Organizational Psychology Career and Programs
Getting Down To Business
The boss wants to improve productivity. The marketing team wants to improve their impact. Human resources wants to improve moral. Who do they call? The organizational psychologist. Also known as an industrial-organizational psychologist, these professionals apply their psychological know-how to the workings of businesses. How? Employee screening and training, marketing research, work environment improvement, and policy planning, to name a few major contributions.
Would Bob be a good candidate for management? Would flowers in the office make our employees happier and work faster? Would adding cute fuzzy animals to our ad campaign increase sales? Is there a correlation between the number of copy machine meltdowns and employee meltdowns? Management teams often bring in an industrial-organizational psychologist to help answer these questions.
Is This The Business For Me?
If you enjoy research and statistics, then yes. If you are excited about practical applications of psychological principles, then yes. If you like to take on new projects frequently, then yes. If you want to do one-on-one counseling, hate math, or have no interest in employee worklife, then no.
I-O Psychologists are often consultants hired to assist with a particular issue. This means working with different companies and sites, rather than the same office each day. Research and analysis will also be involved to study a company’s problem and apply methods to solve it. If partnering with management to find the best solution to these business-related issues sounds appealing, jump in.
How Good Is The Business?
The median income for I-O Psychologists is $87,330, with the top 25% bringing in over $138,000. Compare that to the $66,810 median income for clinical and counseling psychologists, and this seems to be the specialty to aim for.
This field also boasts a predicted growth of 26%, compared to an estimated growth of 11% for the clinical and counseling setting. Opportunities are increasing as employers seek the best ways to get the most bang for their buck out of policies, procedures, and people.
Let’s review. Good job potential. Good pay. Yes, the business is good.
Outlook for Organizational Psychology Careers
Organizational Opportunity
Business managers are finding value in the contributions of organizational psychologists. Increased productivity and retention rates boost business. Adjusting work environments, altering policies, and screening potential employees are just a few of the areas where I-O psychologists are assisting to help create these boosts. The result – more demand for I-O psychologists.
Due to this increased demand, psychologists wishing to specialize in the area will find good potential opportunity. Master’s degree holders will find less competition for jobs in this arena, compared to other possible fields where competition will most likely be stiff.
Where Are These Opportunities?
Consult. Research. Look to the government and educational institutions. You’ll find the most jobs in these industries. The chart below outlines the number of opportunities each offers.
If you are deciding where to live as an organizational psychologist, Massachusetts wins. It ranks in the top five states for I-O psychology employment, concentration of jobs, and pay. So, if you are sending out resumes, shoot a few to the Bay State.
Salaries in Organizational Psychology
Gates over Freud
When it comes to the wallet, big business always wins out over helping professions. Organizational psychology manages to hit both of these worlds. Working for companies to help increase their benefits has monetary benefits of its own. It’s business. This is a for-profit setting. Because of this, the payscale for I-O psychologists is more generous than other fields of psychology.
Analyze this. $114,040 vs. $72,540. The first is the average salary for I-O psychologists. The second, for clinical and counseling psychologists. No psychoanalysis is needed. Clearly this is a good specialty to seek if you desire a more generous salary.
Of course, not everyone will make this amount. Following is an income overview for a career in organizational psychology.
Education Requirements for Organizational Psychology Careers
Master the Industry
There are no short-cuts here. The bar for organizational psychology is set at master’s level. A doctorate degree can also be obtained, but the minimum will be a master’s degree to enter this field.
For coursework, be prepared to make application and crunch numbers. Obtaining a master’s degree in I-O psychology will involve not only learning psychological theory, but its applications. Statistics will also be your friend. A consultant who can’t produce stats for a company’s board will not prove useful.
It is possible to focus on organizational psychology at the bachelor’s level, but the job opportunities will be slim to none. Human resources will be the main option. The doctorate will likely increase the pay and offer the most opportunities. Generally, though, the master’s degree qualifies a candidate for most I-O positions.
How common are degrees at each level? This has fluctuated over the years. You can see the master’s degree remains constant as the most popular choice.
Accredited Colleges and Universities
Online Schools with Organizational Psychology programs
Walden University
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Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Psychology - Psychology Applied in the Workplace
The B.S. in Psychology program provides you with a broad understanding of psychology and its relevance in today's increasingly diverse and global society. You will apply psychological theories to current issues in psychology as you gain perspective in three vitally important areas: social awareness, responsibility, and civic engagement; cross-cultural competence; and evidence-based decision-making in an information-rich world. Take up to 70 percent of your courses in psychology or choose elective courses from other majors.
