Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology
Discover the keys to human behavior that can help employees and organizations meet their full potential. Capella’s online PhD in Industrial/Organizational Psychology provides the knowledge and tools to understand employee motivation, influence growth in team dynamics and encourage organizational change. You’ll learn to use evidence-based solutions and apply critical thinking skills to help shape policies and culture. Our scholar-practitioner faculty will guide you through dissertation research and three virtual residencies as you build real-world experience on your path to reaching your professional goals.
At a glance
- Online
- GuidedPath
- 7 Core courses
- 7 Specialization courses
- 3 Virtual residencies
- 4 Dissertation courses
- 84 Total quarter credits (24 Max transfer)
With Capella Tuition Cap, you won’t pay more than $48,000* in tuition costs for your degree.
*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Explore industrial/organizational psychology courses
- This program requires a total of 84 quarter credits
- You’ll need to complete seven core courses, seven specialization courses, three virtual residencies and four dissertation courses
What you'll learn
The PhD in Psychology, Industrial/Organizational Psychology is for students interested in the application of psychology in the workplace and other organizational settings. The curriculum provides students the opportunity to pursue coursework in coaching psychology, consultation psychology, industrial psychology and organizational psychology. Students in this specialization are interested in leader development, coaching psychology, group and team dynamics, organizational change management, systems planning, industrial/organizational assessment, employee motivation/performance improvement, strategic planning, professional development, and administrative and human resource management (including employee support services). This specialization is not designed or intended to meet licensure requirements for any licensed profession.
This specialization is designed to help you gain the following skills related to this field:
- Evaluate and apply critical thinking in response to behavior in the workplace
- Synthesize theoretical and research findings from the discipline of I/O psychology
- Evaluate ethical principles and standards of psychology to academic and professional activities
- Respect individual differences in the practice of I/O Psychology
- Communicate psychological concepts effectively, using the professional standards of the discipline
How much does the PhD in Psychology cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, scholarships and other factors. See GuidedPath cost information below.
GuidedPath
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
$570 per credit, 72 coursework credits, 24 max transfer credits
Tuition breakdown
Program Phases
Dissertation
$2,780 Per quarter
Dissertation
$2,780
Per quarter
Other Costs
Resource kit
$175 Per quarter
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, and other instructional materials.
Resource kit
$175
Per quarter
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, and other instructional materials.
Application fee
$0 no application fee
Application fee
$0
no application fee
Total Tuition Cap
Capella Tuition Cap
$48,000 Total tuition
- Pay no more than $48,000 in total tuition for your degree*
- Available to all students who start now through July 13, 2026
*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other fees apply. Travel expenses for residency, practicum, etc., are not covered by the tuition cap.
Capella Tuition Cap
What is the Capella Tuition Cap?$48,000
Total tuition
- Pay no more than $48,000 in total tuition for your degree*
- Available to all students who start now through July 13, 2026
*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other fees apply. Travel expenses for residency, practicum, etc., are not covered by the tuition cap.
Tuition and program length are unique to you
Your total tuition and program length depend on a variety of factors, including:
- Academic performance
- Complexity of your dissertation
- Number of quarters spent working on practicum
- Prior coursework
- Scholarships and finances
- Unexpected life events
- Employer and/or military benefits
About cost scenarios
The cost scenarios below are examples based on general program pricing and 2025–26 Capella tuition rates and assume the average number of transfer credits a student brings into the program. Pacing and pricing information is current as of Jan. 6, 2025. These rates are the same nationwide and may change depending on factors affecting program length and price. You are responsible for paying your own travel costs related to residencies, including plane, hotel and food expenses.
To discuss whether the specialization you’re interested in has additional factors that may affect program cost and length, contact a Capella enrollment specialist.
Cost Scenarios
Complete dissertation in 5 quartersComplete each dissertation milestone at the pace of the fastest 25% of students. |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $570/credit 12 quarters |
$38,626.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,780 per quarter 5 quarters |
$13,900.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$52,526.00 |
| Est. Savings with Capella Tuition Cap*
|
$-4,526.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Capella Tuition Cap*
|
$48,000.00 |
| Resource Kit fee: $175 12 quarters |
$2,100.00 |
| Application fee:
|
$0 |
|
Est. Total with Capella Tuition Cap* 17 quarters |
$50,100.00 |
Completes dissertation in 6 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the median 50% of students. |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $570/credit 12 quarters |
$38,626.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,780 per quarter 6 quarters |
$16,680.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$55,306.00 |
| Est. Savings with Capella Tuition Cap*
|
$-7,306.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Capella Tuition Cap*
|
$48,000.00 |
| Resource Kit fee: $175 12 quarters |
$2,100.00 |
| Application fee:
|
$0 |
|
Est. Total with Capella Tuition Cap* 18 quarters |
$50,100.00 |
Completes dissertation in 9 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the slowest 75% of students. |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $570/credit 12 quarters |
$38,626.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,780 per quarter 9 quarters |
$25,020.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$63,646.00 |
| Est. Savings with Capella Tuition Cap*
|
$-15,646.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Capella Tuition Cap*
|
$48,000.00 |
| Resource Kit fee: $175 12 quarters |
$2,100.00 |
| Application fee:
|
$0 |
|
Est. Total with Capella Tuition Cap* 21 quarters |
$50,100.00 |
*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details. Capella Tuition Cap is available to students who start now through July 13, 2026.
Get the details
Connect with an enrollment specialist to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
Are there scholarships available for doctoral 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 PhD in Psychology admission requirements?
Applicants must provide the following information for admission to Capella programs and specializations:
- Admission application – no application fee required
- A master’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 master’s transcripts, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
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 doctoral students. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces that build on one another to help you earn your doctorate. You’ll have support from faculty, staff and online resources along the way.
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What can you do with an PhD in Psychology, Industrial/Organizational Psychology?
Your education can help you reach your personal and professional goals. Here are some of the jobs and employment settings to consider with a PhD in Psychology, Industrial/Organizational Psychology.
Related job titles to explore*
- Behavioral scientist
- Data analytics manager
- Director of human resources
- Director of organizational development
- Employee relations manager
- Human resources business partner
- Human resources recruitment and placement specialist
- Learning and development program manager
- Psychology professor
Employment settings to explore*
- Administrative management and general management consulting services
- Colleges, universities and professional schools
- Employment placement agencies
- Executive offices
- Other general government support
- Research and development in the social sciences and humanities
*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. Educational and professional requirements for faculty positions vary widely by employer. Understanding your target employers’ particular requirements is key in deciding on a doctoral program.