Today's Best Online PhDs in Industrial Organizational Psychology
Get details on today’s best and most affordable online PhD programs in industrial/organizational psychology. Learn about accreditation, admissions, cost, and career prospects after graduation.
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As online PhDs in I/O psychology become more widely available, finding the one that meets your educational and professional needs can take time. While you may value the flexibility of a degree above all, others may need a program that’s more affordable. EduMed’s rankings provide information on the top I/O psychology PhDs and highlight what you should look for when creating and narrowing down your school list. Review some of the best programs in the field today.
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California
Private
Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Private
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Public
FAQs About Earning Your PhD in Industrial Organizational Psychology Online
Before committing yourself to years of studying – not to mention the financial responsibilities that come with a graduate degree – it’s important to do your research. Learning about factors such as cost, curriculum, career prospects, and faculty can help you make an informed educational decision. Here are key answers to questions that many prospective students ask before pursuing an I/O psychology PhD.
Can you earn an organizational psychology PhD completely online?
Because every online PhD in industrial organizational psychology is different, the answer to this question will vary by school. Some offer fully online programs that never require learners to visit campus. Others host several short residencies that mandate attendance. Regardless of how your chosen school handles the coursework component, all learners enrolled in these programs must participate in one or two practica to build experience in a professional setting. Internship advisors usually work with students to find a suitable business near where they live.
What do you learn in an industrial-organizational psychology program at the PhD level?
No two industrial organizational psychology online doctorate programs are the same, but they should have some similar courses and learning outcomes. As you continue reviewing potential programs, you will get a better sense of these commonalities while also identifying how each program differs. All programs will have some element of study on organizational behavior and mindsets while also emphasizing the development of research methods. Some of the other top learning outcomes include:
- An in-depth knowledge of industrial organizational psychology’s origins as well as an appreciation for the tasks and responsibilities of professionals in this field.
- The ability to identify and implement processes and policies that help create a supportive work environment while training leadership on how to use them properly.
- A full grasp on how human behaviorism informs the discipline and how data can be used in hiring, training, and management practices to create greater employee satisfaction.
- The ability to appreciate and prioritize the benefits gained, both in terms of company culture and output, by creating and implementing hiring practices that support diversity.
- Create programs and address workplace issues brought forth in multigenerational groups of staff, with emphasis on conflict management and improved efficiency and effectiveness.
Common Courses in Online I/O Psychology PhD Programs
What specializations or concentrations are available in I/O psychology PhD programs?
Industrial organizational psychology, while already a subfield under general psychology, still functions as a large discipline. Because of this, some schools provide additional specializations for students who want to focus their studies in a niche area. We look at a few common options below.
How long does it take to get a PhD in industrial organizational psychology online?
Before embarking on your path to an online PhD in industrial organizational psychology, it’s worth getting to grips with the various timelines available. On average, most students spend between four to five years completing coursework requirements, practica/internships, and their dissertation. Motivated learners who enroll in an accelerated program may graduate in as few as three years, as may those who already completed credits at a previous institution. Those studying on a part-time basis may need up to seven years to meet all requirements for graduation.
What do I need to get into an online I/O psychology PhD program?
As with other components, the admission requirements for an online PhD in industrial organizational psychology are set by individual schools and can vary substantially. Doctorate programs, in general, tend to be highly competitive, as most departments only accept a few students each year. Some of the components you’ll likely be required to submit as part of the application process include:
- Official transcripts demonstrating a minimum GPA and evidence of completing all prerequisites
- GRE or GMAT scores
- Professional and academic letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Faculty member interview
How much does an online organizational psychology PhD program cost?
The cost of online PhD in industrial organizational psychology programs varies substantially based on several factors. In-state tuition is almost always cheaper than out-of-state or private school fees, while the amount of time taken to graduate is also a factor. Many schools charge semester-based fees that can quickly add up. Lastly, financial aid also plays a big role. Learners who secure scholarships, grants, and other types of support can dramatically offset the final price tag.
PhD in Industrial Organizational Psychology
Total Credits: 60 credits
$695/credit
PhD in Industrial Organizational Psychology
Total Credits: 104 credits
$540/credit
PhD-B.A. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Total Credits: 60 credits
$1,131/credit
Funding Your Online I/O Psychology PhD
Given that the cost of higher education continues to rise each year, lining up funding before starting a degree can make or break your experience. If you’re not sure where to start, that’s okay. The following section looks at the different types of financial aid available.
Learn the ins and outs of financial aid for your online PhD in I/O psychology.
Reviewing Accreditation for PhD I/O Psychology Degrees
Finding an accredited online PhD in industrial organizational psychology is incredibly important given that licensure boards, hiring managers, and admissions panels all look for this detail when making decisions about your future. Accreditation divides into two types, institutional and programmatic. You’ll likely come across both national and regional accreditation when looking at schools as a whole and should select contenders that hold regional accreditation. This signals a more rigorous vetting process than national.
The American Psychological Association doesn’t accredit industrial organizational psychology programs at this time, making institutional accreditation all the more important. You can use the U.S. Department of Education’s Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs to research potential schools.
Career Opportunities for Industrial Organizational Psychology PhDs
Plenty of career opportunities can be found after you graduate. Because industrial-organizational psychology spans so many different industries and employer types, take time to consider the type of setting that works best with your professional and financial needs.
| Career | Median National Annual Salary (2019) | 10th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human Resources Manager | $116,720 | $68,300 | $205,720 |
| Management Consultant | $85,260 | $49,700 | $154,310 |
| University Professor | $79,540 | $40,480 | $174,960 |
What can I do with PhD in industrial/organizational psychology?
Once you graduate from a PhD in industrial organizational psychology, your career prospects look good. While some alumni decide to work in consultancy roles, partnering with a bevy of clients to troubleshoot lingering organizational issues, others decide to work in-house at a single company. Others decide to use their talents and knowledge of human resources issues to help improve staffing.
As a doctorate holder, you also qualify for several high-level academic and research roles. If you want to study the trends and data involved in organizational development, working for a think tank or other research facility may best suit your needs. If you like the thought of helping the next generation of industrial organizational psychologists learn about the discipline, consider pursuing a job as a university professor.
How much can you earn with a PhD degree in industrial/organizational psychology?
Graduating from an online PhD in industrial organizational psychology puts you on the path to earning a substantial salary, though actual figures vary based on your chosen career. Have a look at the table below to get a better understanding of what to expect in terms of pay.
| Career | Median National Annual Salary (2019) | 10th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human Resources Manager | $116,720 | $68,300 | $205,720 |
| Management Consultant | $85,260 | $49,700 | $154,310 |
| University Professor | $79,540 | $40,480 | $174,960 |
Do I need professional certification or a state license to work as an industrial organizational psychologist or similar roles?
Some but not all states require industrial organizational psychologists to receive and hold licensure when practicing. Attaining a license often requires the candidate to hold an accredited PhD or PsyD, complete supervised experience, pass the EPP exam, and pass any state-level examinations. You should check with your local state board of psychology to learn about the specific steps in your area.
The Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology also regularly shares updates in the field, including licensure and continuing education requirements. Certification is not typically required, but it can help you stand out from other job-seekers and demonstrate knowledge in a particular area of the discipline.
