Ever wondered what is the most valuable resource for any organization? Well, it’s got to be people. They are the ones who help push the company forward (and at times backward!). Therefore, it’s in the best interest of companies to manage people and related aspects effectively. This is where the role of organizational psychologists comes into play.
Organizational psychology programs focus on work
psychology and behavior. It has sprouted from
social psychology and covers related fields such as industrial-organizational psychology and occupational psychology. Organizational psychology is critical in making resource assessment within an organization.
Organizational Psychology Degree Programs
Bachelors in Organizational Psychology
An independent bachelor’s program in organizational psychology is not offered. Students pursuing a degree in
business administration or Project Management can get registered for courses in organizational psychology.
Masters in Organizational Psychology
Students possessing a bachelor’s degree in business administration or psychology can apply for a master’s program in organizational psychology. Students require a good GRE score, past scholastic achievements and recommendation letters.
Executive Masters in Organizational Psychology
This is a specially designed Master’s degree program for senior professionals. This program focuses on change management and leadership within an organization. Prior work experience is necessary to get enrolled for an Executive Masters in Organizational Psychology
PhD in Organizational Psychology
A doctorate in organizational psychology requires rigorous research, scholastic achievements, recommendation letters, GRE score and a Master’s thesis.
Internship Programs
Students cannot get a degree in Organizational Psychology without completing certain number of work hours in both professional organizations and the research field. They can gain professional experience by working on research projects or working as interns in business organizations.
Organizational psychology applies psychological theories of human behavior to organizations and other work places. 
Courses in Organizational Psychology
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Organization Development
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History and Systems of Psychology
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Consulting and Business Skills
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Leadership and Management
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Ethical, Legal, and Professional Contexts
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Career Development
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Human Performance
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Research Methods of Organizational Psychology
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Statistical Methods of Organizational Psychology
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Data Analysis of Organizational Psychology
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Consumer Behavior
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Attitude Theory, Measurement, and Change
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Job Evaluation and Compensation
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Personnel Recruitment, Selection, and Placement
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Health and Stress in Organizations
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Work Motivation
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Group behavior theory
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Organizational theory
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Human and computer interaction
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Organizational influences on behavior
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Job testing
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Reward punishment structures
You’ll have to take up a certain number of courses in order to fulfill the credit hour requirement. Consider this list a general guide. The courses usually vary from one university to another. The program curriculum will also depend on the level that you are enrolled in. As a part of the curriculum you may have to complete a research project or an internship program.
How are the employment prospects?
Industrial and Organizational Psychologist:
Growth Rate: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has listed ‘Industrial and Organizational Psychology’ as the fastest growing field from 2012 to 2012. It has a remarkably high growth rate of 53%.
Median Wage (2012): $87,960/year
Job Description:
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Design training programs, using principles of learning as well as individual differences.
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Carry out research related to workplace interactions, hierarchical structures, communication systems, and motivational practices.
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Assist in the placement and promotion process by conducting assessments, and giving feedback to relevant departments.
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Formulate new interview and skill assessment methods such as rating scales and psychological tests.
Where do these professionals work?
BLS provides the following list of industries that employ most of the graduates with a degree in organizational psychology:
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Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Service
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State Government
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Scientific research and Development Service
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Colleges and Universities
What skills do good organizational psychologists have?
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Active Listening
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Critical Thinking
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Complex Problem Solving
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Good Writing/Speaking Skills
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Sharp Judgment
If you believe you have the above mentioned skills, and you’re interested in learning and applying the science of psychology to your workplace, enrolling in an organizational psychology program may prove to be a smart choice. After all, it’s a ‘bright outlook’ field, with the highest growth potential over the few years.
How Long Does It Take to Complete a Degree in Organizational Psychology?
Many schools in the US, such Brandman University, Walden University and George Mason University are offering Organizational Psychology degrees. Students can enroll in a 4-year long Bachelor of Arts (B.A) in Psychology with an Industrial Organizational concentration or a 2-year long Masters of Professional Studies (M.P.S)/Master of Science (M.S) in Applied Industrial and Organizational Psychology. They can also pursue a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) with a concentration in Organizational Psychology that can be completed in 4-5 years.
What Are the Requirements to Complete a Degree in Organizational Psychology?
Students enrolled in Bachelor of Arts (B.A) in Psychology with a concentration in Industrial Organizational are required to complete a minimum of 120 semester units that are based on a combination of program specific and general education requirements. Those enrolled in the Masters of Professional Studies (M.P.S) in Applied Industrial and Organizational Psychology have to complete around 30 credit hours. Students have to study a range of modules such as Introduction to Psychological Measurement, Organizational Psychology and Personnel Psychology.
How Much Can I Make after Completing a Degree in Organizational Psychology?
According to O*Net Online, the annual median wage of Industrial-Organizational Psychologists was $97,260 and their median hourly wage was $46.76 in 2018. The number of people employed in this field in 2018 was 1,000. It is estimated that the overall employment in this field will grow by 11% or higher from 2018 to 2028, which will create 100 more jobs during that period.
Frequently Asked Question(s)
Q:What does the Business Organizational Psychology teach?
A:The Business Organizational Psychology teaches theories of recruitment, selection and placement.
Q:Which online Organizational Psychology degrees can be pursued?
A:You can take up the Bachelor in Organizational Psychology, Masters of Business Administration in Organizational Psychology, Masters in Organizational Psychology, Degree Completion in Organizational Psychology, and Doctorate in Organizational Psychology through the online medium.
Q:What are the job prospects for Organizational Psychology Degree holders?
A:Students enrolled in Organizational Psychology Degrees basically learn and study the behavior of humans at work places. They study the various aspects of how employment and work places affect the mental state of a person. The most popular jobs that be pursued with an Organizational Psychology Degree are the job positions of a human personnel, a consultant, counselor, and a researcher I the field of organizational psychology.
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