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MS in Psychology Industrial/Organizational Psychology courses

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Industrial/Organizational Psychology coursework overview

Coursework tailored to your learning preferences

  • Capella sets the deadlines
  • Weekly online interactions
  • Learn on your time
  • Online
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Planning for your degree

  • total quarter credits: 53
  • Quarter length: 10 weeks
  • Course length: 10 weeks
  • Break: 3 weeks between quarters
Example sequence Core Specialization Integrative Project

Course requirements

  • Core 4 courses
  • Specialization 6 courses
Show all descriptions
PSY5002 Core Foundations of Theory and Practice for Master's Psychology Students 5 quarter credits In this course, students acquire the ability to navigate the Capella courseroom and use the resources that support academic success, including the library and writing center. Students identify and practice the academic requirements (including APA style and formatting) necessary to successfully complete the Master's degree program in their chosen specialization; review their specialization's requirements, associated professional roles and organizations, and ethics and professional standards; and articulate a professional identity based on master's-level psychology or counseling training. For MS in Psychology and MS in Clinical Psychology students only. Must be taken during the student's first quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. 5 quarter credits
PSY6710 Specialization Course 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
PSY5110 Specialization Course Ethics and Individual Differences in Psychology 5 quarter credits Students analyze a range of human perspectives and factors and their influences on the ethical behavior of psychology professionals. Students evaluate and articulate such issues within the context of different settings and practice applying ethical reasoning principles and standards within their profession. Prerequisite(s): PSY5002 or PSY5006 or PSY8002. 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
PSY6720 Specialization Course 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
PSY6730 Specialization Course 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
RSCH7860 Core Survey of Research Methods 4 quarter credits Students read critically and evaluate research in order to gain an understanding of the scientific methods of inquiry and the ethical considerations of research. Students become educated consumers and creators of research. Additionally, students 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. 4 quarter credits
PSY6740 Specialization Course 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
RSCH7864 Core Quantitative Design and Analysis 4 quarter credits Students gain an understanding of the logic, computation, and interpretation of statistics, with an emphasis on decision-making skills in the research process and on the application and interpretation of statistical results. Students utilize the statistical program JASP to practice running and interpreting statistical analyses. 4 quarter credits
PSY7610 Core Tests and Measurements 5 quarter credits Students investigate focuses on essential concepts, principles, applications, and social and theoretical issues of psychological testing. Students gain understanding in the construction of tests; analyze the development and use of tests in measuring aptitudes, achievement, attitudes, interests, and personality; and identify underlying theories of various tests. Students analyze the characteristics desired in psychological and educational tests, with particular emphasis on reliability and validity, and evaluate best practices and professional standards for educational and psychological testing. In addition, students assess the role of technology in delivery, administration, scoring, and interpretation of tests. PsyD in Clinical Psychology students starting in the Fall 2026 catalog or later must obtain a grade of B or better. 5 quarter credits
PSY6015 Specialization Course Lifespan Development 5 quarter credits Students investigate stages of lifespan development from prenatal development through late adulthood. Students gain an understanding of development, considered from individual, familial, and systemic perspectives. Students apply developmental theories and research findings to understand human development and to identify and support interventions for developmental concerns. PsyD in Clinical Psychology students starting in the Fall 2026 catalog or later must obtain a grade of B or better. 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
PSY5201 Integrative Project Integrative Project for Master's Degree in Psychology 5 quarter credits In this course, students demonstrate knowledge, scholarship, and research proficiency in their chosen psychology specialization. As they engage with a faculty mentor in the preparation of a five-chapter integrative project, students develop and demonstrate academic and professional competency in proposing new and original research, writing and applying for grants, adhering to ethical standards, addressing individual differences in psychology, and explaining psychology concepts. For MS in Psychology students only. Must be taken during the student's final quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): All required and elective coursework. 5 quarter credits
