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Industrial and Organizational Psychology Master’s Degree Program

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

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Fill out the form and we will contact you to provide information about furthering your education.

Please use our International Form if you live outside of the U.S.

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Industrial and Organizational Psychology Master’s Degree Program

Ready to Get Started?

Fill out the form and we will contact you to provide information about furthering your education.

Please use our International Form if you live outside of the U.S.

  • Current Step 1: About You
  • Step 2: Contact Information

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.

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 requirements and coaching experience required for the BCC exam.

Program Details

Curriculum - General Practice

Degree Completion Requirements

  • 48 quarter credits

This represents the minimum credit requirement for program completion. The number of credits for completion will vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, contact an Enrollment Specialist at 855-643-4779.

View the COMPLETE CURRICULUM PLAN

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.

Curriculum ComponentRequirementsCostAmount
Tuition48 quarter credit hours$570 per quarter hour

$27,360

Program FeePer quarter$175

$850 

   

$28,235**

BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP

YOUR TUITION

-$5,700

$22,535*

Effective February 24, 2025

Curriculum ComponentRequirementsCostAmount
Tuition48 quarter credit hours$590 per quarter hour

$28,320 

Program FeePer quarter$180

$900 

   

$29,220**

BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP

YOUR TUITION

-$5,900 

$23,320*

*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 ComponentRequirementsCostAmount
Tuition50 quarter credit hours$570 per quarter hour

$28,500

Virtual ResidencyOne in Program$1,420

$1,420 

Program FeePer quarter$175

$875

   

$30,795**

BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP

YOUR TUITION

-$5,700 

$25,095*

Effective February 24, 2025

Curriculum ComponentRequirementsCostAmount
Tuition50 quarter credit hours$590 per quarter hour

$29,500 

Virtual ResidencyOne in Program$1,420

$1,420 

Program FeePer quarter$180

$900 

   

$31,820**

BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP

YOUR TUITION

-$5,900 

$25,920*

*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.

ProgramSubscription Period TuitionSubscription Period PROGRAM FeeSubscription Period Time Frame
MS in Industrial and Organizational (I/O) Psychology$3,000*$1753-month subscription period
You may be able to complete your MS in Industrial and Organizational Psychology degree in 10 months for under $13,000.*

March 3, 2025

ProgramSubscription Period TuitionSubscription Period PROGRAM FeeSubscription Period Time Frame
MS in Industrial and Organizational (I/O) Psychology$3,100*$1803-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.

With Tempo Learning, you may be able to complete your Master of Science in Industrial Organizational Psychology degree in as few as 11 months for as low as $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 may vary. Tuition and fees are subject to change. See Tuition and Fees section and Scholarship Details for more information.

Specializations

Choose from six Master’s in Industrial and Organizational Psychology specializations to focus on the career and future you want.

 

Program Outcomes

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.

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

 

Resources

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FAQ About Walden’s Online MS in Industrial and Organizational Psychology

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 will you learn when earning an MS in I/O Psychology?

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.

Is a master’s in I/O psychology worth it?

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 4% through 2031.3 Additionally, you’ll learn more about human motivation and emotions, which can help you in your personal life in addition to your professional life.

What is the difference between master’s in HR and an MS in I/O Psychology?

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 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.

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.

1Source: www.cce-global.org/credentialing/bcc/training

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.

Should I choose a course-based or competency-based MS in I/O Psychology program?

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.

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.

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.

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