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What is Organizational Psychology?

Organizational psychology is the area of study and practice the applies psychological principles and methodologies to understand and affect organized groups in a variety of settings. Psychologists will use information and understanding in order to improve work conditions, as well as productivity and morale. Some individuals may also work alongside managers to discuss methods for improving various areas related to employment.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$80,640

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

54.04%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

122,310

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Organizational Psychology Programs

Columbia University in the City of New York (New York, NY) is a private research university recognized as one of the Ivy League members. Columbia offers a wide range of comprehensive academic programs designed to award undergraduate and graduate degrees, including professional degrees. Social-Organizational Psychology has a master’s and a Ph.D. program for interested students. These programs train students to use theory and research to practice. The curriculum is focused on addressing organizational challenges by looking from multiple perspectives. Certificate programs related to the discipline are also offered. 

Acceptance Rate

5.45

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Washington University in St Louis (Saint Louis, MO) is a private research university founded in 1853 and named after George Washington. Some of the popular programs offered by WUSL are in business and management, the legal profession, health and clinical studies, and psychology. The university is among the top 50 universities in the world for its undergraduate programs according to World Report rankings. The BS in Organizational Psychology is a program for students who aim to pursue careers in management, human resource, and organizational behavior. Student advising is offered for this program, guiding students to achieve their educational goals. 

Acceptance Rate

13.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

United States Military Academy (West Point, NY) is a four-year federal service academy providing a wide range of degree programs. Programs are designed to help every candidate for their growth and development before joining the force. Students who aim to enter the academy must directly apply and receive a nomination, usually from a member of Congress. Cadets receive a bachelor of science degree upon completion based on their chosen specialization. USMA offers a variety of academic concentrations including psychology. The Social Organizational Psychology degree program at the Columbia University in the City of New York has tied up with the United States Military Academy to offer leadership development and fellowship programs. Interested students can earn a MA in Social-Organizational Psychology by taking courses at USMA and the Teachers College. 

Acceptance Rate

12.03

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Pepperdine University (Malibu, CA) is a non-profit private institution that offers a variety of educational opportunities. The wide range of options allows students to choose which major is right for them. The Churches of Christ affiliation is a great influence on the history, education, and mission that defines the school.  The top rated Organizational psychology degree is offered as an undergraduate minor at Pepperdine’s Seaver College. This minor program offers several internship opportunities for interested students. Graduates can assume roles in the public and private sectors. Students are also trained to pursue graduate studies. 

Acceptance Rate

31.72

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

New York University (New York, NY) is a private research university offering a wide range of academic disciplines to explore and study. NYU also manages several international educational centers expanding its academic excellence to different parts of the world. The university started with only the College of Arts and Sciences. The College offers a graduate program in Organizational Psychology. Students are trained to address business and organizational conflicts through research, theory, and relevant practice. NYU is connected and affiliated with industry leaders and different sectors which are great contributors for students’ learning experience. 

Acceptance Rate

16.2

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

University of Georgia (Athens, GA) offers a wide range of programs, extending its academic excellence to other parts of the country and several locations around the globe.  UGA has a large number of continuing education students focused on public service and technology transfer related programs. The degree in Organizational Psychology programs are offered at the graduate level. Students can either earn a master’s degree or a doctoral degree. The master’s program is a two-year program delivered at the UGA’s Gwinnett Campus. The doctoral program is focused on the development, research, and application of psychological principles across work environments. 

Acceptance Rate

45.3

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

George Washington University (Washington, D.C.) is located near the White House. The proximity provides several opportunities for projects alongside government leaders, science and law professionals, and individuals from other disciplines. GW University has hundreds of programs for both undergraduate and graduate levels including Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Psychology. Professionals are trained through research and skills development before assuming roles across academia, and the public and private sectors. Students also have opportunities for practical experiences and internships for better training. 

Acceptance Rate

40.84

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Clemson University (Clemson, SC) is a public university established to be a scientific agricultural and mechanical arts institution. Today, it offers a wide range of undergraduate majors. Clemson University also houses several graduate and interdisciplinary programs. The university is consistently ranking among the best for its service, and academic and research performance. The university has a Ph.D. program in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. This area of study centers on developing practices for workplace productivity and addressing related issues within an organization. The program maintains a balance on research and practical applications.

Acceptance Rate

51.26

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Southern Methodist University (Dallas, TX) is nationally ranked comprehensive research university. The school is recognized for the quality of teaching and research programs. The university offers undergraduate majors and graduate studies across eight schools. Dedman College of Humanities & Sciences offers a Masters of Science in Organizational Psychology. It is an accelerated program exclusively offered for SMU undergraduates. Non-psychology majors must take extra psychology courses to be admitted to this program. This program prepares students to contribute relevant psychological knowledge into the workplace or organizations.

