PhD in Organizational Psychology programs are designed for students who are interested in studying human behaviors and applying their knowledge to business environments.
Industrial organizational psychologists may work with individuals, teams, or managers in a workplace. This position typically focuses on improving company culture and efficiency by analyzing personal and professional behaviors of employees and management.
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If you’re interested in pursuing an online doctorate degree in organizational psychology, continue reading for more information about this degree program and possible careers.
Online PhD in Organizational Psychology Programs
PhD programs in industrial organizational psychology are designed to teach students about employee and business relations from a psychological perspective.
You may study a variety of topics while pursuing a PhD in organizational psychology. Some programs may even offer specialized courses that align with your personal interests in the field. Common subjects that are studied in relation to IO psych PhD programs include:
- Psychology
- Business and workplace behaviors
- Behavioral assessment
- Data collection and analysis
- Advising and managing teams
As an organizational psychologist you may perform a variety of tasks depending on the workplace and type of industry you work in. Almost all industries can benefit from an organizational psychologist if improvements in efficiency are desired.
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Much like an online masters in organizational psychology, an online PhD in industrial organizational psychology may be beneficial to you if you want to further your education in this field. This level of degree can help open the door to more career opportunities and provide in-depth knowledge on various skills and methods used in the field.
Although responsibilities can vary widely depending on the business or industry, these are some common tasks that an organizational psychologist may perform in the field:
- Participate in training and hiring processes
- Create organizational strategies that fit the workplace environment
- Develop team building strategies
- Collect and analyze data on workplace behaviors to improve productivity
Online IO psychology PhD programs can help prepare individuals for certification and licensure as an industrial organizational psychologist. Licensure or certification may not be required depending on your location and what kind of position you intend to pursue with your degree.
Industrial/Organizational Psychology Careers & Salaries
There are many positions that may be available to you upon completion of an online PhD in organizational psychology. Some positions may accept individuals with an undergraduate degree. Other jobs may be more attainable with a PhD.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these are some potential careers that can be pursued with a PhD in industrial organizational psychology:
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Compensation and Benefits Managers | $127,530 |
| Human Resources Managers | $126,230 |
| Training and Development Managers | $120,130 |
| Industrial Organizational Psychologists | $105,310 |
| Administrative Services and Facilities Managers | $99,290 |
| Postsecondary Education Administrators | $96,910 |
| Postsecondary Teachers | $79,640 |
| Instructional Coordinators | $63,740 |
| Human Resources Specialists | $62,290 |
| Training and Development Specialists | $61,570 |
Some positions may include additional certification training or licensure for employment eligibility. Since a PhD is research-centered, postsecondary faculty positions are often pursued by individuals who complete a PhD organizational psychology program. Other possible outcomes include working for an organization or becoming a licensed organizational psychologist and beginning your own practice.
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Job growth for industrial organizational psychologists is expected to grow by 2% within the next decade, according to the BLS. Other positions related to organizational psychology are expected to experience faster than average job growth. Salaries and job availability can vary depending on your location, level of education, and experience.
Doctorate in Organizational Psychology Curriculum & Courses
The curriculum for a PhD in organizational psychology involves studying topics on psychology, organizational strategies, and workplace dynamics.
While specific courses will vary from program to program, the following courses are commonly found in online IO psychology PhD programs:
- Job and Task Analysis: This course teaches how to conduct analyses of various jobs and tasks to better understand skills and roles within a workplace.
- Leadership and Management: This course examines the responsibilities of leaders and managers in organizations and assesses the impact that different leadership styles may have on employees.
- Advanced Organizational Development and Change: This course explores how changes in management can impact an organization, team members, and employees.
- Group Dynamics: This course examines the science of group processes, such as decision-making, problem-solving, and communication.
- Diversity and Inclusion: This course is designed to teach students the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace and address specific issues related to accessibility.
- Human Resources Management: This course discusses the various tasks required of HR managers, including employee evaluations, training, hiring, and addressing workplace issues.
- Analysis and Interpretation of Research: This class teaches how to collect, analyze, and interpret data to better understand an organization’s operations.
- Advanced Training and Development: This course examines various organizational psychology theories, practices, and methodologies that can be used to help an organization improve efficiency.
- Recruitment, Selection, and Placement: This course explores the common practices for employee recruitment, election, and placement in beneficial roles.
- History and Systems of Industrial Organizational Psychology: This course is an overview of the history of psychology and how it has contributed to the industrial and organizational sector.
Core and elective courses may differ depending on the program or school you choose. Some programs may offer special electives that concentrate on specific industries.
