industrial organizational psychology phd programs online

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

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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.

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• Private Nonprofit University
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• 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 (PDF)

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Doctorate in Psychology Admission Requirements

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) .
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Preliminary Acceptance

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

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

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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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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

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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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• PhD in Psychology
• Industrial/Organizational Psychology

Industrial/Organizational Psychology Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology

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

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

Relevant, real-world learning

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

Complementary coursework approach

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

Scholar-practitioner faculty

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

Apply today with no application fee.

At a glance

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

Reduce your tuition by $5,000

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

Courses and skills

Explore industrial/organizational psychology courses.

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

View all courses in catalog

What you'll learn

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

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

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

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

Tuition and learning format

How much does the phd in psychology cost.

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

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

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

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

Learn more about GuidedPath »

Tuition breakdown

Program phases.

$555 Per quarter credit

72 coursework credits

Per quarter credit

Dissertation

$2,780 Per quarter

Per quarter

Resource kit fee

$175 Per quarter

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

Application fee

$0 no application fee

no application fee

Tuition and program length are unique to you

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

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

About cost scenarios

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

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

Cost Scenarios

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

Get the details

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

Scholarships and savings

Are there scholarships available for doctoral degrees.

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

$5K toward your doctorate

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

Employer & association discounts

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

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

Accredited and recognized

Capella is accredited by the higher learning commission..

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

How to apply

What are the phd in psychology admission requirements.

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

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

GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.

International student requirements

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

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

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

Learn more about  international student admissions .

Faculty and support

What support does capella offer online students.

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

Professional doctoral faculty

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

Enrollment counselors

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

Academic coaches

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

Articles and resources

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

What’s it like to be a doctoral student?

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

Helping Professions Program Guide

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

Career exploration

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

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

Related job titles to explore*

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

Employment settings to explore*

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

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

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Top 9 Online PhD in organizational Psychology

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

Featured Schools

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

Methodology

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

Ranking the Top 9 Online PhD in Industrial Organizational Psychology

Average Graduate Tuition Rates

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

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

#9 – Adler University – Chicago, Illinois

Online doctorate in industrial/organizational psychology.

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

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

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

• corporate enterprise

#8 – Keiser University – Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Industrial and organizational psychology, phd.

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

• Personnel Psychology
• Interventions in Social Systems
• Organizational Applications

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

#7 – Capella University – Minneapolis, Minnesota

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

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

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

• research organizations
• the military.

#6 – William James College – Newton, Massachusetts

Leadership psychology doctorate online.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#4 – Grand Canyon University – Phoenix, Arizona

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

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

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

#3 – Northcentral University – San Diego, California

Industrial-organizational psychology specialization phd.

School Profile

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

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

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

#2 – Liberty University – Lynchburg, Virginia

Ph.d. in psychology – industrial/organizational.

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

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

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

#1 – Touro University Worldwide – Los Alamitos, California

Online doctor of psychology in human and organizational psychology.

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

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

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

Related Resources:

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