Best Ph.D. and PsyD in Industrial Organizational (I/O) Psychology Degree Programs

Going into the industrial-organizational (I/O) sector of psychology is an exciting career choice. More and more, industries are beginning to realize how important it is to consider the psychology behind employee training, motivation, and learning. As an I/O psychologist, you’ll have the skills that it takes to help companies support their employees and achieve maximum growth.

2026 Best Online Doctorate in Industrial Organizational Psychology Programs

Counseling Psychology.org presents the definitive guide to the best online doctorate programs in Industrial Organizational Psychology, highlighting innovative distance learning opportunities for professionals seeking advanced career development. These virtual programs offer exceptional flexibility for working adults who want to advance their expertise in understanding workplace dynamics, organizational behavior, and human performance. Our comprehensive rankings evaluate programs based on academic rigor, faculty credentials, research opportunities, and student outcomes. Online doctoral programs in I/O Psychology provide accessible pathways for students to gain advanced skills in organizational consulting, leadership development, and workforce analytics without disrupting their current professional commitments. By pursuing these remote learning options, students can transform their career trajectories while maintaining work-life balance. Learn about our comprehensive ranking methodology.

#1

Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo, MI - Public 4-Year - wmich.edu

Doctorate - Doctor of Philosophy in Industrial Organizational Behavior Management

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Western Michigan University offers a distinctive hybrid Doctor of Philosophy in Industrial Organizational Behavior Management that empowers professionals to excel in consulting, research, and organizational leadership. The program distinguishes itself through comprehensive training in advanced behavior analysis and performance improvement methodologies. Students engage in rigorous coursework spanning personnel selection, training development, and ethical research practices. With a competitive 3.0 GPA requirement, the program attracts scholars passionate about transforming workplace dynamics. The curriculum balances 30 credit hours of coursework with 12 dissertation credits, providing a robust research-focused experience. Military-friendly and designed for practitioners seeking deep organizational insights, this doctoral program prepares graduates to drive meaningful change in complex professional environments.

• 30 credit hours coursework
• 12 dissertation credit hours
• Prepares for consulting careers
• 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
• Research-focused doctoral program
• Hybrid program format
• Comprehensive research training
• Organizational performance focus

#2

Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale, FL - Private 4-year - keiseruniversity.edu

Doctorate - PhD in Industrial/Organizational Psychology

Online Learning - Visit Website

Keiser University offers a comprehensive online PhD in Industrial/Organizational Psychology that stands out for its innovative approach and flexible learning model. Designed for professionals seeking advanced expertise in workplace psychology, the program provides a rigorous curriculum focusing on human behavior, organizational development, and research methodologies. Students benefit from a no-GRE requirement, making entry more accessible for qualified candidates. The doctoral program accommodates both master's and bachelor's degree holders, featuring 60 credit hours, 8-week course terms, and mandatory doctoral residencies. With a strong emphasis on research skills and practical application, graduates are well-positioned for careers in consulting, human resources, and academic research.

• 60 total credit hours
• Online and campus options
• No GRE required
• Two entry paths available
• Doctoral residencies included
• 8-week course terms
• Financial aid available
• Career paths in research/consulting

#3

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA - Private 4-year - liberty.edu

Doctorate - Ph.D. in Psychology – Industrial/Organizational Psychology

Online Learning - Visit Website

Liberty University's online Ph.D. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology offers a comprehensive doctoral program that uniquely blends scientific research with biblical perspectives. Students benefit from a flexible 8-week course format and no standardized testing requirement for admission. The program prepares professionals to transform workplace dynamics through advanced psychological insights, focusing on organizational behavior and human performance optimization. With competitive tuition at $595 per credit hour and the ability to transfer up to 50% of credits, this program provides an accessible pathway for working professionals. Military-friendly features and potential discounts enhance the program's appeal for students seeking advanced training in I/O psychology.

• 100% online doctoral program
• 8-week course format
• No standardized testing
• $595/credit doctoral tuition
• 60 total credit hours
• Transfer up to 50% credits
• Biblical perspective integration
• Potential career paths: consultant, professor

*Data derived from the 2023 IPEDS survey conducted by NCES.

What Will I Learn in an Online Industrial-Organizational Psychology Doctorate Program?

In an online I/O psychology doctorate program, you’ll learn how to work with companies to help them understand the psychology that helps their employees grow. There are many factors that will affect the amount of time that it takes you to complete your doctorate program. You’ll need to choose whether it makes more sense for you to go to school full or part-time. One of the benefits of taking your classes online is that you may be able to complete your courses faster than if you’re only working in a traditional classroom environment. If you teach at the university where you’re earning your doctorate, you may also need more time to complete your degree.

Components of your I/O doctorate psychology program may include:

• Assessment of group and individual dynamics and how these dynamics affect motivation and performance

• Optimization of work-life balance

• Identifying areas of potential growth in training and leadership within an organization

• Creation of criteria to effectively evaluate employees and leaders

• Assessment of customer preferences

In your doctorate program, you may be able to highly personalize your program, allowing you to spend time studying the part of your field that’s of the most interest to you. Many industrial-organizational psychologists work to help organizations support the efficiency of their workers by streamlining training programs and developing initiatives that encourage employees to achieve. Others work to improve company leadership by observing leaders in action and providing them with feedback and the next steps to move their department forward.

You may also have the chance to participate in research while you’re earning your doctorate degree. This can both give you the chance to explore your area of interest and make valuable contributions to industrial-organizational psychology as a whole. At the end of your doctorate program, you may be required to present a dissertation to the faculty of your department.

Admissions Requirements for a Doctorate in Industrial-Organizational Psychology

It’s important to remember that admissions requirements for doctorate programs in industrial-organizational psychology will differ depending on the type of program you choose. In order to gain admittance to a Ph.D. or Psy.D. program in I/O psychology, you’ll either need to have a master’s degree or a bachelor’s degree plus work experience. While having an undergraduate degree in a related field (like business, psychology, or sociology) may be preferable, it’s not always required. You may need to have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher.

In addition to your undergraduate and graduate work, you’ll also likely need to provide a writing sample and a personal statement that explains why you’re interested in going into the field. You may also need to provide your GRE scores, as well as letters of recommendation from employers or instructors.

List of I/O Psychology Doctorate Degree Programs

Find an online or campus-based doctorate program in industrial-organizational psychology today – our state-by-state listings make it easy to find a great program near you.

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Joel Gill

Joel Gill is a writer with a background in psychology. He earned his Bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of California, Berkeley, and has a deep interest in the human mind and behavior. Joel's writing often explores themes related to mental health, relationships, and personal growth. When he’s not writing, Joel enjoys cycling, meditation, and spending time with his family.