A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
Industrial/Organizational Psychology
MS in Psychology
Do you want to cultivate productive workplaces where everyone can thrive? An MS in Psychology, Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Capella can help you gain a deep understanding of leadership strategies. You’ll learn how to help motivate teams and individuals, resolve conflicts and improve workplace performance. Our scholar-practitioner faculty bring real-world experience to the classroom, preparing you to shape policies that benefit both employees and organizations.
At a glance
- Online
- FlexPath available
- 4 Core courses
- 6 Specialization courses
- 1 Integrative project
- 53 Total credits (15 max transfer)
With FlexPath, you can earn your master’s in psychology in 10 months and under $13,000.
Based on fastest 25% of students. Your program length and cost will vary by transfer credits, the per-session cost and how quickly you complete courses. Books, supplies and other fees apply.
Explore industrial organizational psychology courses
- This degree requires a total of 27 program points in FlexPath or 53 program credits in GuidedPath
- You’ll need to complete four core courses, six specialization courses and one integrative project
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PSY7860
Survey of Research Methods
4 quarter credits
Learners in this course critically evaluate research in order to gain an understanding of the scientific methods of inquiry and the ethical considerations of research. Learners develop and apply skills needed to become educated consumers and creators of research. Learners also use their research design skills to analyze and apply research methodologies, validity, reliability and other components of scientific research related to their field of interest. Prerequisite(s): BS in Psychology, Combined BS in Psychology/MS in Psychology option learners must have completed Student Group BMGA. Learners may only earn credit for PSY7860 or RSCH7860.
4 quarter credits
PSY6730
Consultation Psychology
5 quarter credits
Students in this course evaluate current theories of psychological consultation and analyze the variety of roles and interventions that engage psychological consultants in an applied setting. Students examine psychological consultants' contributions to clinical, educational, industrial, and organizational settings and demonstrate the competencies required to evaluate and conduct psychological consultative services through applied case work, practice, and self-appraisal. Other course topics include consultation ethics, models of consultation research, and the dynamics of the consultant-client relationship.
5 quarter credits
PSY6740
Industrial/Organizational Psychology Practices in Personnel and Human Resource Management
5 quarter credits
Students in this course analyze psychologically based methods, tools, and practices used in industrial/organizational psychology, including needs assessment, personnel selection, job analysis, performance management and appraisal, organizational functioning, motivation, training, and management, in the context of their application to human resource management. Students identify the underlying psychological theories, research, and approaches related to human resource management and synthesize these theories and research to develop evidence-based application grounded in science and scholarship. Throughout the course, students gain and demonstrate a working knowledge of organizational systems and culture.
5 quarter credits
PSY6710
Principles of Industrial/Organizational Psychology
5 quarter credits
In this course, students identify and confirm theories and research of industrial/organizational psychology. Students examine the various psychological constructs affecting individuals, groups, teams, and organizations in the workplace and explore ethical principles as they relate to decision-making processes. Students also evaluate the differences between industrial and organizational psychology and explore various assessment methods, models, and interventions applicable across workplace settings.
5 quarter credits
PSY6720
Psychology of Leadership
5 quarter credits
Students gain a comprehensive review of leadership theories and factors, including leader development, leadership styles, and societal issues relevant to leadership in various settings. Students research and evaluate leadership principles and apply leadership theory to clinical, counseling, educational, organizational, and sports settings. Students examine case studies; investigate and evaluate the processes and best practices of leader development; analyze their own leadership strengths; and relate this knowledge to their professional practice. Prerequisite(s): Accelerated Master's Pathway, BS in Psychology/MS in Psychology option students must have completed PSYC3700 and PSYC4101 with a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or better.
5 quarter credits
Try FlexPath for yourself
In our FlexPath Trial Course, you will explore online self-paced learning, experience the courseroom and view a sample assessment.
What you'll learn
The MS in Psychology, Industrial/Organizational Psychology gives you cutting-edge theory and practical skills in group development, workplace performance, motivation, conflict resolution, and organizational processes. The curriculum develops your leadership abilities for a range of professional settings, including: business services, consulting, human resources, training and development, and organizational administration. The requirements for this specialization are not intended to prepare graduates for licensure as professional counselors or psychologists.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Understand theoretical and research findings from the discipline of industrial and organizational psychology
- Apply ethical principles and standards of psychology to academic and professional activities
- Understand, respect, and respond to individual differences in the practice of industrial and organizational psychology
- Communicate psychological concepts effectively using the professional standards of the discipline
- Accurately select, administer, score, and interpret psychological tests in the workplace
How much does the MS in Psychology cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on your learning format, academic performance and other factors. See FlexPath and GuidedPath cost information below.
A self-paced learning format that helps put you in control. Take courses at your own speed and move on to the next course whenever you’re ready.
- Enroll in one or two core courses at a time and complete as many as you can in 12 weeks
- 2 Capella quarter credits = 1 program point
- Set your own deadlines, no courseroom discussions
- Pay a flat tuition fee per 12-week billing session
- $3,075 per 12-week billing session
- $160 resource kit
- 27 total program points
- 8 max transfer points
$12,300*
ACCELERATED PACE 9 months
$18,450*
TYPICAL PACE 16 months
$24,600*
SLOWER PACE 22 months
- Based on the quarter system; 1–3 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or quarter
- $540 per credit
- $160 resource kit
- 53 total quarter credits
- 15 max transfer credits
$28,620*
NO TRANSFER CREDITS 24 months
Are there scholarships available for master's degrees?
Your education is an investment in your future. There are more ways to save than you might think.
Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide evidence that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
What are the MS in Psychology admission requirements?
Admission requirements
Applicants to the MS in Psychology, Industrial/Organizational Psychology must provide the following information for admission:
- A bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution
- Your official transcripts, with a minimum grade point average of 2.3 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
- Admission application – no application fee required
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
What support does Capella offer online students?
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of a master’s student. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces to help you earn your degree with support from faculty, staff and online resources.
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What can you do with an MS in Industrial Organizational Psychology degree?
Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. While Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific career outcome, such as a job title, promotion, or salary increase, we encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here are some ideas and examples for a graduate with an MS in Psychology, Industrial/Organizational Psychology.
Related job titles to explore*
- AI ethics interns
- Assessment managers
- Behavioral scientists
- Consultants
- Experience specialists
- Global recruiters
- Heads of customer experience
- Organizational development managers
- Organizational effectiveness consultants
- Organizational effectiveness managers
- Organizational managers
- People analytics analysts
- Program coordinators
- Program managers
- Sales effectiveness managers
Employment settings to explore*
- Administrative management and general management consulting services
- Colleges, universities and professional schools
- Employment placement agencies
- Executive and legislative offices, combined
- General medical and surgical hospitals
- Research and development in the physical, engineering and life sciences (except nanotechnology and biotechnology)
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.