Program Overview
The Adler University Master of Arts and Master of Industrial and Organizational Psychology (MAIOP | MIOP) are 38-credit programs designed to prepare emerging and experienced professionals to become transformative leaders capable of revolutionizing workplace cultures and driving organizational success.
Also known as workplace psychology, students have two pathways: the MAIOP, which focuses on conducting original research through a traditional thesis process, and the MIOP, which culminates in a literature-based capstone project – each option providing an opportunity for students to become subject matter experts in their field of study. Both programs uniquely integrate theoretical knowledge, evidence-based practices, and psychological insights incorporating real-world applications. Students gain expertise in psychometric assessment, strategic hiring practices, and leadership development, and learn to master change management strategies that enhance workplace well-being, drive performance, and generate significant organizational impact.
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).
Learning from internationally recognized faculty with extensive industry experience, students receive extensive mentorship that prepares them for career success. Graduates go on to lead in HR, consult on organizational development, and pioneer new approaches and workplace innovation. Whether advancing employee engagement, shaping healthy work environments, creating responsive employee recruitment plans, or optimizing performance strategies, they bring the leadership needed to drive meaningful change and shape the future of work.
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Thesis & Non-Thesis Options
Adler University offers both a Master of Arts and Master of Industrial and Organizational Psychology, giving students the choice between a thesis or an applied research project.
Both options follow a structured format that guides students through creating comprehensive, in-depth research projects. By producing rigorous, high-quality work, students refine their analytical abilities and writing skills—preparing them for leadership roles and to contribute meaningfully to their careers, whether in research, consulting, human resources, or organizational development.
THESIS | The Master of Arts 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 hands-on research experience enables them to explore critical workplace issues and contribute innovative, evidence-based solutions.
CAPSTONE | The Master of Industrial and Organizational Psychology 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.
Student Outcomes
Careers in Industrial & Organizational Psychology
Our program prepares students to become influential specialists, ready to take on leadership roles across a wide range of fields. Graduates are trained to drive organizational success through tailored solutions in their current professions or as a(n):
- Academic
- Behavioral data analyst
- Chief human resources officer
- Executive coach
- Employee relations
- HR specialist or consultant
- Learning and development executive
- Organizational development director
- Organizational policy advisor
Gain the knowledge and skills to create real change in the workplace with small, collaborative classes taught by leading practitioners and scholars.
Our program offers extensive individualized advising and mentorship to ensure students develop their leadership capacity, a collective act that requires personal mastery and the ability to cultivate high-quality relationships. Students learn to identify and build on others’ strengths and talents to create authentic, generative relationships in service of a purposeful vocational life.
The program also features a core professional practicum tailored to students’ career goals. Through our partnership network, students gain real-world experience and build their professional reputation among those who are redefining work in the 21st century.
Graduate Spotlight
Heinz Avendano, graduate
Master of Industrial and Organizational Psychology
Heinz Avendano, a student in the Vancouver Campus Master of Industrial and Organizational Psychology program, completed his Social Justice Practicum at the Dignidad Migrante Society, a nonprofit that supports temporary workers in Canada. Dignidad offers free services to workers along with many community-oriented events, such as social events, and group emotional support. During his time at Dignidad, Avendano coached 16 female workers who were rescued from the Golden Eagle Farm, where working conditions were reported to be bleak. He also mapped worker services like pensions, trained volunteers, and attended workshops.
Curriculum
Both the Master of Arts (M.A.) and Master of Industrial and Organizational Psychology are 38-credit hour programs. The M.A. option includes a thesis. Successful completion of this program includes the courses listed below.
Masters in Organizational Psychology courses
Find course descriptions and more information in the Adler University course catalog.
Core Courses
This course addresses the principles of identifying and developing individual leader potential and organizational leadership capacity.
This course is 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.
Students will acquire knowledge about community-based problems and the range of programs and services designed to address these problems; public health approaches, policy development, and implementation; and professional networking.
Students will acquire knowledge about community-based problems and the range of programs and services designed to address these problems; public health approaches, policy development, and implementation; and professional networking.
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.
This course will introduce the core domains of the Industrial Organizational (IO) Psychology. Students will be introduced to the field of IO psychology and its core principles and practices.
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.
This course is designed to provide students with knowledge and skills relevant to application of statistical analyses that are essential to supplement organizational effectiveness.
This course introduces students to the relevance and importance of ethics and social responsibility in business. The objectives are to increase students’ awareness and understanding of ethical issues in business and the field of Organizational Psychology, and to provide useful conceptual tools to guide analysis and decisions.
This course discusses the assumptions and methods of a range of research designs used in Organizational Psychology research.
This course focuses on in group/team structures and processes in organizations. This course provides students with the knowledge, understanding, and skills to effectively facilitate groups and teams in need of support and development.
This course will provide an overview of organizational design theory relevant to the IO practitioner. The basic concepts of structure and dynamics of organizations as open systems will be introduced, along with other important organizational factors such as life cycle and culture.
This course provides students with an introduction to human resource management and the role of psychological theory and methodology in promoting strategic utilization and development of human resources in organizations.
This course focuses on how to conduct practical and professional psychological assessments for the purpose of personnel selection and development in organizational settings.
This course provides an 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.
This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the principles and practices in coaching in organizations and to examine the contemporary state of the field in the context of current theory and practice.
