top organizational psychology phd programs

Top 10 PhD in industrial organizational psychology Programs

Welcome to our ranking of the Top 10 PhD programs in industrial organizational psychology .

The field of industrial and organizational psychology takes an in-depth look at human behavior in the workplace. I/O psychologists are an asset to any organization in today’s competitive business environment. Doctoral level psychologists have advanced training in areas like human performance and human factors and job analysis. They are able to address issues in areas like training and development, recruitment, and workplace motivation. Industrial/organizational psychology is a great fit for psychologists who want to help teams succeed and organizations achieve their business goals.

Featured Schools

Methodology.

We created this ranking of the top industrial organizational psychology PhD programs to showcase some of the best IO psych PhD programs in the country. We used information from the National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator to identify accredited colleges offering a doctoral degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. We narrowed our focus to programs offering a well rounded curriculum based on the scientist-practitioner approach which prepares graduates for a variety of different career settings. All programs require a dissertation and research experience which provide students with the necessary training and skill development to be successful in the field. We then applied our ranking criteria using the average graduate tuition rate (realizing it may differ for PhD programs) and student to faculty ratio.

Ranking: Top 10 IO Psychology PhD programs

Average Graduate Tuition

• Less than $10,000 per year= 5 Points
• $10,000 to $15,000 per year= 4 Points
• $15,001 to $20,000 per year= 3 Points
• $20,001 to $25,000 per year= 2 Points
• Greater than $25,001 per year= 1 Point

Student to Faculty Ratio

• 12:1 or less= 5 Points
• 13:1 to 15:1= 3 Points
• Greater than 15:1= 1 Point

10. DePaul University – Chicago, Illinois

Industrial organizational psychology ma/phd.

More Information

Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1 Average Graduate Tuition: $17,951/year Points: 4 The College of Science and Health at DePaul University features an industrial organizational psychology MA/PhD program. Students can tailor the program to meet their professional goals by choosing a secondary specialization in:

• communication
• women’s and gender studies

Students are engaged in forward-thinking research that helps prepare them for successful careers. 100% of I/O psychology graduates from DePaul were employed or pursuing other goals within six months of graduation.

9. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign – Champaign, Illinois

Phd in industrial-organizational psychology.

Student to Faculty Ratio: 21:1 Average Graduate Tuition: $14,635/year in-state and $27,674/year out-of-state Points: 5 The Department of Psychology at the University of Illinois offers a top doctorate in organizational psychology that prepares students for research and to apply theory to organizations around the world. Students will participate in research tackling tough challenges like:

• hiring/personnel selection
• race gaps in HR
• effects of job loss

The curriculum covers the breadth of I/O psychology and general psychology through coursework with faculty and the depth of the field with an individualized program of study created by the student and their advisor. Program alumni include prominent I/O psychologists and journal editors.

8. CUNY Bernard M Baruch College – New York, New York

Doctoral program in industrial organizational psychology.

Student to Faculty Ratio: 20:1 Average Graduate Tuition: $11,090/year in-state and $20,520/year out-of-state Points: 5 The City University of New York Baruch College is a regionally accredited institution offering a top doctoral program in industrial organizational psychology. The program supports a collaborative culture of faculty and student support in research excellence. Diversity is a core value, emphasized by student and faculty research in areas like demographic diversity and LGBTQ issues in the workplace. The program attracts some of the top talents in the field and faculty are widely recognized for their contributions to I/O psychology. Graduates are ready for a wide variety of career paths in academic and consulting settings.

7. Clemson University – Clemson, South Carolina

Industrial organizational psychology phd.

Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1 Average Graduate Tuition: $10,600/year in-state and $22,050/year out-of-state Points: 5 The top organizational psychology doctorate program from Clemson University follows the scientist-practitioner model and follows the doctoral program guidelines set by the SIOP. Students gain experience in quantitative research techniques and design and in solving complex organizational issues. Students complete dissertation research and internships to gain professional experience. The program is designed to be completed in four or five years.

6. Columbia University in the City of New York – New York, New York

Doctor of philosophy in social-organizational psychology.

Student to Faculty Ratio: 6:1 Average Graduate Tuition: $50,496/year Points: 6 The Teachers College at Columbia University offers a top PhD in social-organizational psychology for students interested in research, practice, or scholarship. The program is designed for full-time graduate students. A unique aspect of the program is the theoretical, research, and applied focus that allows students to study organizations from a variety of perspectives. Both quantitative and qualitative research methods are used to tackle complex issues. Most students can complete their degree in six or seven years of post-baccalaureate study.

5. University of Georgia – Athens, Georgia

The industrial organizational psychology doctoral program.

Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1 Average Graduate Tuition: $8,878/year in-state and $25,186/year out-of-state Points: 6 The top industrial organizational doctorate degree at the University of Georgia is a highly customizable program. Students can choose to focus exclusively in the area of I/O psychology or complete a blended program that includes measurement and individual differences. Students will participate in research and select courses that align with their career goals. Professional experience opportunities are available through internships approved by the faculty. Graduates are ready to pursue exciting I/O psychology careers in settings like academia and government.

4. University of Houston – Houston, Texas

Phd industrial organizational psychology.

Student to Faculty Ratio: 21:1 Average Graduate Tuition: $8,713/year in-state and $17,857/year out-of-state Points: 6 The University of Houston offers the oldest and largest I/O psychology graduate program in the United States. Students produce high-quality research featured in peer-reviewed journals and at conferences. Courses include:

• Multilevel Modeling
• Personnel Psychology
• Statistics for Psychology

The program structure allows students to work with their advisors as well as other program faculty, including business school faculty and faculty at other universities. Students are trained to be academic faculty members and real-world practitioners through the scientists-practitioner model. Most students can complete their degree in four years.

3. Texas A&M University – College Station, Texas

Doctor of philosophy (phd) in industrial and organizational psychology.

Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1 Average Graduate Tuition: $6,885/year in-state and $19,592/year out-of-state Points: 6 The industrial organizational psychology doctoral program at Texas A&M University prepares students to be scientists and practitioners. The program emphasizes academic research-based training, but graduates are also prepared to work in government agencies, consulting firms, and research organizations. Faculty are renown scholars in areas like performance appraisal, group processes, and workplace diversity. Students can complete the program in about five years of post-baccalaureate study.

2. Louisiana Tech University – Ruston, Louisiana

Industrial organizational psychology (phd).

Student to Faculty Ratio: 20:1 Average Graduate Tuition: $5,416/year in-state and $10,147/year out-of-state Points: 6 The College of Education at Louisiana Tech University features a top industrial organizational psychology PhD program rich with hands-on learning opportunities. Courses cover areas like:

• Job Analysis and Performance Appraisal
• Psychometrics
• Organizational Consulting

Students complete 84 semester hours of coursework, a dissertation, practicum training, and must pass a doctoral comprehensive examination. Students work on research and applied projects through the Applied Research for Organizational Solutions group. Most students take between three and four years of full-time post-baccalaureate study to complete the program.

1. Saint Louis University – Saint Louis, Missouri

Industrial and organizational psychology phd.

Student to Faculty Ratio: 9:1 Average Graduate Tuition: $21,960/year Points: 7 Our top choice for a PhD in industrial organizational psychology is offered by Saint Louis University. Saint Louis University features the oldest psychology department at a Jesuit university, offering courses in psychology for over 100 years. This top I/O psychology PhD program covers areas like:

• Occupational health
• Systems and process consultation

Students are involved in supervised research and professional experience while gain competence in research and organizational consultation. Graduates are employed at top organizations like Nike, the US Secret Service, and Pfizer.

Should I Obtain My Masters or PhD in Organizational Psychology?

As a student begins to plan for their ultimate careers in the field of IO psychology, the decision should be made as to how much education is desired, a master’s degree or a doctorate. Typically speaking, in a master’s program, the student is training to be an IO professional.  An IO professional will consider how to apply the principles of IO psychology to solve specific organizational problems. Simply speaking, IO professionals are trained to help organizations; IO professionals practice IO psychology.

In a PhD organizational psychology program, students are training to become an IO scholar.  An IO scholar will do the same tasks as the IO professional, but will also use those experiences to advance our general understanding of IO through research. For students that would like to teach at a collegiate level, the only suitable degree is a PhD. Ultimately, IO scholars are trained to advance organizational science, helping organizations along the way; IO scholars conduct research.

In practice, this means that an I/O psychology PhD will generally be making the big decisions, while the IOs with Master’s degree will aid with implementation or conduct background research.

A student should decide if he or she wants to pursue a terminal master’s or continue on to a PhD as early as is possible in his or her educational career.  This will help the student tailor his or her coursework through the undergraduate and graduate years specifically to the degree and future job prospects that he or she desires.

