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.

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 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.

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.

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

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 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.

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.