The Rockhurst University I-O Psychology Master’s degree prepares you for a wide variety of well-paid and in-demand strategic jobs, fostering work and workplaces that are effective and just. You’ll develop the psychological expertise, science-based analytical skills, and practical wisdom needed to understand and improve how tasks get done – becoming a force for good at work.

Real-World Skill Development
Our Industrial and Organizational Psychology Master's program is designed to give you high-quality practice in organizational diagnosis, consulting, design, and more. You'll gain hands-on experience that prepares you for practical challenges.
Community Connections
As a student in our M.S. in I-O Psychology program, you'll have the opportunity to learn and work with area businesses, non-profits, and government agencies. Benefit from the Rockhurst business school’s extensive network in Kansas City and surrounding states, enhancing your career opportunities.
Grounded in Doing Good
Our curriculum is built on applied wisdom and ethical practice, ensuring that you not only acquire essential skills but also embody integrity and leadership in your professional life.
Hybrid, Highly Interactive, & Highly Convenient
Our core I-O psychology courses are live and engaging. To support working professionals, classes meet on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and you can join either on-campus or via live online meeting. Elective courses in Business & Technology are also offered in a variety of convenient formats, so you can design a degree that works for you.
Customize Your I-O Degree
Customize your coursework with an emphasis in one of two tracks: Management and People Analytics.
MSIOP Program Outcomes
- Use psychology knowledge to optimize an organization’s performance: From management, hiring, and engagement to changing company culture, our Industrial and Organizational Psychology Master's program equips you with the skills to enhance organizational effectiveness.
- Recognize the intersection between humans, the workplace, and their communities: Understand how these relationships can shape management, hiring, training, and community-building strategies in our M.S. in I-O Psychology program.
- Assist organizations in addressing high turnover, conflicts, safety concerns, culture, and stagnant or declining productivity: Gain the expertise to help organizations tackle these critical issues effectively.
- Explain knowledge pertaining to psychological theories and principles essential to I-O psychology: This includes individual differences, psychometrics, and organizational theories, all of which are covered in our comprehensive curriculum.
- Develop strong quantitative skills: Learn to analyze psychological data to support scientific and practical inferences that help solve practical organizational problems.
MSIOP Career Outcomes
Graduates of the RU I-O graduate program will have the qualifications that are required for many jobs in organizational improvement, such as those listed below.
Talent Development & Learning Manager
People Data Analyst
Employee Experience Consultant
Employee Listening Director
Organizational Change Specialist
Leadership Development Consultant
Human Resources Director
Training Director
What Can I Do with an Industrial and Organizational Psychology Degree?
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Matt Lineberry, Ph.D., Director of the Rockhurst University M.S. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology
Often in life, choosing to walk the road less traveled can open up big opportunities. For many, deciding on the right graduate program can open doors to meaningful, well-paid, and fulfilling work. For me, the turning point was discovering a career path I hadn’t even known existed: industrial and organizational psychology. Thanks to a mentor, I pursued this field – and it has been a fast track to impactful and rewarding opportunities. Now, as director of the Rockhurst University M.S. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology program, I’m lucky to be in the position of sharing that opportunity with others.
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MSIOP Program Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Timeline | Four semesters total, for students taking a full course load
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| Course Format | Both in-person and online class sessions are available.
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| Credit Hours | 40 total credit hours
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| Core Curriculum | Two core courses are offered each semester. Fall, year 1:
Spring, year 1:
Fall, year 2:
Spring, year 2:
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| Electives | Students may focus in either of two elective tracks: Management or People Analytics Example "Management" courses:
Example "People Analytics" courses:
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| Capstone and/or Internship | Students may flexibly design capstone and/or internship experiences to suit their career goals, in partnership with their advisor and capstone/internship faculty. A typical Master's "thesis" is not required but is available for students who wish to complete a thesis. |
| Dates | See the Rockhurst academic calendar for key dates |
| Program Costs | Tuition and fees are listed at: rockhurst.edu/graduate-tuition-fees/cas Visit Rockhurst financial aid at: rockhurst.edu/admissions/financial-aid |
| Admission Requirements | Admission is made on a holistic basis; your application is welcome and will be thoroughly considered, even if you do not meet all of the admission requirements.
The Rockhurst MSIOP does not require Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test scores, though you are welcome to include them in your application. |
| Application Process | Begin your application at: connect.rockhurst.edu/apply Under "Graduate Program Selection," choose "Graduate College of Arts & Sciences (Education & IO Psychology)." Select "Master of Science in Industrial-Organizational Psychology," either "Traditional" or "People Analytics" (Note that you can change your preferred elective track later) You can begin an application and save your work as you go, i.e., it is not necessary to complete your application in a single session. |
| Application Materials Required |
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| Application Dates |
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| International Enrollment | International student applications are welcome.
Additional application process details for international applicants can be found at: rockhurst.edu/admissions/international |
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