Program Description

George Mason’s online Master of Professional Studies in Applied Industrial and Organizational Psychology delivers the research-backed methods and understanding of data and analytics HR and business professionals need to foster a culture of innovation — where each employee feels empowered to contribute new ideas, effect change, and do their best work every day.

Learn how to consistently hire candidates who are the right fit for the company, identify employees’ individual motivations, establish meaningful evaluations and reward systems, and improve training and performance programs.

Main areas of study focus on understanding and applying concepts in:

  • Evidence-Based Practices
  • Research and Data Analytic Methods
  • Organizational Systems, Change & Development

Application Deadline

The online master’s in industrial-organizational psychology program accepts applications on a rolling basis and is currently accepting applications. You can apply here.

Virtual Open House

The George Mason University faculty dedicates time throughout the year to hold interactive sessions online for those who want to learn more about the programs we offer. If you would like to find out more about what you can expect from an online Master of Professional Studies in Applied Industrial and Organizational Psychology, visit our pre-recorded Virtual Open House and watch at your convenience. For information on upcoming sessions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Master of Professional Studies (MPS) vs Master of Arts (MA) – This information discusses the online Master of Professional Studies (MPS) degree in Applied Industrial and Organizational Psychology. If your interest is in the Master of Arts (MA) degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, please click here for additional information.

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Program Summary

100 Percent Online

Program: Applied Industrial and Organizational Psychology,
Master of Professional Studies

Degree: MPS

College/School: College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Credits: 30 total

Who should apply?

The online MPS in Applied Industrial and Organizational Psychology is the ideal degree for professionals who would like to reduce human capital expenses and maximize productivity while learning in a flexible, competitively priced program.

Our graduates are qualified to pursue work in human resources and senior management positions across a wide variety of businesses. Their proficiency in planning, executing, and applying research of human behavior and cognition to actively shape their workplaces makes them increasingly valuable assets to their employers.

Why Choose George Mason?

Students choose George Mason’s online master’s in industrial and organizational psychology degree because of its:

  • Renowned faculty of experts and innovators
  • Flexible online format designed to accommodate busy working students
  • Competitively priced value for a respected master’s degree program
  • Financial aid programs and lifetime access to George Mason’s career services
  • Lifetime access to the I-O Learning Series of globally acclaimed scholars and practitioners

Program requirements for the online MPS in Applied Industrial and Organizational Psychology are subject to change.

Requirements: 30 total credit hours

Coursework for George Mason’s online I-O psychology program is offered in a convenient, part-time, online, asynchronous environment — so you can learn when and where it’s most convenient to you.

Required Courses (8)

  • Introduction to Science & Practice of I-O Psychology
  • Foundations of Organizational Psychology
  • Applied Data Analysis in Psychology I
  • Foundations of Industrial Psychology
  • Employee Selection
  • Applied Data Analysis in Psychology II
  • Psychological Research Methods
  • Practicum in Applied Psychology

Elective Courses (2)

  • Applied Leadership
  • Applied Teamwork
  • Motivation and Well Being
  • Organizational Change and Development
  • Performance Management
  • Training

Tuition & Fees (2024-2025)

Tuition is $815 per credit hour. An additional charge of $35 per credit hour applies for a distance education fee.

Financial Aid

For information on loans and scholarships, visit the Office of Student Financial Aid. For information regarding grants, tuition waivers and other merit aid, please inquire with your graduate department.