Show all descriptions
RSCH7864 Core Quantitative Design and Analysis 4 quarter credits Students gain an understanding of the logic, computation, and interpretation of statistics, with an emphasis on decision-making skills in the research process and on the application and interpretation of statistical results. Students utilize the statistical program JASP to practice running and interpreting statistical analyses. 4 quarter credits
RSCH7860 Core Survey of Research Methods 4 quarter credits Students read critically and evaluate research in order to gain an understanding of the scientific methods of inquiry and the ethical considerations of research. Students become educated consumers and creators of research. Additionally, students 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. 4 quarter credits
PSY5002 Core Foundations of Theory and Practice for Master's Psychology Students 5 quarter credits In this course, students acquire the ability to navigate the Capella courseroom and use the resources that support academic success, including the library and writing center. Students identify and practice the academic requirements (including APA style and formatting) necessary to successfully complete the Master's degree program in their chosen specialization; review their specialization's requirements, associated professional roles and organizations, and ethics and professional standards; and articulate a professional identity based on master's-level psychology or counseling training. For MS in Psychology and MS in Clinical Psychology students only. Must be taken during the student's first quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. 5 quarter credits
PSY7610 Core Tests and Measurements 5 quarter credits Students investigate focuses on essential concepts, principles, applications, and social and theoretical issues of psychological testing. Students gain understanding in the construction of tests; analyze the development and use of tests in measuring aptitudes, achievement, attitudes, interests, and personality; and identify underlying theories of various tests. Students analyze the characteristics desired in psychological and educational tests, with particular emphasis on reliability and validity, and evaluate best practices and professional standards for educational and psychological testing. In addition, students assess the role of technology in delivery, administration, scoring, and interpretation of tests. PsyD in Clinical Psychology students starting in the Fall 2026 catalog or later must obtain a grade of B or better. 5 quarter credits
Show all descriptions
PSY6015 Specialization Course Lifespan Development 5 quarter credits Students investigate stages of lifespan development from prenatal development through late adulthood. Students gain an understanding of development, considered from individual, familial, and systemic perspectives. Students apply developmental theories and research findings to understand human development and to identify and support interventions for developmental concerns. PsyD in Clinical Psychology students starting in the Fall 2026 catalog or later must obtain a grade of B or better. 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
PSY6710 Specialization Course 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 Specialization Course 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
PSY6730 Specialization Course 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 Specialization Course 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
PSY5110 Specialization Course Ethics and Individual Differences in Psychology 5 quarter credits Students analyze a range of human perspectives and factors and their influences on the ethical behavior of psychology professionals. Students evaluate and articulate such issues within the context of different settings and practice applying ethical reasoning principles and standards within their profession. Prerequisite(s): PSY5002 or PSY5006 or PSY8002. 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
Show all descriptions
PSY5201 Integrative Project Integrative Project for Master's Degree in Psychology 5 quarter credits In this course, students demonstrate knowledge, scholarship, and research proficiency in their chosen psychology specialization. As they engage with a faculty mentor in the preparation of a five-chapter integrative project, students develop and demonstrate academic and professional competency in proposing new and original research, writing and applying for grants, adhering to ethical standards, addressing individual differences in psychology, and explaining psychology concepts. For MS in Psychology students only. Must be taken during the student's final quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): All required and elective coursework. 5 quarter credits

