industrial organizational psychology phd programs online

• Best Online Ph.D. In Organizational Psychology Programs

Best Online Ph.D. In Organizational Psychology Programs Of 2024

Updated: Mar 26, 2024, 4:14pm

Industrial-organizational (I/O) psychology applies psychological principles to human problems in business and the workplace. Industrial-organizational psychologists help workers perform their best while also prioritizing their well-being.

Organizational psychology looks particularly at human behavior as part of a company or an organization. Organizational psychologists examine the roles of teamwork, leadership and drive within a company’s workforce.

A Ph.D. is the terminal degree in organizational psychology, and psychologists who want to become board-certified through the American Board of Organizational and Business Consulting Psychology must earn a doctoral degree.

We’ve ranked four of the most reputable U.S. colleges offering online Ph.D.s in organizational psychology. Read on to learn about each of them.

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Our Methodology

We ranked four accredited, nonprofit colleges offering online Ph.D. programs in organizational psychology in the U.S. using 14 data points in the categories of student experience, credibility, student outcomes and affordability. We pulled data for these categories from reliable resources such as the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ; private, third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites.

Data is accurate as of February 2024. Note that because online doctorates are relatively uncommon, fewer schools meet our ranking standards at the doctoral level.

We scored schools based on the following metrics:

Student Experience:

• Student-to-faculty ratio
• Socioeconomic diversity
• Availability of online coursework
• Total number of graduate assistants
• Portion of graduate students enrolled in at least some distance education

Credibility:

• Fully accredited
• Programmatic accreditation status
• Nonprofit status

Student Outcomes:

• Overall graduation rate
• Median earnings 10 years after graduation

Affordability:

• In-state graduate student tuition and fees
• Alternative tuition plans offered
• Median federal student loan debt
• Student loan default rate

We listed all four schools in the U.S. that met our ranking criteria.

Find our full list of methodologies here .

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Best Online Ph.D. Programs in Organizational Psychology

Should you enroll in an online ph.d. in organizational psychology program, accreditation for online ph.d. programs in industrial organizational psychology, how to find the right online ph.d. in organizational psychology for you, frequently asked questions (faqs) about online doctorates in organizational psychology, liberty university, the chicago school at los angeles, keiser university-ft lauderdale, adler university.

Program Tuition Rate

$595/credit

Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education

Overall Graduation Rate

Located in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty University enrolls more than 135,000 students, 97% of whom take at least some distance learning courses. The university’s online Ph.D. program in industrial-organizational psychology requires 60 credits, does not include in-person requirements and features multiple start dates throughout the year.

Program courses last for eight weeks each and cover the teaching of psychology and organizational behavior and development. Military students receive a significant tuition discount.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
• School Type: Private
• Application Fee: $50
• Degree Credit Requirements: 60 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Full-time
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Teaching of psychology; organizational behavior and development
• Concentrations Available: N/A
• In-Person Requirements: No

$1,703/credit

Based out of Chicago with additional campuses in Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and online, the Chicago School offers an online Ph.D. in business psychology with an industrial and organizational track. Bachelor’s degree holders in the program must complete 97 credits to graduate, while master’s degree holders must complete 61 credits.

The program includes an in-person residency requirement and an opportunity to complete an applied research project. The program takes three years to complete for master’s degree holders and five years to complete for students with bachelor’s degrees.

• Degree Credit Requirements: 61 credits (post-master’s) or 97 credits (post-bachelor’s)
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Statistics and lab; social psychology/behavioral economics
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for an in-person residency

$15,856/semeste

Located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Keiser University features an online Ph.D. in industrial-organizational psychology that usually takes three to four years to complete. Classes last eight weeks, and Keiser delivers most online coursework asynchronously. Notable courses in the program’s 60-credit curriculum include personnel psychology and organizational psychology.

Distance learners must visit campus to complete two on-campus residencies over the course of their degree. Students can enter the program with a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree.

• Application Fee: $55
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Personnel psychology, organizational psychology
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for on-campus residencies

$924/credit

Based in Chicago with a satellite campus in Vancouver, British Columbia, Adler University also delivers several online programs, including a Ph.D. in industrial and organizational psychology. Post-bachelor’s students must complete 66 credits to graduate, which takes around three years.

One of the program’s main draws is its social justice practicum, during which online students dedicate eight to 10 hours per week for 200 total hours to a specific community site. Learners may complete the practicum in person or online.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
• Application Fee: Free
• Degree Credit Requirements: 66 credits
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Statistics, social justice practicum

Pursuing any online degree, especially one as rigorous as a Ph.D., is a large undertaking, and distance learning may not suit all students. To determine if online college is for you, ask yourself a few key questions:

• What are your other commitments? Flexibility is arguably the main draw of online learning. If you’re juggling large responsibilities outside of school, you may want to prioritize asynchronous online programs, which do not have scheduled class times and offer maximum scheduling flexibility.
• What’s your budget? Distance learners often avoid certain costs associated with on-campus learning, including housing and transportation. Moreover, some public universities allow students who enroll only in online coursework to pay in-state or otherwise discounted tuition rates.
• How do you learn best? While online learning is generally more flexible and affordable than on-campus learning, it isn’t the right fit for everyone. Distance learning requires a great deal of discipline, organization and time management. If you need additional structure, perhaps in the form of a classroom or an in-person cohort, on-campus learning might provide a better fit.

There are two key types of college accreditation : institutional and programmatic.

Institutional accreditation applies to the whole school. The U.S. Department of Education (ED) and Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) oversee the agencies that handle institutional accreditation. These agencies vet schools for the quality of their finances, faculty, programs and student services, among other categories.

You should enroll only at institutionally accredited schools. Otherwise, you will be ineligible for federal student aid, and employers and credentialing bodies may not recognize your degree as valid. To check a school’s accreditation status, you can visit its website or check the directory on CHEA’s website .

Programmatic accreditation provides a similar vetting service for specific degree programs and departments. In psychology, keep an eye out for accreditation from the American Psychological Association (APA). To become a board-certified organizational psychologist in the U.S., you’ll need an APA-accredited doctorate.

Keep the following in mind as you survey your options for online organizational psychology doctoral programs.

Consider Your Future Goals

A Ph.D. in organizational psychology can lead to lucrative careers with high levels of responsibility in academia, research, management consulting, policy and human resources, among other fields. That said, every program is different, and it’s important to choose the option that best aligns with your goals and circumstances.

For example, consider each prospective program’s dissertation and field experience requirements. If you’re looking to pursue an academic career after earning your doctorate, you should complete a dissertation, which can give you research experience and help you get published. Alternatively, field experience can also prepare you for work in your area of interest, whether that’s consulting, policy or human resources.

If you want to become a board-certified industrial-organizational psychologist, you can earn that credential through the American Board of Organizational and Business Consulting Psychology after you finish your doctoral program.

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

Per-credit tuition rates for the qualifying programs in our guide range from $595 to $1,703. Credit requirements vary from around 60 (for master’s degree holders) to 90 (for bachelor’s graduates). As such, total tuition costs for the programs in our guide range from around $36,000 to $150,000.

To lower the cost of your education, you should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). The FAFSA is your portal to federal student aid opportunities like loans, grants and scholarships. You can also seek aid through third parties like nonprofits, private organizations, private lenders and your future university.

On-campus Ph.D. programs sometimes provide stipends to graduate students who work as teaching assistants for undergraduate courses or assist professors with research. However, these opportunities aren’t always available to distance learners.

Is a Ph.D. in organizational psychology worth it?

It depends on your goals and circumstances. If you want to become board-certified as an organizational psychologist or pursue high-level roles in consulting or academia, a Ph.D. in the field is often worth it.

Is it possible to get a Ph.D. in psychology online?

Yes. We’ve ranked four qualifying schools that offer online Ph.D. programs in organizational psychology.

How long does a Ph.D. in industrial organizational psychology take?

Master’s degree holders can often finish a Ph.D. in industrial-organizational psychology in three years, while bachelor’s degree holders may need up to five years to finish. Dissertation requirements can also affect completion times.

Mikeie Reiland is a writer who has written features for Oxford American, Bitter Southerner, Gravy, and SB Nation, among other publications. He received a James Beard nomination for a feature he wrote in 2023.

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

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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 

Capella offers a tuition discount to active-duty service members, guard and reserve members, veterans, their spouses* and dependents. *Starting in July, spouses of veterans can now benefit from a 10% discount on eligible certificates, master’s and doctoral programs and a 15% discount on eligible bachelor’s programs.

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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Ph.D. in Psychology – Industrial/Organizational Advance Business with Science

Credit Hours

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100% online, 8-week courses

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Take Your Expertise to New Levels with an Online Ph.D. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology

Your knowledge of human behavior could benefit a variety of industries as you help companies solve workplace problems and improve productivity. Liberty University’s Ph.D. in Psychology – Industrial/Organizational Psychology can help you gain the research and professional skills you need to make a difference.

Our specialization in industrial/organizational psychology (I/O psychology) provides training in the study of human behavior in organizations and the workplace. You can learn how to derive principles of individual, group, and organizational behavior and apply that knowledge as you develop solutions for challenges in the workplace.

As a nonprofit, Christian university, our goal is to see you thrive both personally and professionally throughout your studies. There is currently no other program that integrates strong biblical principles into this kind of research training. Our Ph.D. in I/O psychology degree is designed to foster critical thinking about topics relevant to people today, especially those in the workforce.

Ranked in the Top 10% of Niche.com’s Best Online Schools in America

• What Sets Us Apart?
• Private Nonprofit University
• 600+ Online Degrees
• No Standardized Testing for Admission
• Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
• Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree

Why Choose Liberty’s Online Ph.D. in Psychology?

