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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.
Classes start June 5
Use the code SPRING to waive the $50 application fee.
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
| PSY7860 |
Survey of Research Methods
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. Learners may only earn credit for PSY7860 or RSCH7860. |
4 quarter credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSY6730 |
Consultation Psychology
Learners 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. 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, 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 Human Resource Management
Learners 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. Learners 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, learners gain and demonstrate a working knowledge of organizational systems and culture. |
5 quarter credits |
| PSY6710 |
Principles of Industrial/Organizational Psychology
In this course, learners identify and confirm theories and research of industrial/organizational psychology. Learners examine and explain the various psychological constructs affecting individuals, groups, teams, and organizations in the workplace and assess diversity and ethical principles as they relate to decision-making processes. Learners also evaluate the differences between industrial and organizational psychology and implement various assessment methods, models, and interventions applicable across workplace settings. |
5 quarter credits |
| PSY6720 |
Psychology of Leadership
This course provides a comprehensive review of leadership theories and factors, including leader development, leadership styles, and multicultural 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. |
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 and diversity 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
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career paths to explore.
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 puts 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 want in 12 weeks
- 2 Capella quarter credits = 1 program point
- Set your own deadlines, no courseroom discussions
- Pay a flat tuition fee per session*
$17,250
ACCELERATED PACE
$23,000
TYPICAL PACE
$2,875 per 12-week billing session, 27 total program points, 8 max transfer points
A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
- 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 term
$19,000
MAX TRANSFER CREDITS
$26,500
AVERAGE TRANSFER CREDITS
$500 per credit, 53 total quarter credits, 15 max transfer credits
* This is only an estimate, using general program pricing. Your price may be higher or lower depending on your specialization, transfer credits, tuition discounts, and (in FlexPath) the speed at which you move through the program. Fees, including application fees and resource kits, are not included in this estimate. The GuidedPath prices show the tuition you would pay if you brought in the average number of transfer credits or the maximum allowed transfer credits. The FlexPath prices show the tuition you would pay if you brought in an average number of transfer credits and you moved at the speed of a typical FlexPath student or as quickly as the fastest FlexPath students (75th percentile). New or recently revised programs base their estimate on comparable programs. Military Tuition Assistance (TA) is not available for FlexPath.
Questions about cost?
Contact an enrollment counselor.
89%
of psychology master's degree alumni would recommend Capella to friends, family and colleagues.*
*Alumni Outcomes Survey 2021–2022
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
- A $50 nonrefundable application fee, required at the time of application, to cover transcript requests, transcript evaluation, and other administrative costs
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 2.8, although those with lower GPAs may be considered if providing additional documentation for review.
Step into FlexPath is an option for those who don’t qualify for FlexPath. Start a program in our GuidedPath learning format, and then transition into FlexPath upon successful completion of one course, at a 2.8 GPA or higher.
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
- Manager or director of training
- Adjunct or part-time psychology faculty
- Instructor
- Assessment specialist
- Manager or director of human resources or organizational development
- Research associate
- Organizational consultant (internal or external)
- Self-employed
- Executive/leadership coach (internal or external)
- Manager or director of labor relations
Employment settings to explore
- Community college
- Land-based or online college or university
- Industrial setting
- Corporation
- Military
- Government—local, state, federal
- Organizational consulting firm
- Research organization
- Health care
- Nonprofit organization
*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.