Industrial and Organizational Psychology (Doctoral)

The Doctor of Philosophy in Industrial and Organizational Psychology is a research based program focused on career advancement in teaching and consulting the principles of industrial and organizational psychology. The program prepares students for careers as active contributors and leaders in advancing the effectiveness and well-being of people within organizations. The program culminates in a dissertation, which builds the foundation for theoretically grounded research and development of knowledge in the study and application of organizational psychology.

Graduates pursue careers as leaders in research, business, or university settings.

Keiser University states the goals of this program as follows.

• Appreciate diversity in individuals and the global community, demonstrated through application of ethical problem solving at the individual, social, and organizational levels in the field of psychology.
• Apply the principles of effective research methods to design and conduct scholarly research, interpret data, and formulate conclusions that contribute to the scientific body of knowledge.
• Evaluate I/O psychology as a science grounded in theory, research, and methods, applied to solving workplace challenges.
• Demonstrate professional communication skills through organizing, thinking critically, and communicating ideas and information in documents, presentations, and publications.

Applicants desiring to enter Keiser University must submit an application to the Admissions Office well in advance of the start date. This permits proper scheduling and ensures availability of classroom space. Applications for Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall semesters should be made as early as possible, as these entry dates are normally the time of greatest enrollment.

Credit for courses or degrees completed at another institution is subject to approval by the Dean of Academic Affairs. These courses or degrees must be similar in content and duration to those offered in the program for which an applicant has applied. The Dean of Academic Affairs makes the final decision of accepted transfer credits from the received transcript. However, only courses listed on official transcripts receive permanent official transfer credit. To grant such credit, Keiser University must receive official transcript directly from the previous institution by the end of a student’s first semester. Keiser University requires that, at a minimum, a student complete at least one third of the credit hours required for any graduate or post-baccalaureate professional degree through instruction offered by Keiser University. Active duty, reservists, and National Guard service members who are students can complete at a minimum one third of a program at any time through the University. Transfer students are informed in writing of any credits accepted as transferable. Preliminary notification is presented, in most cases, prior to enrollment but in no case later than the end of a transfer student's first semester. Students are responsible for having official transcripts sent to Keiser University from all former institution(s). It may be necessary for students to forfeit some previously earned credit in the transfer process since college philosophies, objectives and programs may vary and change from year to year. Keiser University does not make any blanket assurances or guarantees regarding the acceptance or transferability of credits from other institutions. Each credit evaluation is conducted on a caseby-case basis in accordance with university policy.

Keiser University may accept transfer credits from a college or university recognized by the by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE). Coursework must be equivalent in content, level, and credit hours to the corresponding Keiser University course/s.

Qualified, accepted doctoral degree seeking students may transfer a maximum of 18 graduate level credits, but no more than two-thirds of the total credit hours (whichever is less), required for the program unless otherwise specified by a programmatic accreditor.

Acceptable courses will be equivalent to a B grade or higher unless otherwise specified by programmatic requirements. Courses represented with a Pass or Satisfactory grade may be transferable at the discretion of the program chair and/or appropriate program Dean.

Courses in the PhD program are eight weeks in length and students are scheduled for one or two courses concurrently.

Keiser University publishes this program as 54.0 graduate semester credit hours, approximately 40 months in length (this will vary if a student transfers in credits).

Keiser University’s Graduate School Academic Calendar runs three semesters a year, beginning in January, May and August, and each semester is made up of two eight-week terms — six start dates a year.

Keiser University charges tuition and education fees per semester, based on scheduled credit hours. Each semester is 16 weeks. The rates below are the university’s published Tuition and Fee Disclosure for the Graduate School, effective Fall Semester 2026, and are subject to annual review.

This program is charged at the rate for Doctoral degree programs.

An education fee of $750.00 per semester is charged for all graduate-level programs. One-time charges on enrolment are an application fee of $55.00 and a registration fee of $145.00.

Doctoral students are charged $8,628.00 for the four-credit dissertation and $1,000.00 for each of the two on-campus residencies. Students are responsible for travel, accommodation and other costs associated with their residencies.

Alumni of Keiser University’s doctoral program pursue strong job opportunities across the private and public sectors. Graduates can pursue positions in HR leadership, behavioral science research, workforce strategy, training and development, and consulting roles. Many alumni also pursue professor and academic faculty positions at colleges and universities. The IO psychology program supports professionals by strengthening their ability to apply research methods, analyze complex social science data, and address workforce challenges across industries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for industrial organizational psychologists remains strong across multiple sectors.

• Lead researcher on workplace behavior
• Consultant for employee productivity
• Training specialist
• HR consultant
• Workforce analyst
• Organizational development consultant
• Personnel psychologist
• Industrial organizational psychologist in federal agencies
• Talent acquisition strategist
• Behavioral science researcher
• Employee engagement specialist
• Organizational effectiveness director
• Professor at a college or university
• Academic researcher in social science

Keiser University’s industrial organizational psychology PhD fits experienced professionals and recent graduates with professional experience in psychology, behavioral science, or human resources who are ready to advance. With flexible online learning, the PhD program aligns with career goals in research, consulting, HR leadership, and beyond. Whether the aim points toward professor roles, applied research, or executive consulting, Keiser provides the advanced education and insight needed to make a lasting impact.