workplace behaviors
• Behavioral assessment
• Data collection and analysis
• Advising and managing teams

As an organizational psychologist you may perform a variety of tasks depending on the workplace and type of industry you work in. Almost all industries can benefit from an organizational psychologist if improvements in efficiency are desired.

Much like an online masters in organizational psychology , an online PhD in industrial organizational psychology may be beneficial to you if you want to further your education in this field. This level of degree can help open the door to more career opportunities and provide in-depth knowledge on various skills and methods used in the field.

Although responsibilities can vary widely depending on the business or industry, these are some common tasks that an organizational psychologist may perform in the field:

• Participate in training and hiring processes
• Create organizational strategies that fit the workplace environment
• Develop team building strategies
• Collect and analyze data on workplace behaviors to improve productivity

Online IO psychology PhD programs can help prepare individuals for certification and licensure as an industrial organizational psychologist. Licensure or certification may not be required depending on your location and what kind of position you intend to pursue with your degree.

Industrial/Organizational Psychology Careers & Salaries

There are many positions that may be available to you upon completion of an online PhD in organizational psychology. Some positions may accept individuals with an undergraduate degree. Other jobs may be more attainable with a PhD.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , these are some potential careers that can be pursued with a PhD in industrial organizational psychology:

Some positions may include additional certification training or licensure for employment eligibility. Since a PhD is research-centered, postsecondary faculty positions are often pursued by individuals who complete a PhD organizational psychology program. Other possible outcomes include working for an organization or becoming a licensed organizational psychologist and beginning your own practice.

Job growth for industrial organizational psychologists is expected to grow by 2% within the next decade, according to the BLS. Other positions related to organizational psychology are expected to experience faster than average job growth. Salaries and job availability can vary depending on your location, level of education, and experience.

Doctorate in Organizational Psychology Curriculum & Courses

The curriculum for a PhD in organizational psychology involves studying topics on psychology, organizational strategies, and workplace dynamics.

While specific courses will vary from program to program, the following courses are commonly found in online IO psychology PhD programs:

• Job and Task Analysis : This course teaches how to conduct analyses of various jobs and tasks to better understand skills and roles within a workplace.
• Leadership and Management : This course examines the responsibilities of leaders and managers in organizations and assesses the impact that different leadership styles may have on employees.
• Advanced Organizational Development and Change : This course explores how changes in management can impact an organization, team members, and employees.
• Group Dynamics : This course examines the science of group processes, such as decision-making, problem-solving, and communication.
• Diversity and Inclusion : This course is designed to teach students the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace and address specific issues related to accessibility.
• Human Resources Management : This course discusses the various tasks required of HR managers, including employee evaluations, training, hiring, and addressing workplace issues.
• Analysis and Interpretation of Research : This class teaches how to collect, analyze, and interpret data to better understand an organization’s operations.
• Advanced Training and Development : This course examines various organizational psychology theories, practices, and methodologies that can be used to help an organization improve efficiency.
• Recruitment, Selection, and Placement : This course explores the common practices for employee recruitment, election, and placement in beneficial roles.
• History and Systems of Industrial Organizational Psychology : This course is an overview of the history of psychology and how it has contributed to the industrial and organizational sector.

Core and elective courses may differ depending on the program or school you choose. Some programs may offer special electives that concentrate on specific industries.

Admissions Requirements

Admissions requirements for online PhD programs in industrial organizational psychology may vary depending on the school or program, but these are some common requirements:

• Master’s degree or higher
• Official transcripts from prior education
• Minimum GPA (typically 3.0 or higher)
• Letters of recommendation

Most PhD programs in organizational psychology are designed for individuals who have obtained a master’s degree in organizational psychology or a related field.

Collecting application materials, such as transcripts and letters of recommendation, in advance can help you prepare for applying to a program when you’re ready.

IO Psychology Doctoral Programs Accreditation

The accreditation status of a program or school can be very important for proving the credibility of your education, especially in the field of psychology. The US Department of Education provides a list of regionally accredited institutions to help you with your search.