Concentrations
- Child Development Infant/Toddler
- Child Development PreSchool
- Criminal Justice
- Human Services
- Psychology Applied to Everyday Life
- Psychology Applied to the Helping Professions
- Psychology Applied to the Workplace
- Preparation for Graduate Studies
Accelerate Into Master's (AIM)
Transition from a bachelor's degree to a master's degree in less time with Walden's Accelerate Into Master's (AIM) degree option. AIM offers high-achieving undergraduate students an opportunity to take as many as five graduate-level courses in their undergraduate coursework. Upon completion, credits from these courses can be applied toward a master's degree. With the AIM degree option, you can earn your master's degree in as little as one year, depending on your individual progress and degree program.
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Master of Science (M.S.) in Psychology - Organizational Psychology
Walden's M.S. in Psychology program can prepare you to think critically about psychological theory and conduct basic or applied research. Engage in reflective learning and collaborate with peers and expert faculty to gain a solid foundation in psychological principles. Your online graduate degree prepares you for both continuing studies and career advancement in areas such as counseling, psychological analysis and evaluation, organizational psychology and development, and human resource management.
Specializations (in addition to the General Program)
- Applied Psychology
- Crisis Management and Response
- Educational Psychology
- Health Psychology
- Leadership Development and Coaching
- Media Psychology
- Organizational Psychology
- Organizational Psychology and Nonprofit Management
- Program Evaluation and Research
- Psychology of Culture
- Psychology, Public Administration and Social Change
- Social Psychology
- Terrorism and Security
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Master of Science (M.S.) in Psychology - Organizational Psychology & Nonprofit Management
Walden's M.S. in Psychology program can prepare you to think critically about psychological theory and conduct basic or applied research. Engage in reflective learning and collaborate with peers and expert faculty to gain a solid foundation in psychological principles. Your online graduate degree prepares you for both continuing studies and career advancement in areas such as counseling, psychological analysis and evaluation, organizational psychology and development, and human resource management.
Specializations (in addition to the General Program)
- Applied Psychology
- Crisis Management and Response
- Educational Psychology
- Health Psychology
- Leadership Development and Coaching
- Media Psychology
- Organizational Psychology
- Organizational Psychology and Nonprofit Management
- Program Evaluation and Research
- Psychology of Culture
- Psychology, Public Administration and Social Change
- Social Psychology
- Terrorism and Security
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Ph.D. in Psychology - Organizational Psychology
Making a positive impact within your community, organization, and profession requires an ability to integrate theories, research, and evidence-based practices that accommodate cultural and individual diversity. With a Ph.D. in Psychology from Walden University, you'll be better prepared as a researcher, educator, and practitioner to help individuals and groups with family, mental health, career, and educational issues.
Specializations
- Clinical Psychology
- Counseling Psychology
- Educational Psychology
- Forensic Psychology
- General Psychology
- Health Psychology
- Organizational Psychology
- Social Psychology
Grand Canyon University
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Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership: Behavioral Health
This doctoral-level degree program is designed specifically for practicing behavioral health professionals, including licensed professional counselors, licensed marriage and family therapists, licensed social workers, school counselors, psychiatric nurses, and behavioral health agency managers. Participants must hold a master's degree in a behavioral health-related field to participate in this program, which assists them with their development into behavioral health servant leaders who are ethical agents of change with diverse populations in a wide variety of behavioral health organizational settings.The program develops leaders capable of innovation, invention and discovery as well as the responsible application of current best practices to achieve organizational goals and objectives. This highly relevant and robust curriculum focuses on the major bodies of leadership literature and theory and identifies the most appropriate and effective applications to educational, business and organizational environments. Participants will develop academic and organizational research expertise through the study of statistics and research methodology. The program of study is consistent with Grand Canyon University's mission to develop students who are global citizens, critical thinkers, effective communicators, and responsible leaders. With the Emphasis in Behavioral Health, the program further provides a broad understanding of leadership and supervision within the behavioral health settings. This includes models and methods of supervision, current research, interventions, as well as legal and ethical considerations. Graduates will possess the knowledge and skills needed to lead a behavioral health organization serving today's complex, dynamic and diverse populations.
