Are you interested in the inner workings of organizations and offices? Do you love digging into human behavior and what makes people tick? Psychology could be the field for you – specifically, industrial organizational psychology.

Industrial organizational psychology studies how people behave and interact within their workplaces. And become a psychologist who delves into these behaviors is easy: anyone can earn a degree and begin this career.

Best of all, earning an industrial organizational psychology degree is more accessible than ever. With flexible options like online degree programs, part-time or online master’s programs, and other unique ways to study, you can earn your degree easily.

What is Industrial Organizational Psychology?

Industrial organizational psychology is a specialty, or a specific branch of psychology. Commonly called I/O psychology, this specialty delves into the science of human behavior at work. From individuals to groups, small businesses to large organizations, and consumers to staff, it’s the study of how to solve problems in different workplaces.

I/O psychologists are specially trained and educated. They need to have a deep understanding of organizational development, as well as career development, job analysis, and ethical considerations unique to companies. And that’s on top of all the basics of general psychology, like decision theory, criterion theory, and other important concepts that affect people’s behavior.

At different workplaces, I/O psychologists can help businesses work through problems like recruiting new hires, selecting and placing employees, motivating and rewarding staff, and even structuring work within teams.

You Can Have an Exciting Career with an I/O Degree

I/O psychology might sound like a complex career path, but it’s actually interesting and exciting – and it’s also flexible.

As an industrial organizational psychologist, there are so many different opportunities ahead of you. Not only are psychologists consistently in demand, but they’re also needed by many different companies and organizations. With an I/O psychologist on staff, companies are able to improve employees’ quality of life. You’d be able to boost morale, solve problems, and even help organizations improve for the future.

Wondering what your career as an I/O psychologist might look like? The following are just a few of the unique, diverse work you could perform:

  • Work with human resources teams.
  • Study different workplaces and conduct research.
  • Teach businesses how to hire better employees.
  • Help businesses understand, train, and motivate staff.
  • Improve company structure and organization.
  • Increase efficiency of individuals and entire companies.
  • Work as a consultant, offering advice and services to multiple businesses.

Typically, I/O psychologists hold the job title of psychologist. However, you can also consult or research, offering your services to different companies or scientific studies. 

And you’ll make great money along the way. Becoming an I/O psychologist means you’ll make an impressive salary. The top 10 percent of I/O psychologists in the field make more than $184,520 per year. The median annual salary for these psychologists totals $75,090 per year.  

So, if you’re looking for an in-demand career with plenty of earning potential, this is an excellent choice.

What Specific Degree Do You Need?

In order to become an industrial organizational psychologist, you’ll need the right education.

And the first step in that education is earning your bachelor’s degree. Practicing psychologists need training, education, and a wealth of knowledge and experience. So, this career path begins with four years of undergraduate study in a bachelor’s program.

Fortunately, there are plenty of online degree programs if you need to earn your bachelor’s in psychology. You can study from home, accessing coursework, materials, and assignments any time. 

Most I/O psychologists also go on to earn a master’s degree. This graduate degree lets you delve deeper into the specialization of industrial organizational psychology, and you’ll spend about two years in a master’s program. Many job opportunities will require at least a master’s degree. 

Earning a doctorate, or a PhD, will give you an advantage in this very competitive and advanced field. You’ll be qualified and able to apply for more job opportunities, and you’ll also be able to secure higher-paying positions. Many I/O psychology jobs are in management or consulting – meaning you’ll be expected to be an expert. And there’s not much that’s more educated or expert than a PhD in a psychology specialization. 

It’s Easy to Start Earning Your I/O Psychology Degree

If you’re ready to become a psychologist who specializes in industrial organizational psychology, your first step is clear: earn your degree.

And earning your degree starts with finding the right program for you. Many colleges and universities offer I/O psychology programs, but it’s best to start with a bachelor’s degree. From there, you can decide if a master’s or doctorate degree will help you achieve your career goals. For more information about these programs, you can search online.

There are so many options when it comes to earning your I/O psychology degree. From traditional college and university classrooms to flexible online programs that let you study anywhere, any time, you can find a program that suits your busy life and career goals.