Guide organizations to success by implementing industrial and organizational psychology solutions that leverage their strengths.
- Personnel selection
- Performance appraisal
- Training
- Leadership
- Motivation
- Internship/Thesis
- Applied Research Project (ARP).
The ARP Track is designed for those with a minimum of three years relevant post-baccalaureate work experience.
Manika Turnbull, Ph.D.
Admissions Requirements
Internship/Thesis Track
- Application - Apply Online
- Application fee: $50
- The general guideline for admission is a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale.
- Official college/university transcripts
- Letter of recommendation
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited university
- Work experience recommended
- Applicants with a cumulative GPA below 3.0 are required to submit additional documentation:
- Resume or curriculum vitae
- Two letters of Recommendation
- Personal Statement/essay
ARP Track
- Application - Apply Online
- Application fee: $50
- Generally an undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Official college/university transcripts
- Letter of recommendation
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited university
- Work experience recommended
- 3 years minimum work or volunteer experience. Documentation can include, but is not limited to:
- Resume/Curriculum vitae
- Letter from employer
- Service award from a volunteer organization
- Other documentation
- Successfully completed the following in undergraduate program (earned a C or higher)
- One course in psychology
- One course in statistics or quantitative psychology
- One course in research methods or experimental psychology
- Applicants with a cumulative GPA below 3.0 are required to submit additional documentation:
- Two letters of Recommendation
- Personal Statement/essay
Accreditation & Licensure
Accreditation
To learn more about The Chicago School's institutional and programmatic accreditations, visit our Accreditation page.
Licensure
For information on whether a program at The Chicago School meets or does not meet licensure eligibility requirements for the state in which you wish to be licensed, please visit our licensure disclosures page.
Fieldwork Opportunities
On-Ground Internship Option
Students at one of our campuses who choose the internship option complete two 300 hour internships (for a total of 600 hours of internship experience). The internship should involve the student in learning specific, transferable, I/O-relevant or HR-relevant professional skills. All internships must be pre-approved by the faculty internship supervisor. Students registered in the Internship Track incur a one-time $195 Experiential Learning Technology Fee.
On-Ground Thesis Option
Students at one of our campuses may choose to complete a thesis that allows students to more deeply explore a chosen topic in industrial and organizational psychology. The thesis option comprises two courses: Thesis I and Thesis II. The student must get approval from the Business Psychology Department Chair to enroll in these courses. The student must also select a faculty member to serve as thesis advisor. This faculty member will supervise the thesis.
Note: Students pursuing this option do not have an option for a general elective but will take a diversity elective.
Online Applied Research Project
Online students who have sufficient work experience may enroll in the Applied Research Project (ARP) Track. They will have the opportunity to work directly with a faculty member, who will approve and supervise their work. In preparation of this process, students will also gain the necessary writing and research skills in relevant and tailored coursework.
Sample Courses
Organizational Behavior
This course explores organizations at the individual and team level, examining the relationship between employees and managers, and employees and teams. It examines the factors that drive productivity and success in organizations including motivation, diversity, work stress, conflict and negotiation, decision making, personality, and attitudes.
Organizational Culture and Design
This course explores organizations at the organizational level, examining the relationship between culture and organization design, structure, and environment. It examines the impact of change in strategy and technology, environmental turbulence and organizational maturity, and reviews organization development as a means to advance the changing nature of organization. Supporting topics include corporate ethics, life cycle and control, organizational climate, and globalization. Students will create an organizational change strategy for a company in turmoil.
Organizational Consulting Skills
Prerequisite(s): IO 400 and IO 510. This course provides students with the knowledge and skills to serve as internal and external consultants to business and non-profit organizations. The class reviews individual, group, and organizational assessment strategies. Through case analysis and in-class experiential exercises, students gain skills in project proposal, problem framing, contract development, client relations, and presentation of findings. Legal and ethical issues specific to the consulting role will also be addressed.
Career Pathways
Graduates from the in-person and online M.A. Industrial and Organizational Psychology program are prepared to apply their skills to a variety of fields and professions, including:
- Consultation
- Marketing
- Human resources
- Leadership
- Government
- Business
- Nonprofit
Career Outcomes
The Chicago School prepares you to make an impact in a variety of high-demand careers. Below, you will find possible career options and salaries associated with this degree.
Data is pulled by a third-party tool called Lightcast, which includes data from sources including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. Census Bureau, online job postings, and other government databases. The information below represents a regional and national career outlook related to this degree program*. The Chicago School is dedicated to assisting you in achieving your career goals.
*Many degree programs are intended to fulfill licensure requirements in specific states. The data shown here may not represent the state where you currently reside. For more information on how this program is applicable to the requirements of your state, please speak with your admissions representative.
Financing Your Education
The Chicago School is dedicated to keeping our professional degree programs accessible to anyone regardless of financial status. In addition to the scholarships that may be available, our Financial Aid Department will provide you with information to determine what financial arrangements are right for you.
M.A. Industrial and Organizational Psychology FAQs
What is Industrial and Organizational Psychology, and how does The Chicago School prepare me for success in this field?
Industrial and Organizational Psychology focuses on the application of psychological principles to workplace environments, enhancing employee performance and organizational effectiveness. Our M.A. Industrial and Organizational Psychology program equips students with a broad knowledge base and essential skills in assessment, intervention, and consultation. Through hands-on learning, internships, and research, students learn to apply industrial and organizational psychology solutions to real-world organizational challenges.
Can I pursue an M.A. I/O Psychology part-time, and how long will it take to complete?
Yes, we offer flexible study options for the MA I/O Psychology program, allowing students to enroll full-time or part-time. The full-time pathway can be completed in two years while the part-time pathway extends to three years, accommodating those who wish to balance their studies with work or other commitments.
What are the admission requirements for the M.A. Industrial and Organizational Psychology program at The Chicago School?
Admission to the M.A. Industrial and Organizational Psychology program requires an application, a $50 fee, official transcripts, a letter of recommendation, and a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above is recommended. Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 may need to submit additional documentation such as a resume and personal statement.
Are there any fieldwork opportunities available for Master of Arts in Industrial Organizational Psychology students?
Students in the Master of Arts in Industrial Organizational Psychology program have the opportunity to gain real-world experience through internships, which involve 600 hours of industrial and organizational psychology-relevant professional skills development. Additionally, students can choose between two tracks to: internship/thesis or an Applied Research Project, depending on their career goals and academic interests.
What are the differences between the Internship/Thesis and Applied Research Project (ARP) tracks in the M.A. I/O Psychology program?
The Internship/Thesis track is for students seeking practical experience through internships or deep research insights via a thesis, aimed at enhancing hands-on diagnostic and consultative skills. The Applied Research Project (ARP) track is suited for professionals with at least three years of work experience, focusing on applying research to solve real-world organizational problems. Both tracks prepare students for diverse careers by leveraging the strengths of industrial and organizational psychology.
What career pathways are available after receiving a Master's Degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology?
Graduates with a Master's Degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology are well-prepared for a wide range of careers in different corporate settings. See our article, “13 Popular Industrial and Organizational Psychology Careers,” to learn more about some of the promising careers that you might wish to pursue after you graduate.
How does The Chicago School support students financially in the M.A. I/O Psychology program?
The Chicago School is committed to making the M.A. I/O Psychology program accessible to all students, regardless of financial status. The Financial Aid Department offers information on scholarships, loans, and other financial arrangements to ensure that students can find the financial solutions that are right for them.
