Industrial-Organizational Psychology, MA
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Program at a Glance
Program
Industrial-Organizational Psychology, MA
Format
Online, Hybrid
Total Units
33
Requirements
No GMAT or
GRE Required
Fall ’25 Early Application Deadline
July 13
Program Overview
Golden Gate University’s MA in Industrial-Organizational Psychology program offers a comprehensive and practical education designed to empower future leaders in the field of I-O psychology. This program blends core psychological principles with essential business and leadership expertise, ensuring that graduates are prepared for immediate impact and long-term success in this dynamic field.
You’ll explore traditional I-O topics alongside specialized courses, such as Executive Coaching Theory and Practice, as you gain highly versatile skills that are applicable to real-world organizational challenges, including diversity, conflict resolution, and leading complex change.
Our curriculum uniquely integrates with the business school, providing you with a strong foundation in both psychological theory and business practices. A wide array of electives, including options from the business school, allows you to tailor your education to your specific career aspirations in areas like consulting, HR, or organizational leadership.
You’ll have the opportunity to take flexible online or hybrid courses as you learn from industry leaders with diverse experiences and successful careers across various sectors. Our faculty bring invaluable real-world insights and mentorship to the classroom, allowing you to gain in-demand skills that you can immediately apply to your career.
When you earn your Master’s in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from GGU, you’ll gain access to a cutting-edge curriculum, experienced faculty, flexible learning options, and practical experiences that prepare you to take on leadership roles in a variety of industries and organizational settings.
Message from the Program Director
Welcome to the Master of Arts in Industrial-Organizational Psychology program at Golden Gate University. As the Department Chair, I am thrilled to introduce you to this dynamic and impactful field of study that bridges the gap between psychological theory and organizational practice.
Our program is designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to excel in the ever-evolving landscape of modern organizations. Whether you’re a recent graduate looking to launch your career or a seasoned professional aiming to enhance your expertise, our curriculum offers a perfect blend of theoretical foundations and practical applications.
What sets our program apart is its flexibility, comprehensive approach, and real-world relevance. Our esteemed faculty brings diverse industry experience to the classroom, ensuring that you’re learning from practitioners who understand the challenges and opportunities in today’s workplace. The program’s integration with our business school and the option to tailor your studies through a wide range of electives allow you to craft an educational experience that aligns perfectly with your career goals.
I invite you to explore the possibilities that await you in our program. Whether you choose our fully online asynchronous mode or our hybrid format, you’ll be joining a community of learners and professionals dedicated to making a positive impact in organizations. We look forward to supporting you on your journey to becoming a leader in the field of Industrial-Organizational Psychology.
— Tom Wooldridge, Department Chair and Associate Professor
Degree Highlights
Online or Hybrid Courses
33 Credits
STEM-Designated Degree
No GRE/GMAT Required
Learn From Industry Experts
Graduate in as Few as 12–18 Months
During my time at GGU, I deeply appreciated the flexibility of working during the day while taking classes at night. This balance allowed me to apply what I was learning in real-time, and it opened up an incredible opportunity to intern with one of my professors. The networking and experiences that followed helped me secure a role at Netflix as a trainer, where my academic foundation and internship experience played a pivotal role. Over time, I advanced to an executive position, and I continue to apply the principles of organizational behavior I gained from GGU to enhance my leadership skills every day in my professional and personal lives.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Master of Arts in Industrial-Organizational Psychology will possess the skills and knowledge to:
- Understand the main theoretical frameworks of industrial-organizational psychology with emphasis on organizational behavior, team and individual functioning, and leadership in a global context.
- Examine the dynamic and evolving nature of professional practice with focus on careers in industrial-organizational psychology, as well as human resources, executive coaching, and management consulting.
- Learn assessment tools to measure and diagnose individual, team, and organizational performance.
- Explore contemporary challenges such as diversity in organizations, managing generational differences, and the growing role of human resources technology.
Explore I-O Psychology
Career Paths
Experienced industrial-organizational psychologists are in demand across all industries, with an estimated 6% growth rate for the profession through 2031, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Graduates of GGU’s MA in Industrial-Organizational Psychology program are well-equipped to find career success in a wide range of corporate and organizational settings.
