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Industrial/Organizational Psychology
MS in Psychology
To create a healthy, safe, and productive work environment, you need a deep understanding of workplace psychology. A Master of Science in Psychology, Industrial/Organizational Psychology teaches you the skills to understand motivation and human behavior to create a functional, effective, and motivated workforce. At Capella, we offer an affordable, flexible, online degree program that can help you become a valuable leader in creating a dynamic, successful organization.
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 15 months and under $18,000.*
*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
Show all descriptions
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
Learners in this course explore the variety of roles and interventions that engage psychological consultants in an applied setting. Learners 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, self-appraisal, feedback, and discussion. Other course topics include current consultation theories, 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
This course introduces psychology practices and current research relevant to personnel and human resource management issues in organizations. Topics include a broad overview of employee practices that HRM specialists must address: individual differences; selection of personnel; workplace testing and assessment theory; the performance appraisal process; equal employment opportunity legislation, regulation, and compliance; workplace ethics; and litigation that may occur as a result of workplace incidents. The course emphasizes applying theory and research to corporate and educational settings.
5 quarter credits
PSY6710
Principles of Industrial/Organizational Psychology
5 quarter credits
In this course, learners identify and confirm theories and research of industrial/organizational psychology. Learners 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. Learners 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
Learners gain a comprehensive review of leadership theories and factors, including leader development, leadership styles, and societal issues relevant to leadership in various settings. Learners research and evaluate leadership principles and apply leadership theory to clinical, counseling, educational, organizational, and sports settings. Learners 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: Accelerated Master's Pathway, BS in Psychology/MS in Psychology option learners require special permission for registration and 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 11 months
$21,525
TYPICAL PACE 17 months
$30,750
SLOWER PACE 26 months
*This is only an estimate, effective July 7, 2025, and is subject to change.
Capella is committed to transparency in tuition and pricing. You will be responsible for costs in addition to tuition, which may include your resource kit, travel expenses and practicum costs.
Your tuition amount will vary depending on your unique circumstances such as your program specialization, transfer credits, any applicable tuition discounts and how quickly you complete courses. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other expenses are not included. Tuition estimates shown for the FlexPath learning format assume average number of credits and are based on:
- "Accelerated pace” (speed of fastest 25% of FlexPath students)
- “Typical pace” (median speed of FlexPath students)
- “Slower pace” (speed of fastest 75% of FlexPath students)
New or recently revised program estimates are based on comparable programs. Military Tuition Assistance is not available for the FlexPath learning format. Review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
Get the details
Find out more about financing and payment options to help you complete your program. Federal aid also is available to help manage the costs of higher education.
Connect with an enrollment specialist to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
- 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
- $525 per credit
- $160 resource kit
- 53 total quarter credits
- 15 max transfer credits
$27,825
NO TRANSFER CREDITS 24 months
*This is only an estimate, effective July 7, 2025, and is subject to change.
Capella is committed to transparency in tuition and pricing. You will be responsible for costs in addition to tuition, which may include your resource kit, travel expenses and practicum costs.
Your tuition amount will vary depending on your unique circumstances such as your program specialization, transfer credits and any applicable tuition discounts. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other expenses are not included. Tuition estimates shown for the GuidedPath learning format depend on the number of credits accepted for transfer.
New or recently revised program estimates are based on comparable programs. Review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
Get the details
Find out more about financing and payment options to help you complete your program. Federal aid also is available to help manage the costs of higher education.
Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
Questions about cost?
Contact an enrollment counselor.
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.
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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.
FlexPath admission requirements
Applicants for our FlexPath self-paced learning option must also meet the following criteria:
- The recommended minimum GPA is 3.0, although those with lower GPAs may be considered if providing additional documentation for review.
Transition to FlexPath: Applicants whose GPA is below the FlexPath admission threshold may be considered once they successfully complete at least two GuidedPath courses (or eight credits, whichever is greater) with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.
International student requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
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.
Job titles to explore*
- Assessment analyst
- Corporate compliance officer
- Leadership and organizational development consultant
- Program director
Employment settings to explore*
- Administrative management and general management consulting services
- Colleges, universities and professional schools
- Executive and legislative offices, combined
- Executive offices
- Management consulting services
*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.