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Master of Arts + Master of Industrial and Organizational Psychology

Vancouver

Adler University’s Master of Arts and Master of Industrial and Organizational Psychology prepare leaders to transform workplaces and promote organizational well-being. The program builds a strong foundation in business principles, psychology, research, and applied practice, equipping graduates for careers in human resources, consulting, and organizational development.

  • 38 credits
  • 2-year program, full-time study
  • Evening + weekend courses
  • Part-time opportunities
  • Thesis + capstone options
  • Scholarships available
Apply Now (opens in a new tab) Request information All Programs

Admission Deadlines

Term Priority Final
Fall 2026 4/1/2026 8/1/2026

Program overview

Industrial and organizational psychology — commonly referred to as business psychology —is one of the fastest-growing fields, with increasing demand for experts in coaching, training, and workforce optimization. Adler University’s Master of Arts and Master of Industrial and Organizational Psychology (MAIOP | MIOP) programs prepare graduates to meet these needs and shape the future of work by building healthier, more innovative workplaces.

Students gain practical experience in psychometric assessment, strategic hiring, leadership development, and change management, applying evidence-based strategies that strengthen organizational culture and drive results.

STUDENT OUTCOMES
Why choose the MAIOP | MIOP programs?
  • Flexible learning options: Courses are primarily held on campus in Vancouver with select online options available. Daytime, evening, weekend, and part-time schedules are available to accommodate working professionals.
  • Two pathways: The MAIOP includes a traditional thesis for original research; the MIOP features a capstone project focused on applied solutions in organizational settings.
  • Financial support: One-time, merit-based scholarships are available to eligible domestic and international students. Adler alumni may also access additional funding opportunities.
  • Comprehensive and practical curriculum: Combines psychological theory, the fundamentals of business, evidence-based practices, and organizational science to address real-world workplace challenges.
  • Immersive learning: A 240-hour Organizational Development Practicum places students in organizations to implement strategic solutions.
  • Professional standards alignment: Meets the standards of APA Division 14 (Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology), the Canadian Society of Industrial Organizational Psychology, Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), Chartered Professionals in Human Resources, and the Academy of Management.

Thesis + CAPSTONE

Students can choose between a thesis or capstone. Both follow a structured format that guides students through creating comprehensive, in-depth research projects. Producing rigorous, high-quality work strengthens analytical abilities and writing skills, fostering readiness for leadership roles and advancing professional impact.

Thesis | MAIOP

The MAIOP is designed for those interested in conducting primary research and tackling real-world organizational challenges through a traditional thesis process. Under the mentorship of a faculty supervisor and committee, students develop and engage in real-time, original studies with people. This direct research experience enables them to explore critical workplace issues and contribute innovative, evidence-based solutions.

Capstone | MIOP

Instead of a thesis, the MIOP concludes with an applied research project focused on addressing real-world organizational challenges. Through a critical analysis of existing literature, students generate meaningful insights and practical recommendations to improve workplace systems and outcomes.

Careers That transform workplaces

Business psychologists have careers that influence leadership, culture, and well-being across sectors.

Man sits with a group talking

Human Resources + Talent Acquisition

Design and implement strategies to recruit, develop, and retain employees across industries. Human Resources and Talent Acquisition professionals manage hiring processes, workforce planning, and employee engagement while ensuring compliance with organizational policies and employment law. By shaping workplace culture and aligning talent with organizational goals, they play a vital role in building effective, motivated, and sustainable teams.

Four people sit at a table with laptops and documents, while one person—possibly a Ph.D.—stands and speaks to them in a modern office setting under a staircase.

LEADERSHIP + EXECUTIVE COACHING

Work with individuals and teams to enhance leadership capacity, improve decision-making, and guide organizational growth. Leadership and Executive Coaches assess strengths and areas for development, design tailored coaching strategies, and support leaders in navigating challenges, fostering collaboration, and driving performance. Through their work, they help organizations build resilient, adaptive, and effective leadership at every level.

Three people in business attire sit at a table, while a woman with a Ph.D. stands in front of a whiteboard with charts and notes, leading a meeting in a bright office.

Organizational Development + Change Management

Design and implement strategies that improve workplace effectiveness and help organizations adapt to evolving needs. Organizational Development and Change Management Professionals analyze systems, processes, and culture; guide leaders and teams through transitions; and apply evidence-based practices to strengthen performance and resilience. Their work ensures organizations can manage change successfully while fostering healthy, sustainable growth.

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Workplace Wellness

Create programs and initiatives that promote employee well-being, engagement, and a positive organizational culture. Workplace Wellness Professionals design and evaluate corporate wellness strategies, support mental health and work-life balance, and develop practices that foster belonging and inclusion. By addressing both individual needs and systemic barriers, they help organizations cultivate healthier, more productive, and sustainable workplaces.

A woman in a yellow sweater sits and listens during a group discussion focused on health and wellness with three other people in a brightly lit room.

Research + Behavioural Analytics

Study human behaviour in organizational settings to generate insights that inform strategy and decision-making. Research and Behavioural Analytics Professionals design and conduct studies, analyze data on workplace performance and culture, and translate findings into practical recommendations. Their work helps organizations understand employee needs, predict trends, and implement evidence-based solutions that drive effectiveness and innovation.

Data is from the Economic Research Institute and the Government of Canada.
$151K
Average salary for an I/O psychologist in Canada.
70%
I/O psychologists in Canada with a master’s degree.