Regional accreditation can affect several factors, such as credit transferability and financial aid eligibility. Some employers only accept candidates who have received a doctoral degree from a regionally accredited program or institution. Exploring accredited programs is important to ensure you are eligible for licensure or certifications that may require a degree from an accredited school or program

I/O Psychology Licensure and Certifications

Graduates of an online PhD in industrial organizational psychology may apply for licensure or certification. When an individual obtains licensure, it means they are legally allowed to practice IO psychology in their state. Certification proves that an individual has gained the skills and knowledge to practice in their field.

If you wish to become licensed, common requirements depending on your state may include:

• Completion of an accredited PhD degree program in IO psychology
• Passing scores on written and oral examinations
• Experience in the field prior to applying for licensure

Licensure and board certification requirements can differ depending on what state you live in. Some industrial organizational psychologist positions may not require licensure.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Financial aid is available to eligible individuals at state and federal levels. Eligibility can differ between each state.

You can find out if you are eligible for federal financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) through the US Department of Education. Some schools and programs may offer graduate students fellowships or assistantships, which typically include a stipend. You can also apply for scholarships offered by your state, schools or degree programs, or organizations.

I-O Psychology Professional Organizations

Professional organizations within the IO psychology field can help you network with fellow peers in the industry. Helpful resources and professional development opportunities may be available to individuals within professional organizations.

These are some professional organizations that you may be interested in joining if pursuing a Ph.D. in Organizational Psychology:

• American Psychological Association (APA)
• Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP)
• Society of Psychologists in Leadership (SPL)

Opportunities and resources made available may differ between each organization. Exploring the perks of each organization can help you find one that best aligns with your goals and interests.

What Can You Do with an Online PhD in Industrial-Organizational Psychology?

You can pursue work in a variety of positions and industries with an online PhD in industrial organizational psychology.

You can pursue board certification or apply for licensure to legally practice in your state. You may instead decide to go a different route and pursue a career in an IO psychology field that doesn’t require licensure. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, an IO psychologist focuses on applying psychological principles to business environments to improve workplace relations.

Some of the responsibilities involved may include participating in the hiring and training process, collecting and analyzing data on workplace behaviors, and creating organizational strategy plans for businesses.

How Long Does It Take to Get an Industrial Organizational Psychology PhD Online?

Depending on the number of credit hours and possible time it takes to complete a dissertation, a PhD generally takes 3 to 5 years to complete. Some accelerated online psychology degree programs may not include a dissertation and may not take as long as 5 years.

If you attend full-time, you may be able to complete an online PhD program in IO psychology in just 3 years. A PhD can take longer than 5 years if you attend part-time or if the program has additional requirements.

What’s the Difference between an Online PhD in IO Psychology vs. Business Psychology?

A PhD in business psychology is very similar to a PhD in IO psychology, but here are a few differences:

  Both degrees involve developing organizational plans to create a more efficient and productive environment within a business. The key difference is business psychology focuses on more large-scale business relations, while IO psychology operates within one business or workplace.

What’s the Difference between a PsyD vs. PhD in Organizational Psychology Online Program?

A PsyD and a PhD are both graduate-level degrees. While you can study organizational psychology in both, the basis of each program is slightly different.

Here are some differences between a PsyD and a PhD organizational psychology program.

A PsyD program focuses on preparing students for practicing in clinical service settings. A PhD involves much more research and studying the practices of IO psychology.

Is a PhD in Industrial/Organizational Psychology Worth It?

Yes, a PhD in Industrial/Organizational Psychology is worth it for many professionals. If you wish to become licensed or receive certification in industrial organizational psychology, a PhD program can help prepare you for this process.

If you are interested in the research side of organizational psychology, you may find that a PhD in the field aligns more with your interests. A PhD in IO psychology may also provide you with more job opportunities and resources through professional organizations in the psychology field.

Universities Offering Online PhD in Organizational Psychology Degree Program

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

Social responsibility, research-driven strategy, and critical thinking skills are at the center of the Doctor of Philosophy in Industrial and Organizational Psychology program at Adler University. The program aims to prepare graduates for careers in fields such as human resources, academia, leadership development, talent management, and organizational change.

