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Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology
The workplace is constantly evolving. Capella University offers an online PhD in Psychology, Industrial/Organizational (I/O) Psychology program that equips you to lead through change by assessing and solving real-world problems, enhancing culture and well-being and designing effective organizations.
You’ll be prepared with the knowledge and skills you need to pursue your professional goals.
Classes start December 1
Apply today with no application fee.
At a glance
- Online
- GuidedPath
- 7 Core courses
- 7 Specialization courses
- 3 Virtual residencies
- 4 Dissertation courses
- 84 Total quarter credits (24 Max transfer)
Reduce your tuition by $5,000
Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $5K Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your doctoral degree. Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Explore industrial/organizational psychology courses
- This program requires a total of 84 quarter credits
- You’ll need to complete seven core courses, seven specialization courses, three virtual residencies and four dissertation courses
| Course number & name | Course description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| RSCH7020 Navigating the Ethical Landscape of Research in a Diverse World | Learners evaluate their own biases with an emphasis on self-awareness and reflection on cultural identity and ethics in research. Learners develop strategies to apply and incorporate ethical and multicultural principles and influences in research and publications. | 4 quarter credits |
| PSY6710 Principles of I/O Psychology | In this course, learners identify and confirm theories and research of industrial/organizational psychology. Learners examine the various psychological constructs affecting individuals, groups, teams, and organizations in the workplace and explore diversity and ethical principles as they relate to decision-making processes. Learners also evaluate the differences between industrial and organizational psychology and explore various assessment methods, models, and interventions applicable across workplace settings. | 5 quarter credits |
| PSY8721 Introduction to Business Practice for Psychology | Learners identify business practices for starting, operating, and maintaining a viable consulting business. Learners develop an understanding of the knowledge and skills for consulting, including preparing for a consulting career, starting and promoting a consulting business, maintaining the business, and learning how to actualize personal values and ethical acumen in their daily work. Finally, learners also acquire the consulting competencies of branding, marketing, and selling, as well as building and maintaining client relationships. | 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. Pre-requisite(s): PSY6710, PSY7610, RSCH7864 | 5 quarter credits |
What you'll learn
The PhD in Psychology, Industrial/Organizational Psychology is for students interested in the application of psychology in the workplace and other organizational settings. The curriculum provides students the opportunity to pursue coursework in coaching psychology, consultation psychology, industrial psychology and organizational psychology. Students in this specialization are interested in leader development, coaching psychology, group and team dynamics, organizational change management, systems planning, industrial/organizational assessment, employee motivation/performance improvement, strategic planning, professional development, and administrative and human resource management (including employee support services). This specialization is not designed or intended to meet licensure requirements for any licensed profession.
This specialization is designed to help you gain the following skills related to this field:
- Evaluate and apply critical thinking in response to behavior in the workplace
- Synthesize theoretical and research findings from the discipline of I/O psychology
- Evaluate 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
- 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, 72 coursework credits, 24 max transfer credits
Tuition breakdown
Program Phases
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
$0 no application fee
Application fee
$0
no application fee
Tuition and program length are unique to you
Your total tuition and program length depend on a variety of factors, including:
- Academic performance
- Complexity of your dissertation
- Number of quarters spent working on practicum
- Prior coursework
- Scholarships and finances
- Unexpected life events
- Employer and/or military benefits
About cost scenarios
The cost scenarios below are examples based on general program pricing and 2024–25 Capella tuition rates and assume the average number of transfer credits a student brings into the program. Pacing and pricing information is current as of Jan. 1, 2024. These rates are the same nationwide and may change depending on factors affecting program length and price. You are responsible for paying your own travel costs related to residencies, including plane, hotel, and food expenses.
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 12 quarters |
$37,609.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,780 per quarter 5 quarters |
$13,900.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$51,509.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-5,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$46,509.00 |
| Resource Kit fee: $175 12 quarters |
$2,100.00 |
| Application fee:
|
$0 |
|
Est. Total 17 quarters |
$48,609.00 |
Completes dissertation in 6 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the median 50% of students. |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $555/credit 12 quarters |
$37,609.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,780 6 quarters |
$16,680.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$54,289.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-5,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$49,289.00 |
| Resource Kit fee: $175 12 quarters |
$2,100.00 |
| Application fee:
|
$0 |
|
Est. Total 18 quarters |
$51,389.00 |
Completes dissertation in 8 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the slowest 75% of students. |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $555/credit 12 quarters |
$37,609.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,780 per quarter 8 quarters |
$22,240.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$59,849.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-5,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$54,849.00 |
| Resource Kit fee: $175 12 quarters |
$2,100.00 |
| Application fee:
|
$0 |
|
Est. Total 20 quarters |
$56,949.00 |
*Eligibility rules and exclusions 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. 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:
- Admission application – no application fee required
- 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.
Articles and resources
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Helping Professions Program Guide
Explore paths and programs that leverage your unique interests to help build a better world.
What can you do with an PhD in Psychology, Industrial/Organizational Psychology?
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*
- Behavioral scientist
- Data analytics manager
- Director of human resources
- Director of organizational development
- Employee relations manager
- Human resources business partner
- Human resources recruitment and placement specialist
- Learning and development program manager
- Psychology professor
Employment settings to explore*
- Administrative management and general management consulting services
- Colleges, universities and professional schools
- Employment placement agencies
- Executive offices
- Other general government support
- Research and development in the social sciences and humanities
*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. Educational and professional requirements for faculty positions vary widely by employer. Understanding your target employers’ particular requirements is key in deciding on a doctoral program.