Information on Master’s Degree Programs in Organizational Behavior
Majors Overview June 5, 2015This article talks about master’s degree programs in organizational behavior and their coursework, career choices, job and wage outlook, and continuing education choices.
Master’s Programs in Organizational Behavior
Some schools offer a specialization in organizational behavior within their Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) programs. Enrollees learn how to use organizational and psychological theories for the improvement of employee and managerial effectiveness in a variety of fields, including public policy, higher education, and human resources.
Coursework covers a broad array of interdisciplinary topics including economics, sociology, leadership, management, and anthropology. Many of these programs commonly aim at developing leaders who are sensitive to the needs of a culturally and ethnically diverse workforce. Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in psychology, business administration, or a similar field.
Coursework
Students take about two years to complete the program coursework in master’s degree programs in organizational behavior that incorporates about 30 semester credits. Core coursework may cover topic areas such as:
•Theories and practices of consulting
•Foundations of evaluation procedures
•Organizational culture
•Principles of organizational leadership
•Applied research methods
Career Choices
Program graduates can seek employment as an industrial and organizational psychologist.
Job and Wage Outlook
Over the 2012 – 2022 decade, an average job growth rate of twelve percent has been predicted for these psychologists (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In 2012, these professionals brought in an average annual wage of $69,280 (BLS).
Continuing Education Choices
Program graduates seeking continuing education may choose from various doctorate programs. These programs include a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, a Ph.D. with a concentration in organizational behavior or a Ph.D. in Positive Organizational Psychology. Organizations such as the Association for Operations Management also offer continuing education opportunities, via certification courses, professional development conferences, and workshops.
