Master of Arts (M.A.) in Industrial + Organizational Psychology
Online
The Adler University Master of Arts in Industrial and Organizational Psychology prepares professionals to apply workplace psychology to lead change, enhance performance, and build healthier organizational systems locally and globally.
- 36-42 credits
- 1-year program, full-time study
- SHRM | CPHR certification
- Part-time opportunities
- Specialized concentrations
- Pathway to doctorate
Admission Deadlines
| Term | Final |
|---|---|
| Fall II 2025 | 10/6/2025 |
| Spring I 2026 | 12/1/2025 |
| Summer I 2026 | 4/1/2026 |
| Fall I 2026 | 8/1/2026 |
Program overview
Industrial and Organizational (I/O) Psychology continues to expand as organizations increasingly seek specialists who can strengthen teams, improve performance, and support employee well-being. This program prepares graduates to meet those demands by blending theory with applied practice across a range of industries.
Through integrated learning in talent selection, leadership coaching, organizational assessment, and change management, students develop the skills to implement evidence-based strategies that foster resilient, high-performing workplaces. Graduates leave ready to guide organizations through evolving challenges, shaping the future of work while cultivating environments where people and systems thrive together.
Why choose the online I/O master’s program at Adler?
- Nationally recognized: Ranked #25 Best Online Master’s in Organizational Psychology (2025) by Intelligent.com for excellence in preparing leaders to transform workplaces and drive organizational change.
- Fully online, flexible format: Complete the program entirely online, with asynchronous learning that lets working professionals balance studies, work, and life.
- Certification: Eligibility for Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) or Chartered Professionals in Human Resources (CPHR) certification strengthens career pathways in HR policy, people strategy, and organizational leadership..
- Capstone or thesis option: Choose a capstone project applying learning to organizational challenges, or a three-course thesis developing original research.
- Strong mentorship and small classes: Receive one-on-one advising and work with experienced faculty.
Thesis + capstone
Adler University’s online I/O Psychology program gives students the choice between completing a single-course capstone project or a three-course thesis series. Both options follow a structured process that supports the development of comprehensive, in-depth work.
CONCENTRATIONS
As part of the online master’s in I/O Psychology program, students will select from three specialized concentrations tailored to their desired career path.
Data Science
Geared for students who want to become experts at analyzing data and using it to make informed, socially responsible decisions that impact their organizations. Students in this concentration will learn key principles of data collection and analysis, various models and uses of the data science lifecycle, and how to navigate through several major data analytics platforms.
Training and Development
Prepares students to analyze and create effective training and development programs from a strategic, organization-wide standpoint. As part of the concentration, students learn how to build, improve, and implement programs inclusive of the organization’s various populations, including e-learning programs, needs assessments, and performance development.
Human Resources Management
Learn to view human resources from a strategic perspective to help an organization meet its goals and objectives. In the concentration, students will focus on designing comprehensive human resource programs, understanding risk management, and navigating change management within an organization. Graduates of the program will also be prepared to pursue the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) certification.
*Students selecting the Human Resources Management concentration will take two additional courses, for a total of 42 credits
Careers in leadership + strategy
Built on a strong theoretical foundation and enriched by applied experience, Adler’s Industrial and Organizational Psychology program opens doors to careers across a variety of settings, including roles such as:
Human Resources Manager
Oversees recruitment, employee relations, and retention strategies to build and sustain a strong workforce. With certification from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) or Chartered Professionals in Human Resources (CPHR), graduates are well-positioned to guide HR policy and align people strategy with organizational goals.
Executive Coach
Partners with leaders and teams to strengthen decision-making, communication, and performance. Executive coaches play a key role in shaping organizational culture and driving long-term growth.
Organizational Development Specialist
Designs and leads change initiatives that improve workplace culture, innovation, and overall effectiveness. These specialists apply psychological principles to align people, processes, and systems with organizational strategy.
People Analytics Specialist
Uses behavioral research and workforce data to inform HR strategy and organizational decision-making. This role blends data analysis with psychological insight to optimize hiring, performance, and retention.
Admissions requirements
Eligibility
Applicants of the online I/O master’s program must meet the following requirements:
- A baccalaureate degree, by the date of matriculation, earned from an accredited college or university, or an equivalent degree from an international college or university.
- A GPA of 3.0 or better (on a 4.0 scale) in their baccalaureate degree.
- Applicants with a GPA between 2.5 and 2.99 will be considered for conditional admission by submitting two letters of recommendation from a current professor, supervisor, and/or someone who can attest to the applicant’s ability to be successful in a graduate program. Exceptions may be made for applicants with a conferred graduate degree.
- Applicants with a GPA below a 2.5 will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Application requirements
Applicants are required to submit the following items to be considered for admission:
- Completed application submitted via the online portal.
- Application fee.
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae.
- Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate schools attended (U.S. and Canada). International transcripts must be evaluated by a transcript evaluation service.
- Two letters of recommendation. Letters of recommendation may be waived based on cumulative grade point average from your degree-granting institution. Letters of recommendation should be submitted by professional references on letterhead.
Approved applicants will be invited to complete an interview with faculty.
Provisional Admission Status
Applicants admitted on a provisional basis must submit all outstanding collateral, as defined in their acceptance letter, prior to the end of their first course to achieve full admission status and continue in the program. Applicants not meeting this standard may be dismissed from the University.
