We're here to help.
If you are eager to learn more about how psychology functions within workplace environments, a degree in industrial organizational psychology may be right for you. Complete the form to learn more.
Grand Canyon University’s quantitative Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in General Psychology: Industrial and Organizational Psychology program offers a broad array of courses that can increase the understanding of human behavior and mental processes. This program can prepare you to engage your knowledge and skills in the areas of industrial and organizational psychology in applied business-related settings.
Core areas of instruction include four emphasis courses in integrating psychology learning and technology, cognitive science, industrial psychology and performance psychology. You are advised to inquire directly with your state if you intend to pursue licensure, as this degree is not intended for those seeking licensure in clinical practice and does not directly lead to licensure.
GCU’s quantitative general psychology PhD in industrial and organizational psychology was created by the College of Doctoral Studies to strengthen your understanding of what engages and motivates people, as well as how relationships are formed.
In this program, you will explore the major schools of thought in psychology and their philosophical origins, examine the historical and theoretical background of the behavioristic movement and its major works, apply social and organizational methods and principles to business and industry, study the basic components of quantitative research design, and explore the historical roots, theoretical foundations, major works and guiding philosophy of humanistic, transpersonal and existential (HTE) psychology.
To complete this program, you must pass courses including:
History and systems of psychology
Humanistic, transpersonal and existential psychology
Principles of industrial and organizational psychology
Psychology of consulting and coaching
Psychoanalysis and psychodynamic theory
Principles of personnel and human resource management
Quantitative data collection and statistical mechanics
Up to 9 doctoral credits
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Doctoral)
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
* Degree must be from an institutionally accredited school. Applicants with a GPA less than 3.4 may be accepted with specifications.
** Degree must be from an institutionally accredited school. Applicants with a GPA between 3.0 - 3.39 may be accepted with specifications. Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 will not be accepted.
To learn more about time to completion and the dissertation process at GCU, visit our doctoral page.
Throughout this PhD in General Psychology: Industrial and Organizational Psychology program, you will have the opportunity to employ quantitative methodology to design, collect and analyze information in alignment with conducting a scholarly dissertation. The quantitative methodology focuses on analyzing events through numeric data, whereas the qualitative program focuses on analyzing events through the way people think, believe and behave. By pursuing your quantitative PhD, you can develop expertise in the creation of a sampling plan and in the collection of data.
Earning your PhD in General Psychology with an Emphasis in Industrial Organizational Psychology online or on campus is a great way to broaden your understanding of human behavior and position yourself for potential career advancement.
As a graduate from this program, you may go on to become a:
Human behavior expert
Consultant
Researcher
Professor
§ MOU-Alumni 2000 Doctoral-July2025: The Alumni Scholarship for Doctoral Programs is only valid for those applicants who submit a complete application and begin a Doctoral program in July 2025. This scholarship cannot be used in conjunction with any other GCU scholarship or awards and only applies to online and evening programs. Please speak to a university counselor for complete details.