At Liberty, you can earn your Ph.D. in Psychology online with courses that last only 8 weeks and have various start times throughout the year. Let us help you pursue your educational, professional, and personal goals while providing flexibility for you to be present with your family, church, and community.

Additionally, choosing to study with Liberty allows you to evaluate research while applying biblical truths about human behavior. With your concentration in industrial/organizational psychology, you can gain new perspectives of behavior within the workforce. This can increase your marketability by allowing you to improve the environments you work in. If your goal is to use these skills as a professor, you can become equipped to enact positive change by revealing these truths to your students.

What Will You Study in Our Doctorate in Psychology – Industrial/Organizational Psychology?

Pursuing an online Ph.D. program in psychology can help you broaden your experience and strengthen your academic knowledge while exponentially advancing your critical thinking, writing, and research skills. At Liberty, you are free to integrate biblical principles into your studies and understanding of human behavior.

In our industrial/organizational psychology concentration, you will study research and theories related to organizational processes, teamwork, workplace relationships, and methods for increasing workplace satisfaction and productivity. Your coursework will focus on designing and implementing projects that can help workplaces struggling with personnel, productivity, and process issues.

As a psychology Ph.D. student, our faculty are ready to partner with you and mentor you throughout our Ph.D. program. Our goal is to help you become a thought leader in the area of research you are most passionate about. Advance your mastery in the field of psychology so you can go into the world with insights and truth that can help countless people.

Potential Career Opportunities

Graduates of our program can pursue work in a variety of educational, research, or corporate settings. By completing this doctoral degree, you can be more qualified to obtain jobs that meaningfully impact individual and societal change through research, writing, project management, or leading programs.

Here are some of the positions that may be available to you:

• Independent consultant
• Organizational mentor/consultant
• Researcher/writer
• University professor

Featured Courses

• PSYC 640 — Organizational Behavior and Development
• 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) .

Degree Completion Plan

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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 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.

Transcript Policies

Official college transcript policy.

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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We want to help you find the doctoral degree you want – at a price you’ve earned. As a thank-you for your military service, Liberty University offers eligible current and former service members like you or your spouse multiple pathways to earn a doctoral degree for only $300/credit hour . Find out how you can take advantage of this unique opportunity as you work toward your goal of reaching the pinnacle of your profession – for less.

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Industrial Organizational Psychology Specialization

100% online phd-psy.

Complete your studies on your own time.

NEW START DATE EVERY MONDAY

Start your first course when it’s convenient for you.

46 MONTHS TO YOUR PhD-PSY

Finish your PhD-PSY in just 20 courses.

Online Ph.D. Industrial Organizational Psychology

In the PhD-PSY in Industrial Organizational Psychology, you will learn from professors who all hold doctoral degrees to apply psychological theories to critical issues in the fields of business and industry. You’ll become adept at small group theory and team processes, dynamics of leadership and management, and the structure and procedures of organizational development.

Why Earn Your Industrial Organizational Psychology Ph.D. with National University?

The application of tests and measurements and the interpretation of their results as applied to employee selection, performance appraisals, and training evaluations will also be addressed. This specialization is aligned with the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology’s (SIOP) guidelines for education and training and will prepare you to assume leadership positions in industry, government, consulting, and education.

Note on Licensure:  Note on Licensure: NU’s psychology programs are not licensure programs, and do not prepare an individual to become a licensed psychology or counseling professional. Students in the PhD in Industrial/Organizational Psychology program may choose a non-clinical internship. At this time, internships in North Carolina for the PhD in Psychology specialization in Industrial/Organizational Psychology are not permitted.

Industry Alignment

This specialization is aligned with the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology’s (SIOP) guidelines for education and training.

Unmatched Flexibility

NU offers weekly course starts, no scheduled lecture hours, no group assignments, weekly assignments, and the ability to schedule courses around your personal and professional obligations.

100% Doctoral Faculty

No matter the degree level you pursue, you can rest assured that you will be mentored by doctors in your field of study.

One-to-One Engagement

You won’t have to fight for facetime as one of many within a classroom. At NU, you’ll have the opportunity to interact one-to-one with your professor, receiving personalized mentoring.

Course Details

Credit Hours : 60

Courses: 20

Estimated Time to Complete: 48 months

*Credit hours and courses reflect new students meeting credit requirements and utilizing no transfer credits. Est. Time of Completion reflects new students following the preferred schedule designed by the Dean for the program.

Course Name

Students in this course will be prepared for success in the psychology doctoral program at the University. Students are introduced to relevant academic communities, professional standards, and doctoral-level expectations. Essential skills needed to pursue a doctoral degree in psychology are emphasized, including critical thinking, comprehending complex scholarly texts and research articles, and effective written communications. Students will identify and begin to explore potential research topics for use in their doctoral studies and complete the course with a roadmap to navigate their way to degree completion.

This course focuses on scholarly and academic writing with an overarching goal of critically analyzing and thoughtfully synthesizing research findings while adhering to APA style and the principles of Academic Integrity. The emphases in this course are on how to (a) conduct effective literature searches; (b) critically review and summarize research studies; (c) write comprehensive, critical, and synthesized reviews of research literature; (d) formulate ideas and convey them in an ethical fashion; and (e) use feedback to revise and improve one’s work.

This doctoral-level course focuses on the fundamentals of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods approaches to psychological research. Students gain an understanding of the strengths and limitations of each approach, and how these methods apply to a research topic. The concepts of critical evaluating, published research, research ethics, and developing a research proposal will also be explored and practiced. In addition, it provides a foundation for subsequent research courses in preparation for successfully completing a dissertation at the University.

This course provides an introductory exploration of statistics for the graduate student. It includes instruction on the calculation, use, and interpretation of descriptive statistics, and introduces inferential statistical analysis. The emphasis of this course is on providing a working knowledge of basic statistical concepts to help the student understand statistical methodology used in psychology, and also more generally, developing a working knowledge of statistical usage in everyday life.

This doctoral course in tests and measurements provides the student conceptual as well as practical guidelines in test and scale construction. This course will expose the students to concepts and theories including: the nature of psychological constructs and concepts, measurements and measurement error, item construction and analysis, Classical Test Theory, and the different approaches to establishing instrument reliability and validity. Students will have the opportunity to apply the skills and concepts to a construct relevant to their own research interests.

This doctoral-level course will introduce the student to psychological test construction, administration and interpretation as well as current research in the area. Commonly used tests to assess cognition and personality will be studied.

This course will provide a foundation for knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods used in the social sciences, including psychology. Knowledge of research methods is essential both for successful completion of the dissertation and for being a skilled consumer and creator of scholarly knowledge in your field. Topics explored will include the purposes of the two basic research methods (quantitative and qualitative), the nature of multiple research designs within each method, analytic strategies used within each method, factors in quality research within each method, and ethical issues in research methods. Scholarly writing and appropriate use of the scholarly literature will also be reinforced through all topics. This course is intended to provide a broad understanding of research methods to support deeper exploration and application using more refined resources in future courses.

The purpose of this course is to acquire deeper knowledge of the quantitative and qualitative designs. The focus is on active learning to develop applied research skills that will help you in design development, data collection, and data analysis reporting phases. During the course, you will also examine how your research reflections and analysis are grounded in the empirical literature.

This course focuses on how to conduct effective literature searches, specifically in preparation for the dissertation, develop a plan for writing comprehensive, critical, and synthesized reviews of research literature, and critically review and write about underlying theoretical frameworks that lay the foundation for future research. The overarching goal of this course is for students to conduct an extensive search of the peer-reviewed empirical and theoretical literature in their topic area and identify potential areas of inquiry for their dissertation.

The Pre-Candidacy Prospectus is intended to ensure students have mastered knowledge of their discipline prior to candidacy status and demonstrated the ability to design empirical research as an investigator before moving on to the dissertation research coursework. Students will demonstrate the ability to synthesize empirical, peer-reviewed research to support all assignments in this course. The Pre-Candidacy Prospectus is completed only after all foundation, specialization, and research courses have been completed.

Students in this course will be required to complete Chapter 1 of their dissertation proposal including a review of literature with substantiating evidence of the problem, the research purpose and questions, the intended methodological design and approach, and the significance of the study. A completed, committee approved (against the minimum rubric standards) Chapter 1 is required to pass this course successfully. Students who do not receive approval of Chapter 1 to minimum standards will be able to take up to three supplementary 8-week courses to finalize and gain approval of Chapter 1.

Students in this course will be required to work on completing Chapters 1-3 of their dissertation proposal and receive committee approval for the Dissertation Proposal (DP) in order to pass the class. Chapter 2 consists of the literature review. Chapter 3 covers the research methodology method and design and to includes population, sample, measurement instruments, data collection and analysis, limitations, and ethical considerations. In this course, a completed, committee-approved Chapters 2 and 3 are required and, by the end of the course, a final approved dissertation proposal (against the minimum rubric standards). Students who do not receive approval of the dissertation proposal will be able to take up to three supplementary 8-week courses to finalize and gain approval of these requirements.

Students in this course will be required to prepare, submit, and obtain approval of their IRB application, collect data, and submit a final study closure form to the IRB. Students still in data collection at the end of the 12-week course will be able to take up to three supplementary 8-week courses to complete data collection and file an IRB study closure form.