How to Apply + Submit Transcripts
- Visit Adler University’s online application portal, create an account, and submit your application, fee, Statement of Intent, resume/CV, and references’ details.
- Have official transcripts sent directly from each issuing institution or approved service to the Office of Admissions prior to the application deadline. Do not upload official copies to the portal.
Official electronic transcripts should be sent to admissions@adler.edu.
Physical transcripts should be sent to:
Adler University – Office of Admissions
17 N. Dearborn Street
Chicago, IL 60602
Curriculum | Internships | practicums
This 36-credit program is offered entirely online and can be completed in as few as 12 months, making it an attractive option for students who may be currently employed. Our asynchronous learning model allows for convenience and flexibility.
Completion of the program includes the courses below, along with additional requirements outlined in the Adler University Course Catalog.
CORE COURSES
These courses form the foundation for your education at Adler.
Organizational Theory
This course presents a multi-faceted view of organizational theory for the I/O practitioner. Both the history of the field and current issues related to research and practice are explored.
Statistics
This course prepares students to conduct statistical analyses using SPSS. Descriptive, inferential, and multivariate statistical techniques will be examined as they relate to decision-making and problem-solving in organizations and systems.
Research Methods
This course explores the fundamental concepts of social science research methodology within the field of applied psychology. Students will learn how to conduct literature reviews, establish and evaluate sampling methods and research designs, and recognize variables related to systems evaluation.
Organizational Development and Change
This course examines the vital role of organizational development (OD) to help organizations evolve to meet business challenges. Through case study and interactive discussion, students learn about the phases of planned change.
Group Dynamics
In this course, students are introduced to the function and structure of groups to promote organizational effectiveness. The science behind group decision-making, process and communication are explored. Course topics also cover conflict resolution, leadership and power, collaboration and shared goals.
Talent Selection and Recruitment
This course provides students with an introduction to tools and procedures used to recruit and select the best employees for organizations. The course will prepare students with the skills to: conduct a job analysis, create job applications and structured job interviews, and evaluate appropriate tools for employee selection.
Talent Management
This course will offer students an introduction to the field of talent management and what has also been known as personnel psychology An overview of the processes used by organizations to attract, select, retain, and develop employees will be discussed in this course.
Training Theory
The course provides students with a thorough understanding of the role of a training and development practitioner. Students will be provided with an analysis of current best practices as they relate to adult learning, instructional design/ strategy, and program evaluation.
THESIS OR CAPSONE
Adler University’s online I/O Psychology program gives students the choice between completing a single-course capstone project or a three-course thesis series. Both options follow a structured process that supports the development of comprehensive, in-depth work.
SOCIAL JUSTICE PRACTICUM
Your opportunity to create lasting change on local and global systems, almost from day 1.
The Social Justice Practicum (SJP) at Adler University is a first-year, non-clinical, community-based experience that reflects Alfred Adler’s concept of social interest. The practicum places students with mission-driven organizations where they complete a minimum of 200 approved hours across two semesters, typically 8–10 hours per week. Alongside their placements, students participate in required workshops. Each practicum is evaluated through midterm and final supervisor reviews, student self-assessments, and feedback on the site and project, with grades of High Pass, Pass, Remediation, or Fail. The experience culminates in a campus-wide presentation of outcomes, assessed by multiple evaluators, offering students both applied training and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful community change.
CONCENTRATION IN DATA SCIENCE
Students completing the Concentration in Data Science must complete the following courses for their concentration coursework requirements.
Data Science
The course will provide students with an overview of key concepts and skills in the field of data science. Emphasis will be placed on the use of data for socially responsible decision making.
Data Analytics for Programming
This course will examine the role of data analytics in different organizational settings. The mechanisms of data analytics for programming will be explored along with tools and methods used for programming.
CONCENTRATION IN HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Students completing the Concentration in Human Resources Management must complete the following three courses for their concentration coursework requirements. Students electing to complete the emphasis in Human Resource Management will complete one extra 3-credit course, for a total of 39 credits.
Overview of Human Resources Management
This course introduces roles and responsibilities within human resource management and explores the design and implementation of effective total rewards programs, recognition strategies, management practices, HR policies, workplace health and safety, initiatives and employee relations approaches.
Risk and Change Management
This course covers the internal and external forces that necessitate change in organizations such as technological innovation, competitive pressures, generational preferences and differences, social issues, and political trends. This course covers the impact on employees and organizations when changes are managed proactively as well as reactively.
Workplace Measurement and Performance Management
In this course, students learn about the various strategies to assess, understand and improve upon measurable workplace behaviors, attitudes, and topics. Students will learn all aspects of the performance management process, which begins with the organization’s goals and standards and is continuously monitored by measuring and evaluating employees, distributing rewards, coaching and training employees, providing feedback, and aligning goals across the levels of the organization.
CONCENTRATION IN TRAINING + DEVELOPMENT
Students completing the Concentration in Training and Development must complete the following courses for their concentration coursework requirements:
Employee Development
This course provides students with an overview of key theories of and strategies for employee development and training. An analysis of current best practices in training and development will be explored, including adult learning theory, instructional design/ strategy, and program evaluation.
E-Learning
In this course, students will explore concepts, methods and theories surrounding e-learning. E-learning is a large area within training and development that explores principles of training and development in a virtual environment.
Financing your degree
Use our tuition calculator to help you start to plan your budget. Financial aid from the government, scholarships, or part-time employment can help you more easily afford your degree.
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