Put insights and real-world skills into practice to improve organizational and employee performance. Courses grounded in research deepen your understanding of the connections between behavior and success.
Personalize Your PhD
Research the topics that interest you and work toward your personal and professional goals by choosing one of six specializations.
Work With Expert Faculty
Learn from doctoral scholar-practitioners with experience in their field, preparing you to make an impact.
Move Past ABD
If you have finished everything but your dissertation, our completion program can get you on track to finishing your PhD.
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.
Tuition and Scholarships
We believe you can achieve your goals—and we are here to support you along your journey. Request information to learn more about scholarships and financial aid for those who apply and qualify.
Tuition Breakdown
The cost of your PhD program matters. With several ways to reduce your tuition, Walden is here to help make your goals more attainable. You could reduce costs through:
Experience-based credits
Special tuition savings
Grants
Program Savings
Program Savings
Receive up to a $5,000 grant when you start an eligible PhD program.
| Curriculum | Requirements | Cost | Total * | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition-Coursework | 63 quarter credits | $685 per quarter hour for coursework credits | $43,155^ | |
| Tuition-Dissertation | 20–130† quarter credits | $685 per quarter hour for dissertation credits | $13,700–$89,050* | |
| Program Fee | $185 per quarter | $1,850–$5,920* | ||
| Residency Fee | Four Residencies | $1,420 (virtual) $1,520 (in-person: travel, lodging and other expenses are additional) | $5,680–$6,080 | |
| Estimated Range: | 2.5-Year | 8-Year | ||
| $64,385* | $144,205*+ | |||
| (assuming completion in a 2.5-year timeframe) | (assuming completion in an 8-year timeframe) | |||
These are ranges of what a student can expect in terms of time and tuition cost to complete a degree. It does not include other fees, nor is it adjusted for tuition increases over time. Walden faculty has concluded that generally students who do not complete their program in eight years are unlikely to complete and only allow students to exceed that time frame when a student petitions for an extension and provides good reason for the delay and assurances that obstacles to completion can be overcome. Time is calculated using the time allowed for each semester or unit that the student completes. Students are encouraged to work continuously during the program so as not to extend the time needed to complete the degree as work can become stale and students lose focus. Students who earn two grades of “Unsatisfactory,” who repeatedly drop a course before a semester or unit has been completed, or are unable to complete in the eight year time frame, should expect that they may be dismissed from the program. Walden believes that it is in the best interest of a student who is unable to complete the degree in the stated ranges to strongly consider withdrawal or obtaining a lesser degree.
Time to completion and cost are not estimates of individual experience and will vary based on individual factors applicable to the student. Factors may be programmatic or academic such as tuition and fee increases and/or the student’s transfer credits accepted by Walden; program or specialization changes; unsuccessful course completion; credit load per term; writing, research and editing skills; use of external data for their doctoral study/dissertation; and/or individual progress in the program. Other factors may include personal issues such as the student’s employment obligations; care giving responsibilities or health issues; part-time vs. full-time enrollment; leaves of absence; and/or other personal circumstances.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included. Students may incur additional costs for remedial writing assistance, if necessary.
^This assumes students successfully complete their coursework on the first attempt.
† Based on a 2.5-year minimum completion requirement and an 8-year maximum timeframe as outlined in Walden academic policy.
*Tuition and fees will be higher if students petition to extend the 8-year maximum timeframe or choose to take more expensive elective courses.
+Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition discounts. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-642-0198.
| Curriculum | Requirements | Cost | Total * | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition-Coursework | 88 quarter credits | $685 per quarter hour for coursework credits | $60,280^ | |
| Tuition-Dissertation | 20–115† quarter credits | $685 per quarter hour for dissertation credits | $13,700–$78,775* | |
| Program Fee | $185 per quarter | $2,220–$5,920* | ||
| Residency Fee | Four Residencies | $1,420 (Virtual) $1,520 (in-person: travel, lodging and other expenses are additional) | $5,680–$6,080 | |
| Estimated Range: | 3.25-Year | 8-Year | ||
| $81,880* | $151,055*+ | |||
| (assuming completion in a 3.25-year timeframe) | (assuming completion in an 8-year timeframe) | |||
These are ranges of what a student can expect in terms of time and tuition cost to complete a degree. It does not include other fees, nor is it adjusted for tuition increases over time. Walden faculty has concluded that generally students who do not complete their program in eight years are unlikely to complete and only allow students to exceed that time frame when a student petitions for an extension and provides good reason for the delay and assurances that obstacles to completion can be overcome. Time is calculated using the time allowed for each semester or unit that the student completes. Students are encouraged to work continuously during the program so as not to extend the time needed to complete the degree as work can become stale and students lose focus. Students who earn two grades of “Unsatisfactory,” who repeatedly drop a course before a semester or unit has been completed, or are unable to complete in the eight year time frame, should expect that they may be dismissed from the program. Walden believes that it is in the best interest of a student who is unable to complete the degree in the stated ranges to strongly consider withdrawal or obtaining a lesser degree.
Time to completion and cost are not estimates of individual experience and will vary based on individual factors applicable to the student. Factors may be programmatic or academic such as tuition and fee increases and/or the student’s transfer credits accepted by Walden; program or specialization changes; unsuccessful course completion; credit load per term; writing, research and editing skills; use of external data for their doctoral study/dissertation; and/or individual progress in the program. Other factors may include personal issues such as the student’s employment obligations; care giving responsibilities or health issues; part-time vs. full-time enrollment; leaves of absence; and/or other personal circumstances.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included. Students may incur additional costs for remedial writing assistance, if necessary.
^This assumes students successfully complete their coursework on the first attempt.
† Based on a 3.25-year minimum completion requirement and an 8-year maximum timeframe as outlined in Walden academic policy.
*Tuition and fees will be higher if students petition to extend the 8-year maximum timeframe or choose to take more expensive elective courses.
+Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition discounts. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-642-0198.
| Curriculum | Required Quarter Credits (min) | Required Quarter Credits (max) | Cost per Quarter Hour | Total (min) | Total (max) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition-Coursework | 5 | 5 | $685 | $3,425 | $3,425 |
| Tuition-Doctoral Study/Project | 20 | 55 | $685 | $13,700 | $37,675 |
| Program Fee | $185 | $925 | $2,220 | ||
| Estimated Range: | 15-months | 36-months | |||
| $18,050 | $43,320 |
Time to completion and cost are not estimates of individual experience and will vary based on individual factors applicable to the student. Factors may be programmatic or academic, such as tuition and fee increases; transfer credits accepted by Walden; program or specialization changes; unsuccessful course completion; credit load per term; part-time vs. full-time enrollment; writing, research, and editing skills; use of external data for the doctoral study/dissertation; and individual progress in the program. Other factors may include personal issues such as the student’s employment obligations, caregiving responsibilities, or health issues; leaves of absence; or other personal circumstances.
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.