Job Descriptions for I/O Psychologists

According to a 2014 report by the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, positions in industrial and organizational psychology are expected to increase by 53.4% from 2012 to 2022, placing trained I/O professionals in high demand. I/O psychology is still fairly uncommon in the grand scheme of psychologists, but the number of practitioners continues to rise exponentially.

I/O practitioners typically find employment in a number of areas including:

• public and private industries
• educational institutions
• government agencies

Because the skills they possess are so varied, it is sometimes difficult to enumerate the jobs that an IO psychologist could successfully fill.  One obvious area where IO psychologists thrive is in human resources. Typically, these types of jobs include working directly with employees in such areas as:

• employee training and development
• employee relations
• employee compensation and benefit negotiations

Many times, the human resource skills brought to the table by IO psychologists make for solid general managers, as well.  Another area where IO psychologists thrive is in government.  Those with an advanced degree in social (industrial organizational) psychology are especially adept in labor law, affirmative action cases and policy, and union relations. Finally, many industrial organizational psychologists, especially at the PhD level, find their home in the area of research.  Studying such areas of business such as personnel selection, work motivation, talent development, and organizational change can make monumental improvements in the working lives of millions of people.

Additional job titles held by Industrial Organizational professionals are: HR Practice Leader * Behavioral Analyst * Behavioral Scientist * Talent Management Specialist * HR Organizational Development Specialist * Executive Coach * Career Coach * Leadership Coach * Employment Testing Professional * Testing Specialist * Tests and Measurement Specialist * Assessment and Selection Specialist * Employment Law Expert * Research Analyst * Organizational Development * Organization Effectiveness * Organizational Capability * Talent Management * Management Development * Workforce Insights * Human Resources * Human Resources Research * Employee Relations * Training and Development * Professional Development * Leadership Development * Selection Systems * Evaluation & Assessment * Testing Programs * Leadership Research * Assessment * Applied Behavioral Research * Optimization * Managing * Leadership * Learning & Performance * Career Planning

Related Resources:

• 30 Great Scholarships, Grants & Awards for Industrial-Organizational Psychology
• Top 10 Most Affordable Online Master’s in Industrial-Organizational Psychology
• Top 9 Ph.D. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology Online
• Top 10 Master’s in Industrial-Organizational Psychology Online
• 10 Most Affordable Top-Ranked Master’s in Industrial-Organizational Psychology
• Top 10 Bachelor’s in Industrial-Organizational Psychology 
• Top 25 Campus Based Industrial-Organizational Psychology Master’s Degree Programs
• Top 15 Industrial/Organizational Certificate Programs
• Neoacademic.com
• Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology
• U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics
• College Websites

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In the field of organizational behavior we research fundamental questions about the behavior of individuals, groups and organizations, from both psychological and sociological perspectives.

A distinguishing feature of Stanford’s PhD Program in organizational behavior is the broad interdisciplinary training it provides. Our students benefit from their interactions with scholars from many disciplines within the Graduate School of Business, as well as from Stanford University’s long-standing strength in the study of psychology, organizations, and economic sociology.  The program is broken down into two broad subareas: Macro Organizational Behavior and Micro Organizational Behavior .

Cross-registration in courses, access to faculty, and participation in colloquia are available in other Stanford departments, such as sociology and psychology . Strong relations with these departments mean that students can build their careers on the foundation of strong disciplinary training in psychology and sociology, respectively.

A small number of students are accepted into the program each year, with a total of about 20 organizational behavior students in residence.

The doctoral program places a heavy emphasis on training students through active engagement in the process of doing research. In addition to formal seminars with invited presenters, our faculty and students exchange research ideas and advice at informal weekly lunches and lab meetings. Students work as research assistants and are expected to conduct independent research early in the program. 

Macro Organizational Behavior: Organizational Theory and Economic Sociology

The Macro OB track is dedicated to training students who will be leading researchers in the fields of organizational theory and economic sociology. Our faculty members are among the foremost scholars who bring a sociological approach to the study of organizations and markets.

The training provides a deep grounding in the study of:

• Organizations as social systems
• The dynamics of change in organizations
• Industries and markets
• The relationships between organizations and their environments

Faculty study a range of topics, such as:

• The role of identity and categories in organizational processes
• Organizational culture and its dynamics
• Change in cultural categories and markets
• Social movements and their influence on firms and markets
• Firm strategies and the effects of long-run histories of strategic interaction
• The impact of workforce demographic change and labor market inequality
• Organizational learning processes
• Social networks
• Entrepreneurship and firm formation processes

Micro Organizational Behavior

The study of how individuals and groups affect and are affected by organizational context. Drawing primarily on psychological approaches to social science questions, this area includes such topics as:

• Decision-making
• Moral judgment
• Social norms
• Negotiation and bargaining
• Cooperation and altruism
• Group processes
• Stereotyping and injustice
• Personality
• Power, status and influence

There is also a formal institutional link between the behavioral side of marketing and the micro side of organizational behavior, which is called the Behavioral Interest Group. The Stanford GSB Behavioral Lab links members of this group. This lab supports work across field boundaries among those with behavioral interests.

Preparation and Qualifications

All students are required to have, or to obtain during their first year, mathematical skills at the level of one course each of calculus and linear algebra, probability, and mathematical statistics.

Macro Organizational Behavior Faculty

William p. barnett, robert a. burgelman, glenn r. carroll, julien clement, amir goldberg, helena miton, hayagreeva rao, sarah a. soule, jesper b. sørensen, micro organizational behavior faculty, justin m. berg, jennifer eberhardt, francis j. flynn, michele j. gelfand, deborah h. gruenfeld, michal kosinski, brian s. lowery, ashley martin, david melnikoff, dale t. miller, benoît monin, charles a. o’reilly, jeffrey pfeffer, emeriti faculty, michael t. hannan, roderick m. kramer, joanne martin, margaret ann neale, jerry i. porras, recent publications in organizational behavior, social norm change: drivers and consequences, bayesianism and wishful thinking are compatible, changes in social norms during the early stages of the covid-19 pandemic across 43 countries, recent insights by stanford business, to discover breakthrough ideas, look to the outsiders, so crazy, it might just work: how foolishness feeds innovation, how to get beyond talk of “culture change” and make it happen.

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Tepper School of Business

Ph.D. Program in Organizational Behavior and Theory

Interdisciplinary approach & methodological rigor.

Understanding human behavior in organizations and solving problems requires the integration of a variety of social science and related disciplines. A distinguishing feature of the Tepper School's OBT Ph.D. program is the broad interdisciplinary training it provides across an array of areas (e.g., psychology, sociology, economics, strategy, and computer and data science). Not only do OBT doctoral students interact with other students and faculty within the Tepper School of Business, through cross-registration in courses and participation in colloquia, OBT doctoral students also have opportunities to interact with students and faculty in departments such as Engineering and Public Policy, Human-Computer Interaction, Social and Decision Sciences, Psychology and a variety of departments at the University of Pittsburgh. A cornerstone of the OBT Ph.D. program is its methodological training and rigor. From computer science courses in machine learning and AI to courses in advanced statistical methods, students develop a deep understanding of analytical methods and tools.

Collaborative Culture

A small number of students are accepted into the group each year, with a total of about 10 OBT doctoral students in residence. Student-faculty relationships are close, which permits the tailoring of the program of study to fit the background and career goals of the individual.

Course of Study

Our program emphasizes preparation for careers in scholarly research, and graduates of the program usually pursue careers in academic or research institutions. During their course of study, students have the opportunity to engage with faculty in doctoral seminars and joint research, meet with visiting scholars, and interact with other faculty and students across campus. We prepare our graduates to be competitive on the academic job market by getting them involved in research from Day 1.  Program requirements include the successful completion of two research-based papers in the first and second years of the program, qualifying exams, a “minor” area requirement and a doctoral dissertation.  

Research Specializations

Diversity, inclusion, and human capital.

Diversity is at the core of many important organizational problems and many of our OBT faculty make important contributions to the growing knowledge base on diversity and its impact on individual, group, and organizational outcomes.

FACULTY RESEARCH INTERESTS

• Rosalind Chow: gender and promotion processes
• Oliver Hahl: gender, race, and cultural capital effects on supply and demand for human capital in markets (i.e., hiring and career outcomes)
• Denise Rousseau: the employment relationship, evidence-based management
• Catherine Shea: gender issues in management, advice seeking, interpersonal dynamics
• Laurie Weingart: gender and non-promotable tasks in the workplace, gender and negotiation, interdisciplinary teams
• Anita Williams Woolley: gender diversity, cognitive diversity and team collective intelligence

Ethics and Justice

Unethical and unjust behaviors are costly to organizations and society. The OBT group in the Tepper School has three members with expertise in the areas of business ethics and social justice (Aven, Chow, and Cohen). The Tepper School is also home to ethics scholar Tae Wan Kim, whose research takes philosophical perspectives on business ethics.

