Program Quick Facts
Flexible Learning
Classes are online, with 2 in-person intensive weekends.
Accelerated Program
Complete your online master’s degree in just 16 months.
Strong Spiritual Foundation
Deepen your faith in programs taught from a Christian perspective.
Join an Inclusive Culture That You Can Carry Through to Your Profession
The Master of Science in Industrial and Organizational Psychology will prepare you to improve organizations and life at work by enhancing people operations with applied evidence-based strategies. In this flexible online program, you will learn through project-based training from a team of I/O industry professionals who fully know you and where you want to go beyond the classroom. Become equipped to succeed in culture-impacting roles within strategic human resources, talent management, training and development, leadership development and organizational consulting.
Designed for working professionals, the industrial and organizational psychology program can be completed in 16 months. Courses are offered 100% online, with two in-person intensive weekends at the start and end of the program.
Career Outcomes
The graduate program in organizational psychology equips you to excel in a range of talent-related roles within mid- to large-sized organizations, from the associate level to advanced positions.
Vanguard I/O Psych students graduate with an impressive skill set and find rewarding careers in a variety of fields, including:
- Human resources
- Diversity, equity and inclusion
- Employee engagement
- People operations
- Talent management
- Organizational development
- Recruitment and talent management
- Training and development
- Project management
- Policy
- Teaching and research
The M.S. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology prepares you to create healthy and productive environments where both employees and companies succeed. Combining applied organizational psychology and people operations courses, you will build industry experience, practical competencies, and a professional network that will equip you to foster innovation and inform decision-making throughout industry.
Upon completion of the M.S. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology program, you will be prepared to:
- Apply fundamental knowledge of psychology to understanding human behavior in organizations
- Apply graduate level research, critical thinking and data analysis skills to organizational structures and development
- Create and implement strategic frameworks in organizational personnel domains, including talent management, talent development and leadership development
- Demonstrate knowledge in personnel domains, including ethical, legal and professional contexts; job and task analysis; employee assessments; performance appraisal; and connection to business acumen
- Apply knowledge in organizational psychology domains, including work motivation, leadership, team dynamics, attitudes and organizational change and development
- Integrate learning with personal faith walk
- Employ oral communication skills appropriate for organizational professionals
- Understand how cultural dynamics affect local and global organizational contexts
The Master of Science in Industrial and Organizational Psychology program consists of 40 total units and offers Fall and Spring term starts.
| Sample Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| PSOG – 520 Organizational Psych Mentoring | 3 Credits |
| PSOG – 641 Leadership Development | 3 Credits |
| PSOG – 641L Leadership Development Practicum | 3 Credits |
| PSOG – 656 Organizational Consulting | 4 Credits |
| PSOG – 730 Creating Healthy Organizations | 3 Credits |
At Vanguard University, you will experience personalized instruction paired with a strong spiritual foundation that fosters knowledge, cultivates character and deepens faith. Our Christian professor-mentors will prepare you to make meaningful contributions in your profession and community, equipping you to lead a Spirit-empowered life of Christ-centered leadership and service.
Accreditation
