Master of Science in Industrial / Organizational Psychology (MSIOP)
100% Online MS in I/O Psychology
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Master of Science in Industrial / Organizational Psychology
Degree:
Master of Science in Industrial / Organizational Psychology (MSIOP) Degree
Application:
$0 application fee. No essays/exams.
Help improve the workplace experience with the 100% online Master of Science in Industrial/Organizational Psychology (MSIOP) degree program at National University. NU’s MSIOP degree program gives you the skills you need to make an impact in government, industry, consulting, and nonprofit organizations. You’ll learn to apply psychology and the science of working to create solutions to resolve workplace issues.
Through the NU MS in Industrial/Organizational Psychology program, you’ll explore investigative scientific methods and learn how to resolve problems using evidence-based actions. Other focus areas include personnel psychology, organizational behavior, research design, and statistics analysis as it relates to industrial and organizational psychology.
Are You Focused on Earning Your Doctorate Degree?
NU has launched a transcendent pathway for our MA-IOP students to a PhD. NU’s FastForward options allow students to advance from their master’s degree to their doctoral degree while saving time and reducing tuition costs. Students in a FastForward program can replace three master’s-level courses with three doctorate-level courses. The doctorate-level courses and credit hours taken during their master’s program will count toward the completion of their master’s and doctorate programs. Request information now and talk with an Enrollment Advisor on your options and Pathway.
Degree Requirements
The Master of Science degree in I/O Psychology requires a total of 30 to 36 credits for completion depending on specialization.
The University may accept a maximum of 12 semester credits in transfer toward the Master of Science in Industrial and Organizational Psychology for graduate coursework completed at an accredited college or university with a grade average of “B” or better. See the Transfer Credit Policy for additional information. PSY-5403 must be completed at NU.
Graduation requirements for the master’s degree in psychology vary according to specialization selected.
All NU master’s degree programs have the following graduation requirements:
- A minimum of 18 credit hours of graduate instruction must be completed through the University
- Completion of subject area competency requirements for the graduate program
- Elective courses must be relevant to the department’s graduate program
- Cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (letter grade of “B”) or higher
- Official documents on file for basis of admission: a conferred bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited academic institution
- Official transcripts on file for all transfer credit hours accepted by the University
- All financial obligations must be met before the student will be issued their complimentary diploma and/or degree posted transcript
Course Details
- Credit Hours: 30-36
- Courses: 10-12
- Estimated Time to Complete: 16 months
Note on Licensure: NU’s psychology programs are not licensure programs, and do not prepare an individual to become a licensed psychology or counseling professional. Students in the MS in Industrial/Organizational Psychology program may choose a non-clinical internship.
Course Sequence
10-12 Courses
Foundations in I/O Psychology
3.0 Credit Hours
This course is an introduction to graduate studies in Industrial/Organizational (I/O) Psychology. This area of psychology involves the application of psychological principles to work settings, which includes personnel selection, training and development, performance management, stress and motivation, work attitudes, leadership, teams, and work-life balance. Current models, history, ethical and legal concerns, and research in I/O Psychology will be explored. In addition, graduate-level skills—such as academic integrity, effective use of the Northcentral Library, comprehension of complex scholarly texts and research articles, and use of APA format and style in professional communication—are also introduced. Students will complete the course with a roadmap to navigate their way to completion of their educational aspirations.
Organizational Development
3.0 Credit Hours
This course explores the role of the Organizational Development (OD) practitioner in supporting and/or leading change in individual, group, and organizational settings. In order to facilitate change so that it enhances productivity, students will learn about the evolution of organizational development, the process of change, and the many types and components appropriate in different OD situations. Student will also examine the principles, theories and ethics of organizational development and change. The goal of this course is for students to be able to both manage and implement interventions to remake the way an organization functions.