• Brandy Aven: relational attributes of fraud and corruption
• Rosalind Chow: perceptions of and responses to social inequality
• Taya Cohen: interpersonal misconduct, workplace deviance, moral character, guilt, shame, trust and trustworthiness
• Tae Wan Kim: artificial Intelligence ethics, future of work, business ethics

Groups and Teams

The OBT group in the Tepper School houses three scholars who are leaders in the areas of groups and teams (Argote, Weingart, and Woolley) and others whose work is directly relevant (Aven, Chow, Cohen, and Hahl). The Tepper School and Carnegie Mellon more broadly host several other faculty who work in this area (Carley, Kiesler, and Krackhardt). We regularly graduate students who conduct research on groups and teams.

• Linda Argote: learning, transactive memory and knowledge transfer within and between groups
• Brandy Aven: networked teams
• Rosalind Chow: power and status within/between groups, impacts of diversity on group functioning and performance
• Taya Cohen: cooperation and conflict within and between groups, pathways to status and leadership in groups
• Oliver Hahl: perceptions of status, authenticity and identity within/between groups
• Laurie Weingart: conflict in teams, multiparty negotiation, negotiation and group dynamics
• Anita Woolley: collective intelligence, team strategic orientation, team performance

Knowledge Transfer and Learning in a Technologically-Driven World

The OBT group in the Tepper School includes scholars whose work has been foundational to the field of organizational learning (Argote) and includes four other scholars who are substantially engaged in the growing body of work on knowledge transfer and learning (Aven, Hahl, Lee, and Woolley). Reflecting the Tepper School's focus on the intersection of business and technology, faculty research involves responses to rapid change, coordination of work distributed across time and place, organizational learning. Our work also connects to scholars working in related areas in Information Systems (Mukhopadhyay and Singh) and Economics (Epple) at the Tepper School, as well as researchers at Heinz (Krishnan), Engineering (Fuchs), and Computer Science (Carley, Dabbish, and Rose) at Carnegie Mellon, also conduct research relevant to learning.

• Linda Argote: transactive memory systems, knowledge transfer, organizational learning, the effects of technology on learning and knowledge transfer
• Brandy Aven: transactive memory systems, the effects of technology on networked systems for learning and knowledge transfer
• Oliver Hahl: learning and knowledge transfer, effect on firm performance
• Sunkee Lee: organizational learning, effect of the spatial design of workplaces and incentive systems on organizational learning, knowledge transfer, exploration vs. exploitation, learning from own and others’ experiences
• Anita Woolley: learning and collective intelligence in groups and organizations, increasing collective intelligence in human-computer systems

Networks and Organizations

Research on the formation and consequences of social networks in organizations and markets have become central to our understanding of how organizations and markets work. The OBT group in the Tepper School hosts four scholars who work on important areas related to the role of social networks in organizations (Argote, Aven, Hahl, and Shea). Researchers at Heinz (Krackhardt) and Computer Science (Carley) at Carnegie Mellon, also conduct research in areas that inform our knowledge of social networks as well as the methodologies employed to distinguish their antecedents and effects.

• Linda Argote: learning and knowledge transfer through social networks
• Brandy Aven: formation of social networks, persistence (or not) of social networks, learning and deviance within social networks, knowledge sharing in social networks
• Oliver Hahl: identity in social networks, perceptions of brokers in networks, organizational networks and individual performance
• David Krackhardt: social network analysis theories and methods, informal organizations
• Catherine Shea: social network cognition, network formation, experimental methods in social networks

Entrepreneurial and Organizational Strategy

The “Carnegie School” has long influenced research on strategy, particularly by looking at the microfoundations of strategic selection, implementation, and performance. The OBT group in the Tepper School hosts four scholars who work on important areas in firm strategy (Argote, Aven, Hahl, and Lee) that all tie back to the Carnegie School’s foundations in the Behavioral Theory of the Firm . Additionally, scholars in Economics and Marketing (Miller, Epple and Derdenger) at the Tepper School and in the Engineering and Public Policy school at Carnegie Mellon (Fuchs and Armanios) also collaborate in research with Tepper faculty and students research in areas that inform organizational theory, entrepreneurial strategy, firm strategy selection and implementation, and firm performance.

• Linda Argote: organizational learning and capability development, micro foundations of strategy and firm performance, behavioral theories of strategy
• Brandy Aven: entrepreneurial strategies, entrepreneurial teams, behavioral theories of entrepreneurship and strategy
• Oliver Hahl: identity-based strategies, categories, diversification, status and authenticity in markets, human capital management and firm performance, microfoundations of strategy and firm performance, behavioral theories of strategy
• Sunkee Lee: organization design, exploration/exploitation, incentives, spatial design, response to performance feedback, firm acquisition behavior and performance, microfoundations of strategy and firm performance, behavioral theories of strategy

P lease visit our Ph.D. Student Profiles page t o view the profiles of our current doctoral candidates.

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Organizational Behavior

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Scholars in the doctoral program in Organizational Behavior at Harvard Business School are prepared to pursue an interdisciplinary inquiry into issues that are broadly related to the functioning of individuals within groups, at either the micro or macro level. Graduates of our program go on to become the leading researchers and thinkers in organizational behavior, shaping the field and advancing theoretical understanding in posts at schools of management or in disciplinary departments.

The Organizational Behavior program is jointly administered by the faculty of Harvard Business School and the Department of Sociology in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, and students have the opportunity to work with faculty from both the Faculty of Arts and Sciences and Harvard Business School.

Curriculum & Coursework

Our program offers two distinct tracks, with research focused either on the micro or macro level. Students who choose to focus on micro organizational behavior take a psychological approach to the study of interpersonal relationships within organizations and groups, and the effects that groups have on individuals. In macro organizational behavior, scholars use sociological methods to examine the organizations, groups, and markets themselves, including topics such as the influence of individuals on organizational change, or the relationship between social missions and financial objectives.

Your core disciplinary training will take place in either the psychology or sociology departments, depending on the track that you choose. You will also conduct advanced coursework in organizational behavior at HBS, and complete two MBA elective curriculum courses. Students are required to teach for one full academic term in order to gain valuable teaching experience, and to work as an apprentice to a faculty member to develop research skills. Upon completion of coursework, students prepare and present a dossier that includes a qualifying paper, at least two other research papers, and a statement outlining a plan for their dissertation. Before beginning work on the dissertation, students must pass the Organizational Behavior Exam, which presents an opportunity to synthesize academic coursework and prepare for an in-depth research project.

Research & Dissertation

Examples of doctoral thesis research.

• Cross-group relations, stress, and the subsequent effect on performance
• Internal group dynamics of corporate boards of directors
• Organizational mission and its effect on commitment and effort
• Psychological tendencies and collaboration with dissimilar others

Aurora Turek

Justine Murray

Jaylon Sherrell

“ In HBS’s Organizational Behavior program I receive outstanding, rigorous training in disciplinary methods and also benefit from the myriad resources that HBS has to offer. HBS scholars are looking to apply their research to real-world problems, come up with interventions, and make a real difference. ”

Current Harvard Sociology & Psychology Faculty

• George A. Alvarez
• Mahzarin R. Banaji
• Jason Beckfield
• Lawrence D. Bobo
• Mary C. Brinton
• Joshua W. Buckholtz
• Randy L. Buckner
• Alfonso Caramazza
• Susan E. Carey
• Paul Y. Chang
• Mina Cikara
• Christina Ciocca Eller
• Christina Cross
• Fiery Cushman
• Frank Dobbin
• Samuel J. Gershman
• Daniel Gilbert
• Joshua D. Greene
• Jill M. Hooley
• Rakesh Khurana
• Alexandra Killewald
• Talia Konkle
• Max Krasnow
• Michèle Lamont
• Ellen Langer
• Joscha Legewie
• Ya-Wen Lei
• Patrick Mair
• Peter V. Marsden
• Katie A. McLaughlin
• Richard J. McNally
• Jason P. Mitchell
• Ellis Monk
• Matthew K. Nock
• Orlando Patterson
• Elizabeth A. Phelps
• Steven Pinker
• Robert J. Sampson
• Daniel L. Schacter
• Theda Skocpol
• Mario L. Small
• Jesse Snedeker
• Leah H. Somerville
• Elizabeth S. Spelke
• Tomer D. Ullman
• Adaner Usmani
• Jocelyn Viterna
• Mary C. Waters
• John R. Weisz
• Christopher Winship
• Xiang Zhou

