Why should I choose an online program to earn my MS in Industrial and Organizational (I/O) Psychology?

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.

What does an I/O psychologist do?

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 working 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.

What specializations does an MS in Industrial and Organizational (I/O) Psychology program offer?

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 a 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 most closely matches your personal and professional goals.

Can Walden University’s MS in I/O Psychology prepare me to become a certified coach?

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 requisite hours required sit for the BCC examination. 1 Source: www.cce-global.org/credentialing/bcc/training

What types of courses can I expect to take in a master’s in industrial and organizational (I/O) psychology program?

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 focus area 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.

MS in Industrial and Organizational (I/O) Psychology

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Get the hands-on training and insights needed to help today’s organizations build a skilled, productive, and adaptable workforce.

Next start dates

Course-Based Courses with a set schedule March 01, 2021
Tempo Competency-Based Learning Go at your own pace February 01, 2021

Transfer Credits

Up to 23 Credits

Be a catalyst for shaping strong, resilient organizations

Employers face an array of new challenges in the 21st-century workplace. Help them respond innovatively to these challenges with a master’s in industrial and organizational psychology from Walden. Contribute to your organization’s success, effectiveness, and bottom line through coursework grounded in practical application.

Virtual Reality Simulations

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.

Critical Assessment Skills

Discover how to administer assessments. Learn 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 requirements and coaching experience required for the BCC exam.

Program Savings

Tempo Competency-Based Learning™: Receive up to a $4,000 grant if you reside in the U.S. and start this program on February 1, 2021. Contact one of our Enrollment Specialists to learn more.

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Two Ways to Learn

Choose from two degree completion options.

The course-based format may be a good option for you if you prefer an instructor-led approach and learning on a predetermined schedule.

Tempo Competency-Based Learning^™ is an alternative way to earn your Walden degree. It’s different from our standard course-based learning because you can work at a pace that makes sense for you, and progress once you’ve shown you understand a subject. With Tempo Learning^®, you have the flexibility of online learning, plus the ability to personalize and control the length, cost, and pacing of your program. See below which specializations are offered in Tempo Competency-Based Learning in addition to our standard course-based learning.

Specializations

General Practice

Build the foundational skills needed to launch a career as an I/O psychology practitioner.

Course-Based Learning Tempo

Consulting Psychology

Gain the business perspectives and specialized I/O expertise to step into the field of organizational and professional development consulting.

Evidence-Based Coaching

Prepare to sit for the Board Certified Coach (BCC) exam through 100% virtual curriculum and training.

Human Resource Management

This specialization is a blend of competencies required for both HR practitioners and I/O psychology practitioners.

International Business

Deepen your knowledge of workplace and organizational behavior to help create work environments in which employees and organizations can reach their full potential.

Self-Designed

This option is ideal if you want maximum flexibility to design a program that closely matches your personal and professional goals.

Admission Requirements

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.

Help Build Better Organizations

With an I/O psychology master’s from Walden, you’ll be ready to confront the challenges of today’s global workplace and serve as a change agent for organizations across all industries. Explore issues of critical importance to employees, businesses, and society—such as workplace readiness, performance management, and work-life balance. Prepare for real-world practice through actionable learning and instruction from faculty who are active professionals in the I/O psychology field.

Learning Outcomes

As a graduate of Walden’s online MS in Industrial and Organizational (I/O) Psychology program, you will be prepared to:

Describe behavior using current theory and research in industrial and organizational psychology.
Articulate the uniqueness of the industrial/organizational psychology specialization including the history specific to this specialization.
Discuss 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).
Explain the principles of basic research methods.
Appropriately summarize the role of research in the field of industrial and organizational psychology.

Apply ethical organizational intervention practices.
Appropriately select effective organizational interventions based on empirical evidence.
Summarize 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 practices that result in positive social change.

What’s the Career Impact of Earning an MS in Industrial and Organizational (I/O) Psychology?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for industrial and organizational psychology practitioners are expected to surge 13% through 2028.¹ Earning your I/O psychology master’s degree can position you as a highly desirable job candidate, whether you’re seeking a promotion or new career opportunities.

Find Your Opportunity in a Dynamic Field

With a master’s in I/O psychology from Walden, you can play a key role in an organization’s ability to compete, grow, and thrive in a changing work landscape. Potential career roles include vice president, director, manager, principal, or consultant in the areas of:

Organizational development / effectiveness / capability
Workforce insights
Human resources / human resources research / employee relations
Training and development / coaching and development / leadership development

Selection systems
Evaluation and assessment / testing
Leadership research
Applied behavioral research

You can also pursue the role of community college faculty, teaching the subjects of industrial and organizational psychology, organizational psychology, industrial psychology, work psychology, (general) psychology, management, organizational behavior, and industrial relations.

Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this online MS in Industrial and Organizational (I/O) Psychology degree program.

Elevate Your Earning Potential

Earning your I/O psychology master’s degree can potentially lead to higher earnings. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for industrial and organizational psychology practitioners was $97,260 in May 2018.¹

Testimonials

Being a military spouse, a traditional brick-and-mortar education was not a viable option. I needed a program that would move with me.

Samantha Farone MS in Industrial and Organizational Psychology Graduate

My Walden journey was an awakening and validation of the strength and determination that lie within.

Glynis Ilyas MS in Industrial and Organizational Psychology Graduate

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MS in Industrial and Organizational (I/O) Psychology