Adler University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Antioch University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership and Change. The program has an interdisciplinary curriculum that pulls essential principles and skills from fields like education, business, social sciences, and humanities. Students can typically finish the program in 4 years. It is primarily completed remotely, but students are required to attend three on-campus residencies each year.

Antioch University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Capella University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. The curriculum teaches strategies to promote team satisfaction, productivity, and effectiveness across a broad spectrum of industries. This 87 credit program uses a low-residency model, blending online learning with regular in-person intensive experiences on campus.

Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Colorado State University’s Doctor of Philosophy in Education and Human Resource Studies offers a specialization in Organizational Learning, Performance, and Change.

This specialization is geared toward individuals pursuing leadership roles in the business field. The program requires the completion of 60 credit hours that can be completed in a hybrid format. Students attending full-time can typically complete the program in 4 years.

Colorado State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Columbia International University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership. It is designed for students who are passionate about instituting change to increase company success and colleagues’ well-being. The program consists of 48 credit hours and utilizes an entirely online learning format. On average, students can complete it in 27 months or less.

Columbia International University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Eastern University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership that can be earned online. The program focuses on the way faith, reason, and justice can help inform students’ work, not only in their professional organizations but also in their communities and personal lives. Students can choose from concentrations in Business Management, Nonprofit and Public Administration, and Educational Administration.

Eastern University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Grand Canyon University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. The program offers a Qualitative Research track that emphasizes the ways interpersonal dynamics in the workplace influence employee motivation and engagement. It can be attended either online or on campus and requires the completion of 60 credit hours.

Grand Canyon University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Indiana Tech offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Global Leadership program. The curriculum focuses on how to harness leadership strategies modeled by leaders across the globe and adhere to ethical, legal, and accountability benchmarks.

The program complements remote learning with in-person residencies. It offers concentrations in Organizational Leadership, Higher Education Administration, Global Health Leadership, and Business Administration.

Indiana Tech is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Indiana Wesleyan University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership. It is designed to prepare graduates for careers as professors, researchers, or executive-level organizational leaders. This program can be completed using a hybrid format of online learning alongside yearly on-campus residencies. It can typically be completed in 4 years of full-time study.

Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Johnson University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership Studies with a concentration in Organizational Leadership. It is designed with flexible online coursework to meet the educational needs of busy working professionals.

The goal of the program is to graduate students that can articulate essential foundations for leadership and exercise effective leadership. It seeks to graduate students who demonstrate Christian character in their work and will contribute meaningfully to their organizations.

Johnson University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Liberty University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. The curriculum is designed to equip graduates with the perspectives, strategies, and research skills needed to advocate for positive change in their field. The program’s classes use an accelerated, 8 week schedule and meet fully online. Most students can complete the program’s 60 required credits in just 3 years when attending full-time.

Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

North Carolina A&T State University offers a Doctorate in Leadership Studies. The program offers concentrations in Organizational Leadership, Educational Leadership, and Health Services Leadership. Students must complete 48 credits of online coursework—including 18 credits in their chosen concentration. In addition to this, students must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours working on their dissertations.

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Regent University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership program. It seeks to graduate students who can become thought leaders, conduct research, and promote organizational spirituality.

The program is housed entirely online and requires the completion of 60 credits. The curriculum covers key concepts like communication, followership, organizational spirituality, organizational culture, change management, and research methods.

Regent University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Saybrook University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Managing Organizational Systems. The program is designed for students currently holding master’s degrees who want to gain the skills and knowledge needed to excel as leaders. This online program requires the completion of 65 to 80 credits. Students can typically complete the program in 5 years, though completion time depends on students’ chosen workloads.

Saybrook University is accredited by the Senior Commission of Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Business Psychology with an Industrial-Organizational emphasis. The program offers the flexibility of online learning and adjustable course loads. Students already holding master’s degrees who attend full-time can typically finish in just 3 years, while students without master’s degrees can typically finish in 5 years.

