Study the behavior of individuals in businesses and organizations to determine how to improve performance and productivity. Students in the online I/O psychology graduate program learn how to use research and measurement skills to solve practical workplace issues and to apply the principles of psychology to human resources and leadership challenges within an organization. This degree is practitioner-oriented, providing practical knowledge and skills focusing on research and consulting. Industrial/organizational psychology master's programs are considered terminal degrees in this field.
What you learn
CSU's core curriculum is grounded in quantitative analysis coursework that prepares you to conduct research and analyze data that drives meaningful and lasting change in organizations. Through the online master's in I/O psychology, you will learn how to:
Recruit, select, and retain high-quality employees.
Identify training and development needs.
Create, implement, and manage employee and leadership development programs.
Address complex issues such as workplace diversity and anti-discrimination policies.
Design and manage employee opinion and job satisfaction surveys.
Analyze the effectiveness of workplace programs.
Assess employee performance.
Research and improve the quality of work environments.
CSU's expert faculty have developed the program's unique curriculum. You will gain real-world perspectives from faculty with an average of 15 years of experience in the field. They each have their own areas of research in addition to a wealth of knowledge and experience in topics such as:
Assessment centers
Performance appraisal instruments
Corporate culture and climate
Workforce diversity
Employee engagement and retention
Take advantage of opportunities in a growing field
Employers are increasingly recognizing the need to efficiently hire and retain employees, create productive work environments, and make their organization a place people want to work. As a result, the industry's demand for industrial/organizational psychologists is expected to grow 19% by 2024. Positions in this field are not only plentiful, they are also well-paid, ensuring your investment is worth it. Organizations need I/O psychology graduates to fill positions in:
Human resources and personnel selection
Compensation, benefits, and job analysis
Training and training evaluation
Organizational development
Succession planning and leadership development
Instructional coordination
Research and academia
Upon completion of your online master's in industrial/organizational psychology, you will have the tools to meet the needs of employers throughout these different positions.
Explore Careers
With a Master of Applied Organizational/Industrial Psychology, you will find outstanding employment prospects in fields such as:
Human resources and personnel selection
Compensation, benefits, and job analysis
Training and training evaluation
Organizational development
Succession planning and leadership development
Instructional coordination
Research and academia
The job market in this field is strong. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the field of industrial/organizational psychology has growing demand and offers well-paid opportunities.
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution
September 2025
Colorado State University
711 Oval Drive,
FORT COLLINS,
Colorado,
80521, United States
GRE Psychology Subject Test scores
3.0 GPA on all undergraduate coursework
A grade of B or higher in an undergraduate course in statistics
A grade of B or higher in the following undergraduate courses: industrial or organizational psychology, human resource management (business), or organizational behavior (business)
Math Entrance Exam scores recommended for applicants who have not taken the required prerequisites within the past 10 years
English language proficiency:
TOEFL minimum score - 550 (paper based), 80 (Internet based)
IELTS minimum score - 6.5
Duolingo minimum score - 120
PTE minimum score - 58
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
With research projects in over 85 countries and +2,500 international students, CSU has the atmosphere and influence of a globalized institution.