Top 15 Industrial/Organizational Psychology Certificate Programs

Industrial and organizational psychology is a very satisfying and financially rewarding career choice. I/O psychology principles and strategies can be used in every industry. Professionals can complete an industrial organizational psychology certificate to take their career to the next level. Organizational behavior certificate programs give students the specialized skills and training top companies and organizations look for. Organizational psychology certificate programs can be a great choice for professionals with organizational responsibility in areas like:

HR
company-wide performance
training and professional development
workspace layout and organization

Both undergraduate and graduate certificate programs are available to meet the needs of students with diverse educational backgrounds.

Featured Schools

We created this ranking of the top I/O psychology graduate certificate programs in the U.S. offered by regionally accredited institutions. To find schools offering these programs, we used College Navigator, a tool created by the National Center for Education Statistics. We also completed our own online search to make sure we included as many industrial psychology certificate programs as possible in our initial research.

Based on our research, we determined the best IO psychology certificate programs offering a comprehensive curriculum focused on I/O psychology taught by experienced faculty. We developed our ranking criteria based on delivery format and availability of elective course offerings.

We awarded extra points to schools offering an industrial and organizational psychology certificate in more than one format. We also awarded extra points to industrial organizational psychology certificate programs that give students the flexibility to choose elective courses. Elective courses allow students to customize their certificate program to meet their personal and professional goals.

Delivery Format

Online= 2 Points
On-Campus= 2 Points

Electives

Yes= 3 Points

15. Northcentral University – La Jolla, California

Post-Master’s Certificate Program in Industrial Organizational Psychology

School Profile
Program Website
Format: Online
Electives: No
Points: 2

Northcentral University features two I/O psychology certificate programs. Students will learn appropriate ways to apply I/O psychology principles in both organizational and business settings. The post-baccalaureate certificate in I/O psychology is a 12-credit hour certificate program that can be completed in just nine months. The post-master’s certificate in I/O psychology is a six-course program for students with a master’s degree from an accredited academic institution. Students in the post-master’s program can earn their certificate in just 12 months.

14. Purdue University Global – Davenport, Iowa

Online Graduate Certificate Program in Industrial Organizational Psychology (I/O)

School Profile
Program Website
Format: Online
Electives: No
Points: 2

Purdue University Global features a high-value graduate certificate in I/O psychology created for working professionals. Students study theories, methods, and I/O practices. Courses cover areas like:

workplace motivation and attitudes
evaluation and leadership
human resources

The program consists of six required courses. Courses may be transferable to specific Purdue Global programs.

13. Saint Louis University – Saint Louis, Missouri

Industrial Psychology Graduate Certificate Program

School Profile
Format: Online
Electives: No
Points: 2

The low-cost industrial organizational psychology certificate online at St. Louis University is a 24 credit-hour program with six start terms each year. This online undergraduate certificate is a great option for working professionals who need the flexibility of an online program. Interactive courses keep students engaged with relevant content and applied projects. Applicants should be over 22 years old and have at least three years of work experience. Graduates are prepared for a variety of careers in areas like policy planning and training and development.

12. San Diego State University – San Diego, California

Graduate Certificate in I-O Psychology

School Profile
Program Website
Format: On-campus
Electives: No
Points: 2

San Diego State University features an open university certificate in industrial and organizational psychology. Their program is designed for students who are working in (or planning to work in) organizations where I/O psychology skills are needed for advancement and business success. Courses include:

Statistical Methods in Psychology
Personnel and Industrial Psychology
Organizational Psychology

This undergraduate program is open to students with a high school diploma or equivalent who demonstrate their ability to complete certificate coursework.

11. Thomas Edison State University – Trenton, New Jersey

Graduate Certificate in Industrial-Organizational Psychology

School Profile
Format: Online
Electives: No
Points: 2

The high-quality organizational psychology certificate online at Thomas Edison State University is a 12-credit hour program. Students complete courses like:

Psychological Factors in Selecting and Growing Organizational Talent
Using Psychology to Create Effective Training and Development Programs
The Psychology of Leadership, Motivation, and Teamwork

Courses cover psychological theories, principles, and research in the field that can be applied immediately to the workplace. There are no on-campus residency requirements.

10. West Chester University – West Chester, Pennsylvania

Graduate Certificate in Industrial/Organizational Psychology

School Profile
Format: Online
Electives: No
Points: 2

West Chester University features a best value organizational behavior certificate online. Students will gain the business, leadership, and psychology skills they need to advance their career. Required courses include:

Introduction to People Analytics
Ethics and Professional Skills in Organizational Practice
Advanced Organizational Psychology

This 12-credit hour program can be completed 100% online, making this a great choice for working professionals. Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree in any area and an interest in I/O psychology.