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.

Touro University Worldwide offers a Doctor of Psychology in Human and Organizational Psychology. The program is housed 100% online and requires no in-person residencies. Students can choose between six start dates for their first 8 week class session. The program’s 66 required credits can usually be completed in 3 years.

Touro University Worldwide  is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

The University of Arizona offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Development and Leadership. The curriculum is designed to help students develop advanced research, critical thinking, and managerial skills. The curriculum covers qualitative and quantitative research design, performance management, and global issues in industry. The program culminates in the final year with a dissertation requirement.

The University of Arizona is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

The University of the Cumberlands offers an online program for a Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership Studies. The program is designed for students hoping to advance to leadership roles where they can guide, manage, and improve organizations. It offers concentrations across a variety of sectors, including business, criminal justice, education, and health sciences.

The University of the Cumberlands is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

At Walden University, the Doctorate in Industrial-Organizational Psychology program is designed around students’ needs.

It aims to support students’ education with a convenient online learning approach and offers five concentrations to choose from to better fit personal goals. Students may transfer in up to 53 approved credits from outside institutions. The program is open to students holding both bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

Walden University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

The Doctor of Psychology in Leadership Psychology at William James College allows students to adjust their course load and educational focus according to their needs and goals. Part-time students can typically finish the program’s 128 required credits in 6 years, while full-time students can typically finish in 4 years. Courses are offered online and complemented by three yearly residencies on campus.

William James College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Getting Your PhD in Industrial Organizational Psychology Online

A PhD in industrial organizational psychology can help you develop more in-depth knowledge of IO psychologist practices.

If you already work in IO psychology, a PhD program may benefit you by allowing you to research new concepts and methodologies to introduce to the field. If you’re interested in furthering your education in industrial organizational psychology, you may find a PhD helpful. You may also want to pursue a PhD if you wish to become a board certified or licensed industrial organizational psychologist.

To get started on furthering your education, you can begin exploring industrial organizational psychology PhD programs at accredited colleges or universities.

Tepper School of Business

Ph.D. Program in Organizational Behavior and Theory

Interdisciplinary approach & methodological rigor.

Understanding human behavior in organizations and solving problems requires the integration of a variety of social science and related disciplines. A distinguishing feature of the Tepper School's OBT Ph.D. program is the broad interdisciplinary training it provides across an array of areas (e.g., psychology, sociology, economics, strategy, and computer and data science). Not only do OBT doctoral students interact with other students and faculty within the Tepper School of Business, through cross-registration in courses and participation in colloquia, OBT doctoral students also have opportunities to interact with students and faculty in departments such as Engineering and Public Policy, Human-Computer Interaction, Social and Decision Sciences, Psychology and a variety of departments at the University of Pittsburgh. A cornerstone of the OBT Ph.D. program is its methodological training and rigor. From computer science courses in machine learning and AI to courses in advanced statistical methods, students develop a deep understanding of analytical methods and tools.

Collaborative Culture

A small number of students are accepted into the group each year, with a total of about 10 OBT doctoral students in residence. Student-faculty relationships are close, which permits the tailoring of the program of study to fit the background and career goals of the individual.

Course of Study

Our program emphasizes preparation for careers in scholarly research, and graduates of the program usually pursue careers in academic or research institutions. During their course of study, students have the opportunity to engage with faculty in doctoral seminars and joint research, meet with visiting scholars, and interact with other faculty and students across campus. We prepare our graduates to be competitive on the academic job market by getting them involved in research from Day 1.  Program requirements include the successful completion of two research-based papers in the first and second years of the program, qualifying exams, a “minor” area requirement and a doctoral dissertation.  

Research Specializations

Diversity, inclusion, and human capital.

Diversity is at the core of many important organizational problems and many of our OBT faculty make important contributions to the growing knowledge base on diversity and its impact on individual, group, and organizational outcomes.

