What is Industrial/Organizational Psychology?
Want to create workplace environments that boost employee well-being and the company’s bottom line?
With a master’s degree in industrial/organizational psychology, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge you need to improve everyone’s workday. Here's how a master’s degree in this field of applying psychological principles to organizations can help you attain your career goals.
What is the goal of Industrial/Organizational Psychology?
Organizations use I/O psychology to effectively study human behavior in the workplace and implement meaningful measures to improve professional satisfaction, increase productivity and promote overall better quality of life for all individuals in the workplace.
An MS in I/O psychology gives you an advanced foundation in the study of human behavior, research methodology and broad exposure to the different subfields of the discipline.
What is the difference between I/O psychology and human resources?
While both I/O psychology and human resources deal with people, including employees and team members in an organization, I/O psychologists might not be members of management. For example, they may aid HR in making sound, research-based decisions in recruiting and hiring, but they are not involved in implementation, such as settling disputes or termination.
How do I/O psychologists make a difference?
The American Psychological Association recognizes I/O psychology as a science. I/O psychologists gather and analyze data, often training others to perform their tasks in a more efficient and enjoyable way that benefits the workplace team and the organization. SHU’s program is STEM designated, meaning you will be trained in areas of science that are in high demand with U.S. employers.
What can you do with an I/O psychology degree?
A master’s in I/O psychology can lead to many career paths, including rewarding jobs in talent management, organizational development and training and development. Graduates are often found in human resources departments, and their skills lend themselves to employee selection and training, compensation, performance measurement, work-life balance, scientific research, behavioral analysis, consulting, careers in government and higher education and more.
What is a typical salary with a master’s degree in I/O psychology?
U.S. News & World Report lists I/O psychology as one of its 100 Best Jobs for 2023, noting it pays well, is challenging and offers a solid work-life balance and chance for advancement. As the demand for highly qualified I/O psychologists continues to grow, salaries are likely to remain quite lucrative. On average, individuals with a graduate degree in I/O psychology earn an annual salary of $72,000, with the top 10% of earners in the field making $168,300. I/O psychologists working in local government (excluding schools and hospitals) have the highest-grossing career path with a mean annual wage of $160,180.
What sets SHU's I/O psychology program apart from other programs?
At SHU, you can complete a full I/O psychology master’s degree in one year with our flexible cohort-style model. Students complete a series of six modules, each including evening classes and online work, for eight weeks.
You’ll understand how to shape trends in workplace culture by learning and applying a broad range of interdisciplinary knowledge and skills in multicultural and global settings. 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.
Think the I/O psychology graduate program at Sacred Heart University might be for you?
Curious about earning your master’s degree in I/O psychology? Talk to Ed Nassr, associate director of graduate admissions, at nassre@sacredheart.edu or schedule a virtual appointment today!