Industrial Organizational Psychology Master & PhD Degree Programs

Source: BLS.gov Source: BLS.gov

Top Metro Areas for Employment: Industrial-Organizational Psychologists

Most I-O psychologists work in scientific research. Also, as consultants. Others find work in school settings like colleges. Or, in state government and corporate management. Masters vs. PhD in Industrial Organizational Psychology The masters and PhD in IO psych differ in level and scope. Both call for you to conduct research. And both cover topics like performance management. Or how to build a better company culture. But the PhD is a bigger time commitment. And it could help you prep for research heavy roles. MA-IOP, MS-IOP A Masters in I/O psych often covers about 12 courses. These span statistics, research, and practice. You’ll learn the science behind work psychology. Plus, the methodology behind doing a research study. This program has what’s known as the scientist practitioner model. That means you’ll explore how to find answers in your field. (Like a scientist.) But you’ll also learn how to enhance the workplace. And help employees thrive. (That’s the practitioner part.) Your program may also offer electives or concentrations. That could be a great way to study areas like talent development. Finally, expect to do a thesis or capstone project. A master’s is the least education needed to enter this field. So, it may ready you to pursue a career. Like, in HR. Or organizational development. Or employee training. PhD -IOP A PhD in I/O psych is a research doctorate. It often covers around 20 courses. These cover a broad range of psychology courses. You could also dive into human resource management. And related areas. Also, PhD programs expect students to conduct research for their dissertations. This may include coming up with ways to solve problems for organizations. Grads may go on to pursue any number of paths. Like director roles. Or educator roles. They could also conduct research to further the field.   Does using the title ‘Psychologist’ or practicing psychology appeal to you? If so, earning a PhD in I-O psych may help you pursue that goal. In some PhD programs, you enter with a bachelor’s degree. There are also schools that roll a Master of Science or Master of Arts into the PhD curriculum. But not all programs ready you to pursue licensure. Instead you may come away with strong leadership and consulting skills. These may strengthen your ability to solve workplace problems. Wondering about admission requirements? Grad programs in this field may call for:

• Your undergrad transcripts
• A minimum GPA
• GRE scores
• Letters of recommendation
• And more

Master’s in Industrial Organizational Psychology Classes

I/O psychology classes focus on the scientific study of human behavior. They look at the way individuals and groups behave at work. Then they apply this knowledge to solve problems. Like morale issues. And training challenges. A typical curriculum includes courses in research methods, statistics and work psychology. Other material may touch on themes from HR management. That’s useful if you need to select, hire and train personnel. Depending on the program you choose, you could also take coursework in:

• Motivation
• Learning and cognition
• Group dynamics
• Counseling
• Behavioral consulting

Finally, you may be able to choose between a capstone, thesis or internship. A capstone project may be a perfect option if you are working full time and want to put class material into action. An internship may suit someone new to the field. It provides some practical experience. Take a look at a few sample classes below.

Applied Organizational Psychology

This class looks at how leaders, co-workers, policies and culture come together. All this impacts workplace behavior, thinking and attitudes. Why does this matter? Because it offers insights into what motivates people to do their best. Or work well in teams.

Psychometrics

This class covers a wide range of methods that measure behavior. The emphasis is often on how to interpret data. And how to test it. For instance, you could measure intelligence. And aptitudes. This can help you learn more about worker strengths.

Human Resources Development

This class may survey the ways companies train and develop workers. It may include exercises like role playing and sensitivity training. And it may focus on effective ways to change behavior.

Group Dynamics and Team Leadership

This class may focus on how groups behave. And how to lead a team to success. Topics may touch on the theory and practice of leadership. Others, on building effective teams. Or managing conflict. You may also learn how relationships work in corporate culture.

Accreditation for Industrial Organizational Psychology

Many accredited schools offer I-O psych programs. Accreditation shows that a school or program meets standards of quality. These are set by an accrediting agency. The agency  commits to improving the quality of education in a given field. Six regional accreditors review and approve schools in their district. Attending one of these institutions may allow you to apply for financial aid. Also, accredited schools often enable credit transfers. I-O psych programs also review themselves. This process involves self-study. The goal? To ensure the program teaches relevant skills and ethical practices. What about accreditation for doctoral psychology programs and internships? Look no further than the American Psychological Association (APA). Or rather, it’s Committee on Accreditation (CoA). Attending an APA accredited school is key for pursuing state licensure. Also look into the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP). They created the Guidelines for Education and Training in this field. SIOP is trying to set norms for accreditation of master’s programs. But this is a work in progress. SIOP (2002) lists 88 masters programs. You’ll find these on its web page for Graduate Training Programs in Industrial Organizational Psychology and Related Fields. At this time the only I-O program accredited by MPAC is the University of West Florida.

How Long Does it Take to Earn a Master’s in Industrial Organizational Psychology?

Earning a Masters in Industrial Organizational Psychology usually takes two years of full time study. PhD programs may take between four and five years. Plan to only study part time? Earning your degree may take longer. Finally, if you’re seeking more flex in your program, consider an online degree. An online master of IO psych program may fit your schedule.

Top 6 Industrial Organizational Psychology Programs in San Francisco