Admissions requirements

Apply Now (opens in a new tab) INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS

Eligibility

Applicants to the MAIOP or MIOP program must meet the following requirements:

  • A baccalaureate degree or equivalent from an accredited institution.
  • Evidence of interest and experience in social change efforts.
  • A GPA of 2.75 or higher for all undergraduate or graduate coursework.

For International Students

  • 92 or better on the Internet-based TOEFL (iBT) with no band lower than 22.
  • 7.0 IELTS Academic overall with no bands below 6.5.
  • PTE must have a minimum score of 66.

Application Requirements

Applicants are required to submit the following items to be considered for admission:

  • Application fee.
  • Completed application submitted via the online portal.
  • Statement of Intent.
  • Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate schools attended (U.S. and Canada). International transcripts must be evaluated by a transcript evaluation service.

Statement of Intent

Applicants are required to provide a statement of intent answering the following questions. They should be 2-3 pages, double-spaced.

  • Who are you and what is your background?
  • What ignited your passion for psychology?
  • Why are you interested in your chosen field and program?
  • Why are you interested in the master’s program at Adler University?
  • Where do you see yourself in future practice?
  • What is your greatest strength and area for improvement, academically and professionally?

How to Apply + Submit Transcripts
  1. Visit Adler University’s online application portal, create an account, and submit your application, fee, Statement of Intent, resume/CV, and references’ details.
  2. 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
    520 Seymour Street
    Vancouver, BC V6B 3J5

Curriculum | Internships | practicums

The comprehensive curriculum aligns with many of the standards and best practices of professional organizations, including the American Psychological Association’s Division 14 (Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology), the Academy of Management (AOM), the Canadian Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (CSIOP) under the Canadian Psychological Association, the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources (CPHR), and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

Completion of the program includes the courses below, along with additional requirements outlined in the Adler University catalogue.

ADLER UNIVERSITY COURSE CATALOGUE (opens in a new tab)

CORE COURSES

Leadership Development

Addresses the principles of identifying and developing individual leader potential and organizational leadership capacity.

Consulting Skills

Designed to help the student develop the “core” organizational consulting skills. These include relationship skills with internal and external consulting clients, contracting, managing and delivering responses to requests for proposals (RFP’s), designing and delivering a training intervention, and the role and expectations of a consultant.

Communication Theory and Practice

This course focuses on being an effective consultant. Acting as an effective consultant requires various skills including accurate self-awareness and effective interpersonal communication skills

Introduction to Industrial-Organizational Psychology

Introduction to the core domains of the Industrial Organizational (I/O) Psychology. Students will be introduced to the field of I/O psychology and its core principles and practices.

Psychometrics Lab

With the increasing demand in evaluating the outcomes of organizational development initiatives, practitioners need to focus on the collection of valid and reliable data to inform policy decisions and to demonstrate to the funding authorities the effectiveness of their interventions.

Statistical Methods at Work

This course is designed to provide students with knowledge and skills relevant to application of statistical analyses that are essential to supplement organizational effectiveness.

Organizational Change and Development

Analysis of structures, culture, and leadership of organizations and how they differ. The majority of the course addresses the theories, activities, challenges and ethics of change-management initiatives affecting work units, task groups and individuals and the role of the consultant in these processes.

Social Psychology and Well-Being

Focuses on the social psychology concepts and processes to understand the interaction between self, people, and organizations. It addresses, the interplay between social psychological processes and organizational systems, and how these processes shape individual and organizational well-being.

THESIS OR CAPSTONE

Students select either the capstone course, or the three-course thesis series.

Capstone

The Capstone course provides students with a unique opportunity to complete a project that will reflect their learning and training experiences throughout the program.

Thesis 1

This course represents the first phase of the thesis. The MA Thesis is a student-directed study conducted in consultation with an assigned Chair in an area of applied psychology with relevance to the curriculum.

Thesis 2

This course represents the second phase of the thesis. The MA Thesis is a student-directed study conducted in consultation with an assigned Chair in an area of applied psychology with relevance to the curriculum.

Thesis 3

This course represents the third phase of the thesis. The MA Thesis is a student-directed study conducted in consultation with an assigned Chair in an area of applied psychology with relevance to the curriculum.

ADLER SOCIAL INTEREST PRACTICUM

Your opportunity to create lasting change on local and global systems, almost from day 1.

The Adler Social Interest Practicum (ASIP) 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.

Organizational Development Practicum

Students complete a 240-hour Organizational Development Practicum, typically over four months at a site two to three days per week. Before starting, faculty review each student’s readiness, and supervision is provided both on-site and by Adler faculty. The practicum builds practitioner capacity by applying program learning in real organizational settings, including HR and OD departments, EAP firms, consulting firms, and nonprofit, public, or private organizations.

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“My time at Adler was formative, and now I want to give back by helping today’s students build their careers. I want my students to be prepared and I want them to achieve even higher successes.”

– Tanis Angove, MA’15, adjunct professor
Read more about TANIS'S ADLER EXPERIENCE
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Financing your degree

Financial aid from the government, scholarships, or part-time employment can help you more easily afford your degree.

One-time, merit-based scholarships are available for eligible domestic and international students. Alumni can also access additional funding opportunities to support their continued learning at Adler. Contact Admissions to discuss scholarship details.

Financial Aid + Scholarships ADMISSIONS
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Faculty

Meet the faculty leading Adler’s online Master’s (M.A.) in Industrial and Organizational Psychology program.

View All Program Faculty

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