Washington State Graduate Degree Programs in Industrial Organizational Psych

<p>Seattle Pacific University offers both a Master of Arts and a doctoral program in industrial-organizational psychology. The master's program takes two years to complete, while the doctoral program takes an average of four years, and both focus on scholarship and leadership. Students learn evidence-based practices and research methods for working with organizations and participate in field-practicum experiences while completing their degree. </p> <h2 id="section---WashingtonStateUniversity">Washington State University</h2> <p>Washington State University's doctoral program in experimental psychology offers a specialization area in industrial-organizational psychology where students can focus their studies on the theories and research methods that impact business and industry. In addition to general courses in experimental psychology, students learn from faculty researchers with interests in a variety of areas, including work performance, organizational safety, health and wellbeing in the workplace, and educational organization psychology. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th>School Name </th><th>Programs Offered </th><th>Average Graduate Tuition and Fees (2018-2019)*</th></tr> <tr><td>Seattle Pacific University </td><td>MA in Industrial-Organizational Psychology<br />Ph.D. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology </td><td>$29,772</td></tr> <tr><td>Washington State University </td><td>Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology </td><td>In-State: $12,802\Out-of-State: $26,234</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *NCES College Navigator</i> </p> <h2 id="section---AdmissionRequirementsForWashingtonIndustrialOrganizationalPsychologyPrograms">Admission Requirements for Washington Industrial-Organizational Psychology Programs</h2> <p>Aspiring graduate students in industrial-organizational psychology will need to have completed a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a GPA of 3.0 or higher; completion of undergraduate courses in areas of psychology, business, math, or social sciences may also be required or preferred. Depending on the program, students may also need to submit GRE scores and a current CV or resume that shows research experience and activities and jobs related to psychology. </p> <p>Many programs also require letters of recommendation from professional, academic, and personal sources, as well as a statement that details your career objectives and rationale for applying to the graduate program. Students applying to doctoral programs may also be required to attend an in-person interview with faculty and a selection committee. </p> <h2 id="section---CareersInIndustrialOrganizationalPsychology">Careers in Industrial-Organizational Psychology</h2> <p>After completing a graduate degree in industrial-organizational psychology, graduates could have many exciting career paths open to them. Those with master's degrees could pursue careers in areas of human resources, organization development, consulting, and more with their developed leadership and analytical abilities. With a doctorate, graduates might have the opportunity to work in the highest levels of organizations in leadership positions or to enter academia. Some of these careers are detailed below. </p> <h3 id="section---IndustrialOrganizationalPsychologist">Industrial-Organizational Psychologist</h3> <p>Industrial-organizational psychologists use their training in psychology to help improve business functions. This can apply to human resources for hiring practices, administration and leadership, sales and marketing, training for employees, and more. Typically, industrial-organizational psychologists will study work and workers to collect and analyze data that helps an organization improve its functions and communication. Industrial-organizational psychologists work with leadership to implement best practices and increase the efficacy of various organizational strategies. </p> <h3 id="section---HumanResourcesManager">Human Resources Manager</h3> <p>Human resources managers are responsible for more than hiring new employees for an organization. They also coordinate administrative functions of an organization and implement programs to maximize an organization's talent while coordinating with the leadership of an organization. </p> <h3 id="section---OperationsResearchAnalyst">Operations Research Analyst</h3> <p>Operations research analysts work to solve problems for organizations through mathematical models and research. Analysts work with leadership to advise on problem-solving and examine and collect information to better understand organizational issues and compose potential solutions. Those in this profession primarily work in office settings and are often deployed in teams. </p> <h3 id="section---PostsecondaryTeacher">Postsecondary Teacher</h3> <p>Those who seek a graduate degree in industrial-organizational psychology could also consider working at a college or university as a professor. In addition to teaching courses on industrial-organizational psychology to undergraduate or graduate students, a professor in this field could engage in both theoretical and practical research with real-world applications. Industrial-organizational psychology professors with work published in peer-reviewed journals produce findings and practices that are implemented by organizations. Most postsecondary teachers hold doctoral degrees, though a master's degree alongside work experience may be enough at some institutions, such as community colleges. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th>Job Title </th><th>Median Salary (2018)* </th><th>Job Growth*</th></tr> <tr><td>Industrial-Organizational Psychologist </td><td>$97,260 </td><td>13%</td></tr> <tr><td>Human Resources Manager </td><td>$113,300 </td><td>7%</td></tr> <tr><td>Operations Research Analyst </td><td>$83,390 </td><td>26%</td></tr> <tr><td>Postsecondary Psychology Teacher</td><td> $76,710 </td><td> 12%</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <p>Students seeking a graduate degree in industrial-organizational psychology in Washington State have two school options. These programs teach students how to study human behavior in organizations and the work place and prepare for careers in areas like consulting, human resources, and teaching.</p>