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Master’s Degree Programs in Industrial and Organizational Psychology Overview

Majors Overview January 13, 2016

This article talks about master’s degree programs in industrial and organizational psychology and their education requirements, coursework, career choices, and continuing education choices.

Information on Master’s Degree Programs in Industrial and Organizational Psychology

Enrollees in master’s degree programs in industrial and organizational psychology learn about applying psychological principles to the workplace. They may obtain a Master of Science (M.S.) or Master of Arts (M.A.) degree, and it is available in an online format by some schools. A bachelor’s degree is the minimal educational requirement for incoming students though work experience in human resources may be an expectation at some other schools.

Licensure or certification is compulsory in the majority of states for individuals who wish to practice psychology or use the title ‘psychologist’ (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The scope of work would determine the requirements necessary for professionals seeking industrial-organizational psychologist positions who wish to ensure that the master’s degree program they choose meet the requirements of their respective state.

Master’s Programs in Industrial and Organizational Psychology

Program graduates can expect to become adept at assisting with the recruitment and training of personnel, administering employee assistance programs and helping employees handle workplace reorganization stress. Students can complete these programs within 18-24 months and can gain expertise in helping develop leaders’ skills and creating teams of individuals with complementary work styles. Schools offer both non-thesis and thesis tracks.

Education Requirements

Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a bachelor’s degree, with a major in a discipline relevant to psychology or a minor in psychology, from an accredited, 4-year school.

Coursework

Program graduates can seek employment with large companies who seek their assistance in creating work settings that increase the intimacy within organizations. Core coursework may cover topic areas such as:

•Personnel Psychology
•Statistical analysis of business decisions
•Managerial development
•Group processes
•Psychological research design

Career Choices

In May 2010, 112,810 were employed as psychologists, of whom 1,420 were industrial-organizational psychologists (BLS). Program graduates can seek careers in human resource settings. They can choose from possible job titles such as:

•Industrial psychologist
•Talent management consultant
•Human resources selection consultant
•Survey and metrics consultant

Continuing Education Choices

Schools offer many industrial and organizational psychology programs as doctoral programs and do not admit individuals who seek a master’s degree as a terminal degree. Students take 4-5 years to complete the program that includes research leading to a thesis. Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or must have completed a minor in psychology or its equivalent.

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