Is a masters in industrial organizational psychology worth it

Industrial and organizational (I/O) psychologists focus on the behavior of employees in the workplace. They apply psychological principles and research methods to improve the overall work environment, including performance, communication, professional satisfaction and safety.

All About Industrial and Organizational Psychology

There are many variables that determine how well an organization or company operates. Effective communication and conflict resolution, process evaluation, professional competence and effective management are examples of the components necessary for businesses to succeed.

Often, shortcomings in any of these areas can be traced back to the ways employees are selected, trained, share information or interact. I/O psychologists use their knowledge of human behavior to address these challenges.

They use quantitative research and evaluation methods to apply best practices within a company and teach people how to work better. Their research may take the form of an observation, where they document how an employee or team performs in their work environment, or a survey designed to identify issues affecting workplace behavior. This research might be aimed at increasing employee productivity, developing screening procedures for new applicants, increasing overall workplace quality, or getting to the root of a work-related issue that is interfering with performance.

What You Can Do

I/O psychologists apply their scientific research in all types of organizational and workplace settings, such as manufacturing, commercial enterprises, labor unions and health care facilities. The focus of their research ranges from applicant and employee testing and assessment to leadership development, staffing, management, teams, compensation, workplace safety, diversity and work-life balance.

Other I/O psychologists work in research or hold academic positions in colleges and universities. In addition, they are qualified as trainers, facilitators, assessors, coaches and consultants. I/O psychologists may also work directly in an organization’s human resources department, or they may act as independent consultants, called into an organization to solve a particular problem.

Making It Happen

The career path to becoming an I/O psychologist begins with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Opportunities with a bachelor’s degree alone aren’t unheard of, but they are sparse. Most students interested in I/O psychology go on to earn an advanced degree, although they may take time off between degrees to work and gain real world experience.

A person with a master’s degree in I/O psychology is often able to find an entry-level position to launch a career. However, those with a doctoral degree will have more employment opportunities in this field.

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, in 2012, the largest area of employment — and highest-paying — for I/O psychologists was in management, scientific and technical consulting services. This was followed by state government. Other areas included scientific and development services, offices of health practitioners and educational institutions.

What You Can Earn

An I/O psychologist’s salary depends on his or her experience and employer.

According to the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology’s 2012 income and employment survey, the starting salary for an I/O specialist with a master’s degree was approximately $65,000 a year, while the starting salary for those with a doctoral degree was approximately $81,000. University professors make approximately $70,000 annually and those in the private sector earn approximately $100,000.

Overall, the median annual salary for I/O psychologists is $80,000. The highest earners can make $250,000 or more each year.

Helpful Resources

Date created: 2013

Meet an I/O Psychologist

In recent years, one particularly rewarding branch within the field of psychology has become that of Industrial and Organizational Psychology (I/O Psychology).

Businesses – realizing that the effectiveness of their workforce is determined largely in part by the psychological principles that govern the individual employees and the group as a whole – have turned to psychologists to help them improve employee productivity and relations. With such a growing demand for I/O psychologists, we wanted to take a look at some of the several advantages unique to those who pursue a master’s degree in industrial and organizational psychology.

As businesses have begun to see the value offered by I/O psychologists, the demand for the position is starting to grow. In fact, the U.S. Department of Labor projects a 29% or higher annual growth increase in demand through 2020.

Right now, demand for the position seems to be outpacing supply, which is great news for anyone entering the field of I/O psychology.

A Wide Range of Career Opportunities

Businesses have come up with a number of ways to make use of I/O psychologists, leading to a range of different career opportunities. I/O psychologists are able to pursue positions as HR specialists, talent developers, organizational consultants, personal analysts, and more. This degree of flexibility is one of the main advantages of the field and it allows I/O psychologists to adapt to the specific needs of the business that they are working for.

Alternatively, if you would rather teach than work within a business, working as an industrial/organizational psychology professor is another option worth considering. As the demand for I/O psychologists continues to grow, so does the demand for professors capable of teaching them.

Fusing Fields

People who study psychology love their field because of the opportunity it provides them to interact with people and help them all while learning more about the fascinating human mind. People who study subjects within the field of business love their field because of the opportunity it provides them to help make a business grow and succeed.

With I/O psychology, you get the best of both worlds. I/O psychologists work very closely with the employees of a business, helping them reach their full potential all while making sure they are enjoying their jobs. At the same time, I/O psychologists are critical to a company’s success, helping them improve their efficiency and boost their profits.

If you find both psychology and business to be equally fascinating, then the field of industrial/organizational psychology offers the perfect fusion of the two.

Take the First Step to a Rewarding Career as an Industrial/Organizational Psychologist
There’s a lot to like about the field of industrial/organizational psychology. From growing job opportunities to a number of interesting roles and functions, students who pursue a Master’s degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology enjoy a number of unique advantages.

At TUW, we are proud to offer a Master’s degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology program as part of our acclaimed School of Business, enabling our students to pursue this fascinating career.

If you would like to learn more about this program and the many advantages that it offers, we invite you to explore our online industrial-organizational graduate program today.

Is industrial and organizational psychology a good career?

Is industrial organizational psychology in demand?

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Can you call yourself an IO psychologist with a master's degree?