FACULTY RESEARCH INTERESTS

• Rosalind Chow: gender and promotion processes
• Oliver Hahl: gender, race, and cultural capital effects on supply and demand for human capital in markets (i.e., hiring and career outcomes)
• Denise Rousseau: the employment relationship, evidence-based management
• Catherine Shea: gender issues in management, advice seeking, interpersonal dynamics
• Laurie Weingart: gender and non-promotable tasks in the workplace, gender and negotiation, interdisciplinary teams
• Anita Williams Woolley: gender diversity, cognitive diversity and team collective intelligence

Ethics and Justice

Unethical and unjust behaviors are costly to organizations and society. The OBT group in the Tepper School has three members with expertise in the areas of business ethics and social justice (Aven, Chow, and Cohen). The Tepper School is also home to ethics scholar Tae Wan Kim, whose research takes philosophical perspectives on business ethics.

• Brandy Aven: relational attributes of fraud and corruption
• Rosalind Chow: perceptions of and responses to social inequality
• Taya Cohen: interpersonal misconduct, workplace deviance, moral character, guilt, shame, trust and trustworthiness
• Tae Wan Kim: artificial Intelligence ethics, future of work, business ethics

Groups and Teams

The OBT group in the Tepper School houses three scholars who are leaders in the areas of groups and teams (Argote, Weingart, and Woolley) and others whose work is directly relevant (Aven, Chow, Cohen, and Hahl). The Tepper School and Carnegie Mellon more broadly host several other faculty who work in this area (Carley, Kiesler, and Krackhardt). We regularly graduate students who conduct research on groups and teams.

• Linda Argote: learning, transactive memory and knowledge transfer within and between groups
• Brandy Aven: networked teams
• Rosalind Chow: power and status within/between groups, impacts of diversity on group functioning and performance
• Taya Cohen: cooperation and conflict within and between groups, pathways to status and leadership in groups
• Oliver Hahl: perceptions of status, authenticity and identity within/between groups
• Laurie Weingart: conflict in teams, multiparty negotiation, negotiation and group dynamics
• Anita Woolley: collective intelligence, team strategic orientation, team performance

Knowledge Transfer and Learning in a Technologically-Driven World

The OBT group in the Tepper School includes scholars whose work has been foundational to the field of organizational learning (Argote) and includes four other scholars who are substantially engaged in the growing body of work on knowledge transfer and learning (Aven, Hahl, Lee, and Woolley). Reflecting the Tepper School's focus on the intersection of business and technology, faculty research involves responses to rapid change, coordination of work distributed across time and place, organizational learning. Our work also connects to scholars working in related areas in Information Systems (Mukhopadhyay and Singh) and Economics (Epple) at the Tepper School, as well as researchers at Heinz (Krishnan), Engineering (Fuchs), and Computer Science (Carley, Dabbish, and Rose) at Carnegie Mellon, also conduct research relevant to learning.

• Linda Argote: transactive memory systems, knowledge transfer, organizational learning, the effects of technology on learning and knowledge transfer
• Brandy Aven: transactive memory systems, the effects of technology on networked systems for learning and knowledge transfer
• Oliver Hahl: learning and knowledge transfer, effect on firm performance
• Sunkee Lee: organizational learning, effect of the spatial design of workplaces and incentive systems on organizational learning, knowledge transfer, exploration vs. exploitation, learning from own and others’ experiences
• Anita Woolley: learning and collective intelligence in groups and organizations, increasing collective intelligence in human-computer systems

Networks and Organizations

Research on the formation and consequences of social networks in organizations and markets have become central to our understanding of how organizations and markets work. The OBT group in the Tepper School hosts four scholars who work on important areas related to the role of social networks in organizations (Argote, Aven, Hahl, and Shea). Researchers at Heinz (Krackhardt) and Computer Science (Carley) at Carnegie Mellon, also conduct research in areas that inform our knowledge of social networks as well as the methodologies employed to distinguish their antecedents and effects.