Acceptance Rate

47.29

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

The University of Tulsa (Tulsa, OK) is a private research university providing a large variety of programs for students. The school has competitive academic programs on liberal arts and sciences. UT is also ranked as one of the “Best Colleges for the Best Value''. Industrial Organizational Psychology degree programs are offered at the graduate level. Students and professionals can earn a master’s degree or a Ph.D. degree. Programs are designed to develop the necessary skills to improve professionalism in the work setting as well as addressing common conflicts within an organization. The graduate program fosters a scientist-practitioner model on learning, combination of practical training and research. 

Acceptance Rate

35.84

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (Champaign, IL) is the flagship university of the state's higher education system. The university is among the universities with very high activity on research works. UIUC is among the Top 25 American Research Universities according to The Center for Measuring University Performance. The university offers a wide range of academic and professional programs delivered either on-campus or online. The degree in Organizational Psychology is offered as one of the concentrations for undergraduate Psychology majors. UIUC also offers a high recognized Ph.D. program in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. Graduates of the doctoral program are trained to apply fundamental research and theories into practice across organizations.

Acceptance Rate

59.03

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Fairfield University (Fairfield, CT) is a Catholic university offering bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and doctoral degrees through its five schools and colleges. The Master of Arts in Industrial and Organizational Psychology program provides a strong educational foundation on theories, philosophies, and practices related to the discipline. Students and professionals are trained to help in the betterment of individuals and organizations through psychology. Interested students have the option to take a five-year dual-degree program leading to BA/MA in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. 

Acceptance Rate

57.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

University of Central Florida (Orlando, FL) is a public research university offering a wide range of comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs. Students at UCF can also have the opportunity to study and conduct research abroad. The Industrial and Organizational Psychology degree is offered at the graduate level at UCF.  The M.S. degree program is a full-time program that requires four semesters. The Ph.D. program is also offered full-time and requires four to five years of education. Programs are designed to equip students and professionals with relevant psychological science knowledge and translate it to the workplace.

Acceptance Rate

44.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

30:1

Texas A & M University (College Station, TX) is a public research university that offers a long list of undergraduate programs and over 130 graduate programs. It also holds the second largest student population in the United States. Texas A & M also manages campuses in Galveston and Qatar. A & M is also highly recognized for being highly active in research. The Ph.D. degree in Organizational Psychology trains students across five disciplines including Industrial/Organizational Psychology. Graduates are expected to be leaders in psychological research and education. A & M also offers a master’s program in Psychological Sciences with a concentration in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. The program focuses on training students on the application of psychological principles across different workplaces and organizations. 

Acceptance Rate

57.79

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

CUNY Bernard M Baruch College (New York, NY) is a public university offering a wide range of academic programs. The institution has undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. programs. Programs in business and marketing, psychology, education, and public administration are offered in the college. Baruch College offers a Master of Science degree in Organizational Psychology program. This focuses on preparing students for careers that address or relates to human behavior in the workplace. The program is also open for professionals who aim to be admitted as part-time students. Students are expected to take required thesis courses. 

Acceptance Rate

43.47

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Saint Louis University (Saint Louis, MO) offers a wide variety of academic programs and extends its education to a campus located in Madrid, Spain. It has a Roman Catholic affiliation which is evident in its history, educational approach, and mission as an institution. The Industrial and Organizational Psychology  program leads to a Ph.D. degree. Professionals who take this program are required to conduct research on and in organizations. They are also expected to practice and apply psychological theory, models and principles within the work environment. SLU has a vast network of professional connections and most graduate-level students take this opportunity for project and internship opportunities.

Acceptance Rate

58.28

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

DePaul University (Chicago, IL) is among the largest private universities across the United States. It offers a long list of academic disciplines, most are highly-recognized for its undergraduate and graduate programs. DePaul embraces a diverse student population encouraging multiple viewpoints on academics and student life. The BA in Psychology program offers an Industrial & Organizational concentration. Theoretical coursework are given to students and are trained through internships. Students can also opt for a combined degree program leading to a BA/MA Industrial & Organizational degree. A graduate level program is also offered leading to a combined degree of MA/PhD Industrial-Organizational Psychology. This program is designed to be taken within four years.  