In this dissertation course students work on completing Chapters 4 and 5 and the final Dissertation Manuscript. Specifically, students will complete their data analysis, prepare their study results, and present their findings in an Oral Defense and a completed manuscript. A completed, Committee approved (against the minimum rubric standards) Dissertation Manuscript and successful Oral Defense are required to complete the course and graduate. Students who do not receive approval for either or both their Dissertation Manuscript or defense can take up to three supplementary 8-week courses to finalize and gain approval of either or both items as needed.

*The Elective course in the PhD in Psychology degree can be satisfied by any 8000-level course in the Department of Psychology.

Specialization Courses

In the PhD-PSY in Industrial-Organizational Psychology specialization, you will learn to apply psychological theories to critical issues in the fields of business and industry. Specifically, you’ll gain expertise in the dynamics of leadership and management, the best practices for enhancing employee motivation and engagement, and the structure and procedures of organizational development. You will become adept at applying the scientific method to investigate issues of critical relevance to individuals, businesses, and society; including employee stress and well-being, workforce diversity, and work-life balance. The application of tests and measurements and the interpretation of their results as applied to employee selection, performance appraisals, and training evaluations will also be addressed. During the program, you will have the option to complete an internship, where you can apply your newly gained knowledge and skills in an organizational setting. The internship course offers you the opportunity to train in the field, build your professional resume, and network with organizational practitioners. This I/O specialization was created to align with the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology’s (SIOP) guidelines for education and training, and thus it offers course work which allows for the development of key competencies required for success in the field. In particular, the I/O specialization will prepare you to assume leadership positions in industry, government, consulting, and education.

The course provides an overview of Industrial/Organizational Psychology (I/O), which involves application of the specific method to investigate issues of critical relevance to individuals, business, and society. Key concepts, tools, and research related to I/O psychology will be addressed in this course. Specifically, you will review the historical foundation of the field as well as explore topics of significance to industrial psychology (e.g., personnel selection, training and development, performance) and organizational psychology (e.g., employee motivation and attitudes, leadership, organizational development, and psychological health and well-being).

In this course, you will gain an appreciation of leadership and how it differs from management. You will approach these topics through a review of literature. Self-assessment on key leadership scales will help you to understand your own profile as leaders, as well as gain additional insight in the characteristics of leaders.

This course focuses on contemporary theories and research surrounding job attitudes and motivation in the workplace. You will explore the methods used to measure job attitudes and motivation. You will also examine strategies for increasing motivation and improving job attitudes. In addition, important issues such as generational diversity, affectivity, occupational stress, and organizational withdrawal will be addressed.

In this course you receive an overview of theory, research and practice related to the implementation and management of change in organizations. The role of culture, climate and leadership in planned organizational change is explored.

This course provides a focus on Personnel Psychology topics including recruitment, personnel selection, performance, and training. Specifically, you will review the fundamentals of job analysis and measurement which serve as the foundation of many human resource management systems. In addition, you will explore recruitment, personnel selection, and placement as well as the legal ramifications of these critical staffing decisions. Job performance models will be examined and you will apply criterion theory to understand performance measurement. Key concepts, tools and research related to career development and training will also be addressed in this course.

This course involves an examination of univariate, bivariate and multivariate statistical analyses commonly used for research in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. It will prepare you with the skills required to plan, conduct (using SPSS), report, and interpret advanced quantitative statistical analyses. Specific analyses include: correlation, regression (simple, multiple, polynomial, and logistic), analysis of variance (ANOVA) and covariance (ANCOVA), multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and covariance (MANCOVA), discriminant analysis, factor analysis, linear modeling, and structural equation modeling.

Useful Links

• Internship Handbook – PhD-PSY Specialization in Industrial/ Organizational Psychology

Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology Learning Outcomes

• Apprise theories and principles in psychology to inform professional contexts
• Evaluate research methods and data analysis in psychology
• Select psychological principles and research for application to personal, social, and organizational issues
• Evaluate ethical principles of psychology in academic and professional issues
• Critique diversity issues in professional contexts
• Design clear and effective communication for fellow professionals and the public

Program Disclosure

Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.

Program availability varies by state. Many disciplines, professions, and jobs require disclosure of an individual’s criminal history, and a variety of states require background checks to apply to, or be eligible for, certain certificates, registrations, and licenses. Existence of a criminal history may also subject an individual to denial of an initial application for a certificate, registration, or license and/or result in the revocation or suspension of an existing certificate, registration, or license. Requirements can vary by state, occupation, and/or licensing authority.

NU graduates will be subject to additional requirements on a program, certification/licensure, employment, and state-by-state basis that can include one or more of the following items: internships, practicum experience, additional coursework, exams, tests, drug testing, earning an additional degree, and/or other training/education requirements.

All prospective students are advised to review employment, certification, and/or licensure requirements in their state, and to contact the certification/licensing body of the state and/or country where they intend to obtain certification/licensure to verify that these courses/programs qualify in that state/country, prior to enrolling. Prospective students are also advised to regularly review the state’s/country’s policies and procedures relating to certification/licensure, as those policies are subject to change.

National University degrees do not guarantee employment or salary of any kind. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to review desired job positions to review degrees, education, and/or training required to apply for desired positions. Prospective students should monitor these positions as requirements, salary, and other relevant factors can change over time.

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• Seattle Pacific University
• Graduate Programs​

Doctorate (PhD) — Industrial-Organizational Psychology

4 years to complete

$915/per credit

168 credits

STEM approved

• Schedule informational appointment

Upcoming deadline: Dec. 15, 2021

Next start: Sept. 2022

Early decision deadline: 12/15/2023 Application deadline: 1/15/2025

Change the world of work as an Industrial-Organizational psychologist

Why pursue a Industrial-Organizational Psychology doctoral degree? To gain the theoretical foundation to meet the real-world challenges you see all around you. In this STEM-approved I-O psychology doctoral program, you’ll benefit from field-practicum experiences while focusing on the science and rigor associated with this field. Prepare to be trained to design and deliver interventions, conduct research — and change the world of work.

See how a PhD in Industrial-Organization from Seattle Pacific can enable you to meet your professional goals.

PhD program distinctives

The doctoral program in Industrial-Organizational Psychology is designed with a focus on the science and rigor associated with quality degrees in this field along with an equal emphasis on the practice of industrial-organizational psychology. This doctoral program will prepare you to:

• Develop a strong theoretical foundation for meeting real-world challenges through program curriculum.
• Design and develop interventions, conduct research, and develop leaders through field-practicum experiences.
• Achieve  your individual vocational and professional goals when you tailor the program's wide variety of electives. 

The curricula for these programs have been structured according to the guidelines for graduate training in industrial-organizational psychology published by the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP), a division of the American Psychological Association .

Doctoral program

The doctoral program is a 168-unit program (134 credits of required coursework and 34 credits of electives) and is designed to be taken over four years/16 quarters, with an integrated research and dissertation sequence. As a full-time doctoral student, you will take 8–14 credits each quarter.

Outside of the required coursework, you may complete electives from a variety of disciplines (Marriage and Family Therapy, Clinical Psychology, Business Administration, Theology, and Education).

The doctoral program begins in Autumn Quarter. You will complete a master’s level final project and portfolio in the second year and be awarded a master’s degree upon completion of the equivalent MA requirements.

By the summer of year three, as a doctoral student, you are working full time on your dissertation. The fourth year in the program includes full-time dissertation work and professional placement credits. View this sample four-year course sequence for the program.

The SPU I-O program is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion; and equipping our students to become practitioners and researchers who will make a difference in organizations where they serve. Consequently, the SPU I-O faculty and staff stand with and affirm our LGBTQIA+ students, alumni, staff, and faculty, who are central and critical to our campus community. The SPU I-O Program is a place where we value every student for who they are and how they can use their gifts to live with compassion in the world.

Four pillars

The curriculum for the Industrial-Organizational Psychology PhD program satisfies the suggested areas of competence for graduates in industrial-organizational psychology, ensuring that you are fulfilling not only the expectations for graduate-level education, but also fulfill the expectations of experts working in the field.

The four pillars of the Industrial-Organizational Psychology program:

• You gain the knowledge and skills to make evidence-based decisions in organizations, and learn to conduct, evaluate, and measure research. Knowledge of core theoretical models and their application is the foundation for our training.
• You learn to demonstrate awareness of self and others, as well as discernment, responsibility, and self-regulation. You’ll take responsibility for your own contributions, both good and bad. And you won’t just focus on your strengths, but also learn to offer and receive grace.
• You learn to apply research, self-knowledge, and character to real-time work with organizations. You gain the foundation to learn and lead at the next level, applying evidence-based theory and strategies to the change efforts of organizations you’ll serve.
• You learn to work with and present to real-world clients, even as you come to understand how your own strengths and weaknesses impact your ability to bring about individual, team, and organizational transformation.

Joey​ Collins

Assistant Professor of Industrial-Organizational Psychology PsyD, Biola University

Paul​ R. Yost

Chair and Associate Professor of Industrial-Organizational Psychology; Director of IOP Applied Learning and Development PhD, University of Maryland

Helen Chung

Assistant Professor of Industrial-Organizational Psychology PhD, Seattle Pacific University

Jorge Lumbreras

Assistant Professor of Industrial-Organizational Psychology; Director of IOP Research PhD, University of Georgia

Adjunct Faculty

Deanna Haney-Loehlein

Industrial-Organizational Psychology; Adjunct Faculty PhD, Seattle Pacific University

Jessica Loving

Industrial-Organizational Psychology; Adjunct Faculty MA, Seattle Pacific University

Emily Pelosi

Kristen (Voetmann) Thornton

Norman Tonina

Industrial-Organizational Psychology; Adjunct Faculty MA, Antioch University Seattle

2023–24 tuition and fees

application fee; one-time matriculation fee

168 credits (PhD)

to complete

In addition to direct instructional costs, Seattle Pacific University’s Industrial-Organizational Psychology tuition covers academic and student support services. Other benefits include use of athletic facilities (e.g., gym, locker room, and fitness rooms), and the SPU Library.