Personnel Selection and Recruitment
3.0 Credit Hours
In this course, personnel recruitment and selection is introduced as an evidence-based practice aimed at identifying qualified candidates and encouraging them to apply for jobs with an organization. The student will discover and understand the theories and principles of Industrial/Organizational Psychology (IO) that focus on personnel recruitment and selection. Students will also evaluate the methodology, including the assessment tools and develop persuasive arguments about personnel recruitment and selection. The goal of this course is to use a systematic approach of hiring and promoting qualified personnel.
Research Design
3.0 Credit Hours
Upon the completion of this course, you will develop an understanding of the strengths and limitations of qualitative and quantitative approaches to research design. As a result of this newfound knowledge, you will become a more educated and discerning consumer of the existing published research. In addition, you will be more informed on how to effectively and ethically use these different research methods when designing research studies.
Elective Course 1
Applied Statistics in I/O PSY
3.0 Credit Hours
This course provides an introduction to descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, confidence intervals, margin of error, and the visual representation of statistical data. The emphasis in this course is on developing a conceptual knowledge of how statistics are used in the setting of I/O Psychology. The student will learn about many of the commonly used statistical tests in psychological research such as t-tests, ANOVA, correlation, regression, and chi-square are along with their interpretation. Students will demonstrate analytical proficiency by creating and interpreting tables and graphs based on results of statistical tests in preparation for sharing presentations with stakeholders.
Elective Course 2
Tests and Measurements in Industrial/Organizational Psychology
3.0 Credit Hours
This course introduces students to the basic theories, applications, and issues of psychological testing and assessment. Students will review the historical, professional, and legal context of utilizing tests and measurements in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. Specifically, students will explore the purpose, development, application, and evaluation of psychological tests as applied to employee selection, placement, and performance appraisal. Students will also examine special topics related to use of psychological tests in the workplace, including: the merits of cognitive ability, personality, and vocational testing, technological advancements in testing, and the testing of special populations.
Survey Methods and Organizational Behavior
3.0 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: ABA 634
This course is designed to help students achieve fluency skills in applied ff skills.
One of the following:
Capstone in I/O Psychology
3.0 Credit Hours
The Capstone course in I/O Psychology is an opportunity to demonstrate a range of professional competencies and communication skills, reflecting the knowledge, critical thinking, sensitivity to ethics and diversity, and appreciation of research that has been acquired during the MS program. The Capstone course culminates in a review of the evidence based practices related to a specific issue of interest to the student in I/O Psychology.
Internship in I/O Psychology
3.0 Credit Hours
Students seeking a master’s degree in I/O psychology may opt to complete their degree by taking an internship in I/O psychology instead of the Capstone course. During the internship experience, students will meet weekly with their assigned NU professor as well as their approved internship site supervisor to discuss their experiences. Weekly assignments include submission of required evaluations and preparation for the final theoretically grounded presentation summarizing the internship experience. Internship experiences are designed to guide candidates through specific standards-aligned experiences with resulting growth in competencies demonstrated through application in practice
Electives
2 Courses
Please select two of the following:
Psychology of Leadership
3.0 Credit Hours
Students in this course will examine leadership in the modern global workplace, emphasizing the elements of a good leader. Trait, behavior, contingency, and contemporary theories of leadership and management will be explored. Legal and ethical/moral issues as well as gender and sociocultural challenges will also be highlighted throughout the course. Additional topics include: leadership skill development, managing conflict, developing a leadership vision, leading groups and teams, and leadership versus management. Students in this course will gain an understanding of their own leadership style and improve their leadership self-awareness.
Work Motivation and Employee Engagement
3.0 Credit Hours
This course reviews motivational theories and evaluates their application to employees and groups within the workplace. Aspects of employment engagement to be covered include job enrichment, employee voice, employee empowerment, and employee satisfaction.
Training and Evaluation
3.0 Credit Hours
In this course, students will develop an understanding of employee development and performance improvement by examining methods of workforce training and program evaluation in organizations. Topics include adult instruction strategies, competency modeling for professional development, job retraining, skills-gap and needs analysis, return on investment, transfer of training, and organizational change. The role of training in organizational health will be highlighted and emerging trends in training methods for a global, virtual workplace will be discussed.