Current HBS Faculty

• Teresa M. Amabile
• Julie Battilana
• Max H. Bazerman
• David E. Bell
• Ethan S. Bernstein
• Alison Wood Brooks
• Edward H. Chang
• Julian De Freitas
• Amy C. Edmondson
• Robin J. Ely
• Alexandra C. Feldberg
• Carolyn J. Fu
• Amit Goldenberg
• Boris Groysberg
• Ranjay Gulati
• Linda A. Hill
• Nien-he Hsieh
• Jon M. Jachimowicz
• Summer R. Jackson
• Leslie K. John
• Jillian J. Jordan
• Rakesh Khurana
• Joshua D. Margolis
• Edward McFowland III
• Kathleen L. McGinn
• Tsedal Neeley
• Michael I. Norton
• Leslie A. Perlow
• Jeffrey T. Polzer
• Ryan L. Raffaelli
• Lakshmi Ramarajan
• James W. Riley
• Clayton S. Rose
• Arthur I Segel
• Emily Truelove
• Michael L. Tushman
• Ashley V. Whillans
• Letian Zhang
• Julian J. Zlatev

Current Organizational Behavior Students

• Jennifer Abel
• Yajun Cao
• Hanne Collins
• Grace Cormier
• Megan Gorges
• Bushra Guenoun
• Elizabeth Johnson
• Caleb Kealoha
• Kai Krautter
• Justine Murray
• C. Ryann Noe
• Dominika Randle
• Elizabeth Sheprow
• Jaylon Sherrell
• Yoon Jae Shin
• Erin Shirtz
• Samantha N. Smith
• Tiffany Smith
• Channing Spencer
• Yuval Spiegler
• Emily Tedards
• Aurora Turek
• Julie Yen

Current HBS Faculty & Students by Interest

Recent placement, nicole abi-esber, 2023, elliot stoller, 2023, ariella kristal, 2022, leroy gonsalves, 2020, alicia desantola, 2019, catarina fernandes, 2019, rachel arnett, 2018, evan defilippis, 2023, hayley blunden, 2022, lumumba seegars, 2021, karen huang, 2020, stefan dimitriadis, 2019, elizabeth hansen, 2019, erin frey, 2018, jeff steiner, 2023, ahmmad brown, 2022, yanhua bird, 2020, jeffrey lees, 2020, alexandra feldberg, 2019, martha jeong, 2019.

Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Psychology

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Updated October 25, 2023

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As businesses seek to develop better processes and greater efficiency, organizational psychologists use tools and principles from psychology to improve communication and enhance working environments. An online Ph.D in organizational psychology blends the theoretical coursework of a traditional graduate psychology degree with applied theory. With positions available in fields like corporate communications and education, an online doctorate in organizational psychology prepares graduates to work with companies in just about every industry.

The Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Psychology Programs

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#1 Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Psychology

National University

• San Diego, CA

The doctorate in industrial organizational psychology at National University appeals to learners seeking an online doctorate. Degree-seekers benefit from the flexible enrollment options at the private university. Enrollees can access support services like career advising.

Students take 60 credits of doctoral courses to earn their degree. After meeting coursework requirements, doctoral candidates pass a comprehensive examination and conduct research for an original dissertation or project. Doctoral degree-holders may work in academia, research positions, and leadership roles.

Doctoral students attending the accredited institution online qualify for several forms of financial aid. Prospective applicants should contact the organizational psychology program for more information about financial aid and the admission process.

National University at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: Data not available

Online Master's Programs: 26

Online Doctoral Programs: 15

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 3-to-1

Graduate Tuition Rate: $16,983

Accepts Transfer Credits: Accepted

Online Doctorate in Organizational Psychology Programs Ranking Guidelines

We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.

Our Methodology

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While specific criteria under consideration can vary by ranking, there are a few data points that we value most highly. They are affordability, academic quality, and online enrollment. Below, we break down our algorithm to help you understand what you're getting when you use one of our rankings.

• Affordability
• Online Enrollment

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Academics - 75%

Affordability - 15%, online enrollment - 10%.

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Featured Online Doctorate in Organizational Psychology Programs

What to expect from a doctorate in organizational psychology program, curriculum for an online doctorate in organizational psychology.

• Organizational Psychology: This course prepares students to work with businesses to enhance work environments through the use of psychological principles. Topics include group dynamics, personality traits, and communication across organizational levels. Students examine multicultural issues in the workplace and develop strategies that promote conflict resolution and improved communication.
• Psychopharmacology: In addition to examining the ethical and cultural issues surrounding psychopharmacology, this course covers the neurological effects of pharmaceutical use. Students explore side effects, drug interactions, and the various types of medication used to treat mental illnesses. This is an essential course for students planning any kind of clinical practice.
• Psychophysiology: This course examines human behavior from a biological perspective. Students explore the relationship between the brain and behaviors, and acquire knowledge of neurological processes and biofeedback techniques. Students also interpret psychophysiological research and integrate it with theories of psychology. With an understanding of psychophysiology, students qualify for careers in clinical practice and research.
• Research Methods: In this course, students interpret research in the field and develop their own research projects. The course emphasizes the use of appropriate statistical methods to analyze data. Students gain skills in quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research design, which prepares them for careers in research and consultation.
• Theories of Personality: This course familiarizes students with historical and contemporary theories of personality. Students examine modern approaches to psychotherapy and use theoretical knowledge to conceptualize human behavior. This course provides a foundation for advanced scientific inquiry and clinical practice, and online Psy.D programs often include it in their core curriculum.

How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Doctorate in Organizational Psychology?

Students complete their Ph.D. in psychology online in approximately five years. Programs that require an internship typically take six years to complete while those that don't generally require only four years in school. Most programs consist of approximately 60 credits with the final credits of the program comprised of dissertation and fieldwork hours. Your completion time will also vary based on elective requirements and whether you enroll full-time or part-time.

Online doctoral programs in psychology may also vary in their program structure. While some programs allow students to earn their degree at their own pace, other programs use a cohort learning model. Cohort programs admit a select number of students once or twice a year, and follow a structured program schedule while advancing together as they earn their degree. Students in cohorts also benefit from deeper group interactions and interpersonal communication. Conversely, students enrolled in individually-paced programs follow a personalized plan of study and may take time off between semesters if necessary.

Back to Schools

Accreditation for Online Doctorate in Organizational Psychology Degrees

Accreditation ensures that schools provide a quality education by adhering to a set of accreditor-approved regulations and standards. The most common type of accreditation in the U.S. is regional. Regionally accredited schools emphasize a strong liberal arts foundation and are typically nonprofit private and public state-funded institutions. Conversely, nationally accredited schools are commonly for-profit colleges that provide vocational training. While both accreditation types are recognized by the Department of Education (ED) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), many universities only accept credits earned from regionally accredited schools. Additionally, schools may also acquire accreditation through the Distance Education Accrediting Commission, an organization that specializes in the accreditation of online programs.

When selecting a graduate program, online psychology doctoral students should seek APA-accredited online Psy.D programs. The American Psychological Association's accreditation process ensures that psychology programs adequately prepare students for licensure while also providing quality assurance for consumers.

All accrediting agencies are recognized through the ED and CHEA. These organizations require accrediting bodies to engage in ongoing reviews in order to ensure that accreditors hold schools accountable for the standards stipulated in the accreditation process. Not only do the ED and CHEA serve in an oversight capacity, they also advocate for consumers through the enforcement of quality control regulations. Both the ED and CHEA operate databases that list all accredited schools and programs in the United States. Students may find these compilations helpful as they evaluate prospective online Psy.D programs.

Employment Outlook for Doctorate in Organizational Psychology Graduates

Doctorate in organizational psychology careers.

Graduates with a Ph.D. in psychology online have several marketable skills that prepare them for careers in fields like psychology, education, corporate consultation, and administration. Psychologists and similar professionals often have the freedom to create their own work schedules, and nearly a quarter of psychologists are self-employed . Professionals employed in the following occupations rely on their skills in analysis, observation, and communication. They are effective problem solvers and rely on compassion and patience to help facilitate change.

Psychologist

Psychologists carry out different tasks depending on their specialty. Many psychologists work in clinical settings, helping clients overcome emotional difficulties and equipping them with tools to confront problems. Other job duties include conducting research, developing assessments, and supervising students and new professionals.

Rehabilitation Counselors

Rehabilitation Counselors are tasked with helping mentally, physically, and emotionally disabled clients become self-sustaining, rehabilitation counselors serve as therapists, advocates, and intermediaries. An advanced degree in counseling or psychology equips these professionals with skills needed for treatment planning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the administration of assessments.

Postsecondary Teachers

Postsecondary Teachers earn an online doctorate in psychology allows professionals to teach at the graduate level. Postsecondary teachers instruct courses, provide student support, create lesson plans, and grade assignments. In addition to instructional responsibilities, postsecondary teachers help students develop a plan of study and often serve on dissertation committees.

