Which organization provides guidelines for masters programs in I O psychology?

The master of science in industrial/organizational psychology program prepares students for careers in human resources, organizational development, change management, and leadership development. As a leader in the field, we offer the only industrial/organizational psychology program in the Boston area. Our innovative program draws upon the Bertolon School of Business and the College of Arts and Sciences to incorporate both case-based method of instruction and a strong emphasis on structured quantitative research. Our curriculum follows the guidelines developed by the Society for Industrial/Organizational Psychology for master’s degree programs in I/O psychology, which is the dominant professional society.

Businesses recognize the importance of worker satisfaction and behavior in reaching business goals. Organizational psychologists help leaders identify and resolve issues related to productivity and efficiency, employee recruitment, and talent development.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that jobs for organizational psychologists will increase by 13% between 2018 and 2028. Many students who earn an on-campus or online master's degree in organizational psychology prepare for careers in human resources, consumer research, and conflict resolution.

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This guide offers an introduction to master's programs in organizational psychology. It also discusses the various career opportunities available to graduates.

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Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

What Is Organizational Psychology?

Organizational psychology studies actions, behaviors, and attitudes within an organization. This segment of applied psychology uses the results of these studies to improve workplace environments and promote job satisfaction.

Recommendations for workplace improvement can help companies make better hiring decisions, create effective training programs, resolve conflicts, and remove organizational obstacles that prevent greater productivity. A master's degree in organizational psychology offers a pathway to exciting careers in this business-focused field.

Should I Get a Master's in Organizational Psychology?

Successful workplaces depend on productive interpersonal relationships at all levels. Ensuring a healthy work environment helps companies operate at peak performance, retain valuable employees, and meet business goals.

Organizational psychologists look at all aspects of a work environment, from hiring practices and company policies to the physical work environment. These psychologists use the information they gain to develop effective training practices, overhaul policies, and institute data-driven programs to increase worker engagement and performance.

Individuals who earn an on-campus or online degree in organizational psychology prepare for many entry-level roles in this field. According to the BLS, industrial and organizational psychologists earn a median annual salary of $92,880. These professionals often work for management consulting businesses and government agencies.

Related Programs That Might Interest You

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

What Will I Learn in an Organizational Psychology Graduate Program?

Most master's courses in psychology focus on quantitative research in human behavior. Earning an undergraduate degree with courses in statistical analysis and psychological research can prepare you to succeed at the master's level.

During a master's program in organizational psychology, students complete reading assignments and engage in class discussions. Professors often supplement these elements with case studies, journal articles, group projects, and simulations.

Many master's tracks give participants the option to complete a thesis research paper or a professional project. These projects require students to synthesize the skills and knowledge they gained throughout the program and apply them to solve a practical problem.

Each school has its own organizational psychology curriculum, often complementing core psychology courses with specialized instruction in a concentration. The courses and concentrations listed below offer a sample of what you might encounter while earning a master's degree in organizational psychology.

Courses

Concentrations

What Can I Do With a Master's in Organizational Psychology?

Organizational psychologists often find work in human resources and talent management. A master's degree in organizational psychology can prepare you for leadership and management positions within organizations. Some graduates also pursue careers as consultants.

The section below details a few sample careers in the field. Explore our organizational psychology careers resource for more information.

Careers

How to Choose an Organizational Psychology Master's Program

When researching master's programs in organizational psychology, consider the research focus of the faculty, available concentrations, practicum and internship requirements, and elective options.

For more information, consult our guide that details the top schools offering an online master's degree in organizational psychology.

How to Get Into an Organizational Psychology Master's Program

You need a bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field to be admitted into a master's program in organizational psychology. Schools evaluate applications based on academic performance, standardized test scores, and work history. Many schools require applicants to provide a statement of their professional and educational goals, and some may also request interviews.

While admission requirements vary, many schools require a minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA. Additionally, graduate schools often require applicants to take the GRE, which measures quantitative and verbal reasoning skills and analytical writing.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Master's in Organizational Psychology?

Most master's in psychology programs require two years to complete and consist of 30-36 credits.

Some schools offer accelerated programs that take about five years and award a bachelor's and a master's. Many master's degrees in organizational psychology also feature accelerated terms that last about eight weeks.

How Much Does it Cost to Get a Master's in Organizational Psychology?

The cost of a master's degree in organizational psychology depends on the type of school you attend.