• Linda Argote: learning and knowledge transfer through social networks
• Brandy Aven: formation of social networks, persistence (or not) of social networks, learning and deviance within social networks, knowledge sharing in social networks
• Oliver Hahl: identity in social networks, perceptions of brokers in networks, organizational networks and individual performance
• David Krackhardt: social network analysis theories and methods, informal organizations
• Catherine Shea: social network cognition, network formation, experimental methods in social networks

Entrepreneurial and Organizational Strategy

The “Carnegie School” has long influenced research on strategy, particularly by looking at the microfoundations of strategic selection, implementation, and performance. The OBT group in the Tepper School hosts four scholars who work on important areas in firm strategy (Argote, Aven, Hahl, and Lee) that all tie back to the Carnegie School’s foundations in the Behavioral Theory of the Firm . Additionally, scholars in Economics and Marketing (Miller, Epple and Derdenger) at the Tepper School and in the Engineering and Public Policy school at Carnegie Mellon (Fuchs and Armanios) also collaborate in research with Tepper faculty and students research in areas that inform organizational theory, entrepreneurial strategy, firm strategy selection and implementation, and firm performance.

• Linda Argote: organizational learning and capability development, micro foundations of strategy and firm performance, behavioral theories of strategy
• Brandy Aven: entrepreneurial strategies, entrepreneurial teams, behavioral theories of entrepreneurship and strategy
• Oliver Hahl: identity-based strategies, categories, diversification, status and authenticity in markets, human capital management and firm performance, microfoundations of strategy and firm performance, behavioral theories of strategy
• Sunkee Lee: organization design, exploration/exploitation, incentives, spatial design, response to performance feedback, firm acquisition behavior and performance, microfoundations of strategy and firm performance, behavioral theories of strategy

P lease visit our Ph.D. Student Profiles page t o view the profiles of our current doctoral candidates.

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Industrial/Organizational Psychology

The Industrial/Organizational (I/O) Psychology Doctoral Program trains individuals to be both scientists and practitioners. We believe that a strong grounding in basic and applied research skills and the theoretical underpinnings of I/O psychology are essential for both academic and applied work. The goal of the I/O psychology program is to continue to enhance its national reputation as a center of scholarly excellence in I/O psychology by conducting high-quality basic and applied research. Consequently, faculty and student collaboration in ongoing research projects is strongly emphasized.

The program has a major emphasis on academic research-based training with the objective of placing students in academic careers. However, in addition to academic positions, our graduates are qualified for positions in research organizations, government agencies, corporations, and consulting firms. Concerning the placement of our graduates since 2000, approximately 40% are currently in academic positions and 60% are in applied and research positions.  Some academic placements include University of Illinois, University of Central Florida, Rice University, Northern Arizona University, DePaul University, Oklahoma State University, University of Chile, Kansas State University, Eastern Kentucky University, and University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Some research and applied placements include Pearson, Select International, United States Special Operations Command (U.S. Air Force), VA Boston Healthcare System, ACT, American Institutes for Research, Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc., IPR Pharmaceuticals (AstraZeneca PLC), Google, and State Farm Insurance. Over the last decade, all of our students have accepted jobs immediately upon graduation. We are very proud of our  alums !

The domains of I/O psychology represented in the program includes the areas of testing and personnel selection, criterion development, training, performance appraisal, individual differences, organizational commitment, occupational health, workplace diversity, group processes, decision-making, and conflict. Our faculty consists of a renowned group of scholars. Consonant with this, the I/O psychology program was ranked 6th in terms of research productivity based on publications in the top 10 I/O psychology-oriented journals (Beiler et al., 2014). In addition, it was ranked 6th in terms of presentations at the annual conferences of the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (Beiler et al., 2014). Finally, the department was ranked 6th in terms of the number of publications between 1986 and 2008 in the premier I/O psychology journal,  Journal of Applied Psychology  (Mahoney et al., 2010).

I/O Psychology Faculty and Doctoral Students (Fall 2023)

Not pictured: Stefan Dumlao, Elizabeth Jenkins, Ellen Hagen, Zach Traylor, Jessica Walker, Ashleigh Williams, and Linden Wooderson.

Greatest Hits and Accomplishments!