Postsecondary Education Administrators

This occupation typically requires a master's in organizational psychology degree for career entry positions. A Ph.D. in psychology online allows professionals to advance to higher levels of college administration, which often include developing school policies, creating programs to assist students, and overseeing student organizations.

Training and Development Specialist

Training and Development Specialist Organizational Ph.D. psychology online programs prepare graduates for careers as training and development specialists. These professionals work with organizations to improve employee productivity and job satisfaction. They assess current employee practices, develop and implement training programs, and provide personalized support as employees acquire new skills.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Doctorate in Organizational Psychology Salary

Using data from PayScale, the table below lists salary trends for five careers commonly pursued by graduates with an online Ph.D. in psychology. All five of these careers feature entry level salaries above $55,000.

Organizational Psychology Professional Organizations

Students pursuing their Psy.D online can enhance their education by joining a professional organization. These organizations allow students to network at professional conferences, access the latest scholarly publications, and feature job forums and continuing education programs. Additionally, Psy.D programs online often require students to secure liability insurance prior to completing an internship, and these organizations allow students to acquire that insurance at a reduced price.

Paying for Your Online Doctorate in Organizational Psychology

Online Psy.D programs may seem expensive at first glance, but students can pursue a variety of financial aid opportunities to ease the burden of tuition. One of the most common ways students meet tuition costs is through federally funded programs. The Department of Education provides loans, work study programs, and grants for qualifying students. Students should take the initial step toward acquiring federal aid by completing the FAFSA , a free online application for federal student aid. Completing the FAFSA determines a student's eligibility for loans and other types of federal assistance.

When taking on student loans, students should select a federal loan before considering a private loan. Federal student loans feature low interest rates, deferment while in school, and income-based repayment plans that make them the best choice for students. Furthermore, professionals who meet certain employment requirements may be eligible for loan forgiveness . Teachers and other public service workers employed by the government or nonprofit organizations may receive full loan forgiveness.

In addition to federal aid, many organizations, schools, and private sponsors offer scholarships. These monetary gifts allow students to reduce their out-of-pocket costs without repaying a cent of the scholarship awarded. The American Psychological Association offers scholarships, grants, and research funding to psychology students.

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Doctoral Program

The doctoral program in Social-Organizational Psychology follows a scientist-practitioner model. It is designed for full-time graduate students who desire fundamental education and skill development in the science and application of psychology to social and organizational situations and activities. Our goal is to provide an environment that is conducive to the development of scientist-practitioners who are prepared to assume the diverse responsibilities of positions at research universities, leading businesses, and professional service firms. Through coursework, field projects with organizations, and close working relationships with faculty members and fellow graduate students, doctoral students are provided with advanced training in the theoretical concepts, research methods, and applications of social-organizational psychology. Students gain critical knowledge and skills that encompass both research and practice.    Some unique aspects of the program include:

• The integration of both social and organizational psychology;
• A theoretical, research, and applied focus on understanding multiple levels of organizational functioning from individuals to groups to organizations as a whole, and the dynamic interaction among these levels; 
• A breadth of coverage including human resource management, organizational behavior, organizational change, leadership, conflict and negotiation, coaching, diversity, organizational demography, motivation, power and authority, group processes, and organizational dynamics;
• An emphasis on both quantitative and qualitative research methods to address organizational issues;
• Opportunities to engage in basic research, applied research, and organizational consulting and application activities;
• Faculty members trained in a broad array of disciplines including social psychology, counseling psychology, industrial-organizational psychology, organizational behavior, and business management — all of whom apply their respective disciplines to social organizational psychology issues.

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Contact Person: Ometria Seebarran

Phone: (212) 678-8109

Email: oks2107@tc.columbia.edu

Ph.D. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology Online

Online Industrial-Organizational Psychology Degree: An Overview

Jobs for industrial-organizational psychology degree holders, example courses.

• Cognitive psychology
• Psychology of leadership
• Personnel psychology in the workplace
• Organizational behavior
• Research methods

Degree Requirements

Prerequisites for an online industrial-organizational psychology ph.d., online coursework.

• Research, ethics and scholarly writing.
• Theories of learning and motivation.
• Cross-cultural methods of tests and measurements. 
• Adult development and work.
• Virtual and global leadership. 

How long does an online industrial-organizational psychology degree take to complete?

• Strong verbal and written communication skills. 
• Ethical behavior and integrity. 
• Critical thinking. 
• Problem solving. 
• Interpersonal skills. 

Accreditation, Licensure and Certification

Cost and return on investment (roi), how much does an online industrial-organizational psychology degree cost, how to estimate the return on investment (roi) of your degree.

• Based on a 100% chance of graduation.
• Adjusted to account for the percentage of students who drop out.
• Or adjusted to include completion rates and additional underlying expenses.
• How will you pay for the degree? Do you qualify for scholarships, grants or other financial aid? Is your employer subsidizing all or part of your education expenses?  
• How much income will you have while in school?
• How long do you anticipate it will take for you to complete your desired degree program?
• What is the average salary for your desired role post-graduation?

Job Outlook and Salary

Pay for online industrial-organizational psychology doctorate degrees.

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Industrial-Organizational Psychology Graduate Program

Department of Psychological Sciences

Industrial and organizational (I-O) psychology is interested in people in the workplace and how work affects people’s lives more broadly. This knowledge of human behavior in organizations allows I-O psychologists to solve workplace problems and enhance workplace well-being, fairness and productivity. Applying psychological theories and principles, the industrial component of I-O psychology focuses on selecting and training workers, and the organizational component focuses on creating a conducive environment for workers. The field of I-O psychology is leading the way in understanding future of work and big data trends.

Ranked No. 7 in the world by U.S. News and World Report , Purdue University’s I-O psychology program is also one of the oldest, having conferred its first degree in 1939. Additionally, Purdue’s I-O psychology program has graduated more PhDs and produced more Society of Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) fellows than any other.

Graduate students are admitted to work with a primary faculty member who will serve as their mentor. Heavily research-oriented, graduate training is based on a science-practice model, so students are trained as both researchers and applied scientists, equipped to work with organizations on human resources-related issues. Graduate students will also have opportunities to gain teaching experience in the program.

All graduate students are admitted with funding and will have guaranteed funding for five years, provided they are making strong progress toward their PhD. An admitted student will typically work as a graduate teaching assistant for 20 hours per week during the academic year and receive a nine-month stipend and tuition waiver. Students may also receive funding during summers if they obtain a teaching assistant position or if they are employed as a research assistant.

Program Highlights

• You will work with a faculty mentor with related research interests. As you grow in knowledge and expertise, you are encouraged to collaborate with different faculty to develop your own unique research stream.
• Faculty and graduate students frequently collaborate with faculty in the social, cognitive and clinical psychology areas as well as faculty in the Krannert School of Management.
• Because we value social responsibility, the I-O psychology program at Purdue is the first to become a UN Global Compact participant, by which we place an emphasis within our courses and program activities on organizations’ responsibilities to human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption.
• While there is significant overlap with organizational behavior and human resources, the I-O psychology program emphasizes the scientific study of work, workers and the workplace, focusing on outcomes experienced by the employees rather than exclusively organizational outcomes.
• As a graduate student in the I-O psychology program, you’ll be considered a member of the Purdue Association of Graduate Students in Industrial Psychology (PAGSIP) . This organization provides opportunities for you to meet informally with other I-O psychology students to discuss research ideas and problems as well as to connect with program alumni.
• The Purdue I-O area is partnering with Instats to connect with some of the best methodologists in the world.

Potential Careers

As an I-O psychologist, you’ll have opportunities to work in academia, federal governments, consulting organizations and more. Our alumni have gone on to work at top-ranked universities, including the University of Houston and Bowling Green State University, and acclaimed organizations, such as Google, PepsiCo, NATO and more.

• Industrial-organizational psychologist
• University faculty member
• Human resources director
• Quantitative user experience researcher
• Postdoctoral researcher
• Research psychologist

Plan of Study

Each graduate student admitted to a degree program must file an individualized plan of study to guide their academic progress. The plan of study is an academic contract between the student, advisory committee members and the Graduate School. Students filing their plan of study should complete their plan electronically via the Plan of Study Generator on MyPurdue. More information about creating a plan of study can be found in the Department of Psychological Sciences’ graduate handbook.

Program Quick Facts

Degree Type : Doctoral

Program Length : 4-6 years

Location : West Lafayette, IN

Department/School : Department of Psychological Sciences

Students are strongly encouraged to participate in faculty research and eventually formulate and direct their own individual research projects. Faculty in the I-O psychology graduate program have a wide range of research interests, many of which center around the psychological experiences of people at work.