Coursework tailored to your learning preferences

  • Set your own deadlines
  • Complete courses at your pace
  • Support when you need it
  • Online
Is this the right learning format for me? Apply now

Planning for your degree

  • total program points: 26.5
  • Monthly start dates
  • Session length: 12 weeks
Example sequence Core Specialization Integrative Project

Course requirements

  • Core 4 courses
  • Specialization 6 courses
Show all descriptions
PSY-FPX5002 Core Foundations of Theory and Practice for Master's Psychology Students 2.5 program points In this course, students acquire the ability to navigate the Capella courseroom and use the resources that support academic success, including the library and writing center. Students identify and practice the academic requirements (including APA style and formatting) necessary to successfully complete the master's degree program in their chosen specialization; review their specialization's requirements, associated professional roles and organizations, and ethics and professional standards; and articulate a professional identity based on master's-level psychology training. For MS in Psychology students only. Must be taken during the student's first quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. 2.5 program points
PSY-FPX6710 Specialization Course Principles of Industrial/Organizational Psychology 2.5 program points 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. 2.5 program points
PSY-FPX5110 Specialization Course Ethics and Individual Differences in Psychology 2.5 program points Students analyze a range of human perspectives and factors and their influences on the ethical behavior of psychology professionals. Students evaluate and articulate such issues within the context of different settings and practice applying ethical reasoning principles and standards within their profession. Prerequisite(s): Accelerated Master's Pathway, BS in Psychology/MS in Psychology option, FlexPath option students require special permission for registration and must have completed PSYC-FPX3700 and PSYC-FPX4101. 2.5 program points
PSY-FPX6720 Specialization Course Psychology of Leadership 2.5 program points 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, FlexPath option students require special permission for registration and must have completed PSYC-FPX3700 or PSY-FPX4700 and PSYC-FPX4101. 2.5 program points
PSY-FPX6730 Specialization Course Consultation Psychology 2.5 program points 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. 2.5 program points
RSCH-FPX7860 Core Survey of Research Methods 2 program points Students in this course critically evaluate research in order to gain an understanding of the scientific methods of inquiry and the ethical considerations of research. Students develop and apply skills needed to become educated consumers and creators of research. Students 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. 2 program points
PSY-FPX6740 Specialization Course Industrial/Organizational Psychology Practices in Personnel and Human Resource Management 2.5 program points 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. 2.5 program points
RSCH-FPX7864 Core Quantitative Design and Analysis 2 program points Students gain an understanding of the logic, computation, and interpretation of statistics, with an emphasis on decision-making skills in the research process and on the application and interpretation of statistical results. Students utilize the statistical program JASP to practice running and interpreting statistical analyses. 2 program points
PSY-FPX7610 Core Tests and Measurements 2.5 program points Students investigate focuses on essential concepts, principles, applications, and social and theoretical issues of psychological testing. Students gain understanding in the construction of tests; analyze the development and use of tests in measuring aptitudes, achievement, attitudes, interests, and personality; and identify underlying theories of various tests. Students analyze the characteristics desired in psychological and educational tests, with particular emphasis on reliability and validity, and evaluate best practices and professional standards for educational and psychological testing. In addition, students assess the role of technology in delivery, administration, scoring, and interpretation of tests. 2.5 program points
PSY-FPX6015 Specialization Course Lifespan Development 2.5 program points Students investigate stages of lifespan development from prenatal development through late adulthood. Students gain an understanding of development, considered from individual, familial, and systemic perspectives. Students apply developmental theories and research findings to understand human development and to identify and support interventions for developmental concerns. Prerequisite(s): Accelerated Master's Pathway, BS in Psychology/MS in Psychology option, FlexPath option students require special permission for registration and must have completed PSYC-FPX3700 or PSY-FPX4700 and PSYC-FPX4101. 2.5 program points
PSY-FPX5201 Integrative Project Integrative Project for Master's Degree in Psychology 2.5 program points In this course, students demonstrate knowledge, scholarship, and research proficiency in their chosen psychology specialization. As they engage with a faculty mentor in the preparation of a five-chapter integrative project, students develop and demonstrate academic and professional competency in proposing new and original research, writing and applying for grants, adhering to ethical standards, addressing individual differences in psychology, and explaining psychology concepts. For MS in Psychology students only. Must be taken during the student's final quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): All required and elective coursework. 2.5 program points
