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.
2025 Best Online Doctorate in Industrial Organizational Psychology Programs
Looking for the best online doctorate in industrial organizational psychology programs? CounselingPsychology.org has ranked top programs to help you find the right fit. Online programs offer flexibility, making it easier to balance studies with work or family. They are perfect for those who prefer distance learning or live in remote areas. These programs provide the same quality education as on-campus options. Ready to explore your options? Check out our detailed rankings and see which program meets your needs. Learn more about how we rank programs https://counselingpsychology.org/rankings-methodology/.
DePaul University
Chicago, IL - Private 4-year - depaul.edu
Doctorate - Industrial-Organizational Psychology (MA/PhD)
Concentration: management - Campus Based - Visit Website
DePaul University's Industrial-Organizational Psychology MA/PhD program, with a concentration in management, is designed for students aiming to excel in workplace psychology. This campus-based program merges psychological theory with research methodology, focusing on leadership, motivation, and organizational development. Unique features include a non-terminal MA leading to a PhD, NASA-funded research, and internships with major corporations. The program boasts a 97% post-graduation success rate, offering paths in both corporate and academic careers. Entrance exams are required, though specifics are not mentioned. The Lincoln Park Campus provides a vibrant setting for this rigorous four-year combined degree program.
- Combined MA/PhD program
- Focus on workplace psychology
- Optional secondary specialization
- Internship opportunities
- 97% post-graduation success rate
- Lincoln Park Campus location
- NASA-funded research opportunities
- Teaching and research experience
- Corporate and academic career paths
Doctorate - Industrial-Organizational Psychology (MA/PhD)
Concentration: marketing - Campus Based - Visit Website
Focusing on marketing, DePaul University's Industrial-Organizational Psychology MA/PhD program prepares students for careers in transforming workplace dynamics through advanced psychological training. Located at the Lincoln Park Campus, this program emphasizes research, methodology, and practical experience, with a 97% employment rate post-graduation. Highlights include NASA-funded research, median alumni salary of $59,040, and internship opportunities. The program requires entrance exams and offers secondary specialization options, fostering a collaborative learning environment for aspiring professionals in corporate consulting and academic research.
- Four-year combined MA/PhD program
- Located in Chicago's Lincoln Park Campus
- 97% post-graduation employment rate
- NASA-funded research opportunities
- Secondary specialization options available
- Day classes with faculty experts
- Median alumni salary $59,040
- Internship opportunities with major corporations
- Research-focused curriculum
- Collaborative learning environment
Doctorate - Industrial-Organizational Psychology (MA/PhD)
Concentration: women’s and gender studies - Campus Based - Visit Website
DePaul University offers an Industrial-Organizational Psychology MA/PhD program with a concentration in women’s and gender studies, aimed at students seeking to apply psychological insights to workplace dynamics. This campus-based program includes daytime classes, secondary specialization options, and a strong connection to Chicago's business community. With a 97% post-graduation success rate and median alumni salary exceeding $59,040, the program features NASA-funded research and corporate internships. Entrance exams are required, preparing students for impactful careers in corporate, consulting, and academic settings through a comprehensive four-year curriculum.
- Combined MA/PhD degree program
- Daytime classes at Lincoln Park Campus
- Secondary specialization options
- 97% post-graduation success rate
- NASA-funded research opportunities
- Median alumni salary $59,040+
- Internships with major corporations
- Strong Chicago business connections
- Research and teaching experience
Montclair State University
Montclair, NJ - Public 4-Year - montclair.edu
Doctorate - Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Campus Based - Visit Website
Montclair State University's PhD in Industrial/Organizational Psychology is a campus-based program designed for those aiming to excel in understanding human behavior within organizations. It merges scientific research with practical applications, offering training in data analysis, organizational dynamics, and evidence-based interventions. A unique feature is its STEM designation, highlighting the program's rigorous quantitative focus. Admission requires the GRE General Test, and students benefit from guaranteed funding for the first four years. This program stands out as the only I/O Psychology PhD in New Jersey, preparing graduates to enhance workplace effectiveness and employee engagement.
