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 industrial and organizational (I/O) psychology.

With demand for I/O psychologists expected to grow by 6% between 2016 and 2026,1 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.

Why earn your PhD in I/O Psychology from Walden?

As a student, you can:

  • Automatically waive six courses if you have earned a master’s degree in a related field, shortening your journey to a PhD.2
  • Choose from five specializations selected according to the demands of the workforce.
  • Learn from a curriculum designed according to the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology.
  • Choose between a fully online or blended format—whichever best fits your schedule.
  • Enroll in the Evidence-Based Coaching specialization, which prepares you to sit for the Board Certified Coach Examination.3

About the Blended Course Format

When you select the blended course option, you may take up to two core courses that combine both online and in-person learning experiences. These courses provide:

  • In-person immersion in scenarios that reflect the day-to-day situations you will face as an I/O practitioner in the field.
  • Opportunities to apply course content through role-playing, reflection, teamwork, feedback, and coaching.
  • In-person guidance from faculty members who are highly experienced I/O practitioners.

Graduates of this program will be prepared to:

  1. Explain behavior using current theory and research in industrial and organizational (I/O) psychology.
  2. 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.
  3. 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).
  4. Correctly utilize principles of basic and advanced research methods to produce independent scholarly research.
  5. Evaluate research in the area of industrial and organizational psychology.
  6. Develop empirically-based organizational intervention practices.
  7. Evaluate the effectiveness of organizational interventions.
  8. Use ethical research and intervention practices.
  9. Evaluate the influence of diverse populations on individual, group, and organizational behavior.
  10. Apply principles of industrial and organizational psychology to scholarly and/or professional activities to promote lifelong learning.
  11. 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
  • Other options:
    • 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.

Save Time and Money on Your Degree

The ability to transfer credit at Walden can give you a more seamless, effective, and cost-efficient way to continue your education. Complete your required coursework sooner by transferring applicable required graduate credits into a Walden degree program.

Find detailed information for the Human Resource Management specialization of this program, or all other specializations of this program, including possible occupations, completion rate, program costs, and median student loan debt.

 

1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2017–18 Edition, Psychologists, on the internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm#tab-6 (viewed online December 20, 2017). National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.

2Master’s Degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology

3The PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psychology program’s Evidence-Based Coaching specialization has been designed to prepare students to sit for the national Board Certified Coach Examination (BCCE), which is administered by the Center for Credentialing and Education. Walden enrollment advisors can provide information relating to national certification exams; however, it remains the individual’s responsibility to understand, evaluate, and comply with all requirements relating to national certification exams for the state in which he or she intends to practice. Walden makes no representations or guarantee that completion of Walden coursework or programs will permit an individual to obtain national certification. For more information regarding the application process, visit www.cce-global.org/Credentialing/BCC/Exam.

Note on Licensure
The PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psychology is not a licensure program and does not prepare an individual to become a licensed psychology professional.

Note: 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.

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Questions about our PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psychology program?
Questions about our PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psychology program?
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