Scholarships and financial aid

Scholarship and other financial aid is available to newly admitted and continuing students in the School of Psychology, Family, and Community. For more information, visit Graduate Students Resources in Student Financial Services.

Resources available to graduate students to offset costs may include:

• Student loans. Includes amounts that exceed tuition and provide for living expenses.
• Graduate research fellowships. Department and grant-funded research and administrative assistant positions are offered to a limited number of graduate students each year. Selection is based on established criteria within each graduate department.
• Graduate teaching assistantships. Department-funded teaching assistantships are offered to a limited number of graduate students each year. Selection is based on established criteria and course need within each graduate department.
• Department scholarship and awards. Selection is based on established criteria within each department. May not be distributed every year.

Student employment

For part-time student employment opportunities on or off campus, explore these options:

• Student Employment website
• Falcon Connect

Application

Applying to the Industrial-Organizational Psychology Programs

To be considered for admission into the Industrial-Organizational Psychology (PhD) program, you must  apply online . Find the help you need with the admissions process of the program of your choice through  Graduate Admissions . 

Admissions checklist requirements:

• Industrial-Organizational Psychology (PhD) program

If you are an international student, also refer to  International Graduate Students information  about additional admission requirements. 

Doctoral degree admission requirements

For admission to this doctoral program, the following are required:

• Online application and $75 processing fee
• A bachelor’s degree, minimum
• From a regionally accredited institution, with a minimum grade-point average of 3.0 in all undergraduate work.
• A minimum of one statistics course in business or social science. Three courses in psychology must be completed (at a regionally accredited institution) prior to admission to the program. One course in business, political science, or sociology (completed at a regionally accredited institution) may be substituted for one of the three required psychology courses.
• We consider applications holistically, weighing academic preparedness, interpersonal skills, and research skills. If submitted, GRE scores will be considered as an additional item to all other application materials.
• The recommended overall GRE score is a 300 (or 1100 on the older version of the test) on the verbal and quantitative sections.
• Demonstrating your writing and grammatical skills.
• Addressing career objectives, personal qualifications, experience, and other insights as deemed appropriate by you.
• The rationale for seeking the degree and choosing to attend SPU
• (1) One from a person who has experienced you in a professional setting (i.e., a current or former employer); (2) one academic reference from a former professor or instructor; and (3) one personal recommendation (not a family member).

Admission process

The Admissions Committee of the Industrial-Organizational Psychology program will conduct a preliminary screening process.

• Finalists will be invited to come to campus for personal interviews.
• Admission to the doctoral program depends upon recommendation by the I-O faculty and approval from the I-O program director.

The entire process is usually completed within eight weeks after the final deadline date for applications.

Transfer of credits

Students who have taken graduate work at a regionally accredited institution may be allowed to transfer up to 12 quarter credits, and students who have been granted a master’s degree from a regionally accredited university in psychology, organizational psychology, business administration, or a related field may be allowed to transfer up to 30 credits. A maximum of 20 credits may be transferred toward the elective requirement.

You must provide applicable transcripts and/or syllabi for any course you wish to transfer. Each course must be at least three graduate quarter credits, equivalent to courses taught in the Organizational-Psychology programs at Seattle Pacific University, and completed within seven years of admission. A minimum grade of “B” will be needed for transfer work. Any transfer-credit petitions should be submitted only after formal admission to the doctoral program.

International students

In addition to the SPU general and the Industrial-Organizational Psychology program’s additional admission requirements , international students must also submit:

• An official confidential affidavit of financial support covering the first year of intended enrollment. Without this document, SPU cannot issue an I-20 immigration form.
• Students holding undergraduate or graduate degrees from colleges, universities and/or seminaries located outside the U.S. are expected to have their transcripts evaluated by a professional credential agency. Such an evaluation is required before an application for admission to SPFC can be granted and before any graduate credits taken elsewhere can be applied to a SPFC degree.
• If you earned an undergraduate degree in a country other than the United States, or your degree is in progress, an official course-by-course credential evaluation must be submitted from a  NACES member-recognized credential service. Acceptable credential services include, but are not limited to,  World Education Services (WES) and  Foundation for International Services (FIS).
• In addition to the evaluation report, we also require official transcripts and diplomas to be submitted, in English. International applicants are responsible for all costs associated with this service.
•   English language proficiency: If you do not speak English as your first language, you must also submit scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A minimum score of 600 on the TOEFL paper or 250 on the TOEFL-CBT, or 100 on the TOEFL-iBT is required. ACE scores will not be accepted.

Program videos

4 PROGRAM PILLARS

Practice, Research, Character, You

Career Opportunities

The Doctorate in Industrial-Organizational Psychology program  seeks to develop scholars, professional practitioners, and leaders who will actively engage the community and businesses around them, improving organizations and developing people as part of their jobs. 

What career options are available?

Doctoral degree graduates become scholars possessing the necessary tools, theoretical knowledge, and analytical skills to launch their academic or consulting careers.

• They are practitioners managing change, applying scientific methodologies, and improving the organizations around them.
• And they are leaders guiding organizations, motivating and building teams, and developing future leaders.
• This degree prepares graduates to take on higher-level academic, consulting, and leadership positions.

Examples of potential careers include:

• Executive coach
• Research psychologist
• Engineering psychologist
• Corporate trainer
• Human relations specialist
• University professor

Supporting the careers of our I-O students and alumni is a high priority for the School of Psychology, Family, and Community. We have a rich community of current students and graduates. Here are some of their stories:

Dr. Joey Collins’ Research Vertical Team recently researched, tested, and practiced Coach Motivation (CM) to present at SIOP 2020. Watch the 21-minute conference presentation from Dr. Collins .

From the Collins Research Vertical Team: Predicting Coaching Effectiveness for Managers as Coaches. See the video summary .

Relationships, Accountability, Development (R.A.D.) Managers: Managerial Coaching Behaviors and Work-related Attributes. See the video summary .

• Career planning. Using strategy tools such as scenario planning, doctoral students Lauren and Jamie worked alongside Dr. Paul Yost to create a career scenario planning document for I-O Psychology students and alumni. Students found themselves feeling hopeful at the end of the career scenario planning workshop.
• Leadership Matters. Dr. Joey Collins and his RVT (research vertical team) share posts regularly on their “Leadership Matters Blog.” Check out recent posts .
• Recent dissertation abstracts from I-O PhD students.

Learn more about the program.

Request more info

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Doctor of Philosophy in Industrial/Organizational Psychology

Make your mark in industrial/organizational psychology, academically and practically.

Admission Requirements

• Admissions Checklist
• Transfer Credits

Industrial and Organizational Psychology, PhD

Ask any company in any industry and, invariably, you’ll be told that their number one resource is their people. In every aspect of business, from leadership to frontline workers, nothing happens without people making it happen. Industrial/organizational (IO) psychology is the connective space between human behaviors and business. IO psychology experts help businesses maximize human resources to achieve greater success across departments and throughout the company.

If you want to take your career, and your company, to the next level, and you believe a better understanding of psychology principles, research methods, and human behaviors can help you do it, then you need to take your education to the next level. Discover how to motivate staff, build teams, analyze group behaviors, and develop real-world workforce solutions with a Doctor of Philosophy in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Keiser University.

At a Glance

60 credit hours, 36 - 48 months*, 8 week terms.

18 credits of transfer credit

Career opportunities in research, academics, human resource leadership, and more.

Financial aid for those who qualify**

** Speak with a dedicated financial aid counselor to explore all your financial aid and funding options.

* Time to degree completion is an estimate, not intended as a guarantee, and can vary based on many case-by-case factors.

Program Overview

Keiser University’s Doctor of Philosophy in Industrial/Organizational Psychology program uses a scholar-practitioner model to encourage the integration of cutting-edge research with classroom experience and real-world application. This includes an emphasis on the behavior of individuals in businesses and organizations to determine how to improve performance and productivity for that organization. Graduates of the industrial/ organizational PhD program will be able to apply relevant research and theory using quantitative skills at work every day. Students will learn how to factor human behavior into the business equation to motivate productivity, build resilient leadership, support diverse cultures, and manage organizational change. The demand for skilled psychology experts in the business world remains strong as organizations of all sizes seek strong, qualified candidates to navigate challenging and evolving professional landscapes. Students can expect rigorous classroom instruction and in-depth research experiences.

Student First Philosophy

Featuring a “Student First” mentality, Keiser University is committed to providing the education students need to excel in their careers and their lives—whether that is in this PhD organizational psychology program or one of our dozens of other graduate programs. Our commitment to putting students first leads us to offer several learning options, including both on-campus and online program delivery formats.

Through this psychology Doctor of Philosophy program, we help students prepare to achieve career goals in relevant fields where a PhD in psychology can make all the difference.

Know Your “WHY” Commit to Graduation

The industrial/organizational PhD program is a specialization designed to help professionals apply their better understanding of human behavior in the workplace to help businesses to improve performance, job satisfaction, health, and more.

