Industrial-organizational (I-O) psychology professionals apply psychological theories and principles to the workplace. The field focuses on worker productivity, especially the impacts of mental and emotional states on employees' job performance.
Industrial-organizational psychology degree-holders can pursue careers as human resources organizational development managers, trainers, and talent management specialists. A master's degree in industrial-organizational psychology can also qualify graduates for roles as behavior analysts, consultants, and research analysts.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment for psychologists to increase 3% from 2019-2029, about as fast as the average for all occupations. According to the BLS, psychologists earn a median salary of $80,370 per year.
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Industrial-Organizational Psychology Common Asked Questions
What is the difference between industrial-organizational psychology and human resources?
I-O psychologists study employee behavior to measure employee satisfaction and enhance company productivity. In contrast, human resources managers help recruit, interview, and hire new staff members. They also serve as a link between an organization's management and employees.
What can I do with a master's in industrial-organizational psychology?
I-O psychology degree-holders can work in many areas. Industrial-organizational professionals can work for organizations of all sizes, in almost any industry.
Is industrial-organizational psychology in demand?
The BLS projects psychology careers to grow 3% from 2019-2029, which is about the same as the projected growth rate for all occupations.
Where do industrial-organizational psychologists work?
Industrial-organizational psychologists can work in a variety of organizational settings. Degree-holders can secure positions in factories, plants, and construction sites. They can also work in office buildings or as consultants.
Why Get a Degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology?
Individuals who enjoy applying practical solutions to psychological research often succeed as industrial-organizational psychologists.
Many schools offer online master's degrees in industrial-organizational psychology. Online learning is often more affordable than on-campus programs. Institutions often waive campus fees for distance learners, and online students usually save money on housing and transportation costs.
Distance learners often study at their own pace, and many students work full time while earning their industrial-organizational psychology degree online.
How Much Does an Industrial-Organizational Psychology Degree Cost?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, graduate tuition and fees at public institutions cost an average of $12,171 for the 2018-19 academic year. Graduate tuition and fees at private nonprofit schools cost $27,776 on average for the same time period.
Online learners may pay reduced tuition rates. However, distance students may also be responsible for additional technology fees.
Break down your current financial situation, and receive a college tuition estimate you can afford to pay.
How Much Do Industrial-Organizational Psychology Majors Make?
Industrial-organizational psychologists earn a median salary of $92,880 per year, according to BLS data. This is higher than the median annual salary of $80,370 for all psychologists.
Industrial-organizational psychology degree-holders can pursue careers in management and in scientific and technical consulting services. According to the BLS, the highest-paid psychologists work in government, healthcare settings, and elementary and secondary schools.
Individuals can earn a doctoral degree, such as a Psy.D. or Ph.D., to qualify for advanced positions in the field. Psy.D. programs focus on practical skills and direct applications, while Ph.D. curricula emphasize research.
Courses in Industrial-Organizational Psychology
Students earning an industrial-organizational psychology master's degree explore the current business landscape. Many online master's programs in industrial-organizational psychology require a final project or a research thesis. During this culminating experience, learners demonstrate proficiency in skills such as motivating employees and leading organizations.
Students may also complete a specialized course or seminar that synthesizes topics from previous coursework. During the seminar, learners explore industrial and organizational problems and solutions. Available courses vary by school, but the sample curriculum below features classes common to many I-O psychology programs.
Motivation in the Workplace
Students in this course prepare to apply psychological theories of motivation to workplace settings. Learners identify issues that can inhibit motivation, and they gain skills necessary to solve real-world workplace issues.Psychology of Leadership
The course covers theories and applications for addressing contemporary leadership issues in the field. Learners explore research and case studies relevant to improving leadership in organizations. Students gain foundational skills necessary to develop their individual leadership style.Organizational Consulting
Learners in this class examine the steps for diagnosing organizational issues. Students learn to use measurement, assessment, and psychological methods. Coursework explores ethical standards and the professional responsibilities of I-O psychology consultants.
Certifications and Licensure for Industrial-Organizational Psychology
Depending on their state and position, industrial-organizational psychologists may need a license to practice. Professionals in the field can also obtain voluntary certifications to improve their career prospects.
Psychologists in many states need a license to practice. Candidates for licensure must often pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology from the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards. Additional licensure requirements vary by state and may include a doctoral degree and supervised experience.
The International Employee Assistance Professionals Association offers this certification for professionals with at least one year of experience in an employee assistance setting. Candidates must have completed professional development hours in several areas and must pass an ethics course.
I-O psychology professionals can pursue this credential from the American Board of Professional Psychology. Candidates must demonstrate competency in specialization areas through coursework, training, or experience.
Scholarships for Industrial-Organizational Psychology
Industrial-organizational master's students can qualify for various scholarships from companies and professional organizations. Learners can also apply for institutional grants and scholarships.
