phd io psychology jobs

• Psychology Programs

What Can You Do With a Degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology? [2024 Guide]

Industrial-Organizational (I-O) Psychology is a dynamic and rapidly evolving field that offers a wealth of career opportunities for those interested in the intersection of psychology and the workplace. More and more businesses are acknowledging the importance of their human capital and are striving to optimize their operations and business processes, resulting in a growing demand for professionals with a background in I-O psychology.

In this article, we will explore popular I-O psychology degree career options, from Organizational Consultants and Human Resources Managers to Instructional Designers and Project Managers. We will discuss how the unique blend of human understanding, organizational insights, and data analysis skills that I-O psychology provides can enhance job performance in these roles.

What are the Careers in Industrial Organizational Psychology?

Staffing and recruiting manager.

A Staffing and Recruiting Manager plays an instrumental role within the human resources department of a company. They are responsible for outlining the personnel needs of the organization, creating and advertising job roles, conducting interviews, and ensuring all recruitment activities align with the organization’s policies and legal requirements.

Duties also include developing a strong brand identity for the company to attract top-tier candidates, and managing relations with external recruitment agencies.

A degree in industrial organizational psychology can significantly benefit you in this role. Here’s why:

• Understanding People : This branch of psychology focuses on human behavior, specifically within workplace environments. This understanding is key when it comes to attracting, motivating, and retaining employees.
• Evaluating Employees : I-O psychology degrees include training on various methods to assess employee capabilities and behaviors. This knowledge is crucial when selecting the best fit for a position or team.
• Organizational Structure and Development : The principles of organizational development, also covered in I-O psychology programs, can help you in understanding how to build effective teams, motivate employees, and manage changes in the company.
• Training Design and Implementation : The focus on employee training and development provides the necessary knowledge to effectively onboard and train new hires.
• Legal Compliance : A fundamental aspect of industrial organizational psychology is the study of ethics and employment law. This can help you in ensuring recruitment and workplace practices are ethical and comply with legal regulations.
• Data-Driven Decision Making : You can use the research skills gained from an I-O psychology degree to evaluate and implement recruitment strategies based on solid data and evidence.

Human Resources Executive

You may be able to use your bachelor’s degree in industrial-organizational degree to help companies resolve co-worker conflicts and/or employee-management conflicts. Due to your training and expertise in psychological principles, companies may hire you to help them better understand their employees. They may also hire you to help improve workplace morale and employee satisfaction.

In this capacity, your main responsibility will be to act as a liaison between employees and upper management. You may also be responsible for hiring, firing and/or promoting employees.

Organizational Effectiveness Consultant

As an Organizational Effectiveness Consultant, you would be tasked with helping organizations improve their performance and reach their strategic goals more effectively. You will focus on enhancing areas such as leadership development, change management, employee performance, team effectiveness, and organizational design.

You will also work with clients to identify issues affecting productivity and propose solutions to optimize the functioning of their teams and the whole organization. Your role could involve developing and implementing training programs, conducting workshops, or reorganizing the structure of teams or departments.

Let’s explore how industrial and organizational psychology can benefit you in this role:

• Understanding of Human Behavior : The core of industrial-organizational psychology is understanding human behavior in the workplace. This knowledge allows you to predict and influence behaviors within the organization to improve productivity and job satisfaction.
• Knowledge of Team Dynamics : By understanding the dynamics of team behavior, you can help organizations build more effective teams and improve team-based productivity.
• Training and Development : I-O psychology degrees include focus on employee training and development. You can apply this knowledge to develop and implement effective training programs to address skill gaps and enhance performance.
• Change Management : An understanding of how to manage change in an organization is a significant aspect of I-O psychology. This knowledge is valuable when helping organizations navigate periods of change and ensuring changes are accepted and implemented smoothly.
• Ethics and Law : Courses on ethics and employment law will help you advise organizations on the best practices to follow to ensure compliance with laws and promote ethical conduct.

As an Organizational Effectiveness Consultant, your I-O psychology degree can equip you with the understanding and tools to diagnose organizational issues and propose evidence-based solutions. This would enable you to assist organizations in improving their effectiveness, productivity, and overall work environment.

Behavioral Analyst

A Behavioral Analyst is a professional who specializes in understanding, predicting, and altering human behaviors. Often working in fields like healthcare, education, and social services, you would typically use principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA) to assess individuals’ behavior and create treatment plans to improve their quality of life.

As a Behavioral Analyst, your duties might include conducting assessments to determine behavioral needs, designing and implementing behavior intervention plans, tracking progress, and modifying plans as necessary. You wouldd work closely with other professionals, families, and the individuals themselves to facilitate behavioral changes.

Now, let’s discuss how a degree in industrial and organizational psychology can aid you in this role:

• Understanding Human Behavior : Industrial-organizational psychology provides a deep understanding of human behavior, especially within work or organization settings. As a Behavioral Analyst, this can help you understand the root causes of behavior, predict future behavior, and develop effective intervention strategies.
• Research and Assessment Skills : In an industrial and organizational psychology program, you are trained in various research methods and assessment techniques. This knowledge can be applied when conducting behavioral assessments and monitoring the effectiveness of behavior interventions.
• Intervention Design : The knowledge of motivational techniques, reinforcement principles, and change management strategies can aid you in designing effective interventions that bring about desired behavioral changes.
• Knowledge of Organizational Behavior : Understanding the behavior of individuals in a group or organizational setting can be useful when working with clients who face difficulties in the workplace or other social environments.
• Data Analysis : Industrial-organizational psychology involves analyzing data to make informed decisions. As a Behavioral Analyst, these skills would be beneficial in interpreting the results of behavioral assessments and evaluating the effectiveness of intervention strategies.

You may also use your industrial-organizational psychology degree to research business-related issues. Your main responsibilities will be to research company practices in an effort to improve productivity and quality within the workplace. Your primary function will be to develop more effective company policies and practices.

You may accomplish these tasks by distributing surveys to employees, interviewing employees and/or creating company focus groups. Your goal will be to assess employee and/or consumer satisfaction. To be effective in this career you will need to have a strong background in statistics, psychology and business management.

Consumer Psychologist

You may also use your doctorate in industrial-organizational to enter the world of consumer psychology . Your degree may help you analyze consumer preferences, motivations and purchases. A company may hire you to help them determine what consumers really want and need.

It may also hire you to help convince consumers why a particular product will be beneficial for them. The majority of your time might be spent developing effective advertising and marketing strategies, studying the relationship between emotions and purchasing preferences and analyzing the influence of psychology when selecting a price-point for items.

Organizational Development Psychologist

The majority of people with an industrial-organizational degree work as organizational development psychologists. If you chose to apply your degree to this field, your main function will be to help companies restructure their policies and practices to fit a new merger or acquisition, increase revenue and/or improve employee satisfaction and company morale.

One of the perks of having a degree in industrial-organizational psychology is that you can work in a variety of different industries (medical, health, education, retail, marketing, automotive, etc.).

Your main job functions may include increasing employee productivity, developing training modules, creating and administering job assessments to potential employees, performing human resource duties, supervising research studies and/or teaching at a college or university.

You may also be responsible for helping companies select and/or weed out potential candidates and train new employees. Your main goal will be to help companies increase productivity and quality within the workplace.

You may also be required to help the company more clearly align its practices and policies with its vision and mission statement. In some cases, you may help companies with their firing process and/or work with employees with issues that are affecting their work performance.

Technology Consultant

As a Technology Consultant, your main task will be to guide organizations to utilize information technology to achieve their business goals effectively. Your role would involve understanding the unique technology requirements of each organization, creating and implementing suitable IT strategies, and ensuring that these solutions help achieve business objectives.

Your responsibilities could range from analyzing existing tech systems, recommending new tech solutions, troubleshooting issues, and training personnel to use new technologies.

An I-O psychology degree could enhance your role as a Technology Consultant in many way, including:

• People and Tech Interface : I-O psychology degree focuses on the study of human behavior. It would equip you with the understanding of how people interact with technologies, enabling you to create more user-friendly and effective tech solutions.
• Transition Navigation : Changes, especially tech-related, can be challenging for organizations. Your knowledge of change management can be critical in ensuring the smooth integration of new technologies with minimal resistance.
• Teaching and Coaching : Industrial-Organizational psychology programs often have modules on training and development, which could aid you in designing efficient training programs for new system implementations.
• Organizational Insight : A good understanding of organizational behavior and structure could enable you to customize solutions that fit not just the technical requirements, but also the work culture and operational flow of the organization.
• Collaborative Work : Insights on team dynamics and effective collaboration, learned from your degree, would be useful when liaising between different teams, such as IT specialists, management, and end-users.
• Solving Complex Problems : The analytical skills you would develop during this degree could be leveraged for troubleshooting tech issues or creating innovative solutions tailored to the organization’s needs.

While an I-O psychology degree may not be a conventional route for a Technology Consultant, the skills and insights acquired through this degree could significantly boost your performance. It would allow you to bridge the gap between people and technology, leading to more successful tech strategies and implementations.

Instructional Designer

As an Instructional Designer, your role involves designing, developing, and implementing educational programs and training modules. This can include anything from creating online learning courses to designing training materials for businesses. The ultimate goal is to make learning effective and engaging.

You will work to understand the learning needs of a particular group, create instructional materials to meet these needs, and assess the effectiveness of the programs you design.

An I-O psychology degree equips you with a valuable set of skills and knowledge that can enhance your effectiveness as an Instructional Designer. By understanding human behavior, learning theory, and organizational dynamics, you can create educational programs that effectively meet the learning needs of your audience.

Project Manager

As a Project Manager, you would be responsible for planning, executing, and overseeing projects to ensure they are completed in a timely fashion and within budget. Your tasks might include defining project goals and scope, developing detailed plans, coordinating team activities, tracking progress, managing risks and changes, and ensuring that project objectives are met.

Your background in I-O psychology offers insights into effective leadership and team building. You can use this knowledge to build cohesive, high-performing project teams.

Projects often involve changes, and your understanding of change management can help you guide your team through these transitions smoothly, ensuring project continuity and minimizing disruptions.

