Prepare for a variety of careers in a field you’re passionate about.
Automatically waive six courses if you have earned a master’s degree in I/O psychology, shortening your journey to a PhD.
Five Specializations
Choose from five specializations developed to align with the demands of the workforce.
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.1
Program Details
Residencies
support your progress at key points in your doctoral journey. Residencies also strengthen your scholarly and professional connections.
Earn Your Master of Philosophy Degree Along the Way
Walden understands the rigors involved with preparing for your doctorate. To signify 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.
Walden is one of a few universities that offer this advanced research master’s degree. Highlight your academic achievement and show employers and others that you possess comprehensive knowledge in your field of study.
Admission Requirements
Program Admission Considerations:
Track 1 - A master’s degree in I/O psychology.
Track 2 - A GPA of 3.0 on bachelor’s degree or master's degree in another field.
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.
A Personalized Guide to Completing Your Doctorate
Earning your PhD in Industrial and Organizational (I/O) Psychology requires commitment, perseverance, and hard work. You can do it, and Walden is here to help—with our Doctoral Degree Coach™.
- Map and Track Milestones: Break your research down into manageable, sequential steps. See where you are, what’s ahead, and what you’ve already accomplished—all in one place.
- Meet Weekly Targets: No more guesswork. Set prompts based on your to-do list and receive reminders and updates directly to your inbox.
- Connect With Faculty: Stay on the same page and keep your progress on track. With shared access to your dashboard, your chair can easily guide you through your checklists, goals, and timelines.
- Access Helpful Resources: Quickly find support from the right person at the right time. Our comprehensive resource guide points you in the right direction—no more frustrating searches.
Paying for Your Education
Our Enrollment Specialists can help you outline a plan and find resources for funding your education.
Program Savings
Looking to reach your potential with a doctoral degree? We want to support you by making your goals more achievable. Receive up to a $5,000 grant if you start this program on July 10, 2023. Contact one of our Enrollment Specialists to learn more.
Program Outcomes
Career Outlook
As a graduate of Walden’s PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psychology program, your career options may include:
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Employee development consultant
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Organizational development practitioner (ODP)
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Administrator
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Consultant
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Director of training
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I/O practitioner
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Organizational consultant
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Human resources director or consultant
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Director of research
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Professor
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Director of data analysis
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Director of career planning and development
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Political strategist
Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.
Learning Outcomes
All graduates will be prepared to:
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Evaluate the role of industrial/organizational psychology issues in the workplace.
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Process/Apply current industrial/organizational psychology theory and research.
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Analyze factors contributing to performance on varied organizational levels.
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Apply the organizational consultation process to address change and development issues.
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Evaluate workplace dimensions using a variety of assessments.
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Assess the impact of the employee on workplace performance.
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Evaluate industrial/organizational psychology’s role in promoting positive social change through fostering a healthy and inclusive workplace
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Apply basic and advanced research principles to produce independent scholarly work.
Testimonials
My brother has inspired me my whole life, and he inspired me to continue my degree.
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FAQ About Walden’s Online PhD in Industrial Organizational (I/O) Psychology
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 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 Organization Psychology offers an Evidence-Based Coaching specialization that prepares graduates to sit for the Board Certified Coach Examination.
1The 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 Specialists 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.