Sacramento Industrial Organizational Psychology Master & PhD Degree Programs

The American Board of Organizational and Business Consulting Psychology certifies eligible persons. They are now part of the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP).This may be something to consider if you want to consult. Or, pursue a career in organizational coaching.

Source: BLS.gov

Source: BLS.gov

Top Metro Areas for Employment: Industrial-Organizational Psychologists

Most I-O psychologists work in scientific research and as consultants. Others find work in school settings like colleges. Or, in state government and corporate management.

Masters vs. PhD in Industrial Organizational Psychology

The masters and PhD in industrial organizational psychology differ in level and scope. In deciding whether to pursue one or the other, it may be useful to take into account your career plans. 

 

MA-IOP, MS-IOP

A Masters in I/O psychology often covering 12 courses. In them, you may develop strong data analysis skills in statistics and research. This is to help you approach your work in a systematic and scientific way. 

Also known as the scientist/practitioner model, a MA or MS-IO may help you enrich a workplace. You might take away the ability to integrate psychology with organizational life. Side concentrations might further refine skills in areas such as talent development. 

Since a master's is the least education needed to enter the field, it may ready you to pursue a career. Some possible areas include human resources, organizational development, training, leadership and consulting. 

PhD -IOP

A PhD in I/O psychology is a research doctorate often covering 20 courses. It often aims to build decision and leadership skills. While covering a broad range of psychology courses, students may also hone expertise. This may be in an area such as human resource management or consulting.

Also, PhD programs expect students to conduct independent research for their dissertation. This may include coming up with intervention tactics for organizations that integrate findings.

Grads may pursue director roles, teach, coach, research or work in consulting psychology. Since the APA recognizes I-O psychology as a specialty, one might pursue licensure as well.

 

Does using the title ‘Psychologist’ or practicing psychology appeal to you? If so, a PhD in I-O Psychology from an APA accredited school may enable you to pursue that goal. 

There are also schools that roll a MS or MA in I/O Psychology into a PhD curriculum. These programs may focus on both research skills and business courses. 

They may not, however, ready you to pursue licensure. Instead you may come away with strong leadership and consulting skills. These may strengthen your ability to solve workplace problems using data-driven information.

Master’s in Industrial Organizational Psychology Classes

I/O psychology classes focus on the scientific study of human behavior. They look the way individuals and groups act in organizations and the work place. Then apply this knowledge to solve problems relating to morale, performance and training.

A typical curriculum includes a series of research methods, statistics and work psychology courses. These topics often deal with how to assess, measure and test human behavior in organizations.

Other material may touch on themes from human resource management. These may help you understand how to select, hire and train personnel.

Depending on the program you choose, it may also focus on motivation, learning and cognition and group dynamics. These help you understand people in general and how they behave under non-working conditions.

Together, the blend of these curricular elements forms a “scientist-practitioner” model. This means it explores theories and how to apply them to the current realities of the workplace. As such, you may also study counseling and behavioral consulting.

At the end of the program, you may be able to choose between a capstone, thesis or internship. A capstone may be a perfect option if you are working fulltime and want to put class material into action.

An internship may suit someone new to the field. It provides some practical experience in an organizational setting.

Take a look at a few sample classes below.

Applied Organizational Psychology

This class looks at how leaders, co-workers, policies and culture form a context. Also, how this context impacts workplace behaviors, thinking and attitudes. Core themes may cover motivation, group and team performance.

Applied Industrial Psychology

This class studies theory and techniques. It relates to how to understand, predict, and manage human behavior within organizations. 

Psychometrics

This class covers a wide range of methods that measure and appraise behavior. The emphasis is often on how to manage, interpret and test this data. Some of the behaviors include intelligence, achievement, interests and aptitudes.

Human Resources Development

This class may survey the ways organizations train and develop employees and managers. It may include exercises like role playing and sensitivity training. Emphasis might focus on effective ways of changing actual behavior. 

Group Dynamics and Team Leadership

This class may focus on how organizational variables affect individual and group behavior. Some topics may touch on the theory and practice of leadership. Others, on building effective teams, managing conflict and resolving dispute. You may also learn about the nature of relationships within corporate culture.

What Should I know About Accreditation for Industrial Organizational Psychology?

Many accredited schools offer I-O psychology programs. Accreditation shows that an institution or program meets standards of quality. These are set by an accrediting agency who commits to improving the quality of education and training provided. 

There are six regional accreditors who review and approve schools in their district. Attending one of these institutions may allow you to apply for financial aid. Also, accredited schools often enable credit transfers.

Another type of quality control is for an I-O psych program. This process involves a review and self-study. These ensure a program teaches relevant skills and ethical practices. 

Accreditation of doctoral psychology programs and internships is available through the American Psychological Association (APA) Committee on Accreditation (CoA). Attending an APA-accredited school is key for those who are in pursuit of state licensure. 

The competencies for I-O psychology stem from a division within the APA. The Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) created the Guidelines for Education and Training in I/O Psychology. 

 It is trying to set norms for accreditation of master’s programs, but this is a work in progress. 

SIOP (2002) lists 88 masters programs on its web page for Graduate Training Programs in Industrial-Organizational Psychology and Related Fields. At this time the only I-O program accredited by MPAC is the University of West Florida.

How Long Does it take to earn a Master’s in Industrial Organizational Psychology?

Earning a Masters in Industrial Organizational Psychology usually takes two years full-time. PhD programs may take between four and five years.;

Top 16 Industrial Organizational Psychology Programs in Sacramento