Transform how workplaces operate. Apply psychological science to help organizations and the people within them thrive.
Earn your Master of Science in Industrial and Organizational Psychology at Florida Southern, where you'll learn to apply psychology to make organizations healthier, more productive, and more human.
I/O psychology is the scientific study of people at work, including how employees are selected and developed, what motivates performance, how leaders and teams function, and how organizations can create environments in which people thrive. Grounded in the scientist-practitioner model, the MSIO program prepares you to critically evaluate research, analyze organizational data, diagnose workplace challenges, and develop evidence-based solutions.
Courses are offered in a flexible hybrid format, with one evening course on campus and one primarily asynchronous online course each week. You will learn from accessible faculty who bring extensive experience in research, consulting, human resources, leadership, and organizational development
I/O psychology is one of the fastest-growing and best-paid corners of the field. Here's what the degree opens up.
Industrial/organizational psychology has been recognized by U.S. News and World Report as a leading science career.
Median income for I/O psychologists with a master's degree exceeds $92,000 in Florida, and tops $125,000 with doctoral training.
Small cohorts create a close-knit learning community and allow for individualized faculty mentoring and support.
As a STEM-designated program, the MSIO qualifies international graduates for up to 36 months of Optional Practical Training in the U.S.
Explore the hybrid format, the applied curriculum, and the flexible tracks that let you tailor the degree toward consulting or doctoral study.
The MSIO program is delivered in a flexible hybrid format, with one evening course on campus and one primarily asynchronous online course each week. Online courses may include occasional scheduled virtual meetings, and students should expect to coordinate with classmates outside of class to complete group assignments. This structure allows students to continue working while completing the program in under two years.
Each semester, you’ll collaborate in small groups to complete applied projects. Modeled on the challenges professionals face in real organizations, these team experiences build the leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills the field runs on, and they mirror the workplace dynamics you’ll step into after graduation.
Students choose between an internship track and a thesis track based on their professional and academic goals.
The internship track provides opportunities to apply I/O psychology in an organizational setting, develop professional experience, and expand your network. Students work with the program director to identify and pursue internship opportunities aligned with their interests and career goals. Faculty maintain relationships with employers across Central Florida and beyond, including corporations, nonprofit organizations, healthcare systems, educational institutions, and government agencies.
The thesis track is designed for students interested in doctoral study, research, or roles requiring advanced analytical expertise. Students develop and complete an original research project while strengthening their skills in research design, data analysis, scholarly writing, and presenting research findings.
The MSIO is a 33-credit-hour program following a planned two-year sequence.
Fall, Year 1
PSY 6100 Statistics and Research Methods I (F2F)
PSY 6150 Industrial Psychology
Spring, Year 1
PSY 6200 Statistics and Research Methods II (F2F)
PSY 6250 Organizational Psychology
Summer, Year 1
PSY 6450 Leadership
PSY 6960 or 6971 Internship or Thesis I
Fall, Year 2
PSY 6400 Training and Development (F2F)
PSY 6350 Personnel Selection
PSY 6960 or 6971 Internship or Thesis II
Spring, Year 2
PSY 6300 Workplace Motivation
PSY 6500 Special Topics in I/O Psychology (F2F)
Total — 33 Hours
Admission to the MSIO program requires:
Your essay should address:
Preferred preparation. Applicants come from a variety of academic backgrounds, and all are considered. To help you get the most from the program, we recommend prior coursework in statistics, research methods, and core psychology, such as elementary statistics, social psychology, tests and measurements, research design, or an introductory I/O psychology course. Students may occasionally be asked to complete additional coursework to strengthen their preparation.
Requirements and Career Opportunities for International Students
International applicants complete the requirements above, plus:
Transcript evaluation. Course-by-course evaluations are accepted from SpanTran(an FSC discount is available), Academic Evaluation Services, Inc., Josef Silny, World Education Services, or another comparable approved evaluation agency.
International Graduate Students
Florida Southern's MSIO program helps international students build valuable U.S. work experience, not just earn a degree.
STEM OPT Extension. Because the program is STEM-designated, graduates may be eligible for up to 36 months of Optional Practical Training in the U.S., giving you extended time to apply your skills and build your career.
