Online Graduate Certificate in Industrial/Organizational Psychology (I/O)

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Program at a Glance

  • Drive positive change in organizations by improving employee performance, attitudes, or behaviors.
  • Complete a field placement to gain valuable real-world experience.
  • Credits earned in this certificate program can apply toward a Purdue Global master’s degree. 
  • Faculty in our industrial/organizational psychology graduate program are active professionals in the field.
Upcoming Start Dates

We offer multiple start dates to give you flexibility in your education, life, and work schedules.

Course Effort
15–18 Hours per Week
Course Length
10-Week Terms
Average Completion
11 months
Of Full-Time Study
Credits Required
30
(20 Semester Credits)
Cost per Credit
$420

Graduate Certificate in Industrial/Organizational Psychology Overview

Help organizations improve the quality of work-life balance. This graduate-level I/O psychology certificate program is designed for working professionals who seek to broaden their knowledge and apply the principles of industrial/organizational psychology in business and organizational settings.

Our I/O psychology certificate program focuses on the principles related to workplace productivity, morale, management, and employee working styles. You will also complete a field placement designed to integrate academic knowledge with practical experience.

The coursework is designed to help you

  • Apply contemporary theories and information technologies to real-world situations.
  • Engage in research in the focal area(s) of the science of psychology.
  • Analyze and apply theoretical and conceptual foundations of psychology to arrive at professional practice strategies.
  • Evaluate ethical, legal, individual, and sociocultural implications of decisions within the field of psychology.

Explore Other Learning Opportunities

The graduate resource center and addictions student site offer resources to support students in the psychology master’s program.

Students are invited to join organizations such as the Psychology Club, Psi Chi International Honor Society, and Autism Speaks U.

Free webinars are also available to support your learning outside of the classroom.


See the University Catalog for policy and degree plan information specific to this program.

Get a Head Start on Your Master’s Degree

By completing this certificate, you’ll not only earn a valuable credential to make an immediate impact on your career, but you’ll also lay the groundwork for your next degree. Qualified credits can apply toward a Purdue Global master’s degree in psychology.*

Purdue Global Is Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission

The HLC (HLCommission.org) is an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Admissions Requirements

A bachelor’s degree is required to enroll in a graduate certificate program. You will need to provide an official transcript that shows completion of your bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, though an unofficial copy may be provided during the application process. Refer to the University Catalog or speak to an Advisor to learn more.

Ways to Save

  • Transfer Credits

    Earn credit for prior coursework completed at eligible institutions, including community colleges.

    Save Time and Money on Your Degree

  • Financial Aid

    Title IV federal financial aid is available for many of our degree programs.

    Financial Aid FAQ

  • Corporate Partner Benefits

    Employees of Purdue Global partner organizations may be eligible for special tuition reductions.

    Employee Savings and Benefits

  • International Tuition Reduction

    International students living outside of the United States are eligible for a 25% tuition reduction.

    International Tuition and Benefits

Program Cost Estimator

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What Courses Will I Take?

This graduate certificate program offers a rigorous exploration of the theories, methods, and practice of I/O psychology.

Learn how to apply the principles of I/O psychology in business settings through the scientific study of employees, workplaces, and organizations.

See All I/O Psychology Courses
Sample Courses
  • Industrial/Organizational Theory and Development
  • Organizational Management and Behavior
  • Workplace Motivation and Attitudes
  • Organizational Leadership: Management, Training, and Evaluation
  • Human Resources Management

Program Requirements

  • Core Credits
    30
  • Total Credits
    30

Career Opportunities

A recent Gallup poll found that nearly 70% of American workers are “not engaged” or “actively disengaged” in their work. Given the growing focus on maintaining employee satisfaction and engagement to improve outcomes and productivity, HR specialists who understand the principles of I/O psychology are expected to be in demand.

Fields with positions that could benefit from an industrial/organizational psychology degree include human resources, training and development, policy planning, employee screening training, and organizational development.

Top 5 Skills Employers Are Looking for:

  1. Active Listening
  2. Speaking
  3. Reading Comprehension
  4. Instructing
  5. Learning Strategies

Top Jobs With This Degree

Labor market, salary, and projected growth information are supplied by Emsi. Average salary range is based on national data. Projected growth represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2018–2030) at the state level and is based on your geographic location. Actual outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience, and opportunities for employment. Purdue Global cannot guarantee employment placement, salary level, or career advancement.

The professional practice of psychology is regulated by each state, and the degree requirements of this program do not guarantee or prepare you for licensure in any state upon graduation.

Get to Know Our Faculty

Purdue Global faculty members are real-world practitioners who bring knowledge gained through the powerful combination of higher learning and industry experience.

View Psychology Faculty Directory
grad hat icon 98% Faculty members who have advanced degrees
diploma icon 51% Faculty members who hold a doctorate
tablet icon 395 Faculty publications in 2021–2022
student at desk icon More Than 38,000 Professional development hours logged by faculty in 2021–2022

Statistics include all Purdue Global faculty members and are not school or program-specific calculations. Source: Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis, July 2022. 2021–2022 academic year.

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Program Brochure

Download our brochure to learn more about our psychology programs and the benefits of earning your certificate at Purdue Global.

NOTES AND CONDITIONS

*Future Programs: The University cannot guarantee that students will be granted admission to any future programs. Speak to an Advisor about transfer credit opportunities and see the University Catalog for the Prior Learning policy.

Source: Gallup, State of the American Workplace, 2017, www.gallup.com/workplace/238085/state-american-workplace-report-2017.aspx.