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M.S. in Psychology: Industrial & Organizational Psychology
The Master of Science in Psychology with an emphasis in Organizational Psychology is a program designed for individuals who desire promotion and/or continued academic exposure in the field of psychology. The program focuses on the development of critical thinking and leadership qualities. Graduates with these attributes can impact companies and organizations which are interested in making their work environments ones in which individuals can thrive and contribute to the goals of the organization.Prospective students must hold a bachelor's degree prior to enrollment.
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Ph.D. in General Psychology: Industrial and Organizational
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in General Psychology with an emphasis on Industrial and Organizational Psychology was developed for individuals who want to become behavioral specialists in the work place. Those with a Ph.D. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology often pursue careers as teachers or researchers at the college or university level, consultants and staff psychologists, or researchers. In the workplace, industrial and organizational psychologists work to improve areas such as selection and placement, training and development, and the evaluation of employee performance. This program involves an in-depth study of how individuals behave in a variety of settings. Students are advised to inquire directly with their state if they intend to pursue licensure, as this degree does not lead directly to licensure in and of itself. Entry to this program requires a graduate degree and related coursework.
Northcentral University
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CAGS-Psy/Industrial Organizational Psychology
Earning a Certificate in Advanced Graduate Studies program in Industrial Organizational Psychology prepares students for research and field experience within the industrial and organizational contexts. The program emphasizes the contributions of both industrial and organizational psychology to the understanding of people in their field of work. Graduates should gain skills to practice the applications of theory and research to organizational and human resource management problems in organizations. Prospective students should hold a master's degree prior to enrolling in this 18-credit hour program that can also transfer directly into a doctoral program at NCU.
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DBA/Industrial/Organizational Psychology
With a Doctor's in Business Administration -Industrial/Organizational Psychology, graduates will learn to understand people and their work. Students will complete courses in Psychology in order to develop a background in theory, research, and applications of psychology and then go on to determine their relationship to human behavior in organizations. Students will finish off their education with a final research project in which the students will demonstrate their ability to investigate a work place problem, identify an area for intervention, critique, justify, and recommend preventative actions.
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M.A.Psy/Industrial Organizational Psychology
The Master of Arts in Psychology/Industrial Organizational Psychology program prepares students for research and field experience within the industrial and organizational contexts. The program emphasizes the contributions of both industrial and organizational psychology to the understanding of people in their field of work. Graduates should gain skills to practice the applications of theory and research to organizational and human resource management problems in organizations. Prospective students should currently hold a bachelor's degree and can complete the master's program in approximately 2 years.
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Ph.D.BA/Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Our Ph.D. in Business Administration/Industrial/Organizational Psychology degree program focuses on developing competencies required in leaders committed to understanding the strategic practices involved in this field. Courses are grounded in research and customized for maximum professional impact for graduates who aspire to become collaborative change agents within their organization.
Prospective students must meet certain prerequisite requirements such as a bachelor's or master's degree or relevant work experience prior to enrolling. These requirements can be discussed with the career counselor when they call.
Colorado Technical University
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Bachelor of Science in Psychology - Organizational Behavior
Colorado Technical University is accepting applications for a professionally focused Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree program with a concentration in Organizational Behavior. The curriculum is designed to help students understand how to apply knowledge of the major concepts, theories, research findings and key thought leaders in the field of psychology to the real world behavior of individuals and groups in the workplace.
What You Can Learn
In this degree program, students will be given the opportunity to acquire the critical thinking, problem-solving, analytical frameworks, communication and leadership skills which are needed in today's marketplace.
Concentration Courses Include:
- Orientation to the Organizational Behavior Profession
- Consulting Skills
- Creating Change in Individuals and Organizations
- Adult Learning: Corporate Training and Development
- Developing Human Resources
- Advanced OD Skills: Organization Interventions
- Capstone in Organizational Behavior
Applications are being accepted now for classes scheduled to begin on May 15, 2011. Students interested in learning more about this program are encouraged to contact us today.
Colorado Technical University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association (230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, Illinois 60604-1411) www.ncahlc.org.
CTU does not guarantee employment or salary.
Argosy University, Online
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Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology in Organizational Psychology
The four-year Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program is intended for students with clearly-defined goals to enter fields of psychology, counseling or social service, where they can leverage the principles and tenets of behavioral science. Through completion of a dynamic group of psychology core and elective courses, you can choose to prepare for immediate employment, career advancement, or graduate study. The BA in Psychology program is designed to help students begin human services careers in such capacities as entry-level counselor, case manager, human resources administrator, management, and business services, as well as graduate study in fields such as counseling, social work, and marriage/family therapy.
