M.S. Applied I/O Psychology

Enhance organizational performance with our two-year, on-campus psychology program, using data-driven and evidence-based approaches.

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 1999, 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.

Working professionals engage in research and data review.
Graduation Cap

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

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.

 
 


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.

F-1 Stem Program

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.

View program plans, credit requirements and course descriptions.

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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 ExamplesSelect 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 and Environment
  • Delta Dental
  • Inver Hills Community College
  • Manpower Group
  • Mayo Clinic
  • Target Corporation
  • University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
  • United Healthcare
  • UW Madison Institute for Clinical and Translational Research

Cade Cole, MSAIOP.

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.


Rachel Youngen, MSAIOP.

August Youngren

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.


Christian Lucchesi, MSAIOP.

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., MSAIOP.

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!


Faculty Expertise

The MSAIOP program at UW-Stout is supported by a distinguished faculty, including Dr. Alicia Stachowski, an expert in statistics and research methods; Dr. Sahnya Susan Thom, who integrates clinical insights with organizational psychology; and Dr. Dana Linnell, a leader in evaluation and research methodologies. Our faculty are not just educators but mentors, offering individualized support and guidance to each student.
 

Admission Requirements

General UW-Stout Graduate School Application

All prospective graduate students at UW-Stout must follow a standard application process through Graduate Studies. Beyond that, each graduate program has specific requirements that must be met to be successfully admitted to the program. 

Eligibility

To be admitted with full status to the M.S. Applied Computer Science program, you must:

  • Hold an appropriate Bachelor's degree from an accredited college.
  • Have earned an overall GPA of at least 3.0.

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:

  • Resume or Curriculum Vita
  • Personal Statement
    • Discuss your current knowledge and experience in Computer Science and how they relate to your professional and academic goals within the Applied Computer Science master's program.

Access Collection Form Site*

*The Collection Form Site requires an Application ID provided upon completion of the UW-System Application

Application Deadline: April 1 (Priority)

Professional Advisory Committee

Advisory Committee Members

MaureenCochranMS, MSAP Alumna, Senior Director for Strategic Initiatives & Assessment
Brenda KruegerMS, MSAP Alumna, Interim Graduate School Director
Abby LaibMS, MSAP Alumni, Evaluator
Jim LenioMS, MSAP Alumni, Executive Director
Joel MuellerMS, MSAP Alumni, Research Analyst
Jason NicholasM.S., MSAP Alumni, Director of Institutional Research
Andrea RiceMS, MSAP Alumna, Marking Program Manager
Deanna SchultzPh.D.
Tiffany SmithPh.D.
Angela WebbMS, MSAP, Alumna, Market Research Analyst
Meridith WentzPh. D.; MSAP Alumna; Assistant Chancellor
VincentSchiavonePh.D., Senior Manager of Learning and Evaluation

Applied Psychology

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‘The program gives its students real experience to provide us with necessary skills to work in a world of professionals.’

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