Acceptance Rate

68.22

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Springfield College (Springfield, MA) is a nonprofit private institution that offers a variety of programs. Some of the programs offered are in social service, education, recreation, and fitness studies as well as health and clinical professions. The Organizational Psychology major leads to a Master of Science degree. The program fosters a scientist-practitioner training model which provides theoretical coursework and practical training. Graduates are expected to apply the science of psychology across organizational and work environments. 

Acceptance Rate

68.06

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University (Prescott, AZ) is a private university focused on aviation and aerospace programs. Other academic programs are focused on business, communication, applied sciences, leadership, and more. These programs are offered across satellite campuses and through online. The Industrial and Organizational psychology degree is an undergraduate major that prepares students to be future leaders and scholars. The program fosters a scientist-practitioner approach in learning, training students in research and developing essential skills. Graduates can assume entry-level roles across professional workplaces. 

Acceptance Rate

65.7

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

SUNY at Albany (Albany, NY) is one of the university centers in the State University of New York (SUNY) system. The college offers both graduate and undergraduate programs. SUNY Albany also offers opportunities to study abroad and take internships across government and business sectors in New York's capital and the surrounding region. The university offers graduate level programs in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. The MA program trains students in using psychological theories in addressing conflicts and developing systems within the workplace. Students also practice with projects mirroring real-world settings. Interested students can also pursue a Ph.D. degree. 

Acceptance Rate

54.25

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Elmhurst College (Elmhurst, IL) is a private liberal arts college that offers a wide range of education opportunities that help them grow and develop in their chosen careers. The college is focused on providing bachelor’s and master’s programs. Working adults can also earn certificates from a variety of programs. An MA in Industrial and Organizational Psychology is offered to interested students who aim to have a career as a specialist of human behavior in the workplace. The program is delivered part-time and can be completed within two-years. Graduates are eligible to pursue an MBA Dual Degree program leading to a Master of Business Administration with a specialization in industrial/organizational psychology.

Acceptance Rate

67.78

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Ithaca College (Ithaca, NY) is a private learning institution that has a strong liberal arts core curriculum. The college has several pre-professional and undergraduate programs, along with some graduate programs. Ithaca has an applied organizational psychology B.S. program which fosters a traditional liberal arts curriculum. Students are educated on psychology and several management and financial practices that can be beneficial across every professional environment. Opportunities for major-related internship and research experience also adds to the professional development of the students. .

Acceptance Rate

72.76

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Christian Brothers University (Memphis, TN) is a private Catholic university and was founded by the De La Salle Brothers in 1871. The university is also considered as the oldest degree-granting institution in the city. The undergraduate psychology program trains students on research and the application of psychology theories across a variety of careers and industry settings. CBU houses the Cognitive Neuroscience Lab that supports related research activities. The university also provides opportunities to study abroad. 

Acceptance Rate

50.15

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

San Jose State University (San Jose, CA) is a public university and considered as the oldest university in the West Coast. It has a long list of undergraduate and master’s programs plus several doctoral programs. Psychology, kinesiology, biological sciences, business administration, and communications are just some of the popular undergraduate programs in SJSU. Industrial/Organizational (I/O) Psychology is a master of science program. It is designed to educate students about psychology theory, research, and application across different organizational and business environments.

Acceptance Rate

63.57

Student to Faculty Ratio

26:1

Saint Joseph's University (Philadelphia, PA) is a private higher learning institution offering a wide range of academic programs. The school values Roman Catholic teachings. Most programs are focused on business, marketing, social sciences, and healthcare professions. SJU offers a psychology undergraduate major and a master’s program. The M.S. in Organizational Psychology is a full time program providing training on psychological research. The university also offers a five-year program that leads to a B.S./M.S. in Psychology degree. This focuses on experimental psychology.

Acceptance Rate

74.98

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Top Organizational Psychology Degrees

Earning a degree in organizational psychology will help drive success in an organization by providing key insights into individual and group behaviors.  From that basis, management can help develop techniques to improve overall performance and productivity.

Degree programs in organizational psychology include undergraduate and graduate programs at a number of institutions.  To help prospective students make a great decision, we have provided a summary of the degree programs with a tool to quickly reach out to qualifying colleges and universities.

Organizational Psychology Bachelor’s Degree

Online bachelor degrees in organizational psychology can be earned from a number of accredited colleges and universities.  Bachelor degrees are 4-year programs for full-time students and longer for part-time students.  Degrees at the bachelor level are conferred as Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) depending on the curricular emphasis of the program.

Bachelor degrees blend liberal arts education with core classes to provide students with a set of integrative thinking skills.  General education classes will include courses such as: communications, philosophy, history, sociology, statistics, and creative writing.

