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Turn Ambition Into Achievement
Through Mursion, meet with “clients” in real-time VR scenarios. Practice skills in realistic situations you’ll encounter in the workplace.
EXPERT FACULTY
Be mentored—and inspired—by highly qualified faculty who bring real-world insights to the classroom.
DEVELOP CRITICAL SKILLS
Learn about assessments. Discover how to evaluate results and deliver feedback—key skills for an I/O practitioner.
BCC PREPARATION
In the Evidence-Based Coaching specialization, you can pursue the academic training and coaching experience required for the Board Certified Coach (BCC) exam.1
With a focus on practical application in the workplace, our MS in I/O Psychology online program is designed to provide scholar-practitioners with an in-depth understanding of individual, group, and organizational behavior.
Students in this course examine the application of behavioral theories in organizational settings. The focus is on individual, group, and organizational behavior. Topics include individual differences in employee motivation and job satisfaction, group development, team building, organizational leadership, and organizational design, culture, and development. Students acquire a broad knowledge base in organizational psychology, its research, and its applications.
In this course, students are introduced to theories, research, and themes that form the tenets of psychology. Basic theoretical models will be reviewed, including psychodynamic, cognitive, developmental, social learning/socio-cognitive, behaviorist, learning and motivation, systems, biopsychosocial, and gender theories. Theories encompassing diverse populations, including cross-cultural and feminist theories, will also be examined. Students will critically examine the strengths and limitations of these theories and their utility in the field of psychology. Contemporary themes in psychology will be explored, with an emphasis on application of theories designed to effect positive social change.
In this research course, students are provided with core knowledge and skills for understanding, analyzing, and designing research at the graduate level. Students explore the philosophy of science, the role of theory, and research processes. Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research designs and data collection methods are introduced. The alignment of research components is emphasized. Students also explore ethical and social change implications of designing and conducting research. Students demonstrate their knowledge and skills by developing an annotated bibliography.
Organizational and professional development (OPD) professionals promote and implement organizational change by using fundamental techniques of change management. Students in this course examine and apply these tools, including consulting competencies, approaches, and organizational change models to learn the skills of an OPD consultant. Students explore methods for accelerating individual, group, and organizational performance through consulting, coaching, and change management. They also explore related topics, such as organizational assessment; team development; strategic planning; group dynamics; power, politics, and influence; leadership; and conflict management. Students apply course concepts to the assessment of an organization and the development of strategies to address identified needs for change.
Students in this research course build core knowledge and skills for designing quantitative research at the doctoral level, including understanding data analysis and applying statistical concepts. Students explore classical quantitative research designs and common statistical tests, the importance of quality assurance, and ethical and social change implications of conducting quantitative research and producing knowledge. In this course, students approach statistics from a problem-solving perspective with emphasis on selecting appropriate statistical tests for a research design. Students use statistical software to calculate statistics and interpret and present results. Students will apply and synthesize their knowledge and skills by developing a quantitative research plan.
You’ll work one-on-one with an Enrollment Specialist who’ll guide you through every step—from finding the right program to funding your education.
Ready to expand your professional reach? We’re ready to help you become the accomplished I/O practitioner you want to be.
Take your first step with our streamlined admissions process:
No application fee
Easy credit transfer
No essay or SAT/ACT requirement
Program Admission Considerations: A bachelor'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.
You’re ready to hone your expertise as an I/O practitioner. We’re ready to help with opportunities such as partner and military savings, credit transfer, and our Believe & Achieve Scholarship®.
Explore your options:
Tuition Savings
Credit Transfer
Scholarships
Stay Inspired. Stay on Track. Save Money.
Discover progress-based savings that inspire you to stay on track to graduation.
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 48 quarter credit hours | $590 per quarter hour | $28,320 |
| Program Fee | Per quarter | $180 | $900 |
$29,220** | |||
| BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP YOUR TUITION | -$5,900 | ||
*Represents course-based learning format, specialization other than Evidence-Based Coaching, minimum time to completion, and Believe & Achieve Scholarship. Your actual total program time and costs may vary. Believe & Achieve Scholarship savings based on current tuition. See Scholarship Details for more information.
**Tuition reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition reductions. Walden may accept up to 24 transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-646-5286.
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 50 quarter credit hours | $590 per quarter hour | $29,500 |
| Virtual Residency | One in Program | $1,420 | $1,420 |
| Program Fee | Per quarter | $180 | $900 |
$31,820** | |||
| BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP YOUR TUITION | -$5,900 | ||
*Represents course-based learning format, Evidence-Based Coaching specialization, minimum time to completion, and Believe & Achieve Scholarship. Your actual total program time and costs may vary. Believe & Achieve Scholarship savings based on current tuition. See Scholarship Details for more information.
**Tuition reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition reductions. Walden may accept up to 25 transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-646-5286.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost between $2,500 to $3,500.
Progress at Your Pace. Control Your Cost.