I-O psychology also involves the use of data analysis to make informed decisions. As a Project Manager, this skill can be beneficial when tracking project progress, identifying potential risks, and making data-driven decisions.

Management Consultant

As a Management Consultant, your role will be to provide expert advice to organizations to help improve their performance and efficiency. This typically involves identifying and analyzing organizational problems, developing strategic plans, facilitating changes, and ensuring these plans are implemented effectively. You might also work on areas like restructuring, market entry, process improvement, cost reduction, or strategic planning.

A strong grasp of change management principles, a core part of I-O psychology, can help ensure that the changes you propose as a Management Consultant are smoothly integrated and yield sustainable results.

Studying I-O psychology also provides insights into conflict resolution within an organizational context. As a Management Consultant, you may need to navigate and mediate disagreements or conflicts that arise during the change process, and your training in this area can be a valuable asset.

The knowledge you have gained on leadership strategies and motivation theories, during your I-O psychology program, can enhance your ability to coach organizational leaders. You can guide them in inspiring their workforce, boosting morale, and ensuring employees are aligned with organizational goals.

Furthermore, as organizations become more diverse and globally interconnected, having an understanding of cultural differences and cross-cultural psychology becomes increasingly important. An I-O psychology degree often includes elements of this, which can be valuable in helping organizations to become more inclusive and in dealing with international teams or clients.

Executive Coach

As an Executive Coach, your primary role will be to provide guidance and support to high-level professionals, often executives or managers, helping them to enhance their leadership skills, navigate challenges, and reach their professional goals.

Your work in this role would typically involve one-on-one sessions focusing on areas like personal development, leadership style, decision-making, communication, team management, and handling stress.

I-O psychology emphasizes effective communication, which can be invaluable in your role as an Executive Coach. Whether you are communicating complex ideas or providing sensitive feedback, strong communication skills can enhance your coaching effectiveness.

As mentioned above, I-O psychology often covers leadership theories and styles. This knowledge can be instrumental in coaching senior executives on how to enhance their leadership capabilities, build cohesive teams, and foster a positive organizational culture.

As an Executive Coach, you may often work with executives facing high levels of stress. Your understanding of psychological well-being and stress management techniques can help you guide executives in managing stress and maintaining work-life balance.

Furthermore, understanding conflict resolution strategies can equip you to help executives navigate interpersonal conflicts and organizational disputes effectively.

College Professor

If you have a doctorate in industrial-organizational psychology, you may be able to enter the education field. Many people with an industrial-organizational psychology degree work in a college or university. You may be hired to teach courses in business and psychology and/or conduct business-related research studies (i.e. new testing assessment, intervention programs, and/or employee training modules).

Related Reading

• Becoming a Business Psychologist
• Advertising Psychologist Career and Degrees
• How to Become an Industrial/Organizational Psychologist
• Vocational Psychologist | Profile | Job Duties | Education
• Consumer Psychologist: Requirements, Degrees & Job Duties

More Resources (External)

• Organization Development Network
• Society of Psychologists in Leadership
• Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology
• Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
• Associate Psychology Degrees
• Bachelor's Psychology Degrees
• Master's Psychology Degrees
• PhD Psychology Degrees
• Online ABA Degrees
• Applied Psychology Degrees
• Business Psychology Degrees
• Behavioral Psychology Degrees
• CBT Therapist Degrees
• Child Psychology Degrees
• Child Therapist Degrees
• Child Life Specialst Degrees
• Criminal Psychology Degrees
• Counseling Psychology Degrees
• Developmental Psychology Degrees
• Educational Psychology Degrees
• Industrial Psychology Degrees
• Psychiatry Degrees
• Psychotherapy Degrees
• School Counseling Degrees
• Sports Psychology Degrees
• Trauma Psychology Degrees
• See More Programs
• Clinical Psychology Programs
• Cognitive Psychology Programs
• Forensic Psychology Programs
• Health Psychology Programs
• Mental Counseling Programs
• Social Psychology Programs
• Neuropsychologist Programs
• ABA Therapist Career
• Clinical Psychologist Career
• Cognitive Psychologist Career
• Counseling Psychologist Career
• Forensic Psychologist Career
• School Psychologist Career
• Social Psychologist Career

School Finder

What jobs can you get with a phd in industrial organizational psychology.

What exactly is an industrial organizational psychologist? Industrial organizational (I-O) psychologists use their vast insight into human behavior to solve problems within the workplace and to improve productivity. This specialty field uses psychological principles and research methods to improve quality and productivity in all types of work environments. I-O psychologists work to solve workplace problems such as low morale, poor management, and low productivity, to name just a few. They also work with company leadership on things like organizational development, policy planning, employee screening, and training. Industrial organizational psychologists work to improve the workplace by applying principles and theories that have been sharpened through years of research. 

You might be wondering, “What can I do with a PhD in industrial organizational psychology?” Check out our list below of work possibilities in this exciting and growing field. 

What can I do with a PhD in industrial organizational psychology?

1. behavior analyst.

An industrial organizational psychologist’s main role as a behavior analyst encompasses assessing problematic behavior in employees. I-O psychologists focus on measurable and observable employee conduct, and they develop strategies to change their behavior. By considering environmental factors and other influences in the workplace, the analyst can understand and predict behavior to help achieve company goals. These analysts may work directly for a company or in research to study employee behavior and influences, with the goal to improve employee behaviors that would affect productivity and retention. Through the analysis of previous research, the analysts present action plans to improve efficiency in a wide variety of businesses. In addition to employee behavior, I-O psychologists analyze consumer behavior trends to help companies understand what drives consumer decisions. 

2. Human Resources Executive or Manager

Many with a PhD in industrial organizational psychology find satisfying work in Human Resources (HR). These professionals may work in HR with responsibilities such as training employees, mediating conflicts within the workplace, assessing and evaluating employee performance, interviewing potential employees, and hiring new employees. The I-O psychologist working in HR works to maintain or develop a culture of teamwork, respect, growth, and efficiency that benefits the employee and employer. The HR executive plans and coordinates HR initiatives throughout the organization. They create an environment with policies in place to attract top talent and retain valuable workers to help the organization meet its goals. Other roles of someone with a PhD in industrial organizational psychology working as a HR professional may include things like helping companies adjust to new management during company reorganization or mergers, being a liaison between employees and upper management, firing employees, and developing programs to improve employee satisfaction. Consider this career if you are asking the question “What can I do with a PhD in industrial organizational psychology?”

3. Executive Coach

With a PhD in industrial organizational psychology, you have the answers that companies seek when it comes to the direction of a company and development of employees. Executive coaches typically consult with high-level executives to expand their managerial and organizational skills and help move their company forward. Executive coaches work with individuals and teams to analyze their company’s direction and improve their company’s performance. This important role may include working with mid-level management and lower-level employees to develop and encourage ownership and get ideas for changes in the organization. Regardless of the level of the people they’re working with, the executive coach works to assess workers, encourage professional development for workers, improve job performance, and develop strategies to achieve work-related goals. 

4. Engineering Psychologist

What can you do with a PhD in industrial organizational psychology? Here is another option. Engineering psychologists typically work on understanding the physical work environment and human interaction with new technology and innovations. These professionals apply I-O psychology principles to provide organizations with recommendations for designing people-friendly workplace environments that make the workplace safer and more enjoyable. Engineering psychologists may also analyze consumer interaction with products and places by collecting and interpreting data on user experiences. This analysis can drive change to improve work spaces, interaction with technology, and interaction with consumer products, which in turn can increase profits for a company or industry. 

5. Policy Officer

I-O psychologists in this position are experts that assess the effects of organizational policies on productivity and performance within the organization. These policy officers respond to needs for change in policies within an organization and keep meticulous records of both these changes and their outcomes. Policy officers can work in a very wide range of industries, including media, lobbying, and government or corporate campaigns, among others. Through the application of I-O psychology principles and theories, policy officers are able to give accurate and persuasive advice to a variety of sector policymakers in a timely fashion. They can be counted upon to identify and develop strategic policies for the organization. 

6. Research Psychologist

Someone with a PhD in industrial organizational psychology may gravitate toward research, and work as a research psychologist may turn out to be a satisfying role for those who are trying to answer the question, “What can I do with a PhD in industrial organizational psychology?” Research settings can include colleges and universities, governmental agencies, military organizations, large or small businesses, and non-profit organizations. Researching company-wide practices to improve quality, productivity, and employee satisfaction can be a satisfying job as an I-O psychologist. Using this research to develop effective policies and procedures that increase productivity and worker satisfaction can pave the way to profitability. Researchers may look at individual employee behavior, small groups within the organization, or the entire organization. Research psychologists may also write articles for academic journals and magazines. 

7. College Professor

Academia is yet another professional option for someone with a PhD in industrial organizational psychology. College professors are highly trained professionals. If you are interested in this field, you may want to research industrial organizational psychology graduate programs rankings to help you locate top industrial and organizational psychology graduate programs. College professors may teach, do research in their field, write, or do a combination of all three. Typically, an academic career in industrial organizational psychology follows time working in the “real world” with a job as a professional industrial organizational psychologist. College professors draw on their professional experience to enrich the classroom environment. A work history of 5-10 years as an industrial organizational psychologist will be sure to provide sufficient background to be meaningful in the classroom. Teaching courses in business, psychology, and business research to the next generation can be a satisfying job for someone with a PhD in industrial organizational psychology. 

Someone with a PhD in industrial organizational psychology may find satisfying work as a corporate trainer. These trainers are expected to provide education to help develop a well-trained workforce within a company. Trainers may educate employees about their job role, job expectations, productivity, and other important information. While trainers often work with new employees during their initial orientation with a company, they also help guide employees through changes within the company, help with motivational strategies, and help bolster employees during corporate mergers or systems revisions and updates. This is yet another option for those seeking to answer the question “What can I do with a PhD in industrial organizational psychology?”

9. Public Relations Specialist

With a PhD in industrial organizational psychology, your understanding of complex human behavior can be very helpful in a public relations career. As a public relations specialist, your expertise helps companies understand what their customers want, helps companies meet their target markets, and helps companies and organizations develop and maintain a good public image. As a public relations specialist, you can expect to help identify customers’ needs, develop marketing messages that consumers can relate to, and evaluate public opinion. Mitigating any negative public responses to the organization will also fall to the public relations specialist. 