The Professional Practicum is an opportunity for students to develop professional competence in a work context. Working in an organizational setting enables students to develop the ability to bring their academic training to bear on practical problems in diverse situations and to develop a critical appreciation of the roles and functions of organizational psychology practitioners in organizations and the community.
Continuation of MAIOP 586: The Professional Practicum is an opportunity for students to develop professional competence in a work context.
Using a peer consultation model, this semester provides students engaged in different stages of practicum training with an opportunity to discuss professional, development, and the supervision experiences.
This course will introduce students to core concepts and theories of adult learning and development. In addition, students will be introduced to the principles and practice of training and development.
This course 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 Series or Project
Master of Arts (M.A.) students complete the thesis series, while Master of students complete the Project series.
This seminar will provide students with an opportunity to meet in a group format with peers and faculty as part of the comprehensive specialty project advising process.
The MIOP Comprehensive Project is a student-directed study approved faculty member of a topic relevant to the theory and practice of organizational psychology.
The MIOP Comprehensive Project is a student-directed study approved faculty member of a topic relevant to the theory and practice of organizational psychology.
This seminar will provide students with an opportunity to meet in a small group format with peers and their thesis advisor as part of the thesis advising process.
The MAIOP Thesis is a student-directed study conducted in consultation with an approved faculty member of a topic relevant to the theory and practice of organizational psychology.
The MAIOP Thesis is a student-directed study conducted in consultation with an approved faculty member of a topic relevant to the theory and practice of organizational psychology.
The MAIOP Thesis is a student-directed study conducted in consultation with an approved faculty member of a topic relevant to the theory and practice of organizational psychology.
Social Justice Practicum
200-hour internship to give students real world experience
A unique and proven program designed to give students real-world experience throughout their time at Adler University, the Social Justice Practicum is a required 200-hour internship that spans four courses (or terms for online programs). Every student is given a number of civic-minded categories to choose from. They submit their desired areas of interest. After which, they are assigned a specific and aligned community outreach site where they will work 8 to 10 hours per week.
Faculty Spotlight
Ioana Birleanu, MSc
Adjunct Professor, Industrial and Organizational Psychology
As a Leadership Development professor, I believe in everyone’s ability to support their learning process and become leaders of their own path. My mission is to support my students in attaining an authentic leadership approach and provide them with the necessary tools to develop this through the course of their lives and careers.
Admissions Requirements
At Adler University, we take great pride in our diverse student body. Students represent a wide range of professional interests, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, and academic and work histories. We admit individuals with a strong record of academic achievement and a commitment to social responsibility.
Applicants to the program must have the following:
- A baccalaureate degree or equivalent from an accredited institution
- Evidence of interest and experience in social change efforts
- A GPA of 3.0 or higher for all undergraduate or graduate coursework
- 92 or better on the Internet-based TOEFL (iBT) with no band lower than 22
- 7.0 IELTS overall with no bands below 6.5
- PTE must have a minimum score of 62
Applicants are required to submit the following items to be considered for admission:
- Application and application fee.
- Statement of Intent answering the following questions:
- Who are you, and where do you come from?
Describe your background, including where you grew up and any significant personal experiences, family influences, or cultural factors shaping your interest in psychology. - What ignited your passion for psychology?
Discuss a specific event, experience, or realization that sparked your interest in psychology. Include any relevant coursework, research, volunteer work, or personal experiences that have further fueled your passion for the field. - Why are you interested in the master’s program at Adler University?
Explain why you are specifically interested in the master’s program you are applying for at Adler University. - Where do you see yourself in future practice?
Describe your career aspirations and how you plan to apply your degree in your future career. Whether it be in consulting, research, teaching, or another area within psychology, explain how you intend to make a positive impact on the lives of others. - Personal Reflection: What is your greatest strength and area for improvement, academically and professionally?
Reflect on your greatest strength and your area for academic and professional development. Provide specific examples that highlight these aspects of your development.
Please ensure your letter is coherent, well-organized, and reflects your voice and experiences. This is your opportunity to demonstrate your passion for psychology and suitability for the Adler University master’s program.
The following items are also required as part of the application process.
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae
- Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate schools attended (U.S and Canada)
- Please have official transcripts sent directly to the Office of Admissions
- Unofficial transcripts are accepted for any schools in which a degree was not received
- Applicants with international (outside the U.S. or Canada) post-secondary education should send a scan of their official transcript to the Office of Admissions as this program is exempt from the requirement to complete a transcript evaluation. Please speak to your admissions advisor if you require more details.
Applicants who meet the minimum requirements will be required to interview with a program representative. The interview will assess the applicant’s academic background, work and/or volunteer experience, alignment with the University mission, and suitability for the program of interest. Following the interview, the decision will be either (a) direct admission to the graduate program or (b) denial of admission.
*Applicants submitting admission documents (transcripts, bank documents, English proficiency scores, etc.) that are found to have been altered or fabricated will be denied admission. Denials based on fraudulent documents cannot be appealed.
Tuition & Fees
Tuition for Adler University’s programs is charged each term according to the number of registered academic credits. The number of credits a student will register for varies by academic program and by term. To estimate the amount of tuition and fees that would be charged in a given term, please use our Tuition Estimator tool below, or read about tuition and fees for all Vancouver programs.