M.S. Applied Industrial / Organizational Psychology

Data-Driven Psychology

The Master's of Science in Applied Industrial / Organizational (I/O) Psychology (MSAIOP) at UW-Stout is an innovative, two-year program combining the latest in psychological theory with practical, real-world applications. Established in 1996, our program has a rich history of preparing graduates for diverse and impactful careers.

Our curriculum is uniquely structured around Industrial/Organizational Psychology, applied research, and professional development, with a strong emphasis on practical experience and cultural responsiveness. The program is designed to develop critical thinking, data analysis skills, and evidence-informed decision-making.

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100% of Graduates Are Employed or Continuing Education Within Six Months.

Career-Defining Curriculum

The MSAIOP program offers in-depth classroom and experiential learning in its focus areas. The curriculum is designed to provide students with knowledge, skills, and abilities to apply psychological theories and methods in solving 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

View program plans, credit requirements, and course descriptions.

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Program Highlights

Experiential Learning & Real-World Applications. Gain applied, hands-on experience through real-world projects with both on-campus and external clients, facilitated by our on-campus research centers like Catalyst.

Expert Faculty & Collaborative Learning. Benefit from the knowledge and experience of professional faculty in I/O psychology and applied research within a supportive cohort model, ensuring personalized attention and a collaborative learning environment.

Flexible & Inclusive Academic Schedule. The in-person courses, offered during mornings and early afternoons to free up evenings for personal activities, provide the flexibility to complete the program at your pace without mandatory summer or winter courses, accommodating your life commitments.

Affordable Investment in Your Future. Leverage opportunities for Graduate Assistant positions, our primary form of financial aid, to enter a diverse array of careers with confidence, supported by our high employment rate for graduates. We currently offer two competitive 33% FTE positions that include in-state tuition and health benefits.

Careers & Jobs. Achieve success with 100% of graduates employed or in further study within six months, earning a median salary of $66,000.

View MSAIOP Handbook

International Students STEM OPT Extension Advantage

Enhance your educational experience with the MSAIOP program's STEM designation, which grants eligible F-1 students valuable OPT extensions, paving the way for extended practical training and employment opportunities in the U.S. after graduation.

Faculty Expertise

The MSAIOP program at UW-Stout is supported 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 Thom, who integrates clinical insights with organizational psychology. Our faculty are not just educators but mentors, offering individualized support and guidance to each student.

Career Prospects & Alumni Success

Graduates of the MSAIOP program boast a 100% employment rate within three months of graduation, launching careers in sectors like business, education, nonprofits, and healthcare. Our alumni network includes professionals working in prestigious organizations such as Mayo Clinic, Target Corporation, and United Healthcare, holding diverse roles like Research Specialists, Human Resource Coordinators, and Business Intelligence Analysts.

A Promising Job Outlook

According to U.S. Department of Labor data, the job outlook for many fields relevant to the MSAIOP is bright. There is a growing demand for data-driven decision-making in the private sector, as well as in many settings within education and government fields. Numerous occupations, such as market researchers and organizational development specialists, are expected to grow at a rate much faster than the national average for other industries.

Graduate Career Details

Position Examples	Select Employers
Research Specialist Data Analyst Evaluation Associate Human Resource Coordinator Business Intelligence Analyst Policy Analyst Institutional Planner Organizational Development Specialist Project Manager	Barlow Research Associates, Inc. Boston Scientific Cigna Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment Delta Dental Inver Hills Community College Manpower Group Mayo Clinic Target Corporation United Healthcare UW Madison Institute for Clinical & Translational Research

Cade Cole

"The MSAIOP program at Stout has provided me with the skills I will need to have for the future of my career. 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."

August Youngren

"The MSAIOP program went above and beyond the expectations I had for a polytechnic school. I was prepared for the workforce by regularly working with clients and peers, analyzing data, solving problems, and focusing on topics important to me."

Christian Lucchesi

"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."

Jade W.

"The MSAIOP Program has given me the experience and confidence I was looking for in order to pursue my career goals. 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!"

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

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

Travis	Tubre	PhD, Professor and Psychology Department Chair	UW-River Falls
Jason	Nicholas	MS, MSAP Alumni, Assistant Provost and Director for Institutional Effectiveness	Northern Michigan University
Seth	Johnson	MA, Director of Human Resources	United Health Group
Kris	Vasquez	PhD, Professor of Psychology	Alverno College
Laura	Madsen	CEO; MSAP Alum	Moxy Analytics
Jeff	Goodman	PhD, Professor of Psychology	UW-Eau Claire
Elizabeth	Klobucher	Senior Manager, Health & Public Service Consulting; MSAP Alum	Accenture

Applied Psychology

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Academic Programs & Courses

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Our Polytechnic Advantage

Data-Driven Psychology

100% of Graduates Are Employed or Continuing Education Within Six Months.

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Alumni Success

Career-Defining Curriculum

Program Overview

Program Highlights

International Students STEM OPT Extension Advantage

Faculty Expertise

Career Prospects & Alumni Success

A Promising Job Outlook

Graduate Career Details

Cade Cole

August Youngren

Christian Lucchesi

Jade W.

General UW-System Application

Eligibility

Program-Specific Application Requirements

Advisory Committee Members

Applied Psychology

PHOTO ESSAY: Stirring the Senses

UW-Stout master’s students in applied industrial, organizational psychology prepare to improve the workplace

Inspiring Graduate Avery Deacon, M.S. Applied Psychology

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