10. Industrial Organizational Psychology Consultant

With a PhD in industrial organizational psychology and professional experience in the field, becoming a consultant may be an excellent work path. Consultants can expect to meet with organizational leaders to discuss organizational development, employee training, staff evaluations, recruitment, management changes, and compensation issues, to name just a few topics. Consultants may have their own private consulting practice, or they may be employed by a consulting firm. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to earn a phd in industrial organizational psychology.

PhD programs in industrial organizational psychology typically require between 60 and 69 credits. Full-time students can expect to complete this PhD program in three to seven years. This is typically not offered in an accelerated format. Programs usually have a specific amount of time that they must be completed in, so if you are completing this PhD degree on a part-time basis, consult your program to map out your academic progress within the timeframe needed. 

What should I consider when looking at a PhD program in i ndustrial organizational psychology?

When looking at PhD programs in i ndustrial organizational psychology, first confirm that the program and institution are accredited. This accreditation ensures a quality program that is respected in the workplace. Accreditation impacts eligibility for federal financial aid and credit transferability. The cost of the program is also a big consideration, with in-state and out-of-state tuition to consider, as well as possible financial aid from the institution. The specifics of the program, such as field experience, courses required, and time to complete the program should all be considered carefully. I-O psychology program rankings can be helpful when searching for the top industrial and organizational psychology graduate programs. 

Is it cheaper to pursue this degree online compared to on-campus?

This all depends upon the program. While some top I-O psychology PhD programs offer a special rate for online degree programs that is typically the equivalent of in-state tuition, many do not. Some top industrial and organizational psychology graduate programs offer a special discounted rate to students in the military, discounts for international students, or a flat rate for online programs. Check with your program of interest to find out the specifics of their costs for online programs. 

Is the field of industrial organizational psychology growing?

If you’re investigating occupations with strong employment outlooks, industrial organizational psychology may be your ticket. With an anticipated growth rate of over 13% over the next 10 years, industrial-organizational psychology is predicted to be one of the fastest-growing fields of psychology between 2020-2030. This is much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

How much does a Doctor of industrial organizational psychology earn? 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual mean wage for an industrial organizational psychologist in May 2020 was $112,690. The lowest 10% of earners made $57,440, while the top 10% of earners made $192,800.   Check out bls.gov for more information on wages and job outlook for this growing profession. 

What are common characteristics of people who pursue I-O psychology?

I-O psychologists typically deal with various areas of psychology. Social psychology, experimental psychology, business, and statistics are just a few areas that the I-O psychologist deals with regularly. People in this exciting field often enjoy the practical application of psychological research in the workplace. 

Where do industrial organizational psychologists work?

I-O psychologists can expect opportunities in a wide range of settings, including manufacturing plants, health care systems, education systems, labor unions, private agencies, and government agencies. I-O psychologists can also be consultants to companies needing their services. 

What kinds of things can an industrial organizational psychologist be expected to do on the job? 

These professionals are called upon to conduct psychological research and apply it within the workplace, train employees, work with HR on problem solving, increase business efficiency, help in company transitions, provide consultation on ergonomics to maximize performance, and enhance employee and employer quality of life. The I-O psychologist applies research in the workplace in a practical way. 

What are the professional organizations for industrial organizational psychologists?

There are a number of professional organizations serving industrial organizational psychologists, with the leading organization being the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP). This active organization keeps members up-to-date through their publications, and it provides information on internships and job opportunities. In addition to SIOP, I-O psychologists may find the American Psychological Association (APA) useful. Other organizations that may be useful for those in this profession include: the Emotional Intelligence Consortium, Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, Society of Psychologists in Management, and Society for Human Resource Management. 

• Best Online Doctorates in Psychology and Counseling
• Highest-Paying Jobs in Psychology
• Best Master’s Programs in Forensic Psychology

By Carol Dolan BS RN BSN CDCES

Carol graduated with her BS in Nutrition from Montclair State University and her BSN in Nursing from Rowan University. She is a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) currently working with adults and children living with diabetes in both outpatient and inpatient settings.

This concludes our article answering the question “What can you do with a PhD in industrial organizational psychology?”

• 10 Best Online Doctorates at Nonprofit Colleges
• Top 10 Nonprofit Online Colleges in Georgia
• Online Bachelor’s in Computer Science
• Top 10 Nonprofit Online Colleges in Virginia
• DIFFERENT TYPES OF LEGAL STUDIES DEGREES
• 15 Best Paying Jobs in Energy
• 10 Top Organizational Leadership Jobs by Salary
• Top 10 Affordable Online Colleges in NYC

Infographics

• How To Focus Despite Distractions
• Online College Enrollment: By the Numbers
• Most Profitable Non-Profit Organizations
• College Tuition Around the World

13 Popular Industrial and Organizational Psychology Careers

What does a career in the field of industrial and organizational psychology look like? We've outlined 13 common I/O psychology careers for you to explore.

Not all psychologists are created equal. If you think pursuing a psychology degree means you’ll be destined to counsel patients lying on a couch in therapy, think again. Psychology is a broad field of study with a vast array of specializations and career opportunities.

One distinct field is industrial and organizational psychology, otherwise referred to as  I/O psychology . I/O psychology applies theory to real-world workplace situations, such as:

• Employee retention
• Employee engagement
• Company culture
• Team building

But what does a career in this field actually look like? Well, we’ve listed 13 I/O psychology careers for you to explore below.

Explore certificate and masters programs in I/O Psychology online or at one of our campuses

• Industrial and Organizational Psychology Generalist Certificate
• M.A. Industrial and Organizational Psychology

Human Resources Manager

If you prefer the human side of I/O psychology, you may consider a career in human resources management. People working in human resources (HR) interact with people throughout an organization on a day-to-day basis.

Their responsibilities can range from recruiting new job candidates to working through internal office issues between personnel. An HR representative can be involved in the interviewing and hiring process, employee training procedures, mediating workplace conflicts, and serving as an overall representative for individuals in the company.

Overall, a career in HR will allow you to use your knowledge of I/O psychology and business psychology in working to improve the overall organizational culture of the company you may work for.

How much does a human resources manager make?

The median annual salary for an HR manager is $126,230 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics . This data was collected in May 2021 for human resources managers.

Workforce Insights Analyst

While a career in HR typically positions you in a people-facing role, a workforce insights analyst’s role is more data-driven. It involves using your knowledge of quantitative research and evaluation methods, like surveys and reviews, to analyze employee performance, management processes, and workflows.

A workforce insights analyst’s goal is to use data gathered from employees to improve productivity, training, and overall company satisfaction.

In this position, an analyst may provide a leadership team with recommendations on work assignments, compensation, organizational styles, and more.

How much does a workforce insights analyst make?

The national average salary for a workforce insights analyst is $52,122 according to Zip Recruiter . This data was collected at the time of the updating of this article.

Professional Business Development Consultant

A professional development consultant provides leadership training for those seeking to hone useful workplace skills that can help advance their careers in a variety of fields. Additionally, a professional development consultant may lead professional development workshops that can be performed one-on-one or in a team.

This role can exist within a company to help current employees realize their full potential or can be outsourced to an outside “consultant” role for people personally seeking new positions within their company or looking to make a career transition.

How much does a professional business development consultant make?

The national average salary for a professional business development consultant is $55,884 according to Zip Recruiter . This data was collected at the time of the updating of this article.

Organizational Effectiveness Manager

An organizational effectiveness manager typically works with senior leadership and management teams to set organizational goals, refine management processes, and create a clear roadmap for achieving a company’s vision.

These managers can work full-time within a company or work as outside consultants for a variety of clients. An organizational effectiveness manager can use knowledge of effective evaluation and survey methods to gain insight from employees and get a feel for a company’s internal culture and structure; then use the data collected in conjunction with I/O and business psychology principles to work on a top-down strategy in an effort to improve things like employee satisfaction and efficiency.

How much does an organizational effectiveness manager make?

The national average salary for an organizational effectiveness manager is $116,206 according to Zip Recruiter . This data was collected at the time of the updating of this article.

Executive Coach

Executive coaches help individuals and teams improve their workplace performance, usually at the C-Suite level. They may be hired to work directly with an individual, or with the entire company. Despite the name of this position, executive coaches do occasionally work with more than just executives. These professionals consult with clients to improve management and organizational skills as well.

In this position, coaches must continuously assess and assign strategies to help clients improve their professional development and performance. The principles of I/O psychology are particularly present in this position, as executive coaches must analyze the conditions of a specific workplace to effectively coach clients’ performance.

How much does an executive coach make?

The national average salary for an executive coach is $119,271 according to Zip Recruiter . This data was collected at the time of the updating of this article.

Internal & External Management Consultant

Management consultants work to provide businesses with outside perspectives and strategies for improvement. With  higher-than-average  job growth, management consulting is becoming a more common career path for those in the field of I/O psychology.

Management consultants advise managers on how to make organizations more profitable through reduced costs and increased revenues. They use concepts and principles from I/O psychology and business psychology to determine how and why businesses are behaving inefficiently and then propose solutions to enhance business outcomes.

How much does an internal and external consultant make?

The national average salary differs slightly depending on if you choose an internal or external consultant path. For an internal management consultant, the national average salary is $91,544 according to Zip Recruiter . For an external management consultant, the national average salary is $83,983 according to Zip Recruiter . This data was collected at the time of the updating of this article.

Team Development Manager

These professionals apply the principles of I/O psychology to analyze team productivity and create training materials that can drive positive development. They also help design, implement, and conduct performance evaluations and in addition to designing orientation programs for new hires.

Team development managers typically work within a company. There is some creative liberty in this position, as these managers apply I/O psychology to their business to create personalized plans for development.

How much does a team development manager make?

The median annual salary for a team development manager is $120,130 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics . This data was collected in May 2021 for training and development managers.

Change Management Professional

Change management professionals specialize in streamlining company transitions. They strategize to optimize business resources, improve communication, and act as organizational leaders.

To complete these tasks, change management professionals use I/O psychology to identify transition needs and strategies. They must be prepared to take on short-term leadership roles and create personalized transition plans.