Many alumni have taken roles as Human Resources Business Partners, Talent Development Managers, and Organizational Development Specialists in various industries. Some have become Executive Coaches and Leadership Development Consultants, working with top-level management in corporations and non-profits. Others have pursued careers as Program Directors in organizations focused on employee wellness and development. The program has produced graduates who work as Learning and Development professionals, designing and implementing training programs for large corporations. Some alumni have taken on roles in recruitment and talent acquisition, while others have become experts in performance management systems. A number of graduates have also entered academia, becoming researchers or instructors in business schools or psychology departments.
The versatility of this degree has allowed graduates to work in diverse industries, including tech companies, financial institutions, healthcare organizations, and government agencies, where they apply psychological principles to enhance workplace productivity, employee satisfaction, and organizational effectiveness.
Admission Requirements
- Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or the equivalent from a recognized foreign institution (outside the United State), and provide official transcripts.
- All applicants will need to submit a Statement of Purpose (SOP) and a resume.
- For applicants with a GPA under 3.0, the Statement of Purpose should address the circumstances that led to the applicant’s academic performance, what has changed, and why they think they’ll be more successful now.
- Applicants whose native language is not English must meet the English Language Proficiency Admission Requirements.
Curriculum
The Master of Arts in Industrial-Organizational Psychology requires completion of 33 units in the advanced program, with a cumulative grade-point average of 3.00 or better in courses taken at Golden Gate University that are applicable to the program’s requirements. For further information regarding graduation requirements, see Academic Requirements for Graduate Programs.
Select two of the following:
Additional courses offered by the Ageno School of Business may be used to fulfill this requirement in consultation with the program director and/or the student’s academic advisor.
Featured Faculty
Dan Popkin-Clurman
Senior Adjunct Professor
Communication Coach and Trainer
Dan Popkin-Clurman is a coach, trainer, and professor. Over the past thirty-five years, he has provided communication training and coaching to individuals and organizations in the private, public, government, and nonprofit sectors. He is on the faculty of the psychology department in the Edward S. Ageno School of Business at Golden Gate University.
Anil Awasti, MA, MBA, SPHR, ACC
Adjunct Professor
VP, Talent and Culture | HR and Operations Consultant; Beneficial State Foundation
Anil Awasti is a Human Resources and Operations Leader who has worked for several Nonprofit organizations in the Bay Area in senior and executive leadership roles. Within the Human Resources field, he has extensive experience in Strategic Planning, Compensation, Employee and Labor Relations, Union Negotiations, Conflict Management, and Project Management.
Graduate Tuition
The tuition for most graduate degree programs at Golden Gate University is $1,090 per unit, covering the cost of high-quality, career-focused education led by experienced faculty. This investment supports essential resources, including personalized academic advising, state-of-the-art technology, and student services designed to help adult learners succeed.
Frequently Asked Questions
The program is offered in two modes: fully online asynchronous and hybrid. The asynchronous mode allows you to complete all coursework online with no residency requirement. The hybrid mode combines online learning with two designated campus weeks per term.
Hybrid students are required to attend two designated campus weeks per term. The remainder of the term is conducted asynchronously online.
The quickest completion time is 1 year for full-time students. The average completion time is 1.5 years, allowing for a more balanced approach that suits many working professionals.
No prior work experience is required for admission to the program.
Successful applicants often have backgrounds in psychology, business, or related fields. However, the program welcomes students from diverse academic and professional backgrounds.
Yes, the program offers a wide range of electives, allowing you to tailor your studies to your specific interests and career goals.
Graduates are prepared for roles in various fields such as human resources, management consulting, organizational development, and executive coaching, among others.
Yes, this is a STEM-designated degree program, which can be particularly beneficial for international students.
Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and provide official transcripts. Those with a GPA below 2.50 should submit a statement of purpose and a resume.
Yes, the program offers an optional internship course, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in the field.
For more information about the field of Industrial-Organizational Psychology, you can visit the Society for Industrial-Organizational Psychology (SIOP) website. SIOP is a leading professional organization in the field and offers valuable resources for both students and professionals.
Admissions
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Student Experience
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About the Ageno School of Business
Learn more about GGU’s Ageno School of Business, including our 100+ year history, renowned faculty, and innovative programs.
