For Silicon Valley Expertise

The Master of Arts in Industrial-Organizational Psychology program offered by Golden Gate University in collaboration with upGrad helps learners understand workplace behavior and build high-performing organizations.  

This globally recognized online master’s degree blends psychology, management, and data-driven decision-making to enhance employee productivity, engagement, and organizational success. 

Through real-world case studies and interactive sessions, learners gain practical expertise in areas like talent management, leadership development, and workplace diversity — preparing them to lead change in dynamic business environments. 

Program Highlights: 

• Duration: 15 Months (100% Online Learning) 

• Degree Awarded by Golden Gate University, San Francisco 

• Access to 70,000+ Global Alumni Network 

• AACSB Member Institution 

• 33 Credits with Flexible Electives 

• Personalized Learning with Academic and Career Support 

Who Should Enroll in the Program? 

This program is designed for working professionals who aspire to become organizational psychologists, HR strategists, or business leaders focused on people management. Whether you’re in HR, management, consulting, or team leadership, this master’s degree equips you to apply psychological insights to business performance. 

Ideal Learners: 

• HR Professionals: Strengthen your understanding of motivation, retention, and culture. 

• Team Leaders & Managers: Build leadership and conflict-resolution skills. 

• Consultants: Offer data-backed solutions to optimize workplace productivity. 

• Business Owners: Learn to align workforce strategies with business growth goals. 

What Will You Learn in the Master of Arts in Industrial Organizational Psychology Program? 

The Master of Arts in Industrial-Organizational Psychology Program prepares learners to understand, analyze, and improve workplace behavior through applied psychology. You’ll explore how motivation, leadership, culture, and strategy influence employee performance and organizational success.  

This program helps you design people-centered strategies that drive productivity, retention, and engagement in modern workplaces. 

Key Learning Outcomes: 

• Understand the psychological principles that impact employee motivation and team dynamics. 

• Learn to assess and enhance individual, team, and organizational performance. 

• Apply research-based methods to solve workplace and human resource challenges. 

• Develop leadership and conflict management skills for complex business settings. 

• Use diversity and inclusion frameworks to build stronger, more innovative organizations. 

• Gain hands-on experience through case studies, simulations, and applied projects. 

What is the Curriculum of the Master of Arts in Industrial-Organizational Psychology Program? 

The curriculum of the Master of Arts in Industrial-Organizational Psychology program focuses on understanding human behavior at work and applying psychological insights to solve business challenges.  

Each course is designed to help learners master leadership, motivation, research, and consulting skills needed to drive organizational performance and employee growth. 

Module 1: LEAD 301 Personal Leadership:

This course helps students build self-awareness and understand their personal strengths, values, and professional goals. Learners develop emotional intelligence, handle difficult conversations effectively, and use personal power to influence others positively. 

Topics Covered: 

• Building self-awareness and identifying leadership strengths 

• Emotional intelligence and communication styles 

• Managing difficult conversations with empathy 

• Personal power and value-driven leadership 

Skills Acquired: 

• Emotional intelligence and self-management 

• Strategic decision-making 

• Interpersonal communication 

• Conflict handling and relationship building 

Module 2: LEAD 304 Leading Complex Change: 

This course teaches learners how to design and lead transformational change in uncertain business environments. Students explore the latest thinking in neuroscience, complex leadership, and change management to navigate challenges in modern organizations. 

Topics Covered: 

• Strategic and systemic thinking for change management 

• Neuroscience and leadership behavior 

• Polarity management and complexity leadership 

• Designing sustainable organizational change 

Skills Acquired: 

• Strategic change leadership 

• Systems thinking 

• Problem-solving in uncertainty 

• Organizational adaptability 

Module 3: PSYCH 308 Applied Psychological Research: 

Students learn to analyze human behavior using scientific methods and psychological research tools. The course introduces ethical practices, controlled observations, and experimental approaches to understand behavior in organizations. 

Topics Covered: 

• Research design and scientific inquiry 

• Data collection and ethical research practices 

• Correlational and experimental methods 

• Application of research in workplace psychology 

Skills Acquired: 

• Research and analytical thinking 

• Data interpretation 

• Ethical decision-making 

• Evidence-based strategy formulation 

Module 4: PSYCH 344 Tests and Measurements: 

This course prepares students to administer and interpret psychological tests in organizational settings. Learners explore various assessment tools for employee selection, team development, and leadership evaluation. 

Topics Covered: 

• Psychological testing and assessment principles 

• Job analysis and performance appraisal methods 

• Data analysis using SPSS 

• Constructing and validating organizational assessment tools 

Skills Acquired: 

• Psychometric testing and evaluation 

• HR analytics 

• Data-driven decision-making 

• Talent assessment and performance measurement 

Module 5: PSYCH 345 Organizational Behavior and Development: 

Learners examine the structure, culture, and performance of organizations and study how individuals and teams interact. The course focuses on behavioral science interventions that help improve organizational effectiveness. 

Topics Covered: 

• Organizational culture and design 

• Group behavior and motivation theories 

• Behavioral science interventions 

• Assessing and improving organizational performance 

Skills Acquired: 

• Organizational assessment 

• Culture building 

• Leadership development 

• Employee motivation and engagement 

Module 6: PSYCH 349 Executive Coaching Theory and Practice: 

This course provides an in-depth understanding of executive coaching principles. Students explore attitudinal and behavioral approaches to coaching, outcome measurement, and ethical practices in executive development. 