How much does a change management professional make?

The national average salary for a change management professional is $107,913 according to Zip Recruiter . This data was collected at the time of the updating of this article.

Strategy Development Professional

Many businesses hire strategy development professionals to drive long-term growth through implementing innovative strategy specific to their industry. In this role, professionals create and execute strategies to expand and/or stabilize a business.

Strategy development professionals must be attuned to their specific industry trends and business prospects.

How much does a strategy development professional make?

The national average salary for a strategy development professional is $102,804 according to Zip Recruiter . This data was collected at the time of the updating of this article.

Staffing & Recruiting Manager

Successfully recruiting and training new employees is paramount to any business. Staffing and recruiting managers are in charge of all hiring and training processes, thus making them instrumental to company success.

Staffing and recruiting managers can apply I/O and business psychology methods to ensure the right applicants are selected and that employee retention remains high. Paying close attention to performance, these professionals are also generally in charge of any employee firings.

How much does a staffing and recruiting manager make?

The national average salary for a staffing and recruiting manager is $79,999 according to Zip Recruiter . This data was collected at the time of the updating of this article.

Behavioral Analyst

A behavioral analyst evaluates the behavioral and social issues of employees, pays attention to actions that can be observed and quantified, and applies strategies to remove undesirable behavioral patterns from the workplace. The analyst considers factors such as environmental and biological influences and uses them to understand, describe, and predict changing behaviors in the workplace to achieve the company’s vision.

In this position, behavioral analysts typically work in a research capacity, often full-time. Otherwise, they analyze data derived from previous psychological research and use it to present technical reports built to increase workplace efficiency at a variety of businesses.

Behavioral analysts will also analyze trends in customer behavior to understand what drives certain clients’ decisions.

How much does a behavioral analyst make?

The national average salary for a behavioral analyst is $93,846 according to Zip Recruiter . This data was collected at the time of the updating of this article.

Policy Officer

These professionals apply their knowledge of the principles and theories of I/O psychology to give accurate, persuasive, and prompt advice to policymakers in a variety of sectors. Policy officers’ work is based on sufficient analysis, contextual awareness, and consultation with stakeholders. From there, they identify and develop policy that aligns with strategic priorities and procedures.

In this position, an I/O psychologist assesses the effects of policies on the performance and productivity of the organization or community. Policy officers must respond to requests for change in local, organizational, or company policies and keep accurate records of these changes. As a policy officer, you may work in government campaigns, media, and even lobby for businesses or nonprofits.

How much does a policy officer make?

The national average salary for a policy officer is $75,668 according to Zip Recruiter . This data was collected at the time of the updating of this article.

Engineering Psychologist

An engineering psychologist applies I/O theories and principles of human behavior to analyze how people interact with new technology and innovations. In doing so, these professionals provide organizations with recommendations for making designs user-friendly for the staff and clients.

How much does an engineering psychologist make?

The national average salary for an engineering psychologist is $109,731 according to Zip Recruiter . This data was collected at the time of the updating of this article.

Interested in pursuing an I/O psychology degree?

No matter which of these career paths interests you, a degree in I/O psychology can help get you there.

The Chicago School offers certificate and M.A. programs in I/O psychology . Fill out the form below to request more information, or you can apply today through our application portal .

FAQs About I/O Psychology

Q: What can you do with a master’s degree in I/O Psychology?

A: There are many types of career paths in industrial and organizational psychology to choose from. Among them are the 13 careers for counseling psychologists highlighted in this article, HR manager, workforce insights analyst, professional business development consultant, organizational effectiveness manager, executive coach, management consultant, team development manager, change management professional, strategy development professional, recruiting manager, behavioral analyst, policy officer, and engineering psychologist.

Q: What do you do as an industrial and organizational psychologist?

A: Depending on the specific field you decide to go into within I/O psychology, you can use your degree to help businesses bring in new talent, put policies in place, use your psychology expertise to work on new technology, or more!

Q: Where can you work as an I/O psychologist?

A: You can become an industrial and organizational psychologist in most major cities and even some more rural areas in the world. Depending on the career path you choose, remote work might even be an option for you.

Zeen is a next generation WordPress theme. It’s powerful, beautifully designed and comes with everything you need to engage your visitors and increase conversions.

• Bipolar Disorder
• Therapy Center
• When To See a Therapist
• Types of Therapy
• Best Online Therapy
• Best Couples Therapy
• Managing Stress
• Sleep and Dreaming
• Understanding Emotions
• Self-Improvement
• Healthy Relationships
• Student Resources
• Personality Types
• Sweepstakes
• Guided Meditations
• Verywell Mind Insights
• 2024 Verywell Mind 25
• Mental Health in the Classroom
• Editorial Process
• Meet Our Review Board
• Crisis Support

Industrial-Organizational Psychology Careers

David Wall / (CC BY 2.0)

• Education and Training
• Work Environment
• Job Outlook
• Other Psychology Careers

At a Glance

Industrial-organizational (I-O) psychology looks at how people work and finds ways to increase productivity and improve workplace environments.

Industrial-organizational (I-O) psychology is the study of workplace behavior. The field applies  psychological principles  to areas such as human resources, employee training, marketing and sales, and organizational development.

I-O psychologists  may apply their research to increase workplace productivity, choose employees who are best suited for particular jobs, and do product testing.

Read on to learn what I-O psychologists do, the training they need, how much they can earn, and what the job outlook is like.

What Do Industrial-Organizational Psychologists Do?

I-O psychology is a diverse field with job opportunities in many areas.

Examples of specialty areas in I-O psychology include human-computer interaction and  human factors .

I-O psychologists can work in the business sector, focusing on worker productivity, employee training, assessment, and human resources. I-O psychologists can also work in research or academic positions. Experienced I-O psychologists may have opportunities for consulting work.

The duties that an I-O psychologist will do depend on where they work and who they work for. For example, an I-O psychologist could work for a business to help choose and train employees for specific positions. An I-O psychologist could also assess company policies and practices to maximize efficiency and productivity.

How Much Do Industrial-Organizational Psychologists Typically Earn?

Typical salaries for I-O psychologists vary depending on their education and employer.

According to the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP), the average salaries for I-O psychologists in 2015 were:

• Starting salary for master’s graduate: $84,500
• Starting median salary for doctoral graduate: $118,818
• Academic: $101,000
• Practitioner: $113,000

In 2018, the U.S. Department of Labor reported that the median annual  salary for industrial-organizational psychologists  was $97,260. The lowest 10% of earners made less than $51,350 while the top 10% made more than $192,150.

What Degree Is Required to Become an Industrial-Organizational Psychologist?

Some university programs offer bachelor’s degrees in industrial-organizational psychology. People with a bachelor's degree typically work in human resources, but there are job opportunities in other areas. Those looking for greater job opportunities and higher pay may want to consider continuing their education at the master's level.

People looking for more job opportunities and higher pay may want to consider continuing their education in I-O psychology. Someone with a master’s degree in I-O psychology can work in human resources, consulting, government, and the private sector.

The growing demand for I-O psychologists has increased the number of universities offering master's degrees in I-O psychology.

Beyond a master's degree, a doctorate in I-O psychology can afford the most opportunity for career growth and the highest salaries.

Where Do I-O Psychologists Work?

I-O psychologists work in many industries, as well as for private businesses and government agencies. In 2018, the U.S. Department of Labor reported that the largest area of employment for I-O psychologists was scientific research and development services. The  highest paying  area within the industry was also in scientific research and development services, with a mean annual wage of $149,780.

Consulting services made up the second-largest area of employment for I-O psychologists. Other industries they work in include corporate management, state governments, and educational institutions.

What's the Job Outlook for an I-O Psychologist?

According to the  Occupational Outlook Handbook , industrial-organizational psychology is predicted to be one of the fastest-growing psychology fields between 2018 and 2028. The U.S. Labor Department reports that the field will grow by 13% in that time.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes the rigorous qualifications necessary to become an industrial-organizational psychologist. Professionals are usually expected to have at least a master's degree, but a doctoral degree is often preferred.

What makes I-O psychology such an in-demand field? Here are what some experts in the field have said.

"Businesses and other larger organizations are quickly realizing the competitive advantages that can be gained by managing their talent using practices that have a basis in evidence and science—and that's at the heart of what I-O psychologists do," said Doug Reynolds, a former president of the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology, told Industrial Safety and Hygiene News.

"The public is becoming more aware of something those of us in the field have known for a long time, and that is that I-O psychology is a highly rewarding profession that provides the opportunity to do meaningful work," Tammy Allen, another former president of the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP), told Industrial Safety and Hygiene News.

A strong job outlook and competitive pay are just a few reasons why the career is attractive.

"Students embarking on a career in psychology quickly realize the vast career opportunities available within I-O Psychology," Tracy Kantrowitz, vice president of research and development for the consulting firm SHL told Industrial Safety and Hygiene News. "As indicated by the SIOP careers study of individuals with advanced degrees in I-O Psychology, professionals can hold jobs as diverse as external consultant, chief human resources officer, research scientist, vice president of talent management, or university professor. Diverse career paths combined with a substantial median starting salary for new PhDs ($78,000 as reported in the 2013 SIOP salary survey report) make the field attractive to those charting career options."

Career opportunities with a master's-level degree

Diverse range of employment settings (private sector, consulting, government, education)

Opportunities for self-employment (consulting)

Frequent changes in clients and projects

Potential for research to be tedious and lead to burnout

Requirement of doctoral degree for many higher-paying positions

Is a Career in I-O Psychology Right for You?

Do you enjoy research? Are you comfortable with statistics? If you enjoy finding practical applications for psychological research, I-O psychology could be a good match for you.

However, if you’d prefer working one-on-one with people, clinical  or  counseling psychology  might be a better fit for you.

One of the great things about I-O psychology is that many positions require skills from different areas of psychology.  Personality psychology ,  social psychology ,  experimental psychology , and  statistics  are just a few subjects that I-O psychologists need to tap into regularly.

APA. Industrial and organizational psychology .

APA. Pursuing a career in I/O psychology .

