Adler University is expanding access to its Master of Arts and the Master of Industrial and Organizational Psychology (MAIOP | MIOP) programs by reducing completion requirements from 45 credits to 38 credits for incoming students in Fall 2025, then adding evening and weekend classes starting January 2026.
The credit reduction, set to begin in September, will make both programs more efficient and streamlined for students who are seeking to transform workplaces and systems leadership. Adding more class options also gives students — many of whom are early- and mid-career professionals — a flexible graduate program that blends theory, real-world application, and professional mentorship.
Students can complete the MAIOP or MIOP program in as little as two years full-time, or three years part-time.
“We’re not just making the programs more accessible — we’re making them more powerful,” said Program Director Jason Walker, Psy.D., Ph.D. “Students gain the skills to lead with purpose, navigate complexity, and drive meaningful change in organizations. These updates reflect what today’s professionals need: flexibility, relevance, and a direct path to impact.”
Both programs blend psychological theory, systems thinking, psychometrics, and leadership strategy, preparing students to transform organizations from within. The curriculum includes individualized faculty mentorship, real world coursework, and a professional practicum — elements that set Adler’s programs apart from many other IO offerings in Canada.
Graduates are equipped for a wide range of roles across business, education, health care, government, and nonprofit sectors — from organizational policy advisor to leadership development consultant.
The key difference between the two tracks lies in the final project. The MAIOP includes a research-focused thesis, ideal for students interested in original research or future doctoral study. The MIOP offers a practice-oriented capstone for those who want to apply theory to solve workplace challenges and drive immediate impact.
The MIOP program is an applied capstone track, designed for those looking to apply theory to practice and solve real-world organizational challenges. Instead of a traditional thesis, students complete a literature-based capstone project, providing strategic insights and practical recommendations relevant to today’s workplaces. The MAIOP program is a research-focused thesis track, ideal for those who are curious about conducting original research, exploring complex workplace questions, or considering doctoral study.
The curriculum of both programs aligns with standards set by leading organizations, including the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Canadian Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology, and the Society for Human Resource Management, ensuring relevance and recognition in the field.
From talent acquisition manager and organizational policy advisor to behavioural data analyst and training and development manager, graduates of the MAIOP and MIOP programs can pursue a wide range of career opportunities. Graduates help companies build stronger teams, coach leaders to be more effective and supportive, design programs that improve employee well-being and performance, and advise organizations on how to manage growth, change, and conflict.
“Our graduates create better workplace policies and cultures, use data and research to solve real workplace challenges, and train teams and build skills across all levels of an organization,” said Dr. Walker. “They are equipped to lead change and improve how organizations function, whether in business, government, education, or nonprofit settings.”
