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PhD in Industrial and Organizational (I/O) Psychology
Request InformationPrepare for a variety of careers in a field you’re passionate about.
Next start dates
- Course-Based Courses with a set schedule November 30, 2020
Transfer Credits
- Up to 53 Credits
Explore our Online PhD in Industrial and Organizational (I/O) Psychology
Become a catalyst for change in the workplace as you explore the intricate relationships between human behavior and organizational success in one of the first online doctoral programs in I/O psychology.
With demand for I/O psychologists expected to grow by 3% between 2019 and 2029,1 Walden’s online PhD in I/O Psychology program can provide you with the knowledge and credentials you need to lead change in tomorrow’s global workplaces. Through coursework focused on theories and principles grounded in scientific research, you can hone your understanding of employee and organizational behavior as you learn to apply best practices to assess organizational needs, create more synergistic workplaces, and improve employee performance and productivity.
Accelerated Journey Option
Automatically waive six courses if you have earned a master’s degree in I/O psychology, shortening your journey to a PhD.
six Specializations
Choose from six specializations developed to align with the demands of the workforce.
Pertinent Curriculum
Learn from a curriculum designed according to the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology.
Optional Examination Preparation
Prepare to sit for the Board Certified Coach Examination by choosing the Evidence-Based Coaching specialization.2
Program Savings
Receive a $4,000 grant if you reside in the U.S. and start this program on November 30, 2020. Contact one of our enrollment specialists to learn more.
Get Started NowInternational Business
Deepen your scholarly and practical knowledge of workplace and organizational behavior, with a specific focus on how the science of industrial and organizational (I/O) psychology applies to employee assessment, selection, performance management, motivation, work attitudes, leadership, and organizational behavior and development.
Track I Track IIAdmissions Requirements
Program Admission Considerations: A master’s degree or higher.
General Admission Requirements: Completed online application and transcripts. Please note that the materials you are required to submit may vary depending on the academic program to which you apply. More information for international applicants.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of this program will be prepared to:
- Explain behavior using current theory and research in I/O psychology.
- Discuss the history of industrial and organizational psychology, how the specialty of I/O psychology is unique, and how to develop an I/O psychology identity.
- Critically examine how key industrial and organizational issues impact organizations (i.e., issues such as selection, performance management, performance measurement, job analysis, individual behavior, leadership, motivation, organizational culture, work teams, and/or job attitudes).
- Correctly utilize principles of basic and advanced research methods to produce independent scholarly research.
- Evaluate research in the area of industrial and organizational psychology.
- Develop empirically-based organizational intervention practices.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of organizational interventions.
- Use ethical research and intervention practices.
- Evaluate the influence of diverse populations on individual, group, and organizational behavior.
- Apply principles of industrial and organizational psychology to scholarly and/or professional activities to promote lifelong learning.
- Engage in research practices that result in positive social change.
Career Impact
As a graduate of Walden’s PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psychology program, your career options may include:
- Employee development consultant
- Organizational development practitioner (ODP)
- Administrator
- Consultant
- Director of training
- I/O practitioner
- Organizational consultant
- Human resources director or consultant
- Director of research
- Professor
- Director of data analysis
- Director of career services
- Political strategist
Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.
Resource Articles
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What is Applied Research in Industrial and Organizational Psychology?
FAQ About Walden’s Online PhD in I/O Psychology Program
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Industrial and organizational psychology, also referred to as I/O psychology, is the scientific study of the workplace. Psychologists apply science-based principles and methods of psychology to identify issues and solve problems in business. Practitioners 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.
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As the terminal degree in a field with broad applications, an 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 services director, organizational development practitioner, political strategist, or consultant.
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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 Organization Psychology offers an Evidence-Based Coaching specialization that prepares graduates to sit for the Board Certified Coach Examination.
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According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the field of I/O psychology is expected to grow at a rate of 3% through 2029, which is much faster than average. However, I/O psychology is a competitive field and an important differentiator for job candidates will be their level of education.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections Data for Psychologists, 2019–29
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