DuVernet A, Poteet M, Parker B, Conley K, Herman A. Overview of results from the 2016 Income and Employment Survey . The Industrial Organizational Psychologist. 2017;54(3).

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Statistics. Industrial-organizational psychologists .

Washington University in St. Louis. Bachelor of Science in industrial and organizational psychology .

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Psychologists .

Industrial Safety and Hygiene News. I-O psychology tops the list of fastest growing occupations .

O*NET Online. 19-3032.00 - Industrial-Organizational Psychologists .

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

PhD in I-O Psychology

Broadly stated, psychology is the scientific study of the human mind, of how we think, how we feel, and how we act on our own and in our interactions with others. It is a foundational behavioral science that, not surprisingly, has found applications throughout the realm of human experience, from early childhood development to issues associated with aging, and from the construction of individual identity to the dynamics of family and other interpersonal relationships. And, since we tend to spend a great deal of our adult lives at our jobs, it only goes to follow that the principles and methodologies of psychology would not only find their way into the workplace, but would emerge as invaluable tools for addressing concerns about employment conditions, hiring strategies, organizational structures, productivity optimization, and consumer behavior. This is the specialization known as industrial-organizational psychology, or I-O psychology (sometimes written as I/O psychology). As defined by the American Psychology Association (APA), “The specialty of industrial-organizational psychology is characterized by the scientific study of human behavior in organizations and the work place. The specialty focuses on deriving principles of individual, group and organizational behavior and applying this knowledge to the solution of problems at work.”

Although the analytical tools, theoretical foundations, and clinical practices of I-O psychology aren’t necessarily new, the field itself is a relatively young one. The APA recognized the utility of psychology in the workplace as early as 1945, when it formally established a division devoted to “Industrial and Business Psychology.” Division 14 of the APA, as it is know, was later renamed the division of “Industrial and Organizational Psychology.” But, it wasn’t until 1982 that Division 14 of the APA created its own profession organization, the Society of Industrial-Organizational Psychology. And, the first edition of The APA Handbook of Industrial and Organizational Psychology wasn’t published until July of 2010. Nevertheless, I-O psychology is, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, not just the fastest growing specialty within psychology, but one of the fastest growing occupations in the U.S., with projected job growth of more than 50 percent between 2012 and 2022.

PhD in Industrial/Organizational Psychology Concepts

• Psychological research methods
• Organizational development concepts
• Critical human resource methods
• Job design and analysis
• Organizational culture assessments
• Training and employee development
• Talent management
• Data analysis and program evaluation
• Data-driven inquiry
• Development and maintenance of high performing workforce
• History and functions of I/O psychology professionals
• Analyses of new trends and concepts in the organizational psychology field
• Encouragement of lifelong learning
• Critical thinking skills and assessment
• Social psychology
• Human behavior
• Psychopathology

Benefits of Earning a PhD in I-O Psychology

To practice psychology professionally, or in many cases to even use the title “psychologist,” requires a license in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The requirements for licensure do vary from state to state. But, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes in its Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH), “Most clinical and counseling psychologists need a doctorate in psychology , an internship, at least 1 to 2 years of professional experience, and to pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology.” In other words, a PhD, or the largely equivalent PsyD (doctor of psychology) degree, isn’t merely optional in most fields of psychology.

There are jobs in the realm of I-O psychology open to candidates with a master’s degree. But, competition for positions in I-O psychology is high, and while meteoric growth is indeed expected in the field, a closer look at the BLS data indicates that this is partially due to it being a relatively small field. For example, the BLS’s 2012 Occupation Outlook Handbook estimated the number of I-O psychologists in the U.S. to be just 1,600. In comparison, there were more than 100 times that number of professional psychologists — 160,200 — employed in 2012. So the BLS offered this qualification: “Employment of industrial-organizational psychologists is projected to grow 53 percent from 2012 to 2022, much faster than the average for all occupations. Organizations use industrial-organizational psychologists to help select and keep employees, increase productivity, and improve office morale. However, because it is a small occupation, the fast employment growth will result in only about 900 new jobs over the 10-year period.”

To translate, demand for I-O psychologists is clearly on the rise, and yet competition for those new positions is likely to be high as well. A PhD in industrial-organizational psychology offers a competitive edge for those seeking jobs in the business world, and the degree is also a requirement for college and university teaching and research positions.

What to Expect an I-O Psychology PhD Program

The typical PhD program in industrial and organizational psychology, or I-O psychology, includes 60 credits of coursework, including a doctoral dissertation requirement. The coursework includes foundational psychology methodology classes, such as research methods and design; general psychology classes covering cognitive and behavioral psychological evaluation and counseling; organizational psychology classes in the principles of leadership, motivation, and group emotional dynamics; and classes that deal specifically with the field of I-O psychology.

The APA provides accreditation for all graduate-level programs in psychology. In addition, the SIOP website has a list of approved graduate training programs in industrial and organizational psychology and related fields. The SIOP guidelines are based on a list of 25 areas of competence that doctoral-level I-O psychology programs should address. These include:

Areas of Competence

• Consulting and Business Skills
• Ethical, Legal, and Professional Contexts of I-O Psychology
• Fields of Psychology
• History and Systems of Psychology
• Research Methods
• Statistical Methods/Data Analysis
• Attitude Theory, Measurement, and Change
• Career Development
• Consumer Behavior
• Criterion Theory and Development
• Health and Stress in Organizations
• Human Performance/Human Factors
• Individual Assessment
• Individual Differences
• Job Evaluation and Compensation
• Job/Task Analysis and Classification
• Judgment and Decision Making
• Leadership and Management
• Organization Development
• Organization Theory
• Performance Appraisal and Feedback
• Personnel Recruitment, Selection, and Placement
• Small Group Theory and Team Processes
• Training: Theory, Program Design, and Evaluation
• Work Motivation

Industrial-Organizational Psychology Coursework

Doctorate programs in I-O psychology follow the scientist/practitioner model, which means students must develop a foundational understanding of general psychology and psychological research methods, as well as knowledge specific to the field of I-O psychology. A key part of the PhD in I-O psychology is exploring the practical application of psychological theories and research in the workplace, in organizational structures, and in relation to consumer behavior. Here is a list of some typical doctoral-level I-O courses:

• Organizational Assessment and Optimization — The application of psychological theory and research methods to the analysis of how different kinds of organizations operate.
• The Psychology of Leadership and Group Dynamics — The cognitive and behavioral aspects of decision making, leadership, and group dynamics in the workplace.
• Cognitive and Behavioral Psychology in the Workplace — The various ways in which psychological triggers impact behavior, productivity, job satisfaction, and other important qualities on the job.
• Compensation and Reward Systems in Organizations — The psychology of motivation in workplace environments.
• Human Resources Assessment and Personnel Selection — Using the principles of psychology to hire and promote people within an organization.
• Quantitative Research Methods and Data Assessment in I-O Psychology — Using the analytical tools of psychology and psychological research to assess and improve the workings of an organization.

Areas of Specialization in Industrial-Organizational Psychology

Industrial-organizational psychology is itself an area of specialization within the larger discipline of psychology, a specialization which tailors clinical and behavior psychological principals and methodologies for use in large organizations and business settings. However, there are different ways to approach earning a PhD in industrial-organizational psychology, and these may depend on what kind of career you have in mind. As the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology explains, “Industrial-organizational psychologists (called I-O psychologists) are versatile behavioral scientists specializing in human behavior in the work place. I-O psychologists are: scientists who derive principles of individual, group, and organizational behavior through research; consultants and staff psychologists who develop scientific knowledge and apply it to the solution of problems at work; and teachers who train in the research and application of I-O psychology.” In addition, SIOP points out that, “I-O psychologists work with organizations in a variety of areas such as selection and placement, training and development, organizational development and change, performance measurement and evaluation, quality of worklife, consumer psychology, and engineering psychology.”

Career Options and Salary Outlook in I-O Psychology

Industrial-organizational psychology is, indeed, an expanding field. In fact, it topped the BLS list of fastest growing occupations in January of 2014, and, as you can see in the chart below, it was easily the highest paying profession in the top five.

I-O psychology specialists have traditionally done institutional research and consulting with large organizations, and they’ve also taught and helped implement policies designed to optimize efficiency and improve working conditions. Often this has meant taking a job at a research institute or university, setting up a private consulting practice, or some combination of the two. But, companies are increasingly looking to hire qualified I-O psychologists in various capacities.

For example, a March 2011 cover story by Peggy Novotney for the APA’s gradPSYCH magazine, provided this assessment: “As a result of the growing respect and influence I-O psychologists have garnered in the global business world, psychologists now head human resource departments at major companies.” The same story includes a quote from Rob Silzer, PhD, a professor of I-O psychology at City University of New York’s Baruch College, and the author of the 2010 book Strategy-Driven Talent Management , about another crucial role I-O psychologists now play in the business world. “Companies now understand that talent resources are as important as financial resources to achieving organizational success, and that I-O psychologists are well prepared to help organizations select and retain effective employees.”

