Industrial Organizational Psychology Graduate Programs
Learn how you can help employees by enrolling in industrial organizational psychology doctorate programs.
By Sarah Stevenson
Want to help businesses operate more efficiently and effectively? How about helping employees attain a more satisfying working life?
Industrial organizational psychologists apply principles and methods of psychological study to the workplace, tackling issues that range from market research to employee performance assessment to organizational theory and development. In order to pursue a career in the field, however, prospective I/O psychologists will need to research industrial-organizational psychology graduate programs. Most jobs in this area require at least a master's degree, but doctoral-level programs are also very popular.
Choosing a Graduate Program
Selecting the right graduate program depends on your personal career goals, as well as other factors such as finances, program requirements, quality of faculty and whether the school offers coursework in the subject area you wish to focus on.
Regardless of which doctoral program you choose, remember to seek out industrial organizational psychology graduate programs that have been accredited by the American Psychological Association. Such programs will adhere to the rigorous academic guidelines set by the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology, and ensure your eligibility for professional certifications and memberships.
Industrial Organizational Psychology PhD
For aspiring I/O psychologists with an interest in teaching at a college or university, or who plan to work in health or medical settings such as hospitals or medical schools, a doctoral degree can grant you a wider range of job opportunities. A Doctor of Philosophy or PhD is the most common doctoral degree in psychology, comprising 75 percent of doctorates awarded. Considered a "research degree," a PhD will allow you to explore I/O psychology in more depth than a master's degree, and usually requires a final dissertation based on original research.
Industrial Organizational Psychology PsyD
More and more industrial organizational psychology graduate programs are awarding Doctor of Psychology or PsyD degrees. These are professional psychology degrees that prepare graduates for work in a more applied or focused setting, such as government or private industry. Like a PhD, a PsyD usually takes about 5 years of full-time study. However, instead of a dissertation, a PsyD may require practical work experience and examinations, emphasizing applied training over research. Some PhD and PsyD programs also require supervised experience or internships.
Ready to kick your career into gear? Start researching industrial organizational psychology graduate programs here.
Sources: siop.org; apa.org; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2011.
Industrial Organizational Psychology Resource Center
