UW-Stout's Master's of Science in Applied Industrial / Organizational (I/O) Psychology (MSAIOP) program combines the latest in psychological theory with practical, real-world applications to prepare graduates to leverage the power of psychology in business and industry. Our curriculum is uniquely structured around industrial/organizational psychology, applied research, and professional development with an emphasis on cultural responsiveness. Enhance your career with critical thinking, data analysis skills, and evidence-informed decisions.
Data-Driven Psychology
100% of Graduates Are Employed or Continuing Their Education Within Six Months
"Pursuing my degree at Stout has allowed me to gain real hands-on experience in the field of psychology that has not only lifted my confidence in my ability as a student but also as a future professional in my field that I just wouldn’t be able to find elsewhere."
~ Cade Cole
Career-Defining Curriculum
Our curriculum is designed to provide you with knowledge, skills, and experience to employ psychological theories and methods to solve complex organizational problems. With faculty advisement, students have the option to tailor their learning experiences through a thesis, internship, or additional practical experiences.
Program Overview
Program Highlights
- Experiential Learning & Real-World Applications: Gain applied, hands-on experience through real-world projects with clients, facilitated by our on-campus research centers like Catalyst.
- Expert Faculty & Collaborative Learning: Learn from professional faculty in a supportive cohort model that offers personalized attention and a collaborative learning environment.
- Flexible Academic Schedule: Offered during mornings and early afternoons, our courses provide the flexibility to complete the program at your pace without mandatory summer or winter courses.
- Affordable Investment in Your Future: Reduce your tuition investment through one of our graduate assistantships. We currently offer two competitive 33% FTE positions that include in-state tuition and health benefits.
- Careers Success: With 100% employment success for our graduates, you can enter a diverse range of careers with confidence. Graduates report a median salary of $66,000 within six months.
STEM OPT Extension Advantage for International Students
Use the Request Information form to receive a program summary and learn more about the Master of Science degree in Applied Industrial/Organizational Psychology.
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"Each professor has made a unique impact on my professional identity. I am looking forward to my future knowing I have many individuals supporting me from the MSAIOP program!"
~ Jade W.
Industry-Experienced Faculty Instruction
UW-Stout's Applied Industrial/Organizational Psychology program is administered by a distinguished faculty, including Program Director Dr. Dana Linnell, a leader in evaluation and research methodologies; Dr. Alicia Stachowski, an expert in statistics and research methods; and Dr. Sahnya Susan Thom, who integrates clinical insights with organizational psychology. Our faculty are not just educators but mentors, offering individualized support and guidance to each student.
"I joined the MSAIOP program because it focuses on hands-on experience by meeting clients and navigating projects in real time. The confidence and knowledge that I have acquired makes me ready to tackle the job market and complete projects."
~ Christian Lucchesi
Career Success
According to U.S. Department of Labor data, the job outlook for many fields relevant to industrial/organizational psychology is bright! There is a growing demand for data-driven decision-making in the private and public sectors, and our graduates have launched careers in business, education, nonprofits, and healthcare working with top organizations, including Mayo Clinic, Target Corporation, and United Healthcare.
Select Recent Employers
- Barlow Research Associates, Inc.
- Boston Scientific
- Cigna
- Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment
- Delta Dental
- Inver Hills Community College
- Mayo Clinic
- Target Corporation
- United Healthcare
- UW Madison Institute for Clinical & Translational Research
Select Position Titles
- Research Specialist
- Data Analyst
- Evaluation Associate
- Human Resource Coordinator
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- Policy Analyst
- Institutional Planner
- Organizational Development Specialist
- Project Manager
Admission Requirements
General UW-System Application
All prospective graduate students at UW-Stout must follow a standard application process through our Graduate Studies. Beyond that, each graduate program has specific requirements that must be met to be successfully admitted to the program:
Eligibility
Applicants must have an overall grade point average of 3.0 but may be admitted on probationary status if their overall grade point average is less than 3.0. These exceptions are individually negotiated with the recommendation of the program admission committee and approval of the Graduate School.
The majority of applicants will have an undergraduate degree in Psychology; however, we are interested in students from other fields including but not limited to sociology, social work, and business. Students are recommended to have taken at least fifteen credits of psychology-related courses, especially statistics and research methods courses, but this is not a requirement.
Program-Specific Application Requirements
To successfully apply for the program, first complete the UW System Application and receive your Application ID. Then, use this ID to fill out the UW-Stout Graduate Studies Collection Form, where you will provide the following:
Required Materials:
- Statement of Interest. Detail your educational and professional background, outline your career goals, and express your interest in the MSAP program.
- Resume.
Access Collection Form Site*
*The Collection Form Site requires an Application ID provided upon completion of the UW-System Application
*The Collection Form Site requires an Application ID provided upon completion of the UW-System Application
Optional Materials:
- Letters of Recommendation (up to 3):
- Candidate Recommendation Form [PDF] OR a letter of recommendation
- Writing Sample (1):
- Research paper or professional document
- GRE Scores
- Will only be reviewed if GPA does not meet minimum GPA of 3.0
Please submit optional materials, if applicable, by email to gradschool@uwstout.edu.
If materials must be mailed (not preferred), send to:
Program Director, M.S. in Applied I/O Psychology
Psychology Department
University of Wisconsin-Stout
Menomonie, WI 54751
Professional Advisory Committee
Advisory Committee Members
| Maureen | Cochran | MS, MSAP Alumna, Senior Director for Strategic Initiatives & Assessment |
| Brenda | Krueger | MS, MSAP Alumna, Interim Graduate School Director |
| Abby | Laib | MS, MSAP Alumni, Evaluator |
| Jim | Lenio | MS, MSAP Alumni, Executive Director |
| Joel | Mueller | MS, MSAP Alumni, Research Analyst |
| Jason | Nicholas | M.S., MSAP Alumni, Director of Institutional Research |
| Andrea | Rice | MS, MSAP Alumna, Marking Program Manager |
| Deanna | Schultz | Ph.D. |
| Tiffany | Smith | Ph.D. |
| Angela | Webb | MS, MSAP, Alumna, Market Research Analyst |
| Meridith | Wentz | Ph. D.; MSAP Alumna; Assistant Chancellor |
| Vincent | Schiavone | Ph.D., Senior Manager of Learning and Evaluation |