9. Grand Canyon University – Phoenix, Arizona

Graduate Certificate of Completion in Industrial and Organizational Psychology

School Profile
Format: Online or on-campus
Electives: No
Points: 4

The cost-effective I/O psychology certificate from Grand Canyon University is offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. The program is a great choice for professionals who want to expand their skill set. Students will learn management and consulting competencies while exploring the practical applications of psychology in the workplace. This 16-credit hour program includes industrial psychology online courses like:

Organizational Behavior and Development
Strategies for Effective Leadership and Consultation
Principles of Personnel and Human Resource Management

Each course takes eight weeks to complete. Students who earn their certificate are prepared to work in a variety of settings including private corporations and government agencies.

8. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology – Chicago, Illinois

Certificate in Industrial and Organizational Psychology

School Profile
Format: Online
Electives: Yes
Points: 5

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology offers an online certificate in industrial and organizational psychology. Full-time students can earn their certificate in just five months. The program consists of three courses, one required and two electives. Possible course options include:

Management and Leadership
Organizational Culture and Design
Organizational Behavior

Students interact with their instructor and other students through an online Global Student Dashboard. Coursework and assignments can be completed online with no on-campus residency requirements.

7. Georgia Tech – Atlanta, Georgia

Certificate in Industrial/Organizational Psychology

School Profile
Format: Online
Electives: Yes
Points: 5

Georgia Tech features a budget-friendly certificate in industrial/organizational psychology. This 12-semester program consists of four courses. Students complete three required courses and one elective. Course offerings include:

Social Psychology
Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Personality Theory

Courses are taught by experienced faculty who understand the unique needs of online learners. To earn their certificate, students must get at least a “C” in each course.

6. Springfield College – Springfield, Massachusetts

Industrial and Organizational Psychology – CAGS

School Profile
Format: On-campus
Electives: Yes
Points: 5

Springfield College offers a top I/O psychology post-grad certificate. This 32 credit-hour program includes both required and elective coursework options. Required courses include:

Training and Development in Organizations
Consulting Skills
Career Counseling and Development

Applicants should have completed their master’s degree to be considered for admission. Graduates can use their skills to make data-informed decisions within their organizations.

5. University of Baltimore – Baltimore, Maryland

Certificate in Global Industrial and Organizational Psychology

School Profile
Format: On-campus
Electives: Yes
Points: 5

The affordable certificate in global I/O psychology from the University of Baltimore prepares students to thrive in an international workforce. The program is open to students who have earned or are earning their master’s in I/O psychology. The 12-credit hour curriculum is focused on developing and understanding global/intercultural fluency. Required courses include:

Cross-Cultural Organizational Psychology
Leading Across Cultures

All students complete a global business practicum experience which provides students with valuable hands-on training.

4. St. Joseph’s College – New York, New York

Industrial Organizational Psychology Certificate

Website
Format: Online or in-person
Electives: Yes
Points: 7

St. Joseph’s College New York features a high-value industrial/organizational psychology certificate that gives students the specialized expertise needed to apply psychological concepts to workplace settings. The program is available online and on-campus. Students must complete 21 credit hours (12 required and nine electives). Unique elective course offerings include:

Consumer Motivation and Behavior
Group Dynamics and Communication
Health Psychology

Graduates of this top certificate program are successful in a variety of areas including HR, training and development, and policy development.

3. Golden Gate University – San Francisco, California

Graduate Certificate in Industrial-Organizational Psychology

School Profile
Format: Online, on-campus, hybrid
Electives: Yes
Points: 7

The best-value graduate certificate in I/O psychology offered by Golden Gate University is a highly individualized program that can be tailored by the individual student. Courses are delivered:

online
on-campus
hybrid

The 12 credit-hour curriculum includes just one required course and three electives. Students work closely with the department chair to select electives that align with their professional interests. Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.

2. Harvard University – Cambridge, Massachusetts

Organizational Behavior Certificate

School Profile
Format: Online or on-campus
Electives: Yes
Points: 7

Harvard University features an organizational behavior graduate certificate program with no application required. The program is offered online and consists of four courses. Courses may be selected from groups like organizational behavior and conflict management. Students can enroll in their first course during the spring, summer, or fall semester. To complete the certificate, students must complete four courses within three years and earn at least a “B” in each course. Most students can complete their certificate in just 18 months.

1. Park University – Parkville, Missouri

Industrial and Organizational Psychology Certificate

School Profile
Format: Online or on-campus
Electives: Yes
Points: 7

Park University offers an affordable undergraduate certificate in industrial and organizational psychology. Students can attend online or in-person at the Parkville campus or one of the 41 campus centers located across the country. Required courses include:

Tests and Measurements
Statistics for Social Sciences
I/O Psychology

The 15-credit hour program includes one elective course and four required courses.

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