Scholarships for Industrial-Organizational Psychology
| Scholarship |
Amount |
Who Can Apply |
APF Graduate Student Scholarships |
$2,000-$5,000 |
Psychology graduate students enrolled in a terminal master's program and who intend to pursue a Ph.D. can apply for several awards from the American Psychological Foundation. Recipients can apply the funds toward research costs associated with their master's thesis or doctoral dissertation. Applicants must submit a recommendation letter and a brief outline of their thesis or dissertation research project. |
Leslie W. Joyce and Paul W. Thayer Graduate Fellowship in I-O Psychology |
$10,000 |
This award from the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology supports doctoral students in I-O psychology programs. Applicants must be a student affiliate of the society, demonstrate commitment to a career as a practitioner, and possess relevant professional experience. Recipients may apply for a second year of funding. |
Online Master's in Industrial-Organizational Psychology Programs 2022
#1 Online Master’s In Industrial-Organizational Psychology
Carlos Albizu University-Miami
- Miami, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Carlos Albizu University-Miami offers an online master of science in industrial-organizational psychology. The school's online courses enroll 88 students from Florida and other states. The accredited curriculum provides a rigorous education valued by employers. The program's advanced training prepares graduates for the workforce. Enrollees enjoy a student-to-faculty ratio of 12-to-1, which gives them one-on-one time with faculty.
The school's website provides additional information about online student services. Degree candidates pay affordable tuition rates and receive financial aid. Combined, this makes the master’s degree an affordable option for learners who want to pursue graduate education on a budget. The school reports a graduation rate of 33% for its programs.
Carlos Albizu University-Miami at a Glance:
Total Online Enrollment: 115
Graduate Tuition: $11,774 per year
Carlos Albizu University-Miami has been accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, an independent accrediting agency.
Percent Online Enrollment
16%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#2 Online Master’s In Industrial-Organizational Psychology
Colorado State University-Fort Collins
- Fort Collins, CO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Learners at Colorado State University-Fort Collins can enroll in a variety of top-ranked academic programs, including an online master's in industrial-organizational psychology. With 8,786 distance students, the public institution also delivers programs on campus. Many online programs feature flexible scheduling options that benefit working professionals.
Degree-seekers develop transferable career skills and gain advanced knowledge. Students can customize the program through experiential learning opportunities and electives. The online program prioritizes flexible scheduling and career-specific training. Master's graduates often secure high-paying leadership roles in the field. The institution offers career services to help students efficiently transition from their studies into the workforce.
The school charges online learners affordable tuition rates, making graduate studies more accessible. Degree-seekers may also qualify for scholarships, fellowships, or other forms of financial aid. Data on the school's average cost per credit is currently unavailable.
Percent Online Enrollment
26%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 Online Master’s In Industrial-Organizational Psychology
Touro College
- New York, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
New York-based Touro College provides academic programs for online and on-campus degree-seekers. Graduates of the institution's online master's in industrial and organizational psychology can pursue a variety of positions in the field.
Rigorous coursework, faculty mentorship, and career advising help enrollees prepare for organizational psychology careers. The online program appeals to busy learners with multiple responsibilities. While most master's degree-seekers graduate in 1-2 years, part-time enrollment may extend degree-completion time.
Students at the accredited institution qualify for federal financial aid programs. Of the student body, 27% take out loans, which require repayment. In addition, the institution reports that 88% of its learners obtain financial aid to fund their education.
Touro College Fast Facts:
Total Programs: 164
Number of Online Programs: 6
Online Master's Programs: 61
Number of Online Students: 1,993
Average Price Per Credit: Not Known
Religious Affiliation: Non-Affiliated
Transfer Credits Toward Degree: No
Percent Online Enrollment
17%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#4 Online Master’s In Industrial-Organizational Psychology
Missouri University of Science and Technology
- Rolla, MO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Learners attending Missouri University of Science and Technology can earn an online master of science in industrial-organizational psychology. With 1,747 distance students, the public institution also delivers programs on campus in Rolla. Working professionals often benefit from online programs' flexible scheduling options.
The rigorous curriculum meets high academic standards to prepare degree-seekers for advanced organizational psychology positions. The master's program features electives, allowing students to tailor the curriculum to their professional goals. The online program prioritizes flexibility and career preparation. Master's graduates may pursue promotions or move into leadership positions. Enrollees can use the institution's career services to plan their professional future.
To help learners explore their funding options and plan their future, the school delivers career advising and financial aid counseling. Graduate students at the accredited institution can take out federal loans to cover costs. Learners often apply for fellowships to fund their education. Data on the school's average cost per credit is unavailable.
Percent Online Enrollment
22%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 Online Master’s In Industrial-Organizational Psychology
Baker College
- Owosso, MI
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Among Baker College's online offerings is a top-ranked master of science in industrial-organizational psychology. Located in Owosso, Michigan, the private institution enrolls 4,691 students in its flexible online programs. Learners with personal or professional obligations often benefit from online programs' flexible scheduling options.
The rigorous curriculum emphasizes career-focused skills and knowledge. In addition to completing major courses, students customize the master's curriculum by choosing electives. The online program prioritizes flexible scheduling and career-specific training. Learners currently employed in the organizational psychology field can pursue promotions or raises after earning their master's degree.
Support services including career advising and financial aid counseling prepare learners to succeed academically and professionally. The school charges online learners affordable tuition rates, making graduate studies more accessible. Degree-seekers who need additional funding can secure private scholarships and institutional fellowships. The amount students pay per credit on average is unknown.
Percent Online Enrollment
62%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
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