- STEM Designated Degree Program
- Scientist-practitioner model approach
- 8 full-time and affiliate faculty
- Data Science concentration option
- Only I/O Psychology PhD in NJ
- Guaranteed funding first 4 years
- Requires GRE General Test
- 79-81 total credit hours
- Advanced quantitative methods
- Business strategy courses included
Doctorate - Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Concentration: Business - Campus Based - Visit Website
The PhD in Industrial/Organizational Psychology with a Business concentration at Montclair State University is a STEM-designated, campus-based program. It uniquely integrates psychological principles with business strategy, equipping students with skills in data science, HR strategy, and organizational development. The program follows a scientist-practitioner model, supported by faculty engaged in active research. Applicants need a psychology background or 12 undergraduate psychology credits, including statistics. The 79-81 credit curriculum prepares graduates for leadership roles in academia or industry, emphasizing practical applications alongside theoretical knowledge.
- STEM-designated program.
- Business concentration available.
- Scientist-practitioner model.
- 79-81 credit curriculum.
- Requires psychology background.
- Focus on data science.
- HR strategy included.
- Organizational development focus.
- Active research faculty.
- Prepares for academia or industry.
Doctorate - Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Concentration: Data Science - Campus Based - Visit Website
Montclair State University offers a PhD in Industrial/Organizational Psychology with a Data Science concentration, blending psychological research with technological applications. This STEM-designated, campus-based program focuses on data science skills such as Python and data mining, supported by real-world projects. The curriculum spans 79-81 credits, including advanced statistics and data science courses. Admission requires a bachelor's in psychology or 12 undergraduate psychology credits, with statistics and a lab course. Most students receive funding for their first four years, making this program an excellent choice for those interested in the intersection of psychology and technology.
- STEM-designated program
- Data Science concentration
- Scientist-practitioner model
- 79-81 credit hours
- Funding for first four years
- Python and data mining courses
- Real-world project opportunities
- Advanced statistics training
- Supportive academic community
- Bachelor's in psychology required
- 12 psychology credits needed
- Statistics and lab course prerequisites
- Research and analytical focus
- Business strategy integration
- Comprehensive exam required
Doctorate - Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Concentration: Psychology - Campus Based - Visit Website
Montclair State University's PhD in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, with a concentration in Psychology, adopts a scientist-practitioner approach to workplace dynamics. This campus-based program combines psychological research with business strategy, offering advanced training in quantitative methods, leadership assessment, and performance optimization. Unique features include guaranteed funding, the only I/O Psychology doctoral program in New Jersey, and opportunities for real-world consulting. The program's STEM designation and focus on data science prepare graduates to lead in organizational development and workplace psychology, supported by a diverse faculty and a strong academic community.
- STEM-Designated Doctoral Program
- Data Science Concentration Available
- Scientist-Practitioner Model
- 8 Full-Time Faculty Researchers
- Regional Program Leadership
- Statistical Training in R
- Business Strategy Courses
- Quantitative Methods Certification
- Eagle I.O. Student Consultancy Group
- First Four Years Funding Guaranteed
University of Connecticut
Storrs, CT - Public 4-Year - uconn.edu
Doctorate - Industrial and Organizational Psychology
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Connecticut's Ph.D. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology is a campus-based program designed for students aiming for careers in academia, corporations, and government. It offers two specialized tracks: personnel/organizational psychology and human factors/ergonomics, focusing on research-driven training. Students benefit from field research, teaching experiences, and interdisciplinary learning. Financial support includes graduate assistantships with tuition waivers and stipends. This program is ideal for those seeking a comprehensive, research-focused education in workplace human behavior.
- Ph.D. concentration in Psychology
- Two research specialization tracks
- Field research experience required
- Graduate assistantships available
- Diverse career preparation
- Research-focused training
- Close faculty collaboration
Doctorate - Industrial and Organizational Psychology
Concentration: Personnel and Organizational Psychology - Campus Based - Visit Website
Focusing on Personnel and Organizational Psychology, the University of Connecticut's Ph.D. program equips students to apply psychological principles in work settings. This campus-based program emphasizes close faculty collaboration, allowing students to tailor their coursework and research. It offers graduate certificates in related fields and financial aid like assistantships. A December 1 admissions deadline applies, with an encouragement to contact faculty beforehand. The program is research-intensive, requiring field experience and offering teaching opportunities for academic careers.