Survey Methods and Organizational Behavior
3.0 Credit Hours
This course covers development and usage of organizational surveys and related topics, such as attitude measurement, job satisfaction, and the evolving uses of surveys in organizations. Students will examine the challenges faced by consultants in designing and implementing organizational surveys, such as potential sources of bias, respondent recruitment, data collection methods, and ethical issues related to privacy.
Small Group Theory and Team Processes
3.0 Credit Hours
This course examines the small group and team processes in the workplace. Topics include team development, effectively leading teams, the establishment of group norms and goals, group problem solving and decision making, and resolving group conflict. Both research and application of concepts are highlighted.
Occupational Health Specialization
The MS in Industrial/Organizational Psychology with Occupational Health Specialization will provide students with knowledge and skills to diagnose and solve a wide variety of workplace issues facing individuals, teams, and organizations with a concentrated emphasis on promoting and protecting employee health, safety, and well-being.
Requirements for the Specialization
3 Courses
Survey of Occupational Health Psychology
3.0 Credit Hours
This course examines the field of Occupational Health Psychology (OHP) which is focused on the application of psychology to improving the quality of work life and ensuring the safety, health, and well-being of workers. Students will review principles, theories, and research regarding the primary prevention of organizational risk factors for stress, illness, and injury at work. In addition, research and practice regarding health protection and health promotion in an organizational setting will be explored. Students will examine how changing organizational structures and processes are influencing the health and well-being of workers and their families. Organizational interventions and programs for the reduction of occupational stress and the improvement of employee health and wellness will be discussed.
Stress and Coping
3.0 Credit Hours
This course examines sources, manifestations, and coping models for stress. A special emphasis is put on the role of thought and cognition in mediating stress. Students will develop an array of tools for dealing with stress in themselves and others.
Community Organizational Health
3.0 Credit Hours
This course examines health and wellness in communities and organizations. Evidence-based health interventions are analyzed, and the role of social networks and social support in health-related behaviors is examined. Social determinants of health and ethical standards are considered as they apply in health and wellness interventions for communities and organizations. You will develop a community or organization health and wellness intervention proposal.
Career Outlook
Data Source: The career outcomes data presented is sourced from Lightcast, which provides insights based on real-time job postings, public datasets, and analytics. Lightcast derives its data from sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW), and the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES). While accurate and reliable, this data reflects general labor market trends and may not represent individual outcomes or specific local conditions. For more details on Lightcast’s methodology, visit their Data Overview.
The Master of Science in Industrial / Organizational Psychology (MSIOP) degree will prepare you for careers such as:
- Top Jobs in this field
- Median Salary (USA)
- JOB Openings (USA)
- Industrial-Organizational Psychologists
- $142,374 avg. salary (USA)
- 254 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Psychology
- Psychiatry
- Industrial And Organizational Psychology
- Nursing
- Behavioral Health
- Job Analysis
- Organizational Development
Top companies hiring for this role
- Unclassified
- Deloitte
- Ghr Healthcare
- BJC HealthCare
- Atlanticare Regional Medical Center
- Northern Montana Health Care Inc D
- Sanford Health
Program Learning Outcomes
As a graduate of National University’s Master of Science in Industrial/Organizational Psychology (MSIOP) degree program, you’ll be able to:
- Synthesize theories and principles applicable to the field of industrial and organizational (I/O) psychology through written communication
- Appraise research methods and data analysis applicable in the framework of I/O psychology
- Investigate empirically supported interventions for research, administration, or practice of I/O psychology
- Employ ethical principles of psychology in academic and professional matters of I/O psychology
- Examine diversity issues in the context of I/O psychology
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To that end, we’ve simplified and streamlined our application process, so you can get enrolled in your program right away. Because we accept and review applications year round, you can begin class as soon as next month, depending on your program and location of choice.