What Can You Expect to Learn

This PhD in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Keiser University enables students to contribute to the profession through independent learning, scholarship, and research. Upon completion of this industrial/organizational PhD program, students will be able to:

• Better understand general psychological principles and theories, including motivation, learning, emotion, and behavior
• Appreciate diversity in individuals and the global community
• Add to the body of psychological knowledge by applying principles of effective research methods, evaluating problems, developing research strategies, designing and conducting psychological research, interpreting and evaluating research data, and formulating grounded conclusions
• Apply psychology to the practical problems faced by people at work in a variety of organizations
• Develop and publicize new knowledge in the field of Industrial/Organizational Psychology through dissertation work

Communicate effectively in writing through organizing, thinking critically, and communicating ideas and information in documents, presentations, and publications.

Program Prerequisites

Keiser University offers two matriculating paths toward earning a Doctor of Philosophy in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. Take your human resources career to the next level by pursuing coursework for your PhD in Industrial Organizational Psychology online or on campus through the:

• Traditional Path:  Graduate students enter the PhD in Industrial/Organizational Psychology with a master’s degree from an accredited institution
• Baccalaureate Entry:  Students may skip earning a relevant MA or MS degree to enter the industrial/organizational PhD program with a bachelor’s degree in psychology or related behavioral science from an accredited institution — an additional 18 graduate semester hours of coursework, including a dissertation, is required

No GRE is required for any of Keiser University’s psychology programs, including this PhD in Industrial/Organizational Psychology.

Note: Dissertation courses are eight-weeks in length and students are scheduled for two dissertation courses per semester.

Program Outline

To receive a Doctor of Philosophy in Industrial/Organizational Psychology degree, students with a master’s degree must earn 60 graduate semester credit hours as described below.

Graduate Division Courses

• Doctor of Philosophy Residency One
• Doctor of Philosophy Residency Two

Career Pathways in Industrial/Organizational Psychology

Upon graduation, you will have earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Industrial/Organizational Psychology as well as gained the abilities you need to:

• Develop systems for hiring, motivating, training, and understanding people at work
• Coach employees, build teams, analyze surveys, and effect organizational design
• Research work-family balance, work stress, conflict, and employee engagement

Through this advanced graduate program, you will possess a deeper understanding of the psychological essentials—from next-level research methods to workplace-centered human behaviors as well as the skills needed to pursue and excel in relevant leadership, consulting, or research positions, such as:

• Lead researcher on workplace behavior
• Consultant for employee productivity
• Training specialist
• HR consultant
• Workforce analyst
• Evaluation and assessment manager
• Psychology department faculty

For requirements, objectives, or a more detailed description of the program, please see the graduate catalog

Start Your PhD Organizational Psychology Program Now!

Whether you are searching for a campus-based IO psychology program in Florida or online, Keiser University has the PhD program you need to take the next step in your career. Got questions? From admission requirements to residencies to our methodology for online learning, we have answers. Learn more about the Industrial/Organizational Psychology PhD program today by Requesting More Info now!

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"My search for a doctoral program led me to the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP), which listed Keiser in the top five for an online degree. After reaching out to the school for more information, I decided to go with Keiser for my doctoral journey. The class sizes and faculty stood out as deciding factors for me."

"Education is the most important thing in every individuals life and taking one class at a time allowed me to focus. What I’d say to future students looking to come to Keiser University and being part of the Criminology program is that you’re making a good decision and it’s highly encouraged."

Aaron Reynolds

"Keiser University taught me how to realize my full potential. You learn things that just really opens up your mind. I wound up taking a lot of these principals back to my sales team. I became the idea person. Dara, after Keiser, goes after things that she wants. And she’s not afraid."

Dara Kalvort

"My experience at Keiser University was so incredible. I met wonderful staff and faculty who stretched me and made sure that I became the real version of who I was meant to be. The philosophies that I learned at Keiser University will help shape how I approach my new career assisting businesses become more efficient."

Anthony Oboh

"A relocation to Florida led me to Keiser after a poor experience at another University. I happened upon colleagues that graduated from the KU program and it came highly recommended by them. The program quality, small student to teacher ratio and a faculty support network that truly cares is the reason I chose KU!"

Andrea Vanorio

"It was easy to transition from the military to Keiser University because the structure was similar – with one-on-one learning and everything was hands on. I graduated from Keiser with my asssociates degree in Business Administration, followed by a bachelors degree in Business Administration Management. I’m currently pursing my MBA at Keiser and plan to be a three time graduate of Keiser University!"

Victor Guerrero

"Keiser’s commitment to their Students First philosophy made it easy for me to decide. The palpable impetus of every team member at Keiser University to serve, educate, and guide is unlike anything I have ever experienced. A truly remarkable journey!"

Joseph Larrea

"I chose Keiser because it was a localuUniversity that was flexible and suited my needs as a parent and full-time RN. The weekly live interactions with the professors were a definite plus. The tuition was reasonable and less than other Universities."

Marie Boone

"The biggest factor in my decision to come to Keiser was the student-centered experience. Students always come first."

Patrick M. Mendez

"Keiser’s C & I program is one of the best PhD programs, offering student-center learning and the student-first learning, and providing rigor and growth needed to be prepared for my future endeavors. "

Jennifer Kotzur

This program is available in the following florida campuses.

Keiser Benefits

We understand that today’s students have many responsibilities and obligations in their lives. At Keiser, we deliver the same quality education through different scheduling options to accommodate busy schedules. Whether you choose day, evening, or online classes, chances are, you will find a schedule that fits yours and allows you to fulfill one of the most important commitments you can make – a commitment to your education.

Flexibility and Convenience

One class at a time, experienced faculty, dedicated financial aid support.

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Industrial-Organizational Psychology Master’s Degree Program

Optimize organizations and empower employees through a social science lens.

Online Courses

11 out of 12 total courses

On-Campus Experience

2 weekends or a 3-week summer course

$3,340 per course

Next Start Term: Spring 2025

Registration opens November 4, 2024

Program Overview

Industrial-organizational psychology professionals play a critical role in the workplace. They help foster healthy, productive, and engaged organizational cultures. And today, these professionals are in high demand across industries. The reason? Employers increasingly understand that employee satisfaction is key to retaining talent, increasing productivity — and boosting the bottom line.

The Industrial-Organizational Psychology Master’s Degree Program will help prepare you for a successful career in the field. Led by expert faculty, the graduate program will equip you with the tools you need to empower professionals in the workplace — and maximize their skills and talents to optimize organizational performance.

Program Benefits

Customizable path, stackable certificates, & experiential learning

Instructors who are Harvard faculty and industry professionals at the top of their fields

Personalized academic & career advising

Entrepreneurial opportunities through the Harvard Innovation Labs

Paid research options

Harvard Alumni Association membership upon graduation

Customizable Course Curriculum

Through case studies, group projects, and active learning experiences, you’ll learn the core elements of psychological and management theory. And you’ll study quantitative analysis, psychometrics, and the psychology of diversity.

The program’s core courses focus on essential industrial-organizational psychology concepts, tools, and strategies. Through elective courses, you choose to focus on the areas that are most important to you.

Our industrial-organizational psychology program allows you to experience the convenience of online learning and the immersive benefits of learning in person through the on-campus experience.

11 Online Courses

Courses are primarily synchronous, with fall, spring, January, and summer options.

Sample Courses:

• Cultivating Authentic Leadership
• Organizational Behavior
• Introduction to Social Psychology
• Human Resource Management

You’ll complete 1 degree requirement in person at Harvard, at an accelerated or standard pace:

• 2 weekends in fall or spring
• 3 weeks in the summer

The path to your degree begins before you apply to the program.

You first register for and complete 3 required courses, earning at least a B in each. These foundational courses are investments in your studies. They count toward your degree and help ensure success in the program.

Enroll for your first admission course this spring. Course registration is open November 4, 2024–January 23, 2025.

To get started, explore degree requirements, confirm your initial eligibility, and learn more about our unique “earn your way in” admissions process.

Earning a Stackable Certificate

As you work your way toward your master’s degree, you can take courses that also count — or “stack” — toward a graduate or microcertificate . It’s a cost-effective, time-saving opportunity to build specialized skills and earn more professional credentials.

For each certificate, you can choose courses that best fit your goals.

Stackable graduate certificates include:

• Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Leadership
• Topics in Human Behavior

A Faculty of Experts

Studying at Harvard Extension School means learning from the world’s best. Our instructors — many of whom teach in Harvard University’s psychology department and at Harvard Medical School — are experts in organizational behavior, psychology, motivation, management, and more. They bring a genuine passion for teaching, with students giving our faculty an average rating of 4.6 out of 5.

Bobbi Wegner

Adjunct Lecturer on Education, Harvard Graduate School of Education

Shelley Carson

Associate of the Psychology Department, Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences

Laura Wilcox

Director of Business and Management Programs

Our Community at a Glance

Our students in the Industrial-Organizational Psychology Master’s Degree Program are established professionals looking to deepen their expertise and advance their careers. They work across a variety of industries — including higher education, consulting, human resources, and technology.

Download: Industrial Organizational Psychology Master's Degree Fact Sheet

Average Age

Courses Taken Each Semester

Work Full Time

Would Recommend the Program

Professional Experience in the Field

Pursued for Career Advancement

Career Opportunities & Alumni Outcomes

Our industrial-organizational psychology graduates have gone on to work in banking, consumer goods, financial services, energy, nonprofit management, and management consulting. They have also pursued further studies at renowned institutions such as Columbia University, Georgetown University, the University of Paris, and Brandeis University.

Our alumni work at a variety of leading organizations, including:

• Charles Schwab

Career Advising and Mentorship

Whatever your career goals, we’re here to support you. Harvard’s Mignone Center for Career Success offers career advising, employment opportunities, Harvard alumni mentor connections, and career fairs.

Your Harvard University Degree

Upon successful completion of the required curriculum, you will receive a Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Extension Studies, Field: Industrial-Organizational Psychology.

