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What is Industrial Organizational Psychology?

Get a Master's in Industrial Organizational Psychology

Earn an Ed.S. in Industrial Organizational Psychology

The Industrial Organizational Psychology M.S.

Create better workplaces through the scientific study of individual, group and organizational behavior.

Industrial/organizational psychology, often referred to as I/O psychology or IO psychology, focuses on improving both organizational success and employee well-being. In the Florida Tech I/O degree program, you’ll learn how to apply psychological science to real-world challenges such as hiring and training employees, strengthening teamwork and performance and fostering positive workplace cultures.

Grounded in research and rich with hands-on experience, the I/O psychology master’s degree helps you develop practical, evidence-based solutions that make organizations more effective. Graduates are prepared for careers in consulting, human resources or for continued study at the doctoral level.

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Why Choose Florida Tech for Industrial Organizational Psychology?

At Florida Tech you'll study in an I/O psychology degree program that blends scientific research with practical experience, guided by faculty who are active in both. You’ll graduate as a true scientist-practitioner, ready to build a successful career in consulting, human resources or organizational development—and to advance the field of industrial/organizational psychology.

The I/O master's degree program offers small classes, close faculty mentorship and a balance of scientific research and practical experience. Faculty are active researchers who work side by side with students on projects, client work and organizational studies.

As a research university, Florida Tech provides a rigorous and well-rounded academic experience that you can tailor to your interests, supported by a collaborative community of faculty and peers.

Florida Tech’s I/O psychology program follows the scientist-practitioner model, integrating research and practice throughout your training.

You’ll learn to apply scientific methods to real organizational challenges while contributing to the ongoing development of I/O psychology.

This balance between research and application ensures you graduate with both a strong foundation in scientific knowledge and the ability to use it effectively in your career—helping you stay engaged and adaptable as the field continues to evolve.

Our I/O psychology faculty bring their extensive research expertise directly into the classroom and lab, giving students the opportunity to contribute to real studies on topics such as group trust, computer-mediated communication, employee engagement, self-regulation and the effects of dishonesty in the hiring process.

Students are encouraged to publish and present their research at conferences and are frequent authors and co-authors of manuscripts.

Florida Tech provides hands-on opportunities to apply I/O psychology in real-world settings.

Through team-based research projects, consulting and research centers and a 300-hour practicum option, students gain practical experience that complements classroom learning and prepares them for careers in organizations, consulting and research.

You’ll have the flexibility to shape your graduate experience with either a practicum or thesis.

The practicum immerses you in a real I/O environment, where you'll apply your skills and insights to professional challenges under the guidance of expert faculty.

The thesis option lets you investigate a question that inspires you, deepening your understanding and strengthening your research skills.

A master's applicant should hold a bachelor's degree in psychology or business, although graduates from other fields are encouraged to apply. Preadmission visits to the campus and conferences with faculty and students are strongly encouraged.

For more information, including requirements and deadlines, please see our graduate admission requirements.

Careers in Industrial Organizational Psychology

With a Master of Science in Industrial Organizational Psychology, you can pursue a wide range of I/O careers in business, consulting, research and academia.

You'll be well-equipped to apply evidence-based methods to improve performance, develop talent, enhance employee experience and support organizational effectiveness in local organizations, multinational companies, government agencies and nonprofit groups.

I/O jobs include:

  • Consultant to businesses, government agencies or nonprofits
  • Analytics manager
  • Change management specialist
  • Employee experience or engagement specialist
  • Talent management specialist/people analytics specialist
  • Human capital/HR data analyst
  • Manager or director of leadership and learning programs
  • Organizational development consultant/specialist
  • Research analyst
  • Workforce scientist/people scientist

Florida Tech alumni use their skills in talent management, assessment, training, performance, work-life balance and organizational strategy, working as internal or external consultants, managers and executives around the world for companies, organizations and agencies such as:

  • Accenture
  • Amazon
  • Aon
  • Deloitte
  • DDI (Development Dimensions International, Inc.)
  • Fidelity Investments
  • Gallup, Inc.
  • Google
  • Kaiser Permanente
  • Korn Ferry
  • Marriott International, Inc.
  • NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
  • Nordstrom, Inc.
  • Select International, Inc.
  • University of the Pacific
  • University of Wisconsin–River Falls
  • U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
  • Walmart
  • The Walt Disney Company

Florida Tech Career Services assists students, alumni and employers in their search for careers and employee candidates. We help students develop career plans and job-search skills. Explore our Career Toolbox to learn more about our services and access additional resources.

The Occupational Outlook Handbook, published by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), provides information about specific jobs, including median annual pay, working conditions and job outlook, among other things. Check the handbook for information on the outlook for industrial/organizational psychology careers.

Advanced Degree Options

Explore Doctoral Research

Graduates with a master's degree in industrial organizational psychology are well-prepared to pursue further study in our I/O Ph.D. program.

Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Ph.D.

Explore the Industrial Organizational Psychology, M.S., Curriculum

The Industrial Organizational Psychology, M.S., Curriculum

The 45-credit M.S. in industrial/​organizational psychology follows standards set by the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology, combining research, theory and applied experience. The program is typically completed within two years.

You'll build essential skills in research methods, statistics, psychometrics and professional practices—preparing you to analyze workplace data and pursue a career as an I/O psychology scientist-practitioner.

Core courses cover key topics in personnel psychology and organizational behavior, including selection, training, performance appraisal, motivation, leadership, group dynamics and organizational effectiveness.

Electives let you explore specialized areas such as workplace culture, team development, leadership, employee well-being and consulting skills. Both thesis and practicum options are offered.

Courses include:

  • Introduction to Research in I/O Psychology
  • Performance Appraisal
  • Industrial Training

Check the catalog for a description of all courses. Check the catalog for detailed degree requirements.

Download the Industrial Organizational Psychology, M.S., Curriculum now!

A student gestures during a class discussion.

Research and Consulting Opportunities

Working on a consulting project with ICCM.

I/O psychology students gain hands-on experience through campus-based organizations that provide real-world research and consulting opportunities.

Center for Organizational Effectiveness

The Center for Organizational Effectiveness provides human capital analysis and talent management strategies to support effective organizations.

Students work on consulting projects such as employee surveys, training, job descriptions and leadership development for external clients, gaining hands-on experience as project team members and managers under faculty guidance.

Institute for Culture, Collaboration and Management (ICCM)

ICCM is an applied research and consulting institute focused on workplace culture, collaboration and teams.

Led by Florida Tech faculty and staffed by I/O psychology master's and doctoral students, ICCM offers professional development opportunities that prepare students to become exceptional organizational scientist-practitioners for a global workplace.

Projects may include developing training materials, conducting research and creating solutions that organizations can use to improve performance and employee management.

Learn more about Industrial Organizational Psychology at Florida Tech on the website.

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