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.
COURSE EFFORT 15 Hours per Week
COURSE LENGTH 10 Weeks
Course Details
CREDITS REQUIRED 30
COST PER CREDIT $420
Ways to Save
How Do I Get Started?

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

December 5
January 2
January 30
February 27

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.

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

Note: This program is not eligible for Title IV financial aid.

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 University Global Is Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission

This accreditation covers all academic programs, all regional locations, and all programs provided via distance education. For more information, please visit HLCommission.org or call 800-621-7440.

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
  • Organizational development

Note: The professional practice of psychology is regulated by each state. This program was not designed to meet any specific state’s requirements for licensure or certification, and Purdue Global makes no representations or warranties as to whether the degree or any individual courses meet such requirements. Refer to the University Catalog for additional information.

Explore Other Learning Opportunities

The graduate resource center is a one-stop site for students in the psychology graduate programs.


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.

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.

Sample Courses
  • Industrial/Organizational Theory and Development
  • Organizational Management and Behavior
  • Workplace Motivation and Attitudes
  • Organizational Leadership: Management, Training, and Evaluation
  • Human Resources Management
See All I/O Psychology Courses
Credit Breakdown
  • Core Credits30
  • Total Credits30

Ways to Save

Program Cost Estimator

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Maine residents will pay $420.00 per credit for all graduate programs, with the exception of the Doctor of Nursing Practice. Tuition does not include University fees and associated program fees. View tuition and fee information or contact an Admissions Advisor for more information.

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 Social and Behavioral Sciences Faculty Directory
97% Faculty members who have advanced degrees
45% Faculty members who hold a doctorate
218 Faculty publications in 2017–2018
Nearly 87,000 Professional development hours logged by faculty in 2017–2018

Statistics include all Purdue Global faculty members and are not school or program-specific calculations. Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis and Center for Teaching and Learning. 2017–2018 academic year. Note: all figures include data prior to the March 2018 purchase of Kaplan University by Purdue University and subsequent creation of Purdue University Global.

Program Brochure

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

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NOTES AND CONDITIONS

*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 Assessment policy.

†Source: Gallup, State of the American Workplace, 2017, https://news.gallup.com/reports/199961/7.aspx.

‡Purdue Global cannot guarantee employment or career advancement.