Expand Your Connections: the Harvard Alumni Network

As a graduate, you’ll become a member of the worldwide Harvard Alumni Association (400,000+ members) and Harvard Extension Alumni Association (29,000+ members).

Harvard Extension School has been a symbolic key to unlocking numerous leadership opportunities, breaking through barriers, and elevating my professional trajectory.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Affordability is core to our mission. When compared to our continuing education peers, it’s a fraction of the cost.

After admission, you may qualify for financial aid . Typically, eligible students receive grant funds to cover a portion of tuition costs each term, in addition to federal financial aid options.

Learn more about the cost of attendance .

Coffee Chat: All About Management Programs at HES

Are you interested in learning more about management graduate degree programs at Harvard Extension School? Hear directly from our program directors, faculty, academic advisors, and alumni about their experiences.

How long does it take to complete the industrial-organizational psychology graduate program?

Program length is ordinarily anywhere between 2 and 5 years. It depends on your preferred pace and the number of courses you want to take each semester.

For an accelerated journey, we offer year round study, where you can take courses in fall, January, spring, and summer.

While we don’t require you to register for a certain number of courses each semester, you cannot take longer than 5 years to complete the degree.

What can I do with a master’s degree in industrial-organizational psychology?

Earning a master’s degree in industrial-organizational psychology can prepare you for a variety of roles across diverse industries.

You might help employees improve their job performance, create more inclusive work environments, or resolve workplace conflicts. Or, you may choose to focus on corporate efficiency and safety, develop better hiring policies, or deliver training programs. Your path will depend on your unique personality and skillset (read about 10 skills you need to be an effective I/O psychologist ).

Some common career paths include human resources manager, staffing and recruitment manager, behavioral analyst, workforce analyst, and executive coach. Learn more about building a career in industrial-organizational psychology .

Harvard Division of Continuing Education

The Division of Continuing Education (DCE) at Harvard University is dedicated to bringing rigorous academics and innovative teaching capabilities to those seeking to improve their lives through education. We make Harvard education accessible to lifelong learners from high school to retirement.

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Industrial-Organizational

Welcome to the home of Penn State Industrial/ Organizational Psychology. The I/O PhD program has a  long history and strong culture  of success as well as wonderful group of  faculty  and  graduate students  that continue that culture of success. 

Please use “Navigate to” in the top right-hand corner to learn more about our program.

Contact the I/O Area

• Graduate Office, Graduate Records
• [email protected]
• 814-863-1721
• 133A Moore Building, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802

Industrial-Organizational Psychology

The Industrial and Organizational (I-O) Psychology Research Interest Group (RIG) studies human behavior in organizational and work situations. Faculty expertise address research problems in this discipline such as motivation at work, the aging workforce, discrimination in the workplace, job performance, and team training. Students receive solid training for careers in both academic and applied settings.

I-O Psychology at Rice University from Rice University on Vimeo .

• Margaret Beier
• Rebecca Brossoit
• Danielle King
• Fred Oswald
• Eduardo Salas
• Tianjun Sun

Primary Contact: Mikki Hebl

Master's Candidacy Requirements

Please visit the Forms page to access the required paperwork to establish candidacy.

Core Courses (all required)

• PSYC 502 - Advanced Psychological Statistics I
• PSYC 503 - Advanced Psychological Statistics II
• PSYC 530 - Foundations of I-O Psychology
• PSYC 533 - Weekly I-O Research Seminar (every semester)
• PSYC 634 - Personnel Psychology
• PSYC 636 - Organizational Psychology

One of the following courses is required

• PSYC 507 - Research Methods
• PSYC 601 - Multivariate Statistics
• PSYC 602 - Psychometrics
• Other approved methodology course

Course Requirements for Provisional Admission to Master's Candidacy

The following are required before you can defend your Master's thesis.

• Any other of the required master's courses as listed above

Doctoral Candidacy: Course Requirements

Important Information about Ph.D. Candidacy in I-O

• PSYC 530 - Foundations of I/O Psychology
• PSYC 533 - Weekly I/O Research Seminar
• PSYC 660 - Professional Issues

Three of the following substantive courses are required

• PSYC 511 - History and Systems of Psychology
• PSYC 520 - Foundations of Cognitive Psychology
• PSYC 540 - Foundations of Human Factors/ Engineering Psychology
• PSYC 547 - Foundations of Health Psychology
• PSYC 550 - Foundations of Social Psychology
• PSYC 631 - Foundations of Individual Differences

Two of the following statistical courses are required

Additional courses for breadth and depth Three courses to be selected according to students' individual interests from the set of special topics courses taught by I-O faculty and other advanced courses taught by other psychology faculty.

I-O RIG Annual Review

As part of the I-O program, all students will meet with the entire I-O faculty at the end of every academic year to review progress. Students will complete the Progress Report for Rice’s Psychological Sciences Department , which is due to the Graduate Administrator and the student's advisor by the last day of classes during the spring semester .

Each student’s review meeting will be held in late April/early May (after the annual SIOP conference) and will be about 20 minutes long. Students should expect to receive suggestions about additional projects/activities for the coming year at this meeting (e.g., develop a review paper, run an experiment, look for an internship, etc.).

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Industrial-Organizational Psychology Graduate Program

Department of Psychological Sciences

Industrial and organizational (I-O) psychology is interested in people in the workplace and how work affects people’s lives more broadly. This knowledge of human behavior in organizations allows I-O psychologists to solve workplace problems and enhance workplace well-being, fairness and productivity. Applying psychological theories and principles, the industrial component of I-O psychology focuses on selecting and training workers, and the organizational component focuses on creating a conducive environment for workers. The field of I-O psychology is leading the way in understanding future of work and big data trends.

Ranked No. 7 in the world by U.S. News and World Report , Purdue University’s I-O psychology program is also one of the oldest, having conferred its first degree in 1939. Additionally, Purdue’s I-O psychology program has graduated more PhDs and produced more Society of Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) fellows than any other.

Graduate students are admitted to work with a primary faculty member who will serve as their mentor. Heavily research-oriented, graduate training is based on a science-practice model, so students are trained as both researchers and applied scientists, equipped to work with organizations on human resources-related issues. Graduate students will also have opportunities to gain teaching experience in the program.

All graduate students are admitted with funding and will have guaranteed funding for five years, provided they are making strong progress toward their PhD. An admitted student will typically work as a graduate teaching assistant for 20 hours per week during the academic year and receive a nine-month stipend and tuition waiver. Students may also receive funding during summers if they obtain a teaching assistant position or if they are employed as a research assistant.

Program Highlights

• You will work with a faculty mentor with related research interests. As you grow in knowledge and expertise, you are encouraged to collaborate with different faculty to develop your own unique research stream.
• Faculty and graduate students frequently collaborate with faculty in the social, cognitive and clinical psychology areas as well as faculty in the Krannert School of Management.
• Because we value social responsibility, the I-O psychology program at Purdue is the first to become a UN Global Compact participant, by which we place an emphasis within our courses and program activities on organizations’ responsibilities to human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption.
• While there is significant overlap with organizational behavior and human resources, the I-O psychology program emphasizes the scientific study of work, workers and the workplace, focusing on outcomes experienced by the employees rather than exclusively organizational outcomes.
• As a graduate student in the I-O psychology program, you’ll be considered a member of the Purdue Association of Graduate Students in Industrial Psychology (PAGSIP) . This organization provides opportunities for you to meet informally with other I-O psychology students to discuss research ideas and problems as well as to connect with program alumni.
• The Purdue I-O area is partnering with Instats to connect with some of the best methodologists in the world.

Potential Careers

As an I-O psychologist, you’ll have opportunities to work in academia, federal governments, consulting organizations and more. Our alumni have gone on to work at top-ranked universities, including the University of Houston and Bowling Green State University, and acclaimed organizations, such as Google, PepsiCo, NATO and more.

• Industrial-organizational psychologist
• University faculty member
• Human resources director
• Quantitative user experience researcher
• Postdoctoral researcher
• Research psychologist

Plan of Study

Each graduate student admitted to a degree program must file an individualized plan of study to guide their academic progress. The plan of study is an academic contract between the student, advisory committee members and the Graduate School. Students filing their plan of study should complete their plan electronically via the Plan of Study Generator on MyPurdue. More information about creating a plan of study can be found in the Department of Psychological Sciences’ graduate handbook.

Program Quick Facts

Degree Type : Doctoral

Program Length : 4-6 years

Location : West Lafayette, IN

Department/School : Department of Psychological Sciences

Students are strongly encouraged to participate in faculty research and eventually formulate and direct their own individual research projects. Faculty in the I-O psychology graduate program have a wide range of research interests, many of which center around the psychological experiences of people at work.

Bridge Topics

Within the industrial-organizational psychology program, faculty also have research interests in several bridge topics, including diversity and inclusion, individual differences, maladaptive behavior, perception and performance, and social relationships. I-O psychology faculty studying diversity and inclusion focus on diversity in hiring, cultural synergy in multicultural spaces and work attitudes. Individual differences research examines achievement, conflict management and predictors of workplace outcomes. Maladaptive behavior research in the I-O psychology program is centered around bias and conflict escalation. Program faculty who study perception and performance investigate person-environment fit. Finally, I-O psychology faculty studying social relationships seek to improve workplace well-being and interpersonal relationships.