We are very proud of the ranking of our Industrial and Organizational Psychology PhD program as the 7th best graduate program in the country! This ranking was generated by the  U.S. News & World Report  magazine that details the top 50 best graduate education programs in the U.S. Way to go, I/O!!! You can read all about it  here  !

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Online Doctor of Psychology in Human and Organizational Psychology

Earn an online PsyD in Human and Organizational Psychology from Touro University Worldwide (TUW) to develop your expertise in this specialized area of psychology investigating human behavior in the workplace.

Explore Organizational Psychology 

Focused on industrial-organizational psychology, our online PsyD coursework promotes a greater understanding of behavioral psychology in workforce applications. Coursework provides the professional skills to design evidence-based solutions in the industrial-organizational psychology field that lead to successful change and development. 

Throughout the online PsyD program, students have access to a robust support system that is dedicated to online student success at the doctoral level. Faculty guidance, access to technology, and unique learning opportunities develop students’ applied research competencies. Students can typically complete this fully online doctoral psychology program in three years.

Organizational psychology is a growing field. Employers are constantly looking to gain a better understanding of what motivates their workforce in order to increase productivity, profitability and lower turnover. Investigate the intersection between business and organizational psychology through Touro’s online doctoral degree in psychology.

Note: This Human and Organizational Psychology PsyD degree does not lead to any form of licensure or certification.

What makes the online Doctor of Psychology at TUW different?

• 100% online program with no residency required
• Affordable tuition
• TUW is a Nonprofit Accredited University
• Accelerated admissions process with 6 starts throughout the year
• No GRE required
• Courses taught in streamlined 8-week sessions

More specifically, Touro University Worldwide’s PsyD program has several unique features:

• Instructors are scholar-practitioners who are actively involved in their own professional work and research. This scholarly work solving problems and improving workplace performance demonstrates their ability to engage with major organizational psychology trends in today’s world.
• Our fully online PsyD program uses a uniquely-designed pedagogy that gives students the flexibility to conveniently advance their education and still maintain busy schedules, work, and family lives.
• Centered on organizational psychology, our PsyD program is structured to provide students the ability to complete their doctorates at their own pace. These flexible options include group course assignments and various research opportunities.

TUW Alumni Success Story

Coralanne Griffith-Hunte, PsyD Human Rights Activist

Affordable Online Doctor of Psychology Program

The tuition for the online Doctor of Psychology program is $700 per semester credit unit.

Your employer may offer a tuition assistance program, so we encourage you to speak with your human resource representative to learn if financial support is available to you. A TUW tuition assistance counselor is available to you in order to determine your eligibility for financial aid and other tuition assistance programs.

Program Requirements

TUW’s online doctoral degree gives students the ability to focus their studies in the fields of organizational psychology, leadership psychology, and industrial psychology. The program fosters your ability to translate theory into practice through various applied psychology courses.

Dissertation Process

The online PsyD program includes several steps. The first steps are courses in theory, research and putting theory to practice. Upon completion of the required courses, the student begins pre-Dissertation work (Proposal) and eventually writes their Dissertation. Each student will work with a faculty dissertation chair and committee in the completion of the proposal and dissertation phase. To personalize their academic journey for greater outcomes, students will choose a topic to help them focus their research activities and allow for skill development that helps conduct applied research resulting in real-world solutions.

For additional curriculum information, please visit the TUW Catalog .

Admission Requirements

Students seeking to enroll in Touro University Worldwide’s PsyD program must meet the following criteria to be considered for admission:

• Have earned a Master’s degree from an accredited institution. If the degree was awarded overseas, it must be from an institution that is approved by the Ministry of Education.
• Cumulative GPA of 3.4 in the accredited Master’s Program

Students, who meet the above criteria, will be required to complete the following steps in order to be admitted and enrolled at TUW:

• Submit an application.
• Submit official transcripts from all institutions attended. Transcripts must come directly from the issuing institutions. Students who completed college coursework outside the United States must have their transcripts translated and evaluated. (See Foreign Credit for additional information.)
• Submit two letters of recommendation: one from someone familiar with the prospective student’s academic work; and a professional reference from someone who has supervised the prospective student in a work environment (preferably the current supervisor, excluding family members ).
• Submit a Doctoral Entrance Essay: The entrance essay is an essential part of the Doctoral Program and serves as the initial component of the student’s research portfolio. The entrance essay takes the form of a narrative presenting candidates’ biography, career plan, and goals in pursuing the doctorate at Touro University Worldwide.

