What Are the Education Requirements to be an Industrial Psychologist?

<p>Industrial-organizational psychologists examine the efficiency of employees in the workplace. They apply psychological strategies to improve the organization's procedures, policies and workplace environment. For certification, individuals must earn a graduate degree, but a bachelor's degree in industrial-organizational psychology is a good place to begin. </p> <h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutThisFieldOfStudy">Important Facts About This Field of Study</h3> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td>Concentrations</td><td> Industrial-organizational resources, organizational development and consultation, conflict management</td></tr> <tr><td>Possible Careers</td><td> Public relations specialist, research investigator, case manager, organizational consulting manager, personnel administrator</td></tr> <tr><td>Continuing Education</td><td> Available; sample courses include Relationship and Work Counseling, Psychology in the Corporate World</td></tr> <tr><td>Online Availability</td><td> Several programs available entirely online</td></tr> <tr><td>Mean Annual Wage </td><td> $113,320 May 2021</td></tr> <tr><td>Job Outlook</td><td> 4% rise from 2021-2031</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---UndergraduateEducation">Undergraduate Education</h3> <p>Enrolling in a master's degree program requires you to earn a bachelor's degree. Generally, you can major in any subject, but pursuing a bachelor's degree in psychology can be helpful in fulfilling prerequisites. Some master's degree programs only require the completion of undergraduate courses in industrial/organizational psychology and statistics, while others can require multiple undergraduate psychology courses. Some programs also require work experience in a human resources management or supervisory position. </p> <h3 id="section---GraduateEducation">Graduate Education</h3> <p>Most master's degree programs in industrial/organizational psychology take at least two years to complete. The coursework covers topics such as personnel selection and training, theories of effective leadership, organizational development, research methods, and psychometric strategies. Most degree programs require a thesis project, but some offer non-thesis program options. If you require a flexible schedule, some programs are available entirely online. </p> <h3 id="section---ContinuingEducationAndLicensing">Continuing Education and Licensing</h3> <p>Although a master's degree is the minimum education requirement for industrial/organizational psychologists, you could also go on to complete a doctoral degree in industrial/organizational psychology. Receiving your doctorate allows you to seek state licensure, although this is generally not required to work as an industrial/organizational psychologist. According to the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Inc., only 21% of full-time practitioners reported being licensed (<i>www.siop.org</i>), as of 2008. Depending on your state, you may need to participate in continuing education to maintain your license. </p> <p>A doctoral degree and license is required if you want to earn optional board certification in your specialty from the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP). The ABPP offers certification in a number of different specialties, including organizational and business consulting psychology. To earn certification in this specialty, you'll also need to complete an internship or equivalent post-doctoral experience, as well as participate in continuing education. After meeting eligibility requirements, you may take an oral examination to earn certification (<i>www.abpp.org</i>).</p>