Whether you have a master’s degree in I/O psychology or in a completely different field, Walden meets you where you are with two distinct points of entry to the online I/O psychology PhD program.
DOCTORAL DEGREE COACH®
Map and track milestones, meet weekly targets, connect with faculty, and find support with this personalized digital resource.
PERTINENT CURRICULUM
Learn from a curriculum designed according to Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) guidelines.
CUSTOMIZABLE COURSEWORK
Expand your professional expertise and tailor your coursework to fit your future plans in one of six areas of PhD specialization.
Earn Your MPhil Along the Way
To mark how far you’ve come on your journey, you will be eligible to be awarded a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree upon completion of program requirements, prior to completion of your dissertation.
SAVE ON TUITION
As part of our commitment to reducing obstacles to higher education, Walden offers many options to lower the cost of earning your PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psychology online.
TRANSFER CREDITS
You’ve invested time. You’ve gained experience. Transferring credits from prior college coursework can save you time and money on your doctorate in industrial and organizational psychology.
Doctoral Experience
How will I learn?
YOUR DOCTORAL JOURNEY
The road to your online I/O psychology PhD won’t be easy, but Walden is here to provide support, resources, and encouragement at every step of your journey.
OFFICE OF ACADEMIC SUPPORT
Find the comprehensive tools and guidance you need to stay on track through Walden’s Office of Academic Support and Instructional Services (OASIS).
ACADEMIC RESIDENCIES
Broaden your knowledge, engage with peers and faculty, and shape your professional identity during this valuable doctoral learning experience.
Career Opportunities
Industrial-Organizational Psychologist
Apply psychological principles to solve workplace problems and improve work-life quality.
Expected growth: 6%1
Estimated annual wage: $45,860–$219,410 1
Postsecondary Psychology Teacher
Instruct students in psychology subjects beyond the high school level.
Expected growth: 5%2
Estimated annual wage: $49,790–$106,610 2
1Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2023)
2Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2023)
No guarantee is made that a person who enrolls in the PhD in Industrial and Organizational (I/O) Psychology program will obtain a job or will earn the stated salaries. Wage estimates are based on the 10th–75th percentile.
Learning Outcomes
All graduates will be prepared to:
Evaluate the role of industrial/organizational psychology issues in the workplace.
Process/Apply current industrial/organizational psychology theory and research.
Analyze factors contributing to performance on varied organizational levels.
Apply the organizational consultation process to address change and development issues.
Evaluate workplace dimensions using a variety of assessments.
Assess the impact of the employee on workplace performance.
Evaluate industrial/organizational psychology’s role in promoting positive social change through fostering a healthy and inclusive workplace.
Apply basic and advanced research principles to produce independent scholarly work.
Meet Your Academic Team
Walden’s online I/O psychology PhD faculty includes scholar practitioners with years of hands-on experience in the field.
You Might Also Be Interested In
PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psychology Online FAQ
Industrial and organizational psychology, also referred to as I/O psychology, is the scientific study of the workplace. Psychology professionals apply science-based principles and methods of psychology to identify issues and solve problems in business. Psychology professionals may help organizations with policy planning, employee testing and selection, employee training and development, organizational development and analysis, and assessment and improvement of worker productivity.
As the terminal degree in a field with broad applications, an online I/O psychology PhD may qualify you for a range of opportunities in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. Potential positions may include employee development consultant, career planning and development director, organizational development practitioner, political strategist, or consultant.
Licensure for I/O psychology professionals varies by state. Some states require all psychology professionals to be licensed, while others do not require I/O psychology professionals to be licensed. There are also some I/O psychology jobs that require licensure, while others do not. Walden University’s PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psychology online program offers an Evidence-Based Coaching specialization that prepares graduates to sit for the Board Certified Coach Examination.
The PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psychology program at Walden can be completed in as few as 2.5 years.
Earning your PhD in I/O Psychology online can position you with the skill set to explore a range of career paths. From teaching to consulting and coaching, industrial and organizational psychology prepares you to confront the challenges of today’s global workplace.
Not all industrial and organizational psychology professions require a doctorate. However, doctoral job applicants qualify for more challenging positions in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. PhD in I/O Psychology graduates are critical in developing tools for school systems to assess student achievement and teacher performance, while universities and colleges provide opportunities to conduct research and teach undergraduate and graduate students. One of the most challenging and rewarding career opportunities for professionals with a PhD in I/O Psychology is to strike out on their own as an independent I/O consultant, such as an employee development consultant/trainer, an organizational consultant, or a human resource manager/consultant.