Industrial-organizational psychologists apply the principles of counseling and social psychology to enhance workplace performance. Learn about the degree requirements, course offerings, and career possibilities in this field.
What Is an Organizational Psychology MBA?
An MBA in organization psychology is a graduate degree program that incorporates principles of both business and psychology. In this program, you will learn how to apply specific principles to increase the organization and productivity in a workplace environment. You will be trained for several career possibilities, including business manager, counselor and human resource specialist. You will be expected to attend lectures, perform research, and undertake internships throughout the completion of your MBA.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Program Requirements</b></td><td> Lecture attendance, independent research and internships</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Prerequisites</b></td><td> Bachelor's degree in psychology or a business-related field</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td> Accounting, marketing, organizational behavior, personnel psychology</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Possible Careers</b></td><td> Industrial-organization psychologist, human resources, counselor</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td>3% growth (<i>for industrial-organizational psychologists</i>)*</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td>$96,270 (<i>for industrial-organizational psychologists</i>)*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAreTheRequirements">What Are the Requirements?</h3><p>In order to gain entry into an MBA program you will typically need to first earn a bachelor's degree. Because organizational psychology is a field that integrates many areas of research, schools typically don't require you to have any specific undergraduate major. With that in mind, majoring in psychology or a business-related field as an undergraduate may make you better prepared for the MBA program.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatClassesWillITake">What Classes Will I Take?</h3><p>The classes that you will take should focus both on business and psychological principles. Examples of business classes you will take include:
</p><ul><li>Accounting
</li><li>Economics
</li><li>Marketing
</li></ul><p>Other classes you will take will focus on psychological and organizational principles, such as:
</p><ul><li>Organizational behavior
</li><li>Behavioral management
</li><li>Leadership
</li><li>Personnel psychology
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatCanIDoWithMyDegree">What Can I Do With My Degree?</h3><p>Once you earn your MBA in organizational psychology, you have several career options open to you. One possibility is to work as an industrial-organizational psychologist, either for a particular company or as an independent consultant. According to a 2020 report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, industrial-organizational psychologists have a median annual salary of $96,270 (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). Other job possibilities include becoming a manager, working in human resources or becoming a counselor. If you become a counselor you will need to become licensed in the state you will practice. Once you earn licensure, you can work as an independent counselor, for an organization or as a workplace counselor.</p>