As the APA’s assessment of I-O psychology points out, “I-O psychologists are scientist-practitioners who have expertise in the design, execution, and interpretation of research in psychology and who apply their findings to help address human and organizational problems in the context of organized work.” The APA goes on to list some of the typical roles I-O psychologists fill in the business world:

• Identify training and development needs
• Design and optimize job and work and quality of work life
• Formulate and implement training programs and evaluate their effectiveness
• Coach employees
• Develop criteria to evaluate performance of individuals and organizations
• Assess consumer preferences, customer satisfaction, and market strategies

Along with the 53 percent growth rate projected by the BLS for I-O psychologists, the earning potential in I-O psychology is quite good, even in comparison to other professions within psychology. Overall, job growth in psychology is projected to remain at a level of roughly 12 percent through 2022. Here’s how the salaries stack up, as of the BLS’s latest data from May 2014:

• “Psychology Job Forecast: Partly Sunny,” by Amy Novotney, American Psychological Association, gradPSYCH Magazine, March 2011, visited August 27, 2015, http://www.apa.org/gradpsych/2011/03/cover-sunny.aspx
• “How to Choose a Graduate Training Program,” Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology,” visited August 27, 2015, http://www.siop.org/gtp/GTPchoose.aspx
• “Organizational & Business Consulting Psychology,” American Board of Professional Psychology, visited August 27, 2015, http://www.abpp.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3363
• Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Job Outlook, Psychologists, visited August 27, 2015, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm#tab-6
• “The Benefit of a Degree in I-O Psychology or Human Resources,” Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology, visited August 27, 2015, http://www.siop.org/tip/july12/07wang.aspx
• “Industrial and Organizational Psychology,” American Psychological Association, visited August 27, 2015, http://www.apa.org/ed/graduate/specialize/industrial.aspx
• “Areas of Competence to be Developed in Doctoral Level I-O Psychology Programs,” Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology, visited August 27, 2015, http://www.siop.org/PhDGuidelines98.aspx
• Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, “Fastest Growing Occupations, January 8, 2014,” visited August 27, 2015, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/fastest-growing.htm
• Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics, May 2014, visited August 27, 2015, http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes193032.htm
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use
• Do Not Sell My Personal Information (CA and NV)
• Psychologist
• Social Worker
• Military Psychology
• Psychology Schools
• Counseling Schools
• Psychology Degree Programs
• Counseling Degree Programs
• Associate’s in Psychology
• Bachelor’s in Psychology
• Master’s in Psychology
• PHd in Psychology
• Psychologist License
• Counseling License

Top 10 PhD in industrial organizational psychology Programs

Welcome to our ranking of the Top 10 PhD programs in industrial organizational psychology .

The field of industrial and organizational psychology takes an in-depth look at human behavior in the workplace. I/O psychologists are an asset to any organization in today’s competitive business environment. Doctoral level psychologists have advanced training in areas like human performance and human factors and job analysis. They are able to address issues in areas like training and development, recruitment, and workplace motivation. Industrial/organizational psychology is a great fit for psychologists who want to help teams succeed and organizations achieve their business goals.

Featured Schools

Methodology.

We created this ranking of the top industrial organizational psychology PhD programs to showcase some of the best IO psych PhD programs in the country. We used information from the National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator to identify accredited colleges offering a doctoral degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. We narrowed our focus to programs offering a well rounded curriculum based on the scientist-practitioner approach which prepares graduates for a variety of different career settings. All programs require a dissertation and research experience which provide students with the necessary training and skill development to be successful in the field. We then applied our ranking criteria using the average graduate tuition rate (realizing it may differ for PhD programs) and student to faculty ratio.

Ranking: Top 10 IO Psychology PhD programs

Average Graduate Tuition

• Less than $10,000 per year= 5 Points
• $10,000 to $15,000 per year= 4 Points
• $15,001 to $20,000 per year= 3 Points
• $20,001 to $25,000 per year= 2 Points
• Greater than $25,001 per year= 1 Point

Student to Faculty Ratio

• 12:1 or less= 5 Points
• 13:1 to 15:1= 3 Points
• Greater than 15:1= 1 Point

10. DePaul University – Chicago, Illinois

Industrial organizational psychology ma/phd.

More Information

Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1 Average Graduate Tuition: $17,951/year Points: 4 The College of Science and Health at DePaul University features an industrial organizational psychology MA/PhD program. Students can tailor the program to meet their professional goals by choosing a secondary specialization in:

• communication
• women’s and gender studies

Students are engaged in forward-thinking research that helps prepare them for successful careers. 100% of I/O psychology graduates from DePaul were employed or pursuing other goals within six months of graduation.

9. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign – Champaign, Illinois

Phd in industrial-organizational psychology.

Student to Faculty Ratio: 21:1 Average Graduate Tuition: $14,635/year in-state and $27,674/year out-of-state Points: 5 The Department of Psychology at the University of Illinois offers a top doctorate in organizational psychology that prepares students for research and to apply theory to organizations around the world. Students will participate in research tackling tough challenges like:

• hiring/personnel selection
• race gaps in HR
• effects of job loss

The curriculum covers the breadth of I/O psychology and general psychology through coursework with faculty and the depth of the field with an individualized program of study created by the student and their advisor. Program alumni include prominent I/O psychologists and journal editors.

8. CUNY Bernard M Baruch College – New York, New York

Doctoral program in industrial organizational psychology.

Student to Faculty Ratio: 20:1 Average Graduate Tuition: $11,090/year in-state and $20,520/year out-of-state Points: 5 The City University of New York Baruch College is a regionally accredited institution offering a top doctoral program in industrial organizational psychology. The program supports a collaborative culture of faculty and student support in research excellence. Diversity is a core value, emphasized by student and faculty research in areas like demographic diversity and LGBTQ issues in the workplace. The program attracts some of the top talents in the field and faculty are widely recognized for their contributions to I/O psychology. Graduates are ready for a wide variety of career paths in academic and consulting settings.

7. Clemson University – Clemson, South Carolina

Industrial organizational psychology phd.

Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1 Average Graduate Tuition: $10,600/year in-state and $22,050/year out-of-state Points: 5 The top organizational psychology doctorate program from Clemson University follows the scientist-practitioner model and follows the doctoral program guidelines set by the SIOP. Students gain experience in quantitative research techniques and design and in solving complex organizational issues. Students complete dissertation research and internships to gain professional experience. The program is designed to be completed in four or five years.

6. Columbia University in the City of New York – New York, New York

Doctor of philosophy in social-organizational psychology.

Student to Faculty Ratio: 6:1 Average Graduate Tuition: $50,496/year Points: 6 The Teachers College at Columbia University offers a top PhD in social-organizational psychology for students interested in research, practice, or scholarship. The program is designed for full-time graduate students. A unique aspect of the program is the theoretical, research, and applied focus that allows students to study organizations from a variety of perspectives. Both quantitative and qualitative research methods are used to tackle complex issues. Most students can complete their degree in six or seven years of post-baccalaureate study.

5. University of Georgia – Athens, Georgia

The industrial organizational psychology doctoral program.

Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1 Average Graduate Tuition: $8,878/year in-state and $25,186/year out-of-state Points: 6 The top industrial organizational doctorate degree at the University of Georgia is a highly customizable program. Students can choose to focus exclusively in the area of I/O psychology or complete a blended program that includes measurement and individual differences. Students will participate in research and select courses that align with their career goals. Professional experience opportunities are available through internships approved by the faculty. Graduates are ready to pursue exciting I/O psychology careers in settings like academia and government.

4. University of Houston – Houston, Texas

Phd industrial organizational psychology.

Student to Faculty Ratio: 21:1 Average Graduate Tuition: $8,713/year in-state and $17,857/year out-of-state Points: 6 The University of Houston offers the oldest and largest I/O psychology graduate program in the United States. Students produce high-quality research featured in peer-reviewed journals and at conferences. Courses include:

• Multilevel Modeling
• Personnel Psychology
• Statistics for Psychology

The program structure allows students to work with their advisors as well as other program faculty, including business school faculty and faculty at other universities. Students are trained to be academic faculty members and real-world practitioners through the scientists-practitioner model. Most students can complete their degree in four years.

3. Texas A&M University – College Station, Texas

Doctor of philosophy (phd) in industrial and organizational psychology.

Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1 Average Graduate Tuition: $6,885/year in-state and $19,592/year out-of-state Points: 6 The industrial organizational psychology doctoral program at Texas A&M University prepares students to be scientists and practitioners. The program emphasizes academic research-based training, but graduates are also prepared to work in government agencies, consulting firms, and research organizations. Faculty are renown scholars in areas like performance appraisal, group processes, and workplace diversity. Students can complete the program in about five years of post-baccalaureate study.

2. Louisiana Tech University – Ruston, Louisiana

Industrial organizational psychology (phd).

Student to Faculty Ratio: 20:1 Average Graduate Tuition: $5,416/year in-state and $10,147/year out-of-state Points: 6 The College of Education at Louisiana Tech University features a top industrial organizational psychology PhD program rich with hands-on learning opportunities. Courses cover areas like:

• Job Analysis and Performance Appraisal
• Psychometrics
• Organizational Consulting

Students complete 84 semester hours of coursework, a dissertation, practicum training, and must pass a doctoral comprehensive examination. Students work on research and applied projects through the Applied Research for Organizational Solutions group. Most students take between three and four years of full-time post-baccalaureate study to complete the program.

1. Saint Louis University – Saint Louis, Missouri

Industrial and organizational psychology phd.

Student to Faculty Ratio: 9:1 Average Graduate Tuition: $21,960/year Points: 7 Our top choice for a PhD in industrial organizational psychology is offered by Saint Louis University. Saint Louis University features the oldest psychology department at a Jesuit university, offering courses in psychology for over 100 years. This top I/O psychology PhD program covers areas like:

• Occupational health
• Systems and process consultation

Students are involved in supervised research and professional experience while gain competence in research and organizational consultation. Graduates are employed at top organizations like Nike, the US Secret Service, and Pfizer.

Should I Obtain My Masters or PhD in Organizational Psychology?

As a student begins to plan for their ultimate careers in the field of IO psychology, the decision should be made as to how much education is desired, a master’s degree or a doctorate. Typically speaking, in a master’s program, the student is training to be an IO professional.  An IO professional will consider how to apply the principles of IO psychology to solve specific organizational problems. Simply speaking, IO professionals are trained to help organizations; IO professionals practice IO psychology.

In a PhD organizational psychology program, students are training to become an IO scholar.  An IO scholar will do the same tasks as the IO professional, but will also use those experiences to advance our general understanding of IO through research. For students that would like to teach at a collegiate level, the only suitable degree is a PhD. Ultimately, IO scholars are trained to advance organizational science, helping organizations along the way; IO scholars conduct research.

In practice, this means that an I/O psychology PhD will generally be making the big decisions, while the IOs with Master’s degree will aid with implementation or conduct background research.

A student should decide if he or she wants to pursue a terminal master’s or continue on to a PhD as early as is possible in his or her educational career.  This will help the student tailor his or her coursework through the undergraduate and graduate years specifically to the degree and future job prospects that he or she desires.

Job Descriptions for I/O Psychologists

According to a 2014 report by the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, positions in industrial and organizational psychology are expected to increase by 53.4% from 2012 to 2022, placing trained I/O professionals in high demand. I/O psychology is still fairly uncommon in the grand scheme of psychologists, but the number of practitioners continues to rise exponentially.