Research Opportunities

• Cultural collision and synergy
• Strategies for difficult communication
• Goals and self-regulation
• Relationships and work
• Optimizing hiring decisions using statistical models
• Big data and machine learning
• Individual differences
• Diversity in recruitment and selection
• Franki Y. H. Kung
• Sang Eun Woo
• Alexandra Harris-Watson
• Brooke Macnamara

Admissions/Requirements

Many students enter the PhD program with a bachelor’s degree, although some enter with a master’s degree. We are particularly interested in students who have undergraduate or graduate research experience as well as those who have a master’s degree in I-O psychology or a similar field. We’re looking for the following knowledge and skills that are important for success in the I-O psychology graduate program:

• Knowledge of I-O psychology literature and science efficacy
• Motivation and interest in scientific research and I-O psychology
• Conscientiousness
• Resilience and emotional stability
• Self-direction, self-regulation and independence
• Advanced quantitative skills
• Advanced reading and writing skills
• Interpersonal communication and emotional intelligence
• Critical- and systematic-thinking skills
• Intellectual and scientific creativity
• Openness and humility
• Collaboration skills
• Learning and growth mindset
• Problem-solving skills
• Time management and organizational skills

Within your application, the statement of interest is particularly important to showcase a good alignment of research interests between you and faculty members. You are also encouraged to contact faculty members with whom you are interested in working.

Faculty recruiting new students for Fall 2025 admission:

• Alex Harris-Watson
• Franki Kung

Connect with Us!

If you have questions or to learn more about this program, please contact the Department of Psychological Sciences Graduate Program Coordinator, Nancy O’Brien at [email protected] .

Nancy O’Brien Purdue University 701 Third Street West Lafayette, IN 47907

(765) 494-6067

[email protected]

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College of Science and Health > Academics > Psychology > Graduate Programs > Industrial-Organizational Psychology (MA/PhD)

Industrial-Organizational Psychology (MA/PhD)

Make an impact on the world’s workplaces.

DePaul’s Industrial-Organizational Psychology MA/PhD program will provide you with a solid grounding in psychological theory and essential training in methodology. As an Industrial-Organizational (I-O) Psychology graduate student, you’ll collaborate with a faculty expert to develop and implement new research ideas while contributing to developments in the field.

You’ll study

• performance appraisal
• organizational theory
• consultation

You have the option to add a secondary specialization with coursework in communication, management, marketing, or women’s and gender studies.

The Industrial-Organizational Psychology MA/PhD is a combined degree program. The MA is non-terminal and the program admits only students intending to earn the PhD. Classes are offered during the day on the Lincoln Park Campus. This program can be completed in four years.

Get a closer look at what it’s like to be in the program by viewing our Frequently Asked Questions and Internship & Career Info .

Put theory into practice and gain career, teaching and research experience

DePaul’s connections with the Chicago business community provide you with a wide variety of internship and career opportunities . Industrial-Organizational Psychology PhD students have interned with Advocate Health Care, MICA Consulting Partners, McDonald’s Corp. and United Airlines. Students publish their research in major journals and present at I-O conferences. They also have gained experience teaching a variety of classes and have moved on to academic careers at colleges and university across the country.

Application Deadlines

The deadline for fall admission is December 15th.

Submit an online application, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, personal statement, transcripts and course history.

Required Courses

For the MA portion, you’ll take 18 courses and complete a thesis. For the PhD portion, you’ll complete six courses and a dissertation.

of Industrial-Organizational Psychology graduates were employed, continuing their education or pursuing other goals within six months of graduation.

The reported median salary for Industrial-Organizational Psychology alumni was $59,040.

Work on forward-thinking research

Professor Suzanne Bell specializes on the strategic staffing of organizations, training and employee development, and maximizing team effectiveness. She directs the DePaul Teams Lab, which is conducting NASA-funded research on team composition for long-duration space exploration, such as a mission to Mars.

“My clients are C-suite leaders and board members, and because of my DePaul experience I am competent in serving them via executive assessment, coaching, organizational restructuring, and team development. I was able to garner valuable internship experience every year via connections the program has with Chicago-based DePaul alums, and my cohort was incredibly supportive, collegial, and collaborative. We got to be great friends and I maintain those deep connections 15 years later.”

Rebecca (PhD ’04)

Founder and owner, department 732c.

Alumni Network

Our Industrial-Organizational Psychology PhD graduates advance to corporate, consulting and academic careers. DePaul graduates have pursued jobs in both applied and academic settings. In addition, you’ll be connected to a network of more than 201,000 DePaul alumni working in a variety of industries.

Scholarships

Graduate school is an investment in your future. Learn more about the financial aid and scholarship opportunities available to you.

Contact Information

For more information about applying, contact The Office of Graduate Admission for DePaul’s College of Science and Health at (773) 325-7315 or [email protected] .

Take the next step

We’ll send you information about the degree, admission requirements and upcoming info sessions. Let’s get started.

Industrial-Organizational Psychology

Students enrolled in the Master of Liberal Arts program in Industrial-Organizational Psychology will use social science research methods to investigate how to make people and organizations more effective. Students will study people, workplaces, and organizations to better align competing needs and create healthy, productive, and mutually beneficial relationships between people and organizations.

Industrial-Organizational Psychology

• Careers in Psychology
• Applied Psychology
• Business and Industry

Careers in Applied Psychology

November 2021

This engaging panel on careers in industrial-organizational (I-O) psychology includes six I-O psychologists who work in talent management in global human resources and for the NBA; in a consulting firm utilizing technology to optimize employee selection; as a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) manager; and as faculty members in master’s and doctoral I-O graduate programs. 

This introduction to I-O explains how I-O psychologists use science to make organizations and the people who work in them more effective through workforce planning, talent management, training, leader development, job attitudes and motivation, work team dynamics, DEI, and organizational change and development. Panelists provide insight about graduate education and deciding on a career path in I-O.

More information on industrial-organizational psychology may be found at:

• APA Division 14 (The Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology)

Two books in the SIOP Professional Practice Series:

• Mastering Industrial-Organizational Psychology: Training Issues for Master's Level I-O Psychologists  
• Mastering the Job Market: Career Issues for Master's level I-O Psychologists  

This program does not offer CE credit.

More in this series

Panelists describe their career paths and provide insight about graduate education and deciding on a career path in human factors

February 2022 On Demand Webinar

Six panelists discuss their careers in applying psychology to enhance the legal system by working with lawyers, judges, law enforcement, and legislators on a wide variety of legal issues

Explains how industrial-organizational (I-O) psychologists use science to make organizations and the people who work in them more effective

November 2021 On Demand Webinar

An overview of the field and insight about graduate education and deciding on a career path

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What to Do with a Master’s in Industrial Organization Psychology

With a focus on human emotions and behaviors, psychology is one of the most versatile fields imaginable. Insights into the complex human mind can influence everything from entrepreneurship to criminal justice, education, and counseling.

Increasingly, psychological principles are built into the very structure of the workplace, with HR managers, executive coaches, and many other professionals leveraging psychological knowledge to boost productivity and employee well-being. Numerous psychological applications can improve workplace outcomes, but a unique specialty known as industrial organizational psychology proves most relevant from an operational perspective.

Industrial-organizational psychology (IO psychology) has long influenced the workplace, but its reach is beginning to expand, especially as emerging research reveals the power of applied psychology to help organizations run more efficiently while remaining true to their values. With this growth comes a wide range of new professional opportunities, including compelling roles that allow passionate individuals to fully leverage their in-depth psychological understanding.

Interested in exploring this unique field? Below, we will highlight a few of the most promising industrial and organizational psychology careers while also revealing the value of pursuing a master’s degree in industrial psychology.

What Is Industrial-Organizational Psychology?

Many people are familiar with some principles that underscore IO psychology but struggle to explain: what is industrial organizational psychology? At its most basic level, this subset of psychology applies psychological theories and research to organizational practices. This is especially as they relate to the modern workforce.

The  American Psychological Association (APA)  explains that IO psychologists “apply psychological principles and research methods to improve the overall work environment, including performance, communication, professional satisfaction and safety.”

The Dual Aspects of IO Psychology

IO psychology integrates two specialties, which, although widely regarded as closely aligned, actually represent separate niches.

• Industrial Psychology.  The term ‘industrial psychology’ originally referred to operational concerns, focusing on individual performance and its impact on productivity, though it’s now used as shorthand for industrial-organizational psychology. This represented a narrower focus than organizational psychology, which also integrated larger issues related to company culture or leadership.
• Organizational Psychology.  This psychology subset explores how human behavior and emotions influence and are influenced by organizational processes, extending beyond just the workplace. These insights can have significant implications not only for businesses, but also among nonprofits, government agencies, educational institutions, and beyond.

By unifying industrial psychology and organizational psychology, IO psychology aims to better align psychological understanding with business practices. Blending both individual and organizational perspectives, this unified approach addresses both micro and macro concerns to drive impactful decision-making.

6 Career Pathways in Industrial Organizational Psychology

IO psychology is relevant across a number of fields. No matter the sector or the nature of the work, all organizations rely on the skills and motivation of their workforce, which can be more effectively described, analyzed, and shaped when leaders understand how natural human tendencies contribute to workplace performance. Professionals with training in IO psychology can bring their unique perspectives to the following fields and niches:

1. Human Resources and Talent Management

Human resources and IO psychology are closely aligned. Both fields strive to understand human behavior in the context of organizations, and shape that behavior to drive positive outcomes. Hence, the value of IO psychology within these common HR roles:

• HR Specialist.  Trained to handle a variety of complex tasks, HR specialists may be involved in everything from recruitment to onboarding or even long-term employee relations. These professionals can leverage IO psychology principles to reveal what exactly motivates employees and which training efforts are most likely to help workers reach their full potential.
• Talent Acquisition Specialist.  Talent acquisition specialists use psychological assessments to find candidates who are both qualified and align with the organization’s culture.
• HR Consultant.  Offering an outside perspective, HR consultants with a strong background in IO psychology can bring valuable insights to organizations that have yet to discover the hidden power of this field.