Admissions Requirements
Admissions requirements for online PhD programs in industrial organizational psychology may vary depending on the school or program, but these are some common requirements:
- Master’s degree or higher
- Official transcripts from prior education
- Minimum GPA (typically 3.0 or higher)
- Letters of recommendation
Most PhD programs in organizational psychology are designed for individuals who have obtained a master’s degree in organizational psychology or a related field.
Collecting application materials, such as transcripts and letters of recommendation, in advance can help you prepare for applying to a program when you’re ready.
IO Psychology Doctoral Programs Accreditation
The accreditation status of a program or school can be very important for proving the credibility of your education, especially in the field of psychology. The US Department of Education provides a list of regionally accredited institutions to help you with your search.
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Regional accreditation can affect several factors, such as credit transferability and financial aid eligibility. Some employers only accept candidates who have received a doctoral degree from a regionally accredited program or institution. Exploring accredited programs is important to ensure you are eligible for licensure or certifications that may require a degree from an accredited school or program
I/O Psychology Licensure and Certifications
Graduates of an online PhD in industrial organizational psychology may apply for licensure or certification. When an individual obtains licensure, it means they are legally allowed to practice IO psychology in their state. Certification proves that an individual has gained the skills and knowledge to practice in their field.
If you wish to become licensed, common requirements depending on your state may include:
- Completion of an accredited PhD degree program in IO psychology
- Passing scores on written and oral examinations
- Experience in the field prior to applying for licensure
Licensure and board certification requirements can differ depending on what state you live in. Some industrial organizational psychologist positions may not require licensure.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Financial aid is available to eligible individuals at state and federal levels. Eligibility can differ between each state.
You can find out if you are eligible for federal financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) through the US Department of Education. Some schools and programs may offer graduate students fellowships or assistantships, which typically include a stipend. You can also apply for scholarships offered by your state, schools or degree programs, or organizations.
I-O Psychology Professional Organizations
Professional organizations within the IO psychology field can help you network with fellow peers in the industry. Helpful resources and professional development opportunities may be available to individuals within professional organizations.
These are some professional organizations that you may be interested in joining if pursuing a Ph.D. in Organizational Psychology:
- American Psychological Association (APA)
- Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP)
- Society of Psychologists in Leadership (SPL)
Opportunities and resources made available may differ between each organization. Exploring the perks of each organization can help you find one that best aligns with your goals and interests.
What Can You Do with an Online PhD in Industrial-Organizational Psychology?
You can pursue work in a variety of positions and industries with an online PhD in industrial organizational psychology.
You can pursue board certification or apply for licensure to legally practice in your state. You may instead decide to go a different route and pursue a career in an IO psychology field that doesn’t require licensure. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, an IO psychologist focuses on applying psychological principles to business environments to improve workplace relations.
Some of the responsibilities involved may include participating in the hiring and training process, collecting and analyzing data on workplace behaviors, and creating organizational strategy plans for businesses.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Industrial Organizational Psychology PhD Online?
Depending on the number of credit hours and possible time it takes to complete a dissertation, a PhD generally takes 3 to 5 years to complete. Some accelerated online psychology degree programs may not include a dissertation and may not take as long as 5 years.
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If you attend full-time, you may be able to complete an online PhD program in IO psychology in just 3 years. A PhD can take longer than 5 years if you attend part-time or if the program has additional requirements.
What’s the Difference between an Online PhD in IO Psychology vs. Business Psychology?
A PhD in business psychology is very similar to a PhD in IO psychology, but here are a few differences:
| PhD in Business Psychology | PhD in Organizational Psychology |
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Both degrees involve developing organizational plans to create a more efficient and productive environment within a business. The key difference is business psychology focuses on more large-scale business relations, while IO psychology operates within one business or workplace.
What’s the Difference between a PsyD vs. PhD in Organizational Psychology Online Program?
A PsyD and a PhD are both graduate-level degrees. While you can study organizational psychology in both, the basis of each program is slightly different.
Here are some differences between a PsyD and a PhD organizational psychology program.
| PsyD in Organizational Psychology | PhD in Organizational Psychology |
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A PsyD program focuses on preparing students for practicing in clinical service settings. A PhD involves much more research and studying the practices of IO psychology.
Is a PhD in Industrial/Organizational Psychology Worth It?
Yes, a PhD in Industrial/Organizational Psychology is worth it for many professionals. If you wish to become licensed or receive certification in industrial organizational psychology, a PhD program can help prepare you for this process.
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If you are interested in the research side of organizational psychology, you may find that a PhD in the field aligns more with your interests