Bridge Topics

Within the industrial-organizational psychology program, faculty also have research interests in several bridge topics, including diversity and inclusion, individual differences, maladaptive behavior, perception and performance, and social relationships. I-O psychology faculty studying diversity and inclusion focus on diversity in hiring, cultural synergy in multicultural spaces and work attitudes. Individual differences research examines achievement, conflict management and predictors of workplace outcomes. Maladaptive behavior research in the I-O psychology program is centered around bias and conflict escalation. Program faculty who study perception and performance investigate person-environment fit. Finally, I-O psychology faculty studying social relationships seek to improve workplace well-being and interpersonal relationships.

Research Opportunities

• Cultural collision and synergy
• Strategies for difficult communication
• Goals and self-regulation
• Relationships and work
• Optimizing hiring decisions using statistical models
• Big data and machine learning
• Individual differences
• Diversity in recruitment and selection
• Franki Y. H. Kung
• Sang Eun Woo

Admissions/Requirements

Many students enter the PhD program with a bachelor’s degree, although some enter with a master’s degree. We are particularly interested in students who have undergraduate or graduate research experience as well as those who have a master’s degree in I-O psychology or a similar field. We’re looking for the following knowledge and skills that are important for success in the I-O psychology graduate program:

• Knowledge of I-O psychology literature and science efficacy
• Motivation and interest in scientific research and I-O psychology
• Conscientiousness
• Resilience and emotional stability
• Self-direction, self-regulation and independence
• Advanced quantitative skills
• Advanced reading and writing skills
• Interpersonal communication and emotional intelligence
• Critical- and systematic-thinking skills
• Intellectual and scientific creativity
• Openness and humility
• Collaboration skills
• Learning and growth mindset
• Problem-solving skills
• Time management and organizational skills

Within your application, the statement of interest is particularly important to showcase a good alignment of research interests between you and faculty members. You are also encouraged to contact faculty members with whom you are interested in working.

Faculty recruiting new students for Fall 2025 admission will be posted here in October 2024.

Connect with Us!

If you have questions or to learn more about this program, please contact the Department of Psychological Sciences Graduate Program Coordinator, Nancy O’Brien at [email protected] .

Nancy O’Brien Purdue University 701 Third Street West Lafayette, IN 47907

(765) 494-6067

[email protected]

Industrial-Organizational Psychology Master’s Degree Program

Online Courses

11 out of 12 total courses

On-Campus Experience

2 weekends or a 3-week summer course

$3,220 per course

Optimize organizations and empower employees through a social science lens.

Earn a graduate degree at the intersection of psychology and management — and learn to strengthen relationships between people and organizations. Through online courses and a brief on-campus experience at Harvard, you’ll bridge theory and practice. And you’ll emerge with a deeper understanding of leadership, talent development, and workplace wellbeing.

Program Overview

Industrial-organizational psychologists play a critical role in the workplace. They help foster healthy, productive, and engaged organizational cultures. And today, these professionals are in high demand across industries. The reason? Employers increasingly understand that employee satisfaction is key to retaining talent, increasing productivity — and boosting the bottom line.

The Industrial-Organizational Psychology Master’s Degree Program will help prepare you for a successful career in the field. Led by expert faculty, the graduate program will equip you with the tools you need to empower professionals in the workplace — and maximize their skills and talents to optimize organizational performance.

Program Benefits

Customizable path, stackable certificates, & experiential learning

Instructors who are Harvard faculty and industry professionals at the top of their fields

Personalized academic & career advising

Entrepreneurial opportunities through the Harvard Innovation Labs

Paid research options

Harvard Alumni Association membership upon graduation

Customizable Course Curriculum

Through case studies, group projects, and active learning experiences, you’ll learn the core elements of psychological and management theory. And you’ll study quantitative analysis, psychometrics, and the psychology of diversity.

The program’s core courses focus on essential industrial-organizational psychology concepts, tools, and strategies. Through elective courses, you choose to focus on the areas that are most important to you.

Our industrial-organizational psychology program allows you to experience the convenience of online learning and the immersive benefits of learning in person through the on-campus experience.

11 Online Courses

• Primarily synchronous
• Fall, spring, January, and summer options

You’ll complete 1 degree requirement in person at Harvard, at an accelerated or standard pace:

• 2 weekends in fall or spring
• 3 weeks in the summer

The path to your degree begins before you apply to the program.

You first register for and complete 3 required courses, earning at least a B in each. These foundational courses are investments in your studies. They count toward your degree and help ensure success in the program.

Getting Started

We invite you to explore degree requirements, confirm your initial eligibility, and learn more about our unique “earn your way in” admissions process.

Earning a Stackable Certificate

As you work your way toward your master’s degree, you can take courses that also count — or “stack” — toward a graduate certificate. It’s a cost-effective, time-saving opportunity to build specialized skills and earn more professional credentials.

For each certificate, you can choose courses that best fit your goals.

Here are a few examples of stackable certificates and courses.

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Leadership View More

Lead your organization to a culture of inclusive excellence.

Sample stackable courses:

• Ethnic Divisions and Segregation
• Psychology of Diversity
• Leadership Perspectives
• Applied Learning

Learn more about the Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Leadership Graduate Certificate .

Organizational Behavior View More

Develop a deeper understanding of human behavior in an organizational setting.

• Negotiation and Organizational Conflict Resolution
• Organizational Behavior
• Influence and Power in Organizations
• Work and Well-Being

Learn more about the Organizational Behavior Graduate Certificate .

Topics in Human Behavior View More

Understand human emotion, resilience, motivation, and bias.

• Psychopathology
• Gender and Mental Health
• The Psychology of Emotional, Behavioral, and Motivational Self-Regulation
• Sleep and Mental Health

Learn more about the Topics in Human Behavior Graduate Certificate .

A Faculty of Psychology Experts

Studying at Harvard Extension School means learning from the world’s best. Our instructors — many of whom teach in Harvard University’s psychology department and at Harvard Medical School — are experts in organizational behavior, psychology, motivation, management, and more. They bring a genuine passion for teaching, with students giving our faculty an average rating of 4.6 out of 5.

Bobbi Wegner

Adjunct Lecturer on Education, Harvard Graduate School of Education

Teaches Motivation, Groups and Culture

Shelley Carson

Associate of the Psychology Department, Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences

Our Community at a Glance

Our students in the Industrial-Organizational Psychology Master’s Degree Program are established professionals looking to deepen their expertise and advance their careers. They work across a variety of industries — including higher education, consulting, human resources, and technology.

Download: Industrial Organizational Psychology Master's Degree Fact Sheet

Average Age

Courses Taken Each Semester

Work Full Time

Would Recommend the Program

Average Years of Professional Work Experience

Pursued to Deepen Expertise

Career Opportunities & Alumni Outcomes

Our industrial-organizational psychology graduates have gone on to work in banking, consumer goods, financial services, energy, nonprofit management, and management consulting. They have also pursued further studies at renowned institutions such as Columbia University, Georgetown University, the University of Paris, and Brandeis University.

Our alumni work at a variety of leading organizations, including:

• Charles Schwab

Career Advising and Mentorship

Whatever your career goals, we’re here to support you. Harvard’s Mignone Center for Career Success offers career advising, employment opportunities, Harvard alumni mentor connections, and career fairs.

Your Harvard University Degree

Upon successful completion of the required curriculum, you will receive a Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Extension Studies, Field: Industrial-Organizational Psychology.

Expand Your Connections: the Harvard Alumni Network

As a graduate, you’ll become a member of the worldwide Harvard Alumni Association (400,000+ members) and Harvard Extension Alumni Association (29,000+ members).

Wherever I head next, whether it be returning to consulting / management — as I previously did so at Liberty Mutual Insurance — or moving into a coaching or people analytics role, or even proceeding on to an IOP PhD, I know my HES degree will serve me well.

Research Associate Harvard Business School

Tuition & Financial Aid

Affordability is core to our mission. When compared to our continuing education peers, it’s a fraction of the cost.

After admission, you may qualify for financial aid . Typically, eligible students receive grant funds to cover a portion of tuition costs each term, in addition to federal financial aid options.

Coffee Chat: All About Management Programs at HES

Are you interested in learning more about management graduate degree programs at Harvard Extension School? Attendees joined us for an informational webinar where they had the opportunity to connect with program directors, academic advisors, and current students.

How long does it take to complete the industrial-organizational psychology graduate program?

Program length is ordinarily anywhere between 2 and 5 years. It depends on your preferred pace and the number of courses you want to take each semester.

For an accelerated journey, we offer year round study, where you can take courses in fall, January, spring, and summer.

While we don’t require you to register for a certain number of courses each semester, you cannot take longer than 5 years to complete the degree.

What can I do with a master’s degree in industrial-organizational psychology?

Earning a master’s degree in industrial-organizational psychology can prepare you for a variety of roles across diverse industries.

You might help employees improve their job performance, create more inclusive work environments, or resolve workplace conflicts. Or, you may choose to focus on corporate efficiency and safety, develop better hiring policies, or deliver training programs. Your path will depend on your unique personality and skillset (read about 10 skills you need to be an effective I/O psychologist ).