Core classes in a BA or BS program generally include the following: psychology, leadership, psychology of organization behavior, leader development, consulting for organizational change, ethics, research methods, quantitative reasoning, professional assessments, and personnel psychology.  The BA and BS degree culminates in a capstone course bringing together all classes in the program.

Organizational Psychology Master’s Degree

An online master’s degree in organizational psychology is conferred as a MS (Master of Science) at most colleges.  Master degrees will take 2-3 years to complete for most students with part-time students taking longer dependent upon pace and course load.

Graduate-level programs in organizational psychology provide students with the ability to select an area of concentration or a general course of study.  Specializations within the master’s track include organizations diversity, leadership development, organizational change, coaching, international business, human resource management, consulting psychology, and forensic psychology.  Coursework for graduate students will be a foundation of the area of specialization taken and the school’s requirements.

Graduates from an MS program in organizational psychology will be prepared to launch a career in several types of organizations.  From nonprofit organizations to publicly traded multinational companies, an organizational psychology professional will help make an impact in a variety of firms.  Careers within these entities can include the following: consultant, data manager, health project coordinator, data analyst, college instructor, project manager, research specialist, human resource manager, organizational consultant, and employee development trainer.

PhD in Organizational Psychology

A doctorate degree in industrial and organizational psychology is conferred as a PhD degree.  Doctoral degrees will take 3-5 years of matriculation to complete that includes a board-approved dissertation project.

Coursework in the PhD program will depend on the area of concentration chosen by each student.  Areas of specialization can include the general industrial and organizational psychology track, research, organizational diversity, leadership coaching, social change, international business, forensic consulting, human resource management, and consulting psychology.

By earning a PhD in industrial and organizational psychology, students will be ready to launch a career as a professor, data analyst, political strategist, career services director, research director, training director, employee development consultant, or organizational consultant.

Requirements in Organizational Psychology

Student who wish to study organizational psychology, also known as industrial and organizational psychology, will earn at least a masters degree in order to be able to find employment. Individuals will become familiar with psychological principles and how they apply to groups rather than individuals.

As a result this field and education will focus on the differences when dealing with groups, how to improve the mental well being of employees and workers, and explain what tools and methods are available to do so. A curriculum in this degree path may include:

  • Physiology
  • Organization Behavior
  • Human Behavior
  • Biology
  • Group Mentality
  • Workplace Psychology

Ideal schools in this field will have labs and programs that allow for practical development alongside normal classroom education in order to become familiar with the application of methods and principles prior to entering the field. Students should also research what ancillary programs, research opportunities, or internships may be available in order to narrow their selection.

Organizational Psychology Goals

While classes students take in organizational psychology may vary slightly from school to school, the outcomes should be uniform. The list below is a summary of the top outcomes students can expect to learn while in an organization psychology program.

  1. Adopting growth mindset to advance the field of organizational psychology and help promote lifelong learning across an organization
  2. Engaging in ethical business practices to promote positive social change
  3. Applying the foundational principles of organizational research methods
  4. Articulating the unique aspects of the organizational psychology specialization and real-world applicability
  5. Understanding how key management and organizational issues impact organizations from performance management to motivation and team dynamics to organizational culture
  6. Summarizing the vital aspects of research and development in organizational psychology
  7. Prudently applying effective organizational intervention practices
  8. Analyzing individual and group dynamics in diverse groups and influences on the organization
  9. Describing organizational behavior utilizing relevant theory and research in organizational psychology

Employment in Organizational Psychology

Graduates will seek employment as consultants, private practitioners, or employed by large corporations.  Regardless of the organization type, OP's strive to establish effective methods and policies to maintain a healthy and productive work environment. Job growth is expected to increase in this field dramatically, as more and more businesses become interested in creating healthy work environments.  Wellness programs can include initiatives like improved motivational tools and removing tension from organizations.

The mean annual income for organizational psychologist currently $102,530 with the top earners in excess of $184,000 a year.  Part-time OP's and the lowest ten percent average nearly $51,000 annually based on the latest survey by the BLS.  Compensation will vary by geographic location, employer, and job scope.

Resources for OP Majors

Organizations such as the American Psychological Association work to advance the cause of psychology and psychology professionals through research, communication, information sharing, providing resources, and lobbying for the advancement of the field.  Additional associations include the Society for Industrial and Organization Psychology (SIOP), Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), and Society of Consulting Psychology (SCP).

For more information, check out our Career Guide in Psychology on the MatchCollege blog.  Further research is available by reading our blog that illustrate the Top Jobs in Psychology by degree type, industry, and specialty.

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