Is a Master’s in I/O Psychology Right for You?

If you’ve ever found yourself looking at the bigger picture of what makes a workplace thrive and wishing you had the power to do something about it, now is the time to consider becoming an I/O psychologist.

With a master’s in I/O psychology, you’ll gain scientific and practical expertise to use data-driven insights to benefit people and drive business results. Among other things, you will:

• Learn the research-backed tools to create healthier workplaces
• Study the psychological principles to develop more productive and happier employees
• Gain interdisciplinary knowledge to help others find meaning in their work

At Sacred Heart University, the master’s degree in I/O psychology prepares you for this fast-growing field through research and fieldwork with expert faculty who are scholars and practitioners working in the field. With an MS in I/O psychology, you’ll have a versatile degree that opens doors to many career opportunities.

But how do you know this career path is right for you?

What is I/O psychology?

“I/O psychology is essentially the science of people at work, at the organizational and individual level,” said Kara Lucy, professor and interim program director of SHU’s I/O psychology master’s program. “We look at factors like motivation, leadership and stress on the individual level and on the organizational level. Other factors include culture, teamwork and how to affect and manage change. It’s being strategic about the working environment, so everyone can thrive.”

An I/O psychologist analyzes data, tracks trends and observes and then takes that knowledge and applies psychological theories and best practices to design policies and procedures that lead to more engaged, better performing and more satisfied employees.

Why does I/O psychology matter?

Research has shown that businesses and organizations with productive, motivated and satisfied employees enjoy better business outcomes and greater productivity. Having the skills to enhance motivation and performance will always be valued and relevant, particularly as companies face new challenges brought on by artificial intelligence, automation and hybrid work.

“The beauty of I/O psychology is that you have these strong data analytical skills as well as a deep understanding of human and organizational behavior, so you have the ability to see an organization and its departments from a holistic, systems perspective,” Lucy said.

Is I/O psychology a good career path?

As companies increasingly rely on data-driven insights to manage people more effectively, the need for I/O psychologists will grow steadily. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 6% job growth for industrial-organizational (I/O) psychology over the next 10 years, which is faster than the average for all occupations.

“I/O psychology is where research meets decision making. It applies behavioral science to inform practice,” Lucy said. “It’s where the rubber hits the road. You take your science, research and psychological principles and use them to create that new incentive package or new corporate social responsibility initiative.”

How much can I make with a master’s degree in I/O psychology?

An I/O psychologist can earn an average annual salary of $109,840, according to U.S. News & World Report, with top earners making over $200,000. The work is challenging, but the field offers a solid work-life balance and there is room for advancement.

Why should I pursue a master’s degree in I/O psychology at Sacred Heart?

SHU’s industrial/organizational psychology graduate program is STEM designated, meaning you will be trained in areas of science that are in high demand with U.S. employers. The program is also part of SHU’s Institute for Applied Behavioral & Organizational Sciences (IABOS), so the coursework provides graduates with options. They can work in organization development, human resources, learning & development or organizational effectiveness. And there is the option of continuing their education in SHU’s Ph.D. in Organization Development, Change, & Effectiveness (ODCE) program, which is also part of the institute. Lucy is pursuing her doctorate in that program.

In addition, the program puts a high premium on mentorship and professional networking. Alumni regularly come back to the classroom to share their real-world experiences with students in the program.

What jobs can I get as an I/O psychologist?

A Master of Science in Industrial-Organizational Psychology is a versatile degree that prepares you for strategic, people-centered roles across a wide range of industries. Graduates pursue careers in areas such as HR analytics, talent management and organizational development, working in corporate, government, academic, nonprofit and consulting settings. Whether leading employee training programs, developing leadership initiatives, shaping hiring strategies or advancing workplace well-being efforts, I/O psychology professionals play a key role in strengthening organizations from within.

You’ll have a comprehensive toolkit to apply in varied jobs such as:

Who should apply to a master’s in I/O psychology program?

Students who are motivated to help others find meaning and purpose in their work are especially well suited for this program. “Innate curiosity is what gets us all started,” Lucy said. “But education is what takes you from someone who is good at something to someone who is a master. At the end of this program, you’ll be a master in I/O—someone who is efficient, effective and expert and someone who is ready to lead.”

Is the I/O psychology graduate program at Sacred Heart right for you?

The MS in I/O psychology offers full- and part-time options with a mix of evening classes and online work. You’ll complete a hands-on capstone project and have the option to work on intriguing research and fieldwork with expert faculty who are both scientists and practitioners working in the field.

If you want to design better work environments that make work better for everyone, reach out to Ed Nassr, associate director of graduate admissions, at nassre@sacredheart.edu or schedule a virtual appointment today!