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Doctor of Education (EdD) in Organizational Leadership
The Doctor of Education (EdD) in Organizational Leadership Program is designed to meet the special requirements of working professionals who wish to develop their knowledge and skills to handle the changing needs of modern organizations. The Organizational Leadership Program focuses on the qualities of transformational leadership, not just managerial attributes. This approach enables the faculty members to dedicate themselves to preparing students to lead complex organizations faced with an abundance of strategic challenges, such as increasing globalization, changing economies, societal shifts, and individual-organizational relationships.
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Master of Arts in Industrial Organizational Psychology (MAIO)
The Master of Arts in Industrial Organizational Psychology is designed to apply the knowledge of industrial organizational psychology to issues involving individuals and groups in organizational and work settings. This program prepares students for careers in areas such as compensation, training, data analysis, consultation, statistical decision making, organizational development, leadership, and human resource management positions. The curriculum is competency-based, focusing on the outcomes of training and on the knowledge, skills, and behavior necessary to function as a master's level professional in Industrial Organizational Psychology. This is an interdisciplinary program that combines the expertise of the faculty in the Colleges of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences and Business.
University of the Rockies
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Doctor of Psychology, Business Psychology Specialization
Pursue your Doctor of Psychology (PsyD), Business Psychology Specialization degree online from University of the Rockies.
This specialization focuses on applying in-depth principles and theories of modern organizational psychology to businesses and complex organizations, with a strong emphasis on team performance, diversity, and ethical behavior. You will also learn to maximize your impact on human resources in business organizations by applying best practices in organizational and industrial psychology. Graduates of this program often pursue organizational development, human resources, and management positions.
Through advanced seminars and courses in creativity, breakthrough thinking, and human performance, you will apply your knowledge and skills to making business more effective. Specialize in Business Psychology and pioneer new ways of doing business in the global marketplace.
Prospective candidates must have completed a master's degree program prior to enrollment.
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Doctor of Psychology, Evaluation, Research, & Measurement Specialization
Pursue your Doctor of Psychology (PsyD), Evaluation, Research, and Measurement Specialization degree online from University of the Rockies.
Perfect your education with a broad array of advanced courses and seminars in business metrics, program evaluation, project management, and research methods. Predict the psychological impact of social and cultural diversity programs and evaluate their effectiveness. Diagnose the complexity of organizational systems through evidence-based application of evaluation, research, and psychometrics. This curriculum prepares you for top career opportunities through which you can leverage your expertise to improve the design, execution, and evaluation of programs and projects. When specializing in evaluation, research, and measurement, you can become an expert by unlocking the secrets of statistics to produce concrete, measurable results.
Prospective candidates must have completed a master's degree program prior to enrollment.
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Doctor of Psychology, Organizational Consulting Specialization
Take your ideas, and your career, to the top.
Earn your Doctor of Psychology, Organizational Consulting Specialization degree from University of the Rockies.
Explore a broad spectrum of organizational consulting tools that apply emphasis on the growth of an organization. Become an expert in evaluating the health of an organization whether large or small. Apply cutting-edge psychological principles to diagnose organizations while focused work with statistics will allow you to analyze information to measure organizational performance. Learn to consult with multiple organizations, acquiring best practices from one that will help others. Advanced courses in assessment, team building, strategic development, transformational leadership will allow you to perfect the skills to implement change within an organization. Be your best — specialize in organizational consulting.
Prospective candidates must have completed a master's degree program prior to enrollment.
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Doctor of Psychology, Organizational Diversity Specialization
Enhance your Organizational Diversity career potential through advanced coursework by pursuing your Doctor of Psychology (PsyD), Organizational Diversity Specialization degree online at University of the Rockies.
Learn the study of psychology as applied to organizational environments with the objective of understanding human behavior, characteristics, and performance dynamics. Increase your leadership potential and enhance organizational effectiveness through the application of knowledge and interventions that raise individual performance, improve process relationships, enhance understandings of culture and equity, and promote leadership.
Your PsyD provides deeper emphasis in the same areas as the MA curriculum. This program includes extensive research and applications for more in-depth knowledge through coursework and a required, supervised practicum.
Prospective candidates must have completed a master's degree program prior to enrollment.
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