Online PhD In Industrial Psychology

Professionals in the industrial-organizational (I-O) psychology field apply psychological insights to motivate employees and address workplace issues. I-O psychologists often help with organizational processes such as hiring and training.

These professionals can work in various industries, including management, marketing, and human resources. Many graduates with a Ph.D. in industrial-organizational psychology become licensed psychologists. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), I-O psychologists earn a median annual salary of $92,880. The BLS projects employment for psychologists to increase 3% from 2019-2029.

This page explores common benefits of earning an industrial-organizational doctorate degree, along with common program requirements and careers for graduates.

Earning a Ph.D. in industrial-organizational psychology can lead to many professional benefits. Students typically develop niche expertise and access professional networking opportunities. Graduates often benefit from diverse career prospects and increased earning potential. According to March 2021 PayScale data, professionals with a Ph.D. in industrial-organizational psychology earn an average salary of $103,980 per year.

Degree-seekers develop specialized knowledge of human behavior and organizational development, which graduates can use to select, hire, train, and motivate employees. Doctorate-holders can apply these insights to careers as talent management specialists, professional development leaders, optimization advisors, and psychology professors.

Ph.D. students may qualify for fellowships, which typically award tuition remission and a stipend in exchange for teaching or research work.

The cost of earning a degree varies based on factors including location, school, program, and financial aid eligibility. According to data from the College Board, the average cost of in-state tuition at public four-year schools was $10,560 for the 2020-21 academic year. Out-of-state tuition rates and tuition at private schools often costs more than twice that figure.

Learners searching for the most affordable industrial-organizational psychology degree often choose public in-state institutions. Ph.D. students may also qualify for research or teaching fellowships that include tuition remission and a stipend. Additionally, learners can apply for scholarships, federal grants, and loans to offset the cost of earning a degree.

Some schools offer in-state tuition rates to all online students, regardless of residency. Distance learning can also minimize or eliminate costs associated with housing and commuting. Many online students continue working while pursuing their doctorate.

According to PayScale salary data from March 2021, industrial-organizational psychology doctorate-holders earn an average salary of $103,980 per year. Many graduates of doctoral programs in the field become licensed I-O psychologists, who earn a median annual salary of $92,880, according to the BLS. Graduates can also work as consultants, managers, human resources professionals, and training and development experts.

Salaries vary considerably based on employer, industry, and employee credentials. According to BLS data, training and development specialists earn a median annual salary of $61,210, while training and development managers earn a median salary of $113,350 per year. After gaining professional experience, doctorate-holders often pursue high-paying careers in consulting and management. Graduates can also become human resources managers, who earn a median salary of $116,720 per year.

Industrial psychology Ph.D. programs typically require about 60 credits. Learners take core courses in areas such as research methods, leadership, and personnel psychology. Ph.D. students often specialize in a field such as organizational development and management, performance assessment and recognition, hiring and recruitment, or talent development and training.

Ph.D. students also complete a dissertation, which requires advanced research, analysis, and writing skills. While curricula vary by Ph.D. program, doctoral students in the field often complete the following courses.

A Ph.D. in industrial-organizational psychology meets or exceeds degree requirements for most professions in the field. However, candidates for psychology licensure must often fulfill additional criteria set by their state’s board. Graduates of I-O psychology programs can also pursue professional credentials that align with particular career paths, such as consulting.

Undergraduate and graduate students can apply for scholarships based on academic merit, financial need, and identity. Scholarships are often competitive, with various funding amounts. These awards do not require repayment. The list below features a few scholarships for graduate students pursuing an industrial-organizational psychology degree.