I/O practitioners typically find employment in a number of areas including:

• public and private industries
• educational institutions
• government agencies

Because the skills they possess are so varied, it is sometimes difficult to enumerate the jobs that an IO psychologist could successfully fill.  One obvious area where IO psychologists thrive is in human resources. Typically, these types of jobs include working directly with employees in such areas as:

• employee training and development
• employee relations
• employee compensation and benefit negotiations

Many times, the human resource skills brought to the table by IO psychologists make for solid general managers, as well.  Another area where IO psychologists thrive is in government.  Those with an advanced degree in social (industrial organizational) psychology are especially adept in labor law, affirmative action cases and policy, and union relations. Finally, many industrial organizational psychologists, especially at the PhD level, find their home in the area of research.  Studying such areas of business such as personnel selection, work motivation, talent development, and organizational change can make monumental improvements in the working lives of millions of people.

Additional job titles held by Industrial Organizational professionals are: HR Practice Leader * Behavioral Analyst * Behavioral Scientist * Talent Management Specialist * HR Organizational Development Specialist * Executive Coach * Career Coach * Leadership Coach * Employment Testing Professional * Testing Specialist * Tests and Measurement Specialist * Assessment and Selection Specialist * Employment Law Expert * Research Analyst * Organizational Development * Organization Effectiveness * Organizational Capability * Talent Management * Management Development * Workforce Insights * Human Resources * Human Resources Research * Employee Relations * Training and Development * Professional Development * Leadership Development * Selection Systems * Evaluation & Assessment * Testing Programs * Leadership Research * Assessment * Applied Behavioral Research * Optimization * Managing * Leadership * Learning & Performance * Career Planning

Related Resources:

• 30 Great Scholarships, Grants & Awards for Industrial-Organizational Psychology
• Top 10 Most Affordable Online Master’s in Industrial-Organizational Psychology
• Top 9 Ph.D. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology Online
• Top 10 Master’s in Industrial-Organizational Psychology Online
• 10 Most Affordable Top-Ranked Master’s in Industrial-Organizational Psychology
• Top 10 Bachelor’s in Industrial-Organizational Psychology 
• Top 25 Campus Based Industrial-Organizational Psychology Master’s Degree Programs
• Top 15 Industrial/Organizational Certificate Programs
• Neoacademic.com
• Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology
• U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics
• College Websites

• Best Online Programs
• Best Campus Programs
• Behavior Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Counseling & Mental Health
• Developmental Psychology
• Educational Psychology
• Forensic Psychology
• General Psychology
• Health Psychology
• Industrial/Organizational
• Marriage Family Therapy
• Social Psychology
• Social Work
• Educational Psychologist
• Forensic Psychologist
• Clinical Psychologist
• Family Psychologists
• Marriage Family Therapist
• School Psychologist
• Social Psychologist
• School Counselors
• Neuropsychologist
• I/O Psychologist
• Sports Psychologist
• Addiction Counselor
• Mental Health Psychologist
• Counseling Psychologist
• Occupational Psychologist
• Child Psychiatrist
• Connecticut
• Massachusetts
• Mississippi
• New Hampshire
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• West Virginia
• PsyD vs PhD

Highest Paying Industrial Organizational IO Psychology Jobs

Not all psychologists work directly with patients and clients to help improve their mental health. Many individuals are interested in exploring the psychology of work and large-scale organizational human behavior. An Industrial/Organizational PsyD degree is the ideal degree for those with a passion for understanding those issues and developing methods for impacting and improving human behavior on a large scale.

Psychology itself is a rapidly expanding field with many diverse job opportunities.

Here are 15 jobs you can do with an Industrial/Organizational PsyD degree.

Forensic Psychology Specialist

Generally working within or alongside the criminal justice system, forensic psychologist specialists analyze the behavior of criminal suspects, witnesses and others to determine things like motive and fitness to stand trial. These individuals also often work within family courts to help judges make determinations about custody arrangements.

They are most frequently employed by state and local governments, but also could work within law enforcement agencies or in private consultancy.

Salary range: $75,000-$100,000

Psychometrician

A role that combines psychology and statistics, a psychometrician develops, administers and interprets the results of testing related to skills, intellect, personality and emotional health. Such assessments often are used to help inform hiring decisions or admissions.

Psychometricians work primarily in higher education, though many work either inside large organizations, such as multinational companies or the military, or within the consultancy space.

Salary range: $90,000-$140,000

Applied Social Scientist

Applied social scientists use data analysis principles to develop deep understanding of human behavior as it relates to organizational goals. They then work to develop and explain recommendations to achieve business objectives.

They work predominantly in private industry, particularly in technology, social networking and market research companies.

Salary range: $100,000-$175,000

Personnel Psychologist

Personnel psychologists work to develop methods and practices surrounding mental fitness and health in the areas of recruitment, hiring, employee development and promotions to support business objectives within an organization. They are often responsible for monitoring staff and potential employees to determine the personality traits and mental health characteristics that are best suited for hiring and advancement.

Individuals who specialize in personnel psychology work frequently in large, multinational corporations or for other large-scale organizations, such as the military.

Salary range: $80,000-$125,000

Assessment Psychologist

Assessment psychologists create standardized testing and evaluation materials their employers use to help facilitate diagnosis and treatment of patients and clients. Depending on the communities served by their employers, assessment psychologists could be expected to develop, maintain and improve tests for families, children, young adults, older adults, individuals with autism and more.

They will find their best employment options in mental and emotional health treatment facilities, though could also find opportunities with health insurers and in the education space.

Salary range: $75,000-$125,000

Human Capital Consultant

Usually working in their own practices or with consultancy agencies, human capital consultants help companies identify and improve organizational practices related to hiring, promotion and employee satisfaction. These individuals work to address potential problems with company culture, training and communication.

In addition to self-employment or consultancy, these individuals could find opportunities within very large organizations, such as metro school systems.

Salary range: $70,000-$120,000

Experimental Psychologist

Experimental psychologists use observational data to explore psychological phenomena. Their specific area of focus will depend on their employer, but they work to research issues related to human and often animal behavior, cognition and perception, memory, learning, and attention.

They are most often employed by universities and other research organizations, as well as for branches of the military.

Salary range: $70,000-$125,000

Insider Threat Analyst

A role that requires some technical and data science experience, insider threat analysts use technology and psychology to predict and prevent insider attacks within organizations. Depending on the employer, they could be tasked with writing code and machine learning algorithms to help systems detect potential threats as well as using deep understanding of human nature to inform the code’s purpose.

They will find broad opportunities in large companies, particularly tech companies, as well as for the U.S. government and military.

Human Performance Manager

Human performance managers work within organizations, generally inside human resources departments, to coach and counsel employees to reach their full potential within the organization based on their knowledge of human behavior. Depending on the employer, human performance managers could work hands-on with individual employees or advise department managers on aspects related to improving performance as well as promotions, raises and discipline.

In many companies, this function is done by HR directors or department heads, so a company with a dedicated human performance manager will likely be a large organization.

Salary range: $50,000-$100,000

SEE ALSO:  How to Choose an Online PhD in Business Psychology

Leadership Experience Director

Leadership experience directors are normally outside consultants hired by corporations to assist executives and managers within the organization to improve and deepen their leadership abilities. This generally involves studying current behaviors, both by management and by employees, to identify areas of improvement and then working directly with executives and managers to develop action plans for improving corporate culture and helping all employees thrive.

These individuals generally own or work in consultancies, though some very large organizations may employ such professionals.

Salary range: $60,000-$130,000

Environmental Psychologist

If you work in an open-plan office, it’s probably because your employer didn’t consult an environmental psychologist. These individuals use their understanding of human behavior to make recommendations about the workplace and office design decisions.

Environmental psychologists often work as independent consultants, though they also could be employed by architecture and construction firms.

SEE ALSO:  Salary Outlook for PhD in Industrial/Organizational Psychology

Learning Design Manager

Learning design managers work both internally within organizations and externally on consumer-facing products. These professionals work to create learning materials, training sessions and growth experiences to achieve business goals.

They could be employed by large enterprises who want to improve employees’ skill sets, or in education-focused organizations.

User Experience Researcher

Frequently employed by technology firms, user experience researchers employ data science methods to analyze large-scale data to develop deep understanding of user behavior. They use both data and psychology to understand the user experience and recommend improvements.

User experience researchers are in high demand among technology companies, but they’re also crucial in any company that provides a web portal for customer purchases.

Salary range: $65,000-$125,000

Human Factors Engineer

In another technology-focused role, human factors engineers develop machines and devices, often for medical device makers, ensuring compliance with FDA regulations (where applicable) and industrial standards. They create product evaluations for usability tests that help guide design and manufacturing of devices.

These individuals will find their largest concentration of opportunities at medical device manufacturers, though they also will find work in aerospace and transportation.

Salary range: $85,000-$100,000

Innovation Strategist

In a largely consulting role, innovation strategists observe and research all aspects of an organization’s functions, including personnel, production, sales, marketing and advertising, customer service and information technology, and develop improvement plans. Those with PsyD degrees are especially qualified for these roles thanks to their deep understanding of human nature, which they can use to inform their recommendations.

Innovation strategists will often work in their own consultancies but could also be hired by organizations to work internally or externally, depending on the business functions.

There’s no doubt that empathetic individuals who help others solve their emotional problems are in great need and should be highly valued. But it’s often overlooked that companies, governments and other organizations are made up of people, and so organizations need help, too.

Industrial/Organizational Psychology doctorate degree holders who are business- or technology-minded will find their greatest opportunity in working with those organizations. The median salary for psychologists is $75,000+, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, and for those with Industrial/Organizational Doctor of Psychology degrees, our research shows typical salaries are even higher.