Show all descriptions
PSY-FPX5002 Core Foundations of Theory and Practice for Master's Psychology Students 2.5 program points In this course, students acquire the ability to navigate the Capella courseroom and use the resources that support academic success, including the library and writing center. Students identify and practice the academic requirements (including APA style and formatting) necessary to successfully complete the master's degree program in their chosen specialization; review their specialization's requirements, associated professional roles and organizations, and ethics and professional standards; and articulate a professional identity based on master's-level psychology training. For MS in Psychology students only. Must be taken during the student's first quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. 2.5 program points
RSCH-FPX7860 Core Survey of Research Methods 2 program points Students in this course critically evaluate research in order to gain an understanding of the scientific methods of inquiry and the ethical considerations of research. Students develop and apply skills needed to become educated consumers and creators of research. Students 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. 2 program points
RSCH-FPX7864 Core Quantitative Design and Analysis 2 program points Students gain an understanding of the logic, computation, and interpretation of statistics, with an emphasis on decision-making skills in the research process and on the application and interpretation of statistical results. Students utilize the statistical program JASP to practice running and interpreting statistical analyses. 2 program points
PSY-FPX7610 Core Tests and Measurements 2.5 program points Students investigate focuses on essential concepts, principles, applications, and social and theoretical issues of psychological testing. Students gain understanding in the construction of tests; analyze the development and use of tests in measuring aptitudes, achievement, attitudes, interests, and personality; and identify underlying theories of various tests. Students analyze the characteristics desired in psychological and educational tests, with particular emphasis on reliability and validity, and evaluate best practices and professional standards for educational and psychological testing. In addition, students assess the role of technology in delivery, administration, scoring, and interpretation of tests. 2.5 program points
Show all descriptions
PSY-FPX6710 Specialization Course Principles of Industrial/Organizational Psychology 2.5 program points 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. 2.5 program points
PSY-FPX5110 Specialization Course Ethics and Individual Differences in Psychology 2.5 program points Students analyze a range of human perspectives and factors and their influences on the ethical behavior of psychology professionals. Students evaluate and articulate such issues within the context of different settings and practice applying ethical reasoning principles and standards within their profession. Prerequisite(s): Accelerated Master's Pathway, BS in Psychology/MS in Psychology option, FlexPath option students require special permission for registration and must have completed PSYC-FPX3700 and PSYC-FPX4101. 2.5 program points
PSY-FPX6720 Specialization Course Psychology of Leadership 2.5 program points 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, FlexPath option students require special permission for registration and must have completed PSYC-FPX3700 or PSY-FPX4700 and PSYC-FPX4101. 2.5 program points
PSY-FPX6730 Specialization Course Consultation Psychology 2.5 program points 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. 2.5 program points
PSY-FPX6740 Specialization Course Industrial/Organizational Psychology Practices in Personnel and Human Resource Management 2.5 program points 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. 2.5 program points
PSY-FPX6015 Specialization Course Lifespan Development 2.5 program points Students investigate stages of lifespan development from prenatal development through late adulthood. Students gain an understanding of development, considered from individual, familial, and systemic perspectives. Students apply developmental theories and research findings to understand human development and to identify and support interventions for developmental concerns. Prerequisite(s): Accelerated Master's Pathway, BS in Psychology/MS in Psychology option, FlexPath option students require special permission for registration and must have completed PSYC-FPX3700 or PSY-FPX4700 and PSYC-FPX4101. 2.5 program points
Show all descriptions
PSY-FPX5201 Integrative Project Integrative Project for Master's Degree in Psychology 2.5 program points In this course, students demonstrate knowledge, scholarship, and research proficiency in their chosen psychology specialization. As they engage with a faculty mentor in the preparation of a five-chapter integrative project, students develop and demonstrate academic and professional competency in proposing new and original research, writing and applying for grants, adhering to ethical standards, addressing individual differences in psychology, and explaining psychology concepts. For MS in Psychology students only. Must be taken during the student's final quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): All required and elective coursework. 2.5 program points

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