2. Consulting

Many IO psychologists are drawn to consulting, which allows them to share their expertise and drive impressive improvements through the introduction of IO psychologic principles. These consultants may specialize in certain fields, such as healthcare or manufacturing, or may focus on specific organizational challenges. Examples include:

• Management Consultant.  Helping organizations improve their financial performance or operational outcomes, management consultants may draw on a variety of psychological theories to understand organizational behavior and group dynamics. Some also integrate key principles from IO psychology into performance management strategies.
• Executive Coach.  Committed to keeping ambitious executives on track, executive coaches draw on theories of motivation to help leaders reach their full potential. Their insights can provide advantages, including the chance for executives to better understand employee behavior while also drawing on intrinsic motivation and personal strengths to make a discernible difference as passion-driven leaders.

3. Research and Academia

IO researchers contribute to a quickly growing body of knowledge, revealing new ways in which the field’s core principles can be applied to enhance productivity and improve employee well-being. Research initiatives may delve into emerging technologies or methodologies or may reveal new applications within specific sectors or niches.

As  Aimee K. Gardner and Rami A. Ahmed  explain, a cornerstone of the field involves its “reliance on data to inform decisions and output,” with a clear emphasis on “optimiz[ing] data collection and reporting processes.”

• Research Analyst.  Conducting assessments to reveal everything from employee performance to workplace satisfaction, research analysts who commit to IO psychology address organizational concerns by drawing on the power of data. Studies may eventually be published in peer-reviewed journals such as  Industrial and Organizational Psychology (IOP).
• Lecturer or Instructor.  As interest in IO psychology continues to grow, many students will seek out applied courses that help them leverage psychological principles. IO psychology instructors can share the field’s most powerful insights with all kinds of students. This consists of IO psychologists along with those who hope to thrive in HR, project management, or even as entrepreneurs. Meanwhile, academic researchers enjoy the chance to introduce students to key concepts while also contributing to IO psychology research.

4. Training and Development

As workplace technologies and practices evolve at a rapid pace, it is increasingly clear that organizations will need to place a greater emphasis on supporting and empowering employees through high-level training. This occurs not only during onboarding, but also as a means of enhancing talent pipelines.

Strategic training is a core element of modern IO psychology, so it should come as no surprise that these industrial organizational psychology careers are so compelling:

• Training and Development Manager.  Encompassing broad-based training and development initiatives, this role reveals how training solutions can be aligned with overarching strategic objectives. These managers conduct assessments to identify training needs and may also oversee training budgets or supervise training specialists.
• Learning and Development Specialist.  Similar to the role described above but with a greater emphasis on training program design, this hands-on role centers around tailored training modules and curricula, custom-designed to meet varying departmental needs.

5. Compensation and Benefits

Compensation and benefits form some of the most recognizable extrinsic rewards identified in IO psychology. These must align with perceived employee value, as assessed through point-factor and other trusted methods. This can form the basis for an excellent career in industrial psychology, as evidenced by these job titles:

• Compensation Analyst.  Compensation analysts use data to assess if pay structures are fair and competitive, often applying IO psychology to benchmark or understand how psychological contracts influence compensation expectations. Compensation consultants can take on a similar role but act as external advisors to bring unique perspectives to HR departments and entire organizations.
• Benefits Manager.  Tasked with creating and implementing employee benefits programs, benefits managers shape employee health insurance, retirement plans, and other perks. These benefits are customized to meet the varying needs of employees, with managers not only supporting workers through this process, but also managing strict budgets and working with vendors.

6. Organizational Development

Bringing a systematic approach to the process of shifting organizational cultures or procedures, organizational development (OD) promises transformational change with the goal of boosting long-term innovation and growth. Many exciting IO psychology careers now fall within the scope of OD.

• Organizational Development Specialist.  OD specialists conduct assessments to highlight challenges or roadblocks, including gap analyses that indicate the divide between current performance and desired results. From there, these specialists plan programs capable of narrowing or eliminating identified gaps.
• Change Development Consultant.  A wealth of leaders embrace outside perspectives as they strive to implement necessary changes and change development consultants can provide especially powerful insights. IO psychology can shape consultants’ understanding of organizational culture and change management, revealing which strategies will prove most helpful while navigating change.
• Employee Relations Manager.  Acting as liaisons between employees and senior management, employee relations managers aim to bring a non-biased approach to conflict resolution and cultivate a positive work environment. These professionals can draw extensively on IO psychology to understand organizational behavior and to determine which communication strategies will foster harmonious relationships in the workplace.

Emerging Trends and Opportunities in IO Psychology

The field of IO psychology has undergone dramatic changes in the last few decades, but this evolution is only just beginning. Moving forward, new technological opportunities will expand the field, as will a shifting mindset regarding what exactly it means to be successful as an employee or as an organization. Trends worth exploring include:

Focus on Remote Work and Virtual Teams

It is increasingly evident that it’s both possible to carry out critical IO functions on a remote basis, and that IO psychology can provide critical guidance, revealing how team dynamics play out in the virtual space. Theories of motivation can guide efforts to improve engagement within remote or hybrid work structures.

Data Analytics and People Analytics

IO psychology has always been a data-driven field. Initial studies leveraged insights from intelligence tests, and from factory-based studies revealing responses to changing lighting conditions.

These days, however, data is far more prolific. This promises to drive powerful insights, so long as professionals properly gather and analyze that information.  IO professional Ashleigh Wilson  advocates for extensive statistical training when pursuing a master’s in industrial organizational psychology. Ideally, IO psychologists will “interpret statistical analyses” as they explore the “human side of statistics.”

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

Leaders at the  Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP)  explain that this field has long been invested in efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workforce. IO principles can be leveraged to address unconscious bias during interviews, to promote civility training, and to encourage allies to join the fight against discriminatory practices.

Wellness and Employee Well-Being

With  three-quarters of workers  indicating they have faced mental health challenges, employers increasingly prioritize well-being. Efforts to promote this take many forms. Some organizations strive to promote greater work-life balance through remote opportunities or extra time off, while others offer counseling services or other mental health resources. IO psychology can reveal whether these initiatives actually boost well-being and, if not, which strategies might prove more impactful.

Overview of a Master’s Degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology

Success in IO psychology often requires focused study of psychological theories and business concepts, along with practical application through case studies or projects that mirror modern workplace challenges.

Therein lies the value of pursuing a Master of Science in Industrial-Organizational Psychology . This unique degree shares much in common with other graduate-level psychology programs, but with a clear emphasis on application and workforce development. Furthermore, this program reveals how psychology and leadership concepts can be integrated to drive significant improvements in productivity, innovation, and employee well-being.

The program’s basis lies in the foundational course Industrial-Organizational Psychology , which encourages students to explore the fascinating background of this dynamic field, along with cutting-edge research and current applications. Other courses help students understand key mechanisms for boosting employee performance and satisfaction.

While pursuing the industrial psychology master’s online, students will develop several technical and leadership skills, including data analysis, evidence-based coaching, and more. These skills are eventually synthesized through internships or integrative capstone experiences, both of which encourage students to apply psychological theories and gain hands-on experience.

Start Your Master’s in Industrial-Organizational Psychology at Baker

Are you fascinated by the human mind? Do you feel drawn to lead while helping both organizations and individuals reach their full potential? You could find a world of opportunity within the growing field of IO psychology. There are many ways to explore this field, but the most reliable path to success involves a targeted industrial and organizational psychology master’s.At Baker College, we are pleased to provide a unique opportunity: the chance to earn your  Master of Science in Industrial-Organizational Psychology . This graduate-level degree will prepare you to leverage your IO psychology knowledge as you enter some of today’s most fascinating fields. Reach out today to learn more about our master’s in IO psychology .

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Master of Science in Organizational Psychology

Begin your journey toward a rewarding career in industrial/organizational psychology with SMU guiding you every step of the way. Decide today to pursue a career that makes a real impact. With SMU, you’ll gain the necessary knowledge, skills and connections to turn your ambitions into reality.

of students are from outside of Texas 2023-24 school year

of Dedman graduates have jobs within 6 months of graduation

Highlighting its innovative edge, the program is STEM-designated, recognizing its focus on integrating science, technology, engineering and math principles within the field of psychology.

Why industrial/organizational psychology matters

Identifying barriers to productivity and efficiency

Every organization grapples with obstacles that can hamper productivity and efficiency. I/O psychology empowers professionals to identify and enact strategies to overcome barriers ranging from job dissatisfaction, miscommunication and poor leadership to lack of motivation and lack of resources to foster a more productive and efficient work environment.

Understanding and aiding in organizational change

Change is a given in any organization, yet poorly managed changes can lead to chaos, resistance and a decline in performance. I/O psychologists serve a crucial role in understanding the dynamics of organizational change. They help reduce change-related anxieties and resistance, paving the way for strategic growth and adaptation.

Improving job satisfaction, employee retention and overall organizational efficacy

One of the central tenets of I/O psychology lies in its goal to enhance job satisfaction and improve employee retention rates. By exploring factors such as workplace environment, job design, leadership style, reward systems and work-life balance, I/O psychologists can formulate strategies that boost employee engagement and overall job satisfaction.

There are a lot of benefits to having a small cohort. There’s more one-on-one interaction with your professor and that allows for more deep insights and deep learning.

Westley Giadolor ’23, management consultant associate at KPMG

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