Some common career paths include human resources manager, staffing and recruitment manager, behavioral analyst, workforce analyst, and executive coach. Learn more about building a career in industrial-organizational psychology .

Harvard Division of Continuing Education

The Division of Continuing Education (DCE) at Harvard University is dedicated to bringing rigorous academics and innovative teaching capabilities to those seeking to improve their lives through education. We make Harvard education accessible to lifelong learners from high school to retirement.

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Ph.D. in Psychology – Industrial/Organizational

Transfer credits, next start date, take your expertise to new levels with a n online ph.d. in industrial/organizational psychology.

Your knowledge of human behavior could benefit a variety of industries as you help companies solve workplace problems and improve productivity. Liberty University’s Ph.D. in Psychology – Industrial/Organizational Psychology can help you gain the research and professional skills you need to make a difference.

Our specialization in industrial/organizational psychology (I/O psychology) provides training in the study of human behavior in organizations and the workplace. You can learn how to derive principles of individual, group, and organizational behavior and apply that knowledge as you develop solutions for challenges in the workplace.

As a nonprofit, Christian university, our goal is to see you thrive both personally and professionally throughout your studies. There is currently no other program that integrates strong biblical principles into this kind of research training. Our Ph.D. in I/O psychology degree is designed to foster critical thinking about topics relevant to people today, especially those in the workforce.

Why Choose Liberty’s Online Ph.D. in Psychology?

At Liberty, you can earn your Ph.D. in Psychology online with courses that last only 8 weeks and have various start times throughout the year. Let us help you pursue your educational, professional, and personal goals while providing flexibility for you to be present with your family, church, and community.

Additionally, choosing to study with Liberty allows you to evaluate research while applying biblical truths about human behavior. With your concentration in industrial/organizational psychology, you can gain new perspectives of behavior within the workforce. This can increase your marketability by allowing you to improve the environments you work in. If your goal is to use these skills as a professor, you can become equipped to enact positive change by revealing these truths to your students.

Military Tuition Discount We want to help you find the doctoral degree you want — at a price you’ve earned. As a thank-you for your military service, Liberty University offers eligible current and former service members like you or your spouse multiple pathways to earn a doctoral degree for only $300/credit hour . Find out how you can take advantage of this unique opportunity as you work towards your goal of reaching the pinnacle of your profession — for less.

What Will You Learn in Our Doctorate in Psychology – Industrial/Organizational Psychology?

Pursuing an online Ph.D. program in psychology can help you broaden your experience and strengthen your academic knowledge while exponentially advancing your critical thinking, writing, and research skills. At Liberty, you are free to integrate biblical principles into your studies and understanding of human behavior.

In our industrial/organizational psychology concentration, you will study research and theories related to organizational processes, teamwork, workplace relationships, and methods for increasing workplace satisfaction and productivity. Your coursework will focus on designing and implementing projects that can help workplaces struggling with personnel, productivity, and process issues.

As a psychology Ph.D. student, our faculty are ready to partner with you and mentor you throughout our Ph.D. program. Our goal is to help you become a thought leader in the area of research you are most passionate about. Advance your mastery in the field of psychology so you can go into the world with insights and truth that can help countless people.

Featured Courses

• PSYC 640 — Organizational Behavior and Development
• PSYC 710 — Psychological Research and Biblical Worldview
• PSYC 716 — Theories and Research in Industrial/Organizational Psychology
• PSYC 775 — Teaching of Psychology

Highlights of Our Psychology Doctoral Programs

• We are recognized by multiple institutions for our academic quality, affordability, and accessibility . Our commitment to excellence also helped us rank in the top 10% of Niche.com’s best online schools in America . Earning your online Ph.D. in Industrial/Organization Psychology degree from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.
• Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years — and counting.
• Our degrees allow you to apply biblical principles to advanced research techniques through courses like Psychological Research and Biblical Worldview.

Ph.D. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology Degree Information

• This program falls under the School of Behavioral Sciences .
• Download and review the Degree Completion Plan .
• View the Graduate Behavioral Sciences Course Guides (login required) .

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Potential  Careers for  Ph.D. in Psychology Graduates

Graduates of our program can pursue work in a variety of educational, research, or corporate settings. By completing this doctoral degree, you can be more qualified to obtain jobs that meaningfully impact individual and societal change through research, writing, project management, or leading programs.

Here are some of the positions that may be available to you:

• Independent consultant
• Organizational mentor/consultant
• Researcher/writer
• University professor

Doctorate in Psychology Admission Requirements

A regionally or nationally accredited master’s degree with a 3.0 or above GPA is required for admission in good standing. Please visit our  admission requirements page  for more detailed admissions-related information.

All applicants must submit the following:

• Admission application
• Application fee*
• Contact information for 2 approved recommenders
• Statement of Purpose
• Departmental approval
• Official college transcripts
• Proof of English proficiency (for applicants whose native language is other than English)

* There is no upfront application fee; however, a deferred $50 application fee will be assessed during Financial Check-In. This fee is waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required.

*Some restrictions may occur for this promotion to apply. This promotion also excludes active faculty and staff, military, Non-Degree Seeking, DGIA, Continuing Education, WSB, and Certificates.

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Other programs you may be interested in

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Next Start Date: May 13, 2024

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Industrial Organizational Psychology, Ph.D.

Download the Course List for Industrial Organizational Psychology, Ph.D.

Find out exactly what classes you'll be taking

The Ph.D. in Industrial Organizational Psychology

Industrial/organizational (I/O) psychologists help organizations of all sizes and types better manage employees using evidence-based approaches and scientific research. Students delve into issues of critical relevance to today's businesses, including talent management, assessment, training and organizational development and work-life balance to give employers a greater understanding of how to assess, select, develop, manage, and retain their most valuable assets. Students interested in this emerging career field often choose Florida Tech for a PhD in I/O Psychology due to the unique team-based research approach, multiple consulting and research centers and applied learning experience through a 300-hour practicum option.

The Best I/O Program Culture

In a study published by the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Florida Tech's PhD in I/O Psychology program is ranked as having the "best program culture." In addition, the doctoral program is currently ranked in the top ten I/O programs in the country in student satisfaction.

Small Class Sizes–Dedicated Faculty

The Ph.D. in industrial organizational psychology program at Florida Tech is a balanced scientist-practitioner curriculum, with team-based coursework and research projects. Small class sizes and close mentoring from faculty members allows one-on-one attention for students. I/O faculty are active researchers who work collaboratively with colleagues around the world and students in the doctoral program.

Professional, Flexible Program

The I/O curriculum is based on the standards developed by the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology to train scientists and practitioners. The goal of Florida Tech's industrial/organizational psychology PhD program is to develop expert I/O psychologists who solve human challenges and consult with managers on the issues facing their organization.

The program offers a concentration in international I/O psychology that prepares students to work and conduct research in multinational organizations focusing on cross-cultural theory, research design, international business, and cultural competencies.

Research Opportunities

Florida Tech's foundation as a research university results in complex and well-rounded industrial organizational psychology programs that students can customize to their particular area of interest. Students earning a PhD in I/O psychology develop expertise through discussion of case studies, team research, and consulting with businesses. Research topics can include feedback, emotions, motivation, culture, legal issues, and more.

Students are encouraged to publish and present their research at conferences and are frequent authors and co-authors of manuscripts. Doctoral students can also receive assistantships from Florida Tech to work with local organizations such as Harris Corp., Intersil, Disney, and the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute (located at Patrick Air Force Base).

Additional Resources

The Institute for Cross-Cultural Management and the Center for Organizational Effectiveness provide students in the PhD in I/O psychology program with valuable real-world resources and hands-on activities. This could include development of training materials, research, and other solutions that corporations use to better manage their employees and workplace.

The Center for Organizational Effectiveness

Affiliated with the Center for Organizational Effectiveness, this management consultant group facilitates student participation in real-world applied projects in the field, such as employee surveys, training programs, multi-rater feedback, and individual assessments. Graduate students in the industrial organizational psychology programs work with clients in small businesses to Fortune 500 companies, blending creativity with practical concepts learned in the classroom.

The Institute for Cross-Cultural Management

As businesses expand across both international and cultural borders, employees must learn to interact with consumers from around the world. Cultural miscommunication can lead to negative events in the workplace, so to prevent this kind of miscommunication, the Institute for Cross-Cultural Management provides training and resources to international businesses. To assist their efforts, students in the industrial/organizational psychology programs at Florida Tech research cultures from around the globe, creating informational content for clients from all industries.

