Industrial-organizational psychologists use psychological principles to solve problems and increase productivity and morale in the workplace. They collaborate with management and human resources staff to improve hiring practices, employee training, and organizational development. Industrial-organizational psychologists also help businesses maintain productivity and employee satisfaction during periods of transition and restructuring.
- Applying psychological research and principles in workplace environments
- Working with human resources staff to develoop recruitment processes
- Designing and training staff how to use performance appraisal tools
- Using job analysis and principles of instructional design to create employee training programs
The BLS reports that employment of industrial-organizational psychologists is expected to grow 35% from 2010 to 2020. An increasing number of businesses and organizations are employing psychologists to help with the hiring and retaining of employees, as well as increase productivity and improve the workplace environment. The BLS indicates that industrial-organizational psychologists with experience in quantitative research methods and computer science will have an advantage in what will be a competitive and relatively small job market.
Industrial Organizational Psychologist at a Glance
Projected Job Growth
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Job Growth for
Industrial Organizational Psychologist
Average Pay for Industrial Organizational Psychologist
- Annual Pay National Average
- Hourly Pay National Average
Best States for Industrial Organizational Psychologist
| Employment in 2011 |
Average Annual Pay |
Average Hourly Pay |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 190 | $72,610 | $35 |
| Minnesota | 100 | $100,290 | $48 |
| Virginia | 50 | $110,880 | $53 |
Sources:
- From U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2012
- From U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2010
Becoming an Industrial Organizational Psychologist
Industrial-organizational psychologists need a master's degree in psychology. Only psychologists who practice privately need a license or certification. Industrial-organizational psychologists typically begin their career by earning a bachelor's in general psychology.
Many schools offer online and on-campus undergraduate degree programs in psychology and a growing number are offering master's degrees in industrial-organizational psychology. Most master's degree programs require candidates complete some coursework in psychology and statistics and have one to three years of post-baccalaureate work experience. A sampling of classes you may take in an industrial-organizational psychology program, drawn from core courses and general electives for the Chicago School of Professional Psychology's online master's in industrial and organizational psychology program, include the following:
- Organizational Behavior
- Performance Management
- Employee Selection
- Production Labor Relations
Job opportunities for industrial-organizational psychology graduates are available in many different industries, including healthcare, marketing and sales, and human resources. Some positions a graduate may qualify for include customer service trainer, diversity manager, or employee relations and organizational development manager. Some industrial-organizational psychologists are employed by businesses and organizations as consultants as opposed to full-time employees.