Walden’s Tempo Learning® programs follow a subscription-based pricing format. Students are billed a flat-rate for each 3-month subscription term. All pricing is represented in U.S. dollars and is subject to change.
| Program | Subscription Period Tuition | Subscription Period PROGRAM Fee | Subscription Period Time Frame |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS in Industrial and Organizational (I/O) Psychology | $3,100* | $180 | 3-month subscription period |
| You may be able to complete your MS in Industrial and Organizational Psychology degree in 10 months for under $13,000.* | |||
*Represents Tempo Learning® format, Believe & Achieve Scholarship, and the fastest pace of our top 25% transfer students in this program in the Tempo Learning® format. Your actual total program time and costs will depend on your individual pace and transfer credits. A student’s pace is usually determined by their experience, ability to work independently, and availability. Believe & Achieve Scholarship savings based on current tuition. See Scholarship Details for more information.
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available for this program. Our financial aid advisors can help you identify funding opportunities to help you pay for your education.
You have a unique learning style—and a unique schedule. That’s why Walden offers you more than one way to learn.
Earning your MS in I/O psychology online can position you with the skill set to explore a range of career paths.
Postsecondary Psychology Teacher
Instruct students in psychology subjects beyond the high school level.
Expected growth: 5%1
Estimated annual wage: $49,790–$106,610 1
Industrial-Organizational Psychologist
Apply psychological principles to solve workplace problems and improve work-life quality.
Expected growth: 6%2
Estimated annual wage: $45,860–$219,410 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 MS 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.
Industrial and organizational (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. As an I/O psychologist, you will be prepared to address important issues in a range of settings, including organizations, colleges, and universities, as well as work as an independent consultant. You will have the ability to apply principles of psychology to problems in diverse work areas while becoming a catalyst for organizational change. With your I/O psychology degree, your areas of influence may include policy planning, employee testing and selection, employee training and development, organizational development and analysis, and assessment and improvement of worker productivity.
In Walden’s master’s in industrial and organizational psychology degree program, you’ll learn about human behavior in organizations. You’ll explore psychological theories and how they can be applied to a workplace setting. You’ll also learn to design, conduct, and analyze research. You’ll take another three or four psychology courses focused on your chosen specialization. Then you’ll complete a capstone course where you’ll put your skills and knowledge to work.
Graduating with an MS in I/O Psychology opens up a variety of career opportunities in fields ranging from human resources to management to consulting. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, organizations will continue to hire industrial and organizational psychologists to help improve office morale, create and conduct trainings, and hire and retain staff, with employment in this field expected to increase by 6% through 2033.1 Additionally, you’ll learn more about human motivation and emotions, which can help you in your personal life in addition to your professional life.
1Source: www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm#tab-6
Though they are both master’s degrees, an MS in HR and an MS in I/O Psychology focus on different areas of study. I/O psychology is the study of human behavior in the workplace, while HR management is the study of managing people in the workplace. Courses in Walden’s MS in I/O Psychology online degree program include psychology and research courses. Courses in Walden’s MS in Human Resource Management degree program include performance management, legal and regulatory issues, and human resource analytics.
Walden University is a CCE-approved provider of Board Certified Coach (BCC) training through the Evidence-Based Coaching specializations found in both the MS in I/O Psychology and PhD in I/O Psychology degree programs.1 By choosing the Evidence-Based Coaching specialization, you will be able to complete the required training and hours to sit for the BCC examination.
When you earn your master’s degree online, you can benefit from the same knowledge and mentorship you would expect from a traditional university, in a flexible format that allows you to better balance your personal and professional obligations. Online degree programs also allow you to complete your coursework from anywhere. It is important to note that not all online degree programs are the same. Walden University builds its programs specifically for online learning and has been a leader in distance education for more than 50 years.
Course-based learning is a good choice if you work best with a predictable schedule, preset deadlines, and the opportunity to interact with your fellow students online. The Tempo Learning® competency-based format is best for students who are excellent at time management, prefer to set their own schedule, and work well independently.
Walden University MS in Industrial and Organizational Psychology students can choose from six specializations, including a Self-Designed option. The other specializations are Evidence-Based Coaching, Human Resource Management, Consulting Psychology, General Practice, and International Business. The program with a General Practice specialization can be completed in either a course-based or competency-based format, allowing you to choose the pace that works best for you as you gain a broad understanding of the field. The Self-Designed option gives you the opportunity to design a program that closely matches your personal and professional goals.
There are a variety of courses you might take as you earn your degree, and the focus of your program will depend largely on the specialization you choose. However, at Walden there are some courses you can expect to take no matter what MS in I/O Psychology specialization you select. For instance, Psychology of Organizational Behavior is a foundation course in which students examine the application of behavioral theories and models in a variety of workplace settings. Students will also explore individual, group, and organizational behavior, as well as topics that center on the differences in employee motivation and job satisfaction; team building; and organizational leadership, design, culture, and development.