Potential Career Paths

Best Jobs U.S.News & World Report Rankings Badge

Pursue your MPS in Applied Industrial and Organizational Psychology to prepare for a wealth of career paths. After graduation, you’ll qualify to work as an industrial psychologist, an occupation with a median salary of $147,420 per year1 and an above-average projected job growth of 6% through 2033.2 This career also ranks high on several Best Jobs lists compiled by U.S. News and World Report. including:

  • #1 in Best Science Jobs3
  • #13 in Best STEM Jobs3
  • #13 in Best-Paying Jobs3
  • #22 in 100 Best Jobs3

 

Graduates of George Mason’s MPS in Applied Industrial and Organizational Psychology program can also find success in the following career paths:

  • Change Management Consultant: $104,188 per year4
  • HR Manager: $136,350 per year5
  • Management Analyst: $99,410 per year6
  • Solutions Architect: $129,523 per year7
  • Training and Development Manager: $125,040 per year8

Where Our Graduates Work

By completing our MPS in Applied I-O Psychology program, you can gain expertise for following our alumni into careers with leading organizations, such as:

Companies

  • Amentum
  • Booz Allen Hamilton
  • Clear Channel Outdoor
  • Enterprise Rent-a-Car
  • GeneCopoeia
  • Microsoft
  • Morgan Stanley
  • Nationwide Insurance
  • NBC Universal
  • Nestlé
  • Northrop Grumman Corporation
  • Sikorsky Aircraft, Lockheed Martin
  • State Farm Insurance
  • WW International Inc.

Government

  • U.S. Air Force
  • Central Intelligence Agency
  • Defense Logistics Agency
  • NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
  • National Institutes of Health
  • National Science Foundation
  • U.S. Department of the Army
  • U.S. Department of the Navy
  • Marine Corps
  • Postal Service
  • Transportation Security Administration

Higher Education

  • George Mason University
  • Johns Hopkins University

Industry and Training Organizations

  • American Society of Clinical Oncology
  • Center for Creative Leadership
  • Deloitte Consulting LLP

Sources

1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023: 19-3032 Industrial-Organizational Psychologists.” April 3, 2024. Retrieved October 24, 2024, from https://www.bls.gov/.

2. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Psychologists: Job Outlook.” August 29, 2024. Retrieved October 24, 2024, from https://www.bls.gov/

3. U.S. News & World Report. “Industrial Psychologist Overview.” Retrieved October 24, 2024, from https://www.usnews.com/.

4. Payscale. “Average Change Management Consultant Salary.” Retrieved October 24, 2024, from https://www.payscale.com/.

5. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Human Resources Managers.” April 29, 2024. Retrieved October 24, 2024, from https://www.bls.gov/.

6. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Management Analysts.” April 29, 2024. Retrieved October 24, 2024, from https://www.bls.gov/.

7. Payscale. “Average Solutions Architect Salary.” Retrieved October 24, 2024, from https://www.payscale.com/

8. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Training and Development Managers.” April 29, 2024. Retrieved October 24, 2024, from https://www.bls.gov/.

If you are unable to find the answers to your questions, submit a Request For Information form or contact our admissions representative via the contact information below.

Phone: 844-851-0923

Email: online2@gmu.edu

How do I apply?

Applicants should apply here.

Admission FAQs

Can I take courses without applying?
Only students who are admitted to the Applied Industrial and Organizational Psychology program may take classes in the program.

How long does it take to complete the program?
The part-time online MPS in Applied Industrial and Organizational Psychology is 30 credit hours and can be completed in less than 2 years.

When are classes held?
Classes are offered in an asynchronous format, meaning they can be viewed interactively at your convenience. However, students still must meet all study deliverable requirements and deadlines.

What accreditation does George Mason hold?
George Mason University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees.

How much does it cost to apply?
While there is a $75 application fee, there are multiple times throughout the year that the fee may be waived.

What are the recommendations for admissions?

  • Undergrad GPA-minimum 3.0 (with all undergraduate & graduate transcripts)
  • Prerequisite Courses: Research Methods, Statistics, I-O or related course
  • Work Experience in related field
  • 2 Reference Letters
  • Personal Essay

Is there a way to contact a current student or alumnus of the program?
Yes. You can visit our Student Ambassadors’ page to learn more about their experiences in the program, listen in on past webinars, and to sign up for their next webinar. Webinars are a great place to listen in while former students talk about an aspect of their online experience, and a great opportunity for you to ask questions you know only a peer can answer.