Day 1 CPT. International students can also participate in Day 1 Curricular Practical Training, applying what they learn from the start while maintaining F-1 status.
For the 2026-2027 academic year, tuition is $875 per credit hour, with a per-semester technology fee of $25 to $100 based on credit hours enrolled. A $250 non-refundable enrollment deposit is due upon acceptance and applied toward your first-semester tuition.
Every organization runs on people, and I/O psychology is the discipline that studies how to do that well: who to hire, how to train them, what motivates performance, how to build teams that function, and how to be a leader worth following. You’ll learn to diagnose these problems with data and solve them with evidence, not intuition. It’s psychology aimed squarely at the workplace, and it’s in demand everywhere people work.
The internship track connects you with leading employers. Recent FSC MSIO students have interned with organizations including Publix, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and Collins Aerospace, graduating with a resume full of applied, career-ready experience rather than coursework alone.
Most master’s programs point you in one direction. The MSIO gives you two. Choose the internship track to move straight into applied roles in HR, training, consulting, or organizational development, or choose the thesis track to build the research foundation for doctoral study. You don’t have to decide on day one — the choice comes when you’re ready, informed by what you’ve learned about where you want to go.
“I aspire to make a difference in the work environment. By earning a Master of Science degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, I will be able to use my knowledge to enhance my role in social work. My experience with my cohort and Florida Southern College has been nothing short of amazing. The faculty ensures that all students are heard and their ideas are considered.”
"The professors really know their stuff, but what makes them stand out is how approachable and encouraging they are. They create space for open conversations, critical thinking, and finding ways to connect what we're learning to real-life situations."
"Every person within a company is important and is a valued member of the organization. I believe this degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology will provide me with the tools and understanding I need to better serve my fellow employees."
FSC’s MSIO program is distinguished by its hands-on approach and strong student support. Completed in under two years through a hybrid format (one evening on campus and one online course per week), it offers the flexibility working professionals need alongside genuine engagement. You’ll benefit from small class sizes, personalized one-on-one faculty support, and a structured mentorship program connecting you with alumni and industry leaders. With an applied internship track, a thesis option for those considering doctoral study, and a focus on real projects, the program equips graduates to make a meaningful impact on organizations and society.
No. Students enter the program from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds. Prior coursework in statistics, research methods, psychology, or related fields is helpful, and applicants may be encouraged to complete additional preparation depending on their previous experience.
Yes. Online courses are primarily asynchronous, allowing students to complete much of their coursework on a flexible schedule.
Many MSIO students continue working while enrolled. The hybrid structure is designed with working professionals in mind, although students should plan for one evening on campus each week, regular assignment deadlines, and time outside of class for studying and group projects.
I/O psychology prepares graduates for careers involving employee and organizational effectiveness. Potential career areas include human resources, talent management, employee selection, learning and development, organizational development, leadership development, people analytics, employee experience, change management, organizational consulting, and program evaluation. Opportunities exist across corporate, nonprofit, healthcare, education, government, and military settings. Some graduates also pursue doctoral study, research, or academic careers.
Yes. Students who select the thesis track design and complete an original research project while developing advanced skills in research design, data analysis, scholarly writing, and research presentation. These experiences can strengthen preparation for doctoral programs, although admission requirements vary by institution. See “Choose Your Track” in Program Details for how the internship and thesis pathways compare.
Students in the internship track complete a supervised experience in an organizational setting. The program director supports students as they identify and pursue opportunities aligned with their interests and goals. FSC faculty maintain strong employer relationships across Central Florida, including corporations, non-profits, healthcare systems, and government agencies, so you’ll graduate with practical skills, a stronger network, and a clear sense of your direction in the field.
Learn more about the program at an in-person or virtual admission event. Join a session to meet faculty, connect with your admissions counselor, and get your questions answered.
Stay connected with student stories, faculty recognition, and program milestones.
Whether you’re ready to apply or just exploring, our team is here to guide you.
MSIO Director, Assistant Professor of Psychology
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Florida Southern’s next MSIO cohort begins in August. Apply today to secure your spot and start building the skills to lead change in the workplace.