Topics Covered: 

• Coaching methodologies and ethics 

• Measuring coaching outcomes 

• Coaching vs. psychotherapy 

• Skills and mindset of an effective executive coach 

Skills Acquired: 

• Executive coaching techniques 

• Leadership mentoring 

• Behavioral change facilitation 

• Ethical coaching practices 

Module 7: PSYCH 354 Consulting Skills:

Students learn to conduct successful organizational consulting engagements using the action-research model. The course offers practical insights into client management, contracting, and problem-solving for business growth. 

Topics Covered: 

• Stages of consulting: entry, contracting, feedback, and action planning 

• Data-driven organizational diagnosis 

• Managing client expectations and resistance 

• Navigating organizational politics 

Skills Acquired: 

• Consulting and project management 

• Client relationship management 

• Diagnostic and analytical skills 

• Change implementation techniques 

Module 8: PSYCH 355 Diversity in Organizations:

This course explores diversity and inclusion as strategic advantages for organizations. Learners understand how to integrate diversity into business processes to improve innovation, engagement, and performance. 

Topics Covered: 

• Dynamics of diversity in modern workplaces 

• Inclusion strategies and leadership practices 

• Building competitive advantage through diversity 

• Measuring diversity impact on performance 

Skills Acquired: 

• Diversity and inclusion management 

• Cross-cultural leadership 

• Policy development and implementation 

• Employee engagement strategies 

Module 9: PSYCH 356 Conflict Resolution: Ethics, Theory, and Practice:

Learners explore ethical and theoretical approaches to professional conflict resolution and mediation. The course provides tools and frameworks to manage workplace disputes effectively and foster collaboration. 

Topics Covered: 

• Conflict mediation and negotiation frameworks 

• Ethical issues in conflict management 

• Practical skills for dispute resolution 

• Building a culture of collaboration and trust 

Skills Acquired: 

• Conflict resolution and mediation 

• Negotiation skills 

• Ethical leadership 

• Communication and empathy 

Electives (Choose Any Two) 

Students can choose two electives to customize their learning experience based on their career goals. Each elective deepens expertise in leadership, HR, or business strategy. 

Elective Options: 

• HRM 302 Acquiring and Retaining Human Resources 

• HRM 306 Learning and Development 

• LEAD 303 Teamwork in Organizations  

• MBA 311 Strategic Analysis and Design 

• MGT 345 Context of Business 

• PM 340 Introduction to Project Management 

Why Choose the Master of Arts in Industrial Organizational Psychology Program? 

The MA in Industrial-Organizational Psychology program offers a balance of academic depth and practical application. Designed with industry input, the curriculum blends psychology, management, and data-driven insights to help learners lead people-focused transformation in any organization.  

Graduates develop both analytical and leadership skills to address real-world challenges in business, consulting, and human resources. 

Program Benefits: 

• Globally Recognized Degree: Earn your master’s from Golden Gate University, San Francisco. 

• Flexible Online Learning: Study at your own pace with interactive and recorded sessions. 

• Tailored Electives: Choose electives that match your career interests in HR, leadership, or consulting. 

• Real-World Projects: Apply theories through case-based learning and organizational analysis. 

• Expert Faculty: Learn from experienced professionals and psychologists with global exposure. 

• Career Advancement: Open pathways to leadership roles in HR, consulting, and organizational strategy. 

Certification & Recognition: Earn a Globally Valued Master’s Degree 

Gain a prestigious credential with the Master of Arts in Industrial-Organizational Psychology program. This globally recognized degree from Golden Gate University, San Francisco, validates your expertise in workplace psychology, leadership, and performance management. 

It strengthens your credibility as a professional who understands how to align people and processes for organizational success. 

You’ll Receive: 

• Master’s Degree from Golden Gate University (GGU), San Francisco 

• upGrad Certificate of Program Completion 

• Full Alumni Status at Golden Gate University 

• Access to a Global Network of 70,000+ Industry Leaders and Alumni 

Is the MA in Industrial-Organizational Psychology Degree Worth It? 

Yes, the Master of Arts in Industrial-Organizational Psychology Program is absolutely worth it. The demand for professionals who can optimize workplace culture, employee engagement, and leadership effectiveness is at an all-time high across industries. 

Here’s why this degree stands out: 

• Earn a globally recognized credential from a 120+ year-old university in the innovation capital of the world. 

• Learn to apply psychological principles to business challenges like motivation, productivity, and diversity. 

• Gain access to expert faculty who are industry practitioners with real-world consulting and leadership experience. 

• Join a global professional network that enhances your career growth across HR, consulting, and organizational development. 

• Build job-ready skills through hands-on projects, case studies, and applied research that translates directly into your workplace. 

What Are the Top Career Opportunities After the Master of Arts in Industrial-Organizational Psychology Program? 

After completing the Master of Arts in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, you’ll be ready for diverse leadership and consulting roles focused on improving workplace performance, employee engagement, and organizational culture.  

The program provides you to apply psychology and data-driven insights to help businesses make smarter talent and management decisions. 

Popular Job Roles After the Program: 

Sourced by: Ambitionbox 

Industries Hiring Industrial-Organizational Psychology Professionals 

• Human Resources & Consulting: Design engagement programs, drive leadership development, and improve team productivity. 

• Technology & IT Services: Strengthen workplace culture and manage hybrid team performance. 

• Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals: Improve employee well-being, motivation, and cross-functional collaboration. 

• Financial Services & Banking: Build data-driven HR and change management strategies. 

• Education & Training: Apply psychological frameworks to learning design and workforce development. 

Which Top Companies Hire Industrial Organizational Psychology Professionals? 

• Deloitte 

• Accenture 

• Google 

• IBM 

• Amazon 

• EY (Ernst & Young)