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To speak with our admissions team, call (855) 355-6288 or request information and an advisor will contact you shortly. If you’re ready to apply, simply start your application today.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
National University is dedicated to making higher education affordable, as well as accessible. Through NU scholarship offerings, eligible students are able to reduce the financial burden of college, start classes sooner, and finish their programs faster while focusing on achieving their goals.
Accreditations
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the U.S.
Why National University?
We’re proud to be a Veteran-founded, San Diego-based nonprofit. Since 1971, our mission has been to provide accessible, achievable higher education to adult learners.
Today, we educate students from across the U.S. and around the globe, with over 240,000 alumni worldwide.
“National University has impacted my career. You can immediately apply what you learn in class to your business.”
Francisco R.,
Class of 2016
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NU makes it easy to get your degree, even if you started it with another university. Learn more about transferring to NU.
Accelerate Your Career With NU
At National University, you’re part of a family. As a student, you’ll have the support of staff, faculty members, students, and alumni who will be there with you every step of the way, cheering you on as you pursue your goals.
Our network of 240,000 alumni is a large global community that provides our graduates with the professional connections to get a leg up in your new career.
FAQs
Career Potential*
- Human Resources Specialist / Manager
- Management Consultant/ HR Consultant
- Training and Development Specialist/ Manager
- Personnel Research Specialist/ Team Lead
- Employee Relations Specialist/ Manager
- Talent Management Specialist/ Manager
- Learning and Development Specialist/ Manager
- Director of HR Operations
- And many more, in public and private facilities of all different sizes!
*Positions may require additional experience, training, and other factors beyond successfully completing this degree program. Depending on where you reside, many positions may also require state licensure, and it is the responsibility of the student to ensure that all licensure requirements are met. We encourage you to also review program specific requirements with an NU advisor. Any data provided on this page is for informational purposes only and does not guarantee that completion of any degree program will achieve the underlying occupation or commensurate salary.
NU’s FastForward options allow students to advance from their master’s degree to their doctoral degree while saving time and reducing tuition costs. Students in a FastForward program can replace three master’s-level courses with three doctorate-level courses. The doctorate-level courses and credit hours taken during their master’s program will count toward the completion of their master’s and doctorate programs.
DEGREE PATHWAY | COURES SAVED | CREDIT HOURS SAVED |
---|---|---|
MA-PSY in General Psychology Specialization PhD-PSY in General Psychology Specialization | 3 | 9 |
MA-PSY in Gender and Sexual Fluidity Specialization PhD-PSY in Gender and Sexual Fluidity Specialization | 3 | 9 |
MS in Health Psychology PhD-PSY in Health Psychology Specialization | 3 | 9 |
MS in I/O Psychology PhD-PSY in I/O Psychology Specialization | 3 | 9 |
MS in Sport Psychology PhD-PSY in Sport and Performance Psychology Specialization | 3 | 9 |
Additional Resources
Program Disclosure
Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.
Program availability varies by state. Many disciplines, professions, and jobs require disclosure of an individual’s criminal history, and a variety of states require background checks to apply to, or be eligible for, certain certificates, registrations, and licenses. Existence of a criminal history may also subject an individual to denial of an initial application for a certificate, registration, or license and/or result in the revocation or suspension of an existing certificate, registration, or license. Requirements can vary by state, occupation, and/or licensing authority.
NU graduates will be subject to additional requirements on a program, certification/licensure, employment, and state-by-state basis that can include one or more of the following items: internships, practicum experience, additional coursework, exams, tests, drug testing, earning an additional degree, and/or other training/education requirements.
All prospective students are advised to review employment, certification, and/or licensure requirements in their state, and to contact the certification/licensing body of the state and/or country where they intend to obtain certification/licensure to verify that these courses/programs qualify in that state/country, prior to enrolling. Prospective students are also advised to regularly review the state’s/country’s policies and procedures relating to certification/licensure, as those policies are subject to change.
National University degrees do not guarantee employment or salary of any kind. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to review desired job positions to review degrees, education, and/or training required to apply for desired positions. Prospective students should monitor these positions as requirements, salary, and other relevant factors can change over time.
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