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Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology
If you’re ready to bring out the best in your workplace, the path is clear. Capella University offers an online PhD in Psychology, Industrial/Organizational Psychology that can help you create efficiency and advance team performance in organizations.
You’ll be prepared with the knowledge and skills you need to lead, coach, and inspire others—and pursue your professional goals.
Classes start July 10
Use the code SPRING to waive the $50 application fee.
At a glance
- Online
- 7 Core courses
- 9 Specialized courses
- 25 max transfer credits
- 3 Doctoral Project Development Seminars
- Comprehensive exam
- Dissertation
Reduce your tuition by $20,000
Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $20K Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your doctoral degree.
Explore industrial organizational psychology courses
- This degree requires a total of 87 coursework credits
- You’ll need to complete seven core courses, nine specialization courses, three doctoral project development seminars and one comprehensive exam
| 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 |
| 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 |
| PSY8761* |
Work Analysis and Selection
This course is a comprehensive review of the major concepts, issues, and practices involved with work analysis and personnel selection. Learners gain and apply knowledge of work analysis methods, legal issues in selection, considerations in evaluating the appropriate use of assessments in selection processes, and strategies for selection decision making. Learners engage in hands-on activities to apply critical work analysis and selection principles. Prerequisite(s): PSY6710, PSY7610, PSY7864. |
5 quarter credits |
| PSY8770 |
Psychology of Motivation and Performance
In this course, learners explore various psychological theories, concepts, and principles of motivation. Learners evaluate the factors of motivation that influence personal and professional performance, success, and satisfaction. Learners also synthesize research in order to identify, assess, and integrate motivational strategies and apply models of performance enhancement. |
5 quarter credits |
What you'll learn
This degree is designed with external professional standards in mind to help you gain the expertise you need to advance your career. Becoming proficient in these skills will help you meet the demands of your field.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Evaluate and apply critical thinking in response to behavior in the workplace
- Synthesize theoretical and research findings from the discipline of I/O psychology
- Apply ethical principles and standards of psychology to academic and professional activities
- Examine, respect, and respond to individual differences and diversity in the practice of I/O psychology
- Evaluate, administer, score, and interpret psychological tests in the workplace
- Communicate psychological concepts effectively using the professional standards of the discipline
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career opportunities.
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
$555 per credit, 87 coursework credits, 25 max transfer credits
Tuition breakdown
Program Phases
Comprehensive exam
$2,780 Per quarter
Comprehensive exam
$2,780
Per quarter
Dissertation
$2,780 Per quarter
Dissertation
$2,780
Per quarter
Fees
Resource kit fee
$175 Per quarter
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, and other instructional materials.
Resource kit fee
$175
Per quarter
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, and other instructional materials.
Application fee
$50 One-time fee
Application fee
$50
One-time fee
Tuition and program length are unique to you
Your total tuition and program length depend on a variety of factors:
- The program specialization you choose
- Scholarships and finances
- Prior coursework
- Transfer credits
- Employer and/or military benefits
- Number of quarters spent working on dissertation
- Academic performance
- School/work/life balance
- Unexpected life events
About cost scenarios
The cost scenarios below are examples based on general program pricing and 2023–24 Capella tuition rates, and assume the average number of transfer credits a student brings into the program. Pacing information is current as of January 1, 2023. These rates are the same nationwide and may change depending on factors affecting program length and price.
To discuss whether the specialization you’re interested in has additional factors that may affect program cost and length, contact a Capella enrollment counselor.
Cost Scenarios
Complete dissertation in 5 quartersComplete each dissertation milestone at the pace of the fastest 25% of students. |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $555/credit 14 quarters |
$45,744.00 |
| Comprehensive Exam 1 quarter |
$2,780.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,780 per quarter 5 quarters |
$13,900.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$62,424.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-20,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$42,424.00 |
| Resource Kit fee: $175 14 quarters |
$2,450.00 |
| Application fee: $50 one-time fee |
$50.00 |
|
Est. Total 20 quarters |
$44,924.00 |
Completes dissertation in 6 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the fastest 50% of students. |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $555/credit 14 quarters |
$45,744.00 |
| Comprehensive Exam 1 quarter |
$2,780.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,780 6 quarters |
$16,680.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$65,204.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-20,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$45,204.00 |
| Resource Kit fee: $175 14 quarters |
$2,450.00 |
| Application fee: $50 one-time fee |
$50.00 |
|
Est. Total 21 quarters |
$47,704.00 |
Completes dissertation in 9 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the fastest 75% of students. |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $555/credit 14 quarters |
$45,744.00 |
| Comprehensive Exam 1 quarter |
$2,780.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,780 per quarter 9 quarters |
$25,020.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$73,544.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-20,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$53,544.00 |
| Resource Kit fee: $175 14 quarters |
$2,450.00 |
| Application fee: $50 one-time fee |
$50.00 |
|
Est. Total 24 quarters |
$56,044.00 |
*Eligibility rules apply. Connect with us for details.
Get the details
Connect with an enrollment counselor 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 that’s within your reach. There are more ways to save than you might think.
Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide assurance that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
What are the PhD in Psychology admission requirements?
Applicants must provide the following information for admission to Capella programs and specializations:
- 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.
What can you do with an PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psychology degree?
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*
- Director or vice president of human resources or organizational development
- Adjunct or part-time psychology faculty
- Full-time psychology faculty
- Instructor
- Evidence-based coach
- Organizational consultant (internal or external)
- Self-employed
- Director of labor relations
- Researcher
- Director of training and development
- Research coordinator/administrator
Employment settings to explore
- Military
- Land-based or online college or university
- Research organization
- Corporation
- Government—local, state, federal
- Health care
- Nonprofit organization
- Organizational consulting firm
- Industrial setting
- Private practice
*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.
Articles and resources
Expand your perspective on academic and career topics with articles and resources from Capella University.
What’s it like to be a doctoral student?
What does it take to earn a doctoral degree? Learn more about the experience and explore each step of the journey.