Why You Should Consider a Degree in Organizational Psychology
June 23, 2020 1:02pm
If you are considering a degree in psychology, you may already know that there are several options to choose from. While most psychology-related bachelor’s programs will prepare you to continue your education through advanced degrees, an organizational psychology degree, also referred to as industrial organizational psychology or occupational psychology, can open the door to business-related careers after graduation. Here are the basics of an organizational psychology degree, including what learners can expect to study and the career potential.
What sets organizational psychology apart?
Unlike a general psychology degree, where mental health and human behaviors are the focus, organizational psychology focuses on issues within the workplace including morale, management styles, and productivity in order to make improvements. Those who earn this undergraduate degree can begin their career in either entry- or mid-level roles counseling employees with occupational issues that affect their mental health and job performance, or helping companies improve morale and efficiency.
This degree is a great choice for someone interested in pinpointing problems, developing solutions, and effecting change. Having a bachelor’s degree is also just the first stepping stone toward earning more advanced degrees, including a doctorate degree, which is required to earn the title of organizational psychologist.
What courses will I have to take and how long is the program?
Program courses and length will vary by college, but typically organizational psychology programs require at least 120 credit hours for completion. Online degree programs, though still requiring the same amount of credits, can often times be finished in a shorter time frame since many of them involve six- or eight-week classes year round. So when learners can either double up on courses or take them every session offered, programs can be completed sooner – in two years or less!
Additionally, online programs offer flexibility that traditional on-ground programs can’t. Since courses are completed entirely online, learners have the opportunity to work on assignments and projects as their schedule allows. These are great options for adult learners who might already be working full time and are raising a family.
No two organizational psychology programs are the same. But students can expect to study subject matter including or similar to:
• Strategic communication
• Personality development
• Organizational psychology or behavior
• Public relation strategies
• Human resource management
• Crisis management
What will my career options and salary potential be like?
While graduates with a degree in organizational psychology can explore some of the same careers as those with a degree in general psychology, they will be able to explore more specialized professions since the degree is considered a
specialty in the field of psychology. And because of that, the salary potential for jobs in organizational psychology are often higher. Some of the careers one can explore in this field include:
• Human resource manager (Average median salary: $63k)
• Behavior analyst (Average median salary: $61k)
• Talent developer (Average median salary: $58k)
• Training and development specialist (Average median salary: $58k)