SEE ALSO:  Online PhD Industrial Organizational Psychology Degrees

• Occupational Outlook Handbook: Psychologists. (2018). Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm
• Note: Information on salary ranges, job openings, and typical employers for each role was gathered from Indeed and Glassdoor in mid-February 2019.
• Highest Paying Psychology Careers in 2019. (2019). Retrieved from  https://psydprograms.org/top-highest-paying-psychology-careers/
• How Much do Industrial-Organizational Psychologists Make?. (2019). Retrieved from  https://psydprograms.org/how-much-do-industrial-organizational-psychologists-make/

Industrial Organizational Psychologist Salary Guide 2024

By psychologyjobs.com Staff Writer

Industrial-organizational psychology  studies human behavior within organizations and works to better the function of such organizations using scientific theories.

Industrial-organizational psychology has somewhat become the ‘hot’ branch of psychology, as business owners are becoming increasingly aware of the benefits of the field. In particular, industrial-organizational psychologists work to increase employee productivity, increase efficiency, lower staff turnover rate, and improve morale and employee quality of life.

As a consequence, the average salary for industrial-organizational psychologists is one of the highest within the field of psychology. To learn more about the role and the factors affecting salary, take a look at the information below.

How much does an industrial-organizational psychologist make? 

Industrial-organizational psychologists are amongst the highest earners working within the field of psychology.

According to the  U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , the mean annual wage for industrial-organizational psychologists working in the US is $112,690. However, it is also estimated that the lowest 10% of earners make less than $57,440 per year, and the highest 10% of earners make more than $192,000 per year.

Factors affecting salary 

There are many factors that affect the earning potential of an industrial-organizational psychologist. Like all careers, experience and specialization can significantly affect one’s salary. However, for industrial-organizational psychologists, some particular factors play a much larger role than you might expect.

• Education  An individual with a master’s degree in industrial-organizational psychology can expect a starting salary in an entry-level position of around $64,000 per year. Whereas, someone with a doctoral degree in industrial-organizational psychology can expect a starting salary in an entry-level position of around $78,000.

Industrial-organizational psychologists are more in-demand in larger cities. This is because larger corporations tend to be more interested in the type of growth that industrial-organizational psychologists bring. Salaries also tend to be higher in such cities.

Which state has the best pay for industrial-organizational psychologists? 

The average salaries for industrial-organizational psychologists also vary significantly depending on the state.

The best-paying states for industrial-organizational psychologists are:

• California In California, the annual mean wage for industrial-organizational psychologists is $119,100. This is just under 6% more than the average salary for the profession.
• New Jersey  In New Jersey, the annual mean wage for industrial-organizational psychologists is $106,570.

Go to Charlotte.edu

Prospective Students

• About UNC Charlotte
• Campus Life
• Graduate Admissions

Faculty and Staff

• Human Resources
• Auxiliary Services
• Inside UNC Charlotte
• Academic Affairs

Current Students

• Financial Aid
• Student Health

Alumni and Friends

• Alumni Association
• Advancement
• Make a Gift

Careers in I-O Psychology

The I-O Psychology M.A. degree offers many possible career paths. Some of our alumni continued on to earn their Ph.D., and many went straight into great jobs in the applied world.

To give prospective and current students, alumni, and other community members a sense of the possible jobs they can do with our degree we recorded a brief video about some potential jobs and work settings in I-O psychology.

The list in the video is not exhaustive but it is intended to give you a sense of where you might work, and in what roles, across various experience levels. We are extremely proud of the successes of our alumni! They are having wonderful careers in a wide variety of jobs related to I-O psychology including positions in leader development and coaching, organizational change and development, talent analytics, talent management, talent acquisition, learning and development, and more.

For more information about career paths in I-O psychology, see also the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology’s website .

Wilson College Online Blog

With an emphasis on the mind-body connection, health psychology is a field of study that explores how a person’s behaviors and emotions can affect their physical well-being. 

Psychological factors can have a significant effect on physical health. For example, a 2023 article in Psychology Today describes how practicing mindfulness can lead to improvements in blood pressure, heart rate, and pain levels.

Individuals who are considering earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology and want to explore associated professional opportunities can benefit from learning about different types of health psychology careers they can potentially pursue.

What Is Health Psychology?

Health psychology centers on how people’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviors affect their physical health (and vice versa). For example, according to a 2023 report in the journal Psychology and Psychiatry :

• People’s thoughts and emotions can affect the health of their cardiovascular and immune systems, their recovery from disease, and their hormone balance.
• Physical health issues—for instance, chronic health conditions, illness, and physical pain—can lead to psychological challenges such as depression and anxiety.

Weaving health psychology into traditional approaches to healthcare can promote positive health outcomes. For example, health psychology can be useful in:

• Losing weight
• Stopping smoking
• Improving nutrition
• Recovering from illness

As is the case with other types of psychology , health psychology can be useful in clinical healthcare, community health, occupational health, and public health settings.

5 Health Psychology Careers for Psychology Majors

The examples below are just a few of the careers in health psychology that people can pursue.

1. Health Education Specialist

Working as a health education specialist is a great way to apply health psychology expertise. Professionals in this role instruct both individuals and entire communities about behaviors that can help improve their health. 

Health education specialists have responsibilities such as assessing a community’s health needs, developing and implementing programs that teach people how to address those needs, and connecting people with other resources to improve or maintain their health.

In addition to knowledge of health psychology, skills in areas such as communication, problem-solving, and research can help health education specialists do their jobs well.

Per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), health education specialists:

• Had a median annual salary of $62,860 as of May 2023
• Are projected to see 7% job growth between 2022 and 2032 (a growth rate that exceeds the BLS’s 3% projected job growth for all occupations between 2022 and 2032)

2. Community Health Worker

Community health workers focus on helping people access healthcare and other related services they need. They also conduct outreach efforts and are advocates for the communities they serve.

Community health workers’ responsibilities include coordinating the provision of healthcare services to individuals and communities, conducting case management duties, and assisting people in accessing health insurance or food.

Knowledge of health psychology is useful when working as a community health worker, as are skills in areas such as empathy, communication, and developing relationships of trust with clients.

The BLS reports that community health workers:

• Had a median annual salary of $48,200 as of May 2023
• Are projected to see 14% job growth between 2022 and 2032

3. Healthcare Administrator

Knowledge of health psychology can be useful to healthcare administrators, who manage specific aspects of a healthcare organization’s operations.

Examples of healthcare administrators’ responsibilities include overseeing staff training, managing budgets and financial resources, and implementing initiatives to improve safety and quality of care.

To work as a healthcare administrator, an individual would need to supplement health psychology expertise with an education in an area such as business, healthcare administration, or public health. Moving up the career ladder in healthcare administration can require a graduate degree in one of those same disciplines.

Healthcare administrators excel in their roles when they have strong leadership, analytical, and communication skills.

The BLS includes healthcare administrators within the category of medical and health services managers, who:

• Had a median annual salary of $110,680 as of May 2023
• Are projected to see 28% job growth between 2022 and  2032

4. Mental Health Counselor

Health psychology careers also extend to mental health counseling. Mental health counselors provide clients with treatments and therapy to address issues such as depression, trauma, stress, and addiction. 

Mental health counselors can apply their knowledge of health psychology when assisting clients in forming coping skills and modifying their behavior to achieve specific goals. Skills in areas such as communication, critical thinking, and patience also are important in working as a mental health counselor.

Aspiring mental health counselors need to earn a master’s degree and become licensed in the state where they intend to practice.

The BLS reports that substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors:

• Had a median annual salary of $53,710 as of May 2023
• Are projected to see 18% job growth between 2022 and 2032

5. Health Psychologist

Health psychologists work in clinical settings offering services such as psychotherapy, and in community health settings creating health psychology programs and services for entire populations. They also work in public health settings advising on or helping to devise public health policies, and in occupational health focusing on improving the health of people who work in a specific environment.

Health psychologists benefit from cultivating skills in areas such as assessing patients, making sound observations, and demonstrating compassion.

To become a health psychologist, an individual would need to earn a doctoral degree and become licensed in their state.

According to the BLS, psychologists:

• Had a median annual salary of $92,740 as of May 2023
• Are projected to see 6% job growth between 2022 and 2032

Benefits of Earning a Degree in Psychology

Earning a degree in psychology can enable people to:

• Begin a career in health psychology or another psychology specialization in which they can pursue their passion
• Perform fulfilling work that makes a lasting difference in the lives of others
• Broaden their understanding of human behavior and apply that knowledge to improving people’s personal and professional relationships
• Strengthen key skills in areas such as critical thinking and informed decision-making
• Learn how to conduct research properly and interpret information

Careers in Health Psychology Offer Meaningful Work

Pursuing a health psychology career enables people to engage in important work helping others improve their health and well-being. Harnessing the power of the mind-body connection is a critical tool in achieving positive health outcomes. 

Individuals who are interested in subjects such as health psychology can explore Wilson College Online’s Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree program to learn how it can help them achieve their goals. With concentrations in healthcare, leadership and management, and general psychology, the program can help you lay the groundwork for a rewarding career. Start your education in the field of psychology today.

Recommended Readings

5 Alternative Careers for Psychology Majors

Online Therapy vs. In-Person Therapy

Psychology vs. social work: how are these fields different.

Indeed, “6 Steps to Becoming a Community Health Worker”

Indeed, “How to Become a Health Care Administrator in 5 Steps”

Indeed, “How to Become a Health Educator (With Steps)”

Indeed, “Learn About Being a Mental Health Counselor”

Psychology and Psychiatry , “Health Psychology: Understanding the Mind-Body Connection for Holistic Well-Being”

Psychology Today , “How Mindfulness Affects the Brain and Body”

Psychology Today , “The Many Benefits of Studying Psychology”

Society for Health Psychology, What Is Health Psychology?

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Community Health Workers

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Health Education Specialists

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Medical and Health Services Managers

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Psychologists

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors

Verywell Mind, “10 Reasons to Major in Psychology”

Verywell Mind, “Studying Health Psychology and Illness”

Verywell Mind, “What to Know About Pursuing a Career in Health Psychology”

Recent Articles

4 Types of Psychology

Wilson College

Feb 5, 2024

Jan 9, 2024

Oct 31, 2023

Learn more about the benefits of receiving your degree from Wilson College Online

• Tuition & Financial Aid
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Master’s Degrees
• Bachelor’s Degrees
• Education Degrees
• Nursing Degrees
• Business Degrees
• On Campus Programs