- Ph.D. concentration available
- Focus on Personnel and Organizational Psychology
- Close faculty collaboration
- Graduate certificate options
- Financial aid available
- Research and field experience required
- Teaching opportunities for academic careers
- Career paths in various sectors
- Admissions deadline December 1
- Encouraged to contact faculty
Doctorate - Industrial and Organizational Psychology
Concentration: Human Factors and Ergonomics - Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Connecticut offers a Ph.D. concentration in Industrial and Organizational Psychology with a focus on Human Factors and Ergonomics. This campus-based program prepares students to enhance workplace safety and efficiency through psychological methods. It features close faculty collaboration, research every semester, and field research requirements. Financial aid, including assistantships, is available. The program also offers graduate certificates in related fields. Admissions require materials by December 1, with a recommendation to connect with faculty beforehand, preparing students for both academic and applied careers.
- Ph.D. concentration available
- Focus on Human Factors
- Campus-based program
- Financial aid options
- December 1 application deadline
- Close faculty collaboration
- Research every semester
- Field research required
- Graduate certificates available
- Prepares for academic and applied careers
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.
2025 Affordable PhD in I/O Psychology Program Options
Finding an affordable PhD in I/O Psychology is key for students aiming to advance their careers without heavy debt. The table lists options across the USA, highlighting program features and tuition ranges for 2025. Affordable and cost-effective programs help make higher education accessible, ensuring students can focus on their studies and future in industrial-organizational psychology. This guide simplifies the search for low-cost doctorate programs, offering a clear view of what's available.
School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
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Liberty University |
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University of Connecticut |
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Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale |
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2025 Shortest I/O Psychology PhD Program Options
Finding the shortest or fastest I/O Psychology PhD programs in the USA for 2025 is key for students eager to start their careers sooner. These programs, offering Doctorate degrees, focus on cutting study time without losing quality. The table highlights schools with strong graduation and retention rates, showing their success in supporting students through to completion. Quicker programs mean entering the workforce faster, a big plus in today's competitive job market. Whether in bustling cities or quieter regions, these options cater to diverse preferences, ensuring a path that fits each student's pace and goals.
School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
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University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign |
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University of South Florida |
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Michigan State University |
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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.
California
Los Angeles, CA
The Chicago School at Los Angeles
- Doctorate - Ph.D. Business Psychology
Concentration: Industrial and Organizational Track - Online Learning - Website
- Online and on-campus options
- 3-5 year program length
- Two campus residencies
- Post-bachelor's and post-master's entry
- Research-driven curriculum
- Comprehensive competency exam
- Dissertation research component
- Professional development focus
San Diego, CA
Northcentral University
- Doctorate - PhD in Industrial Organizational Psychology
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Doctoral Program
- 46 Months to Complete
- 20 Total Courses
- Weekly Course Starts
- SIOP-Aligned Curriculum
- Doctoral-Level Faculty
- No Group Assignments
- Flexible Scheduling
Florida
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale
- Doctorate - PhD in Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Online Learning - Website
- 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
Illinois
Chicago, IL
Adler University
- Doctorate - Doctor of Philosophy in Industrial and Organizational Psychology
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online doctoral program
- 66-credit hour curriculum
- Social justice-driven approach
- 200-hour Social Justice Practicum
- Prepares experts in workplace psychology
- Master's degree required for admission
- Minimum 3.0 graduate GPA
- Career paths in multiple sectors
The Chicago School at Chicago
- Doctorate - Ph.D. Business Psychology
Concentration: Industrial and Organizational Track - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid program: online and on-campus
- 3-5 year completion time
- Post-bachelor's and post-master's entry
- Two campus residencies
- Comprehensive competency examination
- Dissertation research component
- Multiple campus locations
- Internship/Applied Research Project
Michigan
Kalamazoo, MI
Western Michigan University
- Doctorate - Doctor of Philosophy in Industrial Organizational Behavior Management
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 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
Virginia
Lynchburg, VA
Liberty University
- Doctorate - Ph.D. in Psychology – Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Online Learning - Website
- 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
Virginia Beach, VA
Regent University
- Doctorate - Ph.D. in Counseling & Psychological Studies
Concentration: Industrial-Organizational - Online Learning - Website
- Online doctoral program
- 51 total credit hours
- 150 hours field experience
- Christian worldview integration
- Workplace psychology focus