Focused on workplace strategies, training, leadership and decision-making, this I-O psychology concentration equips you with tools to enhance individual and organizational performance. Through your coursework, you’ll develop advanced writing, critical thinking and analytical abilities. Additionally, you’ll build an understanding of psychologists’ roles in the workplace and explore applications in private or nonprofit organization management, professional psychology research and more.
The knowledge and skills you’ll develop
Coursework covers principles of workplace motivation, characteristics of effective leadership and assessment procedures across organizational domains. In this concentration, you’ll learn how to apply psychological strategies to optimize productivity, inclusivity and well-being in the workplace. You’ll also gain expertise in various topics including:
- Basic research methodology and statistics.
- Fundamental constructs of I-O psychology.
- I-O psychology strategies and practices.
- Problem-solving and critical analysis.
- Psychological theory and knowledge.
- Written communication.
Who’s a good candidate for an I-O psychology master’s concentration?
This program is a good fit for those seeking career advancement in human resources, management or research. Successful applicants will be interested in expanding their understanding of psychology with a distinct focus on promoting employee productivity and well-being. Ideal candidates will also share a passion for applying industrial and organizational psychology strategies to drive workplace improvements.
Please note: This program does not lead directly to professional licensure as a clinical or counseling psychologist.
In Arizona State University’s online Master of Science in psychology with a concentration in industrial and organizational psychology, you’ll learn how to apply psychological theory and empirical research in workplace settings. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared to advance your career in human resources, business, management, psychological research and more.
Core courses include statistics, research methods and professional issues in psychology. You’ll then complete courses related to the I-O psychology concentration, including Advanced Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Professional Motivation and Leadership and Cultural Intelligence. You’ll also have the opportunity to choose from a variety of electives to customize your learning experience. You can complete coursework wherever and whenever fits your schedule, however, assignments become available throughout the course and aren't self-paced.
Prepare for the full New College experience curated by world-renowned faculty who are some of the brightest, most innovative academic minds in the world. Areas of expertise include psychology, anthropology, geography, political science, cybersecurity, forensic science and more. Our faculty strives to create an environment that prepares students to take their place in the world using the skills they’ve learned to pursue careers that benefit their communities.
ASU is a global university recognized for its commitment to innovation, research and high-quality academic programs. Our university has been recognized with peer-reviewed honors from U.S. News & World Report.
in the U.S. for innovation for 11 consecutive years, ahead of Stanford and MIT.
best online bachelor’s programs.
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of graduates reported that their experiences at ASU inspired them to explore new career opportunities.
Applicants to the Master of Science in psychology with a concentration in industrial and organizational psychology program must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they’ve earned a bachelor's or master's degree in psychology, sociology, communication, business, education or other closely related fields from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00="A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00="A") in an applicable master's degree program.
The admissions committee reviews applications holistically and may consider applicants with a GPA below 3.00 if they’ve demonstrated a strong past performance in related coursework.
All applicants must submit:
- Graduate admission application and application fee
- Official transcripts
- Personal statement
- One letter of recommendation
- An additional letter can be optionally submitted, but the committee will begin its review once one is received.
- Recommended: Evidence of one prerequisite course related to statistics or research methods*
*The admissions committee strongly recommends that applicants complete one prerequisite course related to social science statistics and/or research methods before applying for this program.
An applicant whose native language is not English (regardless of current residency) must provide proof of English proficiency.
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”