Diverse Career Opportunities

Career opportunities with a PhD in industrial organizational psychology are found in business, private consulting, research, and academic environments. Jobs might also include employment in talent recruitment, coaching, assessment, training, certification, merit systems, and efficiency. The United States Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that industrial/organizational psychologists are the fastest growing occupation in the country (2012-2022), with an astounding growth rate of 53%.

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Industrial-Organizational Psychology

Students enrolled in the Master of Liberal Arts program in Industrial-Organizational Psychology will use social science research methods to investigate how to make people and organizations more effective. Students will study people, workplaces, and organizations to better align competing needs and create healthy, productive, and mutually beneficial relationships between people and organizations.

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I/O Program Requirements and Expectations

The Penn State I/O graduate program is continuously rated as one of the top five I/O psychology doctoral programs in the nation. To obtain this level of success, there are several key characteristics of the program that distinguish the student experience from other programs:

• You have choices in the courses you take, the projects you do, and who you work with. You do not ‘belong’ to any one faculty member
• With a large number of I/O faculty, plus other high-quality departments at Penn State, we can meet a wide range of interests in both “I” and “O” topic areas.
• Available instructor positions, research groups, and the practicum course mean such that our students can make an informed choice about career options

Thus, the successful graduate student is self-motivated to discuss interests, career goals, and program performance with faculty, seeks out multiple research opportunities, and makes him/herself available for the many opportunities (intra- and extra-departmental) afforded to our students.

A fundamental goal of the I/O Psychology program at Penn State has been to develop scientist-practitioners. We do this by creating opportunities for faculty and student interactions with state and local organizations. Practicum experience is a requirement for all graduate I/O students in their first through third years in the program for three years (6 semesters).

Practicum’s goals

• Providing graduate students with experience in both the science and practice of I/O psychology
• SIOP Training Guidelines (1999):

Direct exposure to and participation in applied problems Allows students to gain insight into such issues as building client relationships and learning client management skills, and Enables students to learn how to balance theory, research, and practice in ongoing organizational projects with resource/time constraints and continually changing demands.

Example projects

• Oakley: Creating an assessment of person-organization fit to be used in selection.  Tasks include developing the assessment tool, conducting concurrent and predictive validation studies, generating technical reports, and working closely with Oakley to facilitate implementation.
• Development Dimensions International: Creating and testing items for a non-verbal cognitive ability test.  Task include developing items and using item response theory (IRT) to evaluate them.
• Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA): Conducting longitudinal dataset analysis to address issues pertaining to member commitment and participation, member priorities, and member views regarding the compensation system. Tasks include data analysis, technical report writing, and presenting findings to PSEA management.
• Pennsylvania State University Development Office: Creating a more streamlined and efficient selection system for Development Officers. Tasks include conducting interviews and focus groups to determine core job competencies, creating appropriate assessment tools, and generating guides for the interpretation of results.
• PNC Bank: Creating and implementing Developmental Assessment Center for Junior Managers and Interns. Tasks include conducting focus groups to determine core job competencies, developing assessment center exercises and feedback reports, and generating technical reports and guides for future implementation.

Here is a recent comment regarding our work with the Centre County Women’s Resource Center (CCWRC):

Research Opportunities

Benefits of engaging in research.

• Developing experience with project leadership and teamwork
• Gaining networking connections that can lead to further employment and data
• Gaining a greater understanding of how science and practice can/should be integrated

Our program is unique in that we do not have a one-on-one mentoring model, where you are brought in to work with a single faculty member. Instead, you are expected to work with at least two faculty members at Penn State in some capacity, and it is completely acceptable to switch from one adviser to another in order to broaden your training and exposure to I/O topics.

Research Projects

You are required to conduct at least two independent research projects, the master’s thesis (ideally defended prior to your third year) and the doctoral dissertation (ideally defended between your fourth and fifth year).

Other research opportunities

Most students do not stop with two, and obtain additional research experience by working with multiple faculty and/or by doing the minor.  For example, students often are working on their thesis with one faculty member while writing a book chapter with another faculty member.  Several faculty members have regular research-based lab meetings that students can attend to learn more about research opportunities.  The minor project, if one chooses the minor, is an additional research opportunity with a non-I/O professor.  Finally, students also have self-generated research projects based on practicum data or by working with each other.

Program Chair Jessica Wildman, Ph.D.

Florida Tech’s doctoral degree in industrial/organizational (I/O) psychology provides training and research opportunities in the complex issues associated with the management of human resources in domestic and international organizations. The I/O program is based on the scientist-practitioner model and offers a wide range of I/O content courses, as well as varied research and applied opportunities. Rigorous coursework is coupled with applied projects and advanced training in research design and analysis. Students are encouraged to work closely with their faculty advisor to conduct research that can be presented at professional conferences or submitted to academic journals. The small class size of the Ph.D. program facilitates close interaction and augments the mentoring process. A concentration in international I/O psychology is also offered. Students pursuing the concentration take classes in cross-cultural psychology and international business and are encouraged to conduct research or take classes with the program’s international partners. The I/O psychology program provides training for careers in academics, professional research organizations and both internal and external consulting. The I/O program is affiliated with the Florida Tech Center for Organizational Effectiveness and Institute for Culture, Collaboration and Management (ICCM), which provides opportunities for students to extend their research and consulting skills beyond the classroom.

Admission Requirements

A doctoral applicant should hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree, with a grade point average of 3.2 (on a scale of 4.0) or higher, and must submit two letters of recommendation, a statement of career objectives, résumé/CV and optional GRE General Test scores. Official transcripts of all previous coursework must be submitted. The application deadline is December 1. Admission to the doctoral program is granted to a limited number of students. Preadmission contact with the faculty is highly encouraged.

Degree Requirements

The doctoral program requires 90 semester hours of credit beyond the bachelor’s degree. Students entering with master’s degrees in I/O psychology or related fields are evaluated on a case-by-case basis for possible award of transfer credit. Students are strongly encouraged to complete the requirements for the Ph.D. within four years.

The I/O doctoral program is designed to progress from general coursework to courses that are more specific in content. In the first year, students receive intensive training in quantitative methods and computer applications and study the foundations of I/O psychology. A student who has not previously carried out a master’s thesis is required to do so and should start in the first year. In the second year, students begin to take more specialized courses in I/O psychology, finish their foundational requirements and enroll in advanced research methods courses. Most students who are required to carry out master’s theses should complete them by the conclusion of the second year. The third year offers more specialized courses. During the third year, students are encouraged to complete an internship assignment in a corporate, government or consulting environment. Comprehensive examinations take place at the end of the third year.

The doctoral degree in I/O psychology is a research degree. Dissertation research is begun immediately after the successful completion of the comprehensive examination. Typically, the fourth year is devoted to the completion of the doctoral dissertation. Before the award of the doctoral degree, the candidate must present the completed dissertation manuscript and defend the research results to the dissertation committee. Students may continue to enroll in special courses and advanced seminars throughout the course of the program.

Foundations of Psychology (21 credit hours)

• PSY 5100 Introduction to Research in I/O Psychology
• PSY 5101 Statistical Research Methods 1
• PSY 5102 Statistical Research Methods 2
• PSY 5402 Tests and Measurements
• PSY 5403 Applied Research Methods
• PSY 6405 Multivariate Statistics
• PSY 6408 Cultural Seminar in Industrial and Organizational Psychology

Industrial/Organizational Core (15 credit hours)

• PSY 5401 Introduction to Industrial and Organizational Psychology
• PSY 5411 Personnel Selection
• PSY 5412 Performance Appraisal
• PSY 5415 Organizational Psychology
• PSY 5421 Industrial Training

Research (9 credit hours)

• PSY 6198 Supervised Research
• PSY 6199 Independent Research in Industrial and Organizational Psychology
• PSY 5191 Directed Readings in Psychology

Electives (24 credit hours)

Thesis and dissertation (21 credit hours).

• PSY 5999 Thesis
• PSY 6999 Dissertation

Fall (9 credit hours)

Spring (9 credit hours), summer (3 credit hours).

• Restricted elective (PSY) credit hours: 3

Fall (12 credit hours)

Spring (12 credit hours), fall (10 credit hours), spring (10 credit hours).

• PSY 5120 Culture and Psychology

Comprehensive Examination

Total credits required: 90.

An Introduction to the Doctor of Organizational Psychology Program

Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at 12:00 PM until 1:00 PM Pacific Daylight Time UTC -07:00

Join Professor Jessica Diaz and Assistant Director of Admissions Regina Burch for an introduction to our new Doctor of Organizational Psychology (PsyD) program. Designed for those who are passionate about fostering organizational growth and employee well-being in the modern workplace, our PsyD program equip you with the real-world experience and skills necessary to build thriving work environments and excel in your career. During this event, you'll gain comprehensive insights into: 

The unique aspects of our PsyD program 

Program outcomes and how it could prepare you for a successful career in organizational psychology 

Admission requirements and the application process