Graduate students in the U.S. paid an average of $19,310 in tuition and fees in 2019. Public universities charged approximately $12,170 in tuition and fees, while private nonprofit universities charged approximately $27,780. Graduate students can apply for student loans, scholarships, and graduate fellowships to help defray their educational costs.

Online master's programs in organizational psychology are sometimes more affordable than their on-campus counterparts. Distance learners can avoid paying transportation costs, room and board, and other on-campus fees.

Interview With a Professional in Organizational Psychology

Amy Quarton

Why did you choose a career in organizational psychology? Was this something you were always interested in?

My interest in the psychology of work began as an adolescent flipping through a printed copy of the Occupational Outlook Handbook, which is essentially a job analysis database. The book fascinated me at the time, but I didn't realize organizational psychologists had contributed to it. Years later, my college professors helped me identify the name of the field and then choose the right graduate program for my interests.

I decided to pursue a career in organizational psychology because it fit with what I wanted from my work: something that challenges my brain, is different and exciting every day, provides autonomy and flexibility, and makes a difference in people's lives. It also fit with the skills I had acquired at the time. I had spent years working with my professors in their research labs and sharing my knowledge through classroom presentations and other coursework.

Why did you earn a master's degree in industrial and organizational psychology? Was it required to meet your career goals? Could you have achieved your goals with a lower degree?

I earned a master's degree in industrial/organizational psychology because it was required to meet my career goals. Most of the consultants and professors in the field have at least a master's degree. Colleges usually require their instructors to have a graduate degree, and companies often recognize it (and the experience you gained while earning it) as a strength.

Plus, some undergraduate programs do not offer enough I/O courses and development opportunities to prepare students to work with clients in a consulting capacity. Graduate schools are often responsible for filling this skill gap.

What advice would you give to organizational psychology students who want to get the most experience they can out of their studies? What types of extracurricular activities and internships should they consider during college?

I have three suggestions for organizational psychology students who want to get the most experience out of their studies.

First, form a professional relationship with at least one of your professors in graduate school. They can be an enormous source of support and feedback. They can empathize and offer suggestions that your family and friends might not be able to offer.

Second, join a professional networking organization and take advantage of the services it offers to its student members. These groups often host events where professionals within a field can mingle and meet other like-minded people. Some groups also host professional development seminars that can help you make sense of what you are learning in the classroom. Some of these organizations may even offer scholarships or internship opportunities to graduate students.

Third, seek out applied experiences through your coursework, your professors' work, internships, and other applied projects. Note how these opportunities can be identified by implementing the first two suggestions: through your relationships with your professors and the professionals in your area. Your social network will play a role in your ability to get the most from your experience in graduate school.

What advice would you give to organizational psychology students who are debating whether to earn their degree online or on campus?

The decision to earn a degree online or on campus depends (in part) on your career goals. If you want to be a consultant, look for programs that offer hands-on development opportunities, such as applied projects and one-on-one mentoring. The degree itself and the knowledge you gain while completing the program is important, but the ability to apply psychological principles in a work setting requires years of experience and deliberate practice.

If you want to be a professor and contribute to the academic literature, look for programs that offer research and teaching assistantships, opportunities to present your work at symposiums and conferences, or scholarships for your contributions.

What is professional development like in your field? Do most professionals pursue these types of opportunities?

Because there are a variety of career options available in the field of organizational psychology, there are also a variety of professional development opportunities available.

Many people choose to continue building their skill sets through one or more of the following activities: attending a regional or national conference, presenting their work at a regional or national conference, joining a professional networking organization and taking advantage of the programs (e.g., seminars and job boards), completing continuing education courses on campus or online, earning additional certifications (e.g., in project management or human resources management), and/or earning additional graduate degrees (e.g., a Ph.D. or MBA).

How did you get started as an independent consultant? Is this common among your colleagues and other professionals in your field?

I started my career as an independent consultant through the applied projects I completed in graduate school and the expansion of my professional network. By the time I graduated, I had worked with several small and large companies on a variety of projects, and I had a built a professional network of consultants who guided and supported me through my first few years on my own.

I think it is common for undergraduate and graduate students to be interested in pursuing a career as an independent consultant. Before they "go out on their own," though, they often seek out experiences as either an internal consultant working for a larger company or an external consultant working within an existing firm. Once they've gained more experience and expanded their professional networks, some of them will eventually choose a career as an independent consultant.

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