The Doctoral Admissions Committee will evaluate the essay. Committee members seek evidence regarding critical qualities and abilities including:

• Motivation, maturity of judgment, and creativity;
• Evidence of a sound personal agenda that includes achievable personal and professional objectives;
• Awareness of intellectual strengths as well as skills needing development;
• Awareness of program requirements
• Proficiency with standard written English including the ability to express concepts and communicate meaning in concise writing

The Doctoral Entrance Essay components should include the following:

• Biographical Component Earlier learning experiences, both formal and informal, should be described. Characterize in terms of the nature and general outcome prior study, related work experience, and participation in scholarly research (if any).
• Career Plan Component Explain how a doctoral-level education fits with stated career plan and goals. How will doctoral study, in conjunction with background and interests, further those goals?
• The reasons for selecting the TUW program rather than another doctoral program;
• The particular goals anticipated to be attained through completion of the doctoral curriculum;
• Proposed topics being considered for the dissertation or research program/exegesis paper project.

Touro University Worldwide is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Touro College Los Angeles (Lander Campus) is a division of Touro University Worldwide.

For more information on WSCUC, visit  www.wscuc.org  or write WSCUC at 1080 Marina Village Parkway, Suite 500, Alameda, CA 94501.

Understand Workplace Behavior and Motivation With TUW’s Online PsyD

Touro University Worldwide offers an online Doctor of Psychology in Human and Organizational Psychology program that advances careers in this specialized area with a dynamic combination of coursework and applied psychology research. Request information to learn more about TUW’s online PsyD program.

Request Information Today

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Upper Iowa University to launch new graduate degree program in fall 2024

In eastern Iowa, Upper Iowa University (UIU) is adding a new graduate degree program to its curriculum in the fall of 2024.

It's called the Master of Arts in Psychology Degree. It's completely online and is designed to expose students to faculty and peers that work in the Psychological field.

A press release outlining the degree program Monday included statements about the curriculum and what students can expect to see:

The Master of Arts in Psychology degree will be a fully online degree which will provide students opportunities for career advancement, especially for leadership and managerial positions. For students aspiring to pursue a Ph.D., the Master of Arts in Psychology at UIU will provide a robust foundation. The program's comprehensive curriculum and emphasis on scholarly interests make it an excellent stepping stone for those looking to advance into doctoral studies in a psychology subfield.

With a Leadership and Professional Development Emphasis, the Master of Arts in Psychology was designed to be affordable, flexible, and will equip students with career-related skills, including data analytics, professional communication, critical thinking and leadership skills.

Carrying a 31-credit hour requirement for completion, most students can finish the degree in about a year through convenient 8-week course schedules.

Right now, enrollment is open for that program. 

"The Master of Arts in Psychology program was designed to support each student in fulfilling their passion to learn, while also providing skills that better prepare them for the workforce and further graduate training," said Program Director, Hillary Wehe. "The program is flexible, personalized, and fully-online, allowing students to explore a variety of topics relevant to the field of psychology."

The degree program will offer two session periods each year. One of those will be in the fall and the other one in the spring time. School officials say that kind of structure helps offer students more flexibility with their scheduling.

"At UIU, we are committed to delivering top-tier educational programs that not only meet the demands of today's job market but also empower students to achieve their personal and professional goals," said Dr. Doug Binsfeld, Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs. "The Master of Arts in Psychology program at UIU provides rigorous academic training and prepares graduates to excel in diverse settings. This program aligns with UIU's mission to inspire success and empower lives by offering accessible, high-quality educational opportunities. It is tailored to foster critical thinking, ethical responsibility, and a deep understanding of human behavior, all of which are integral to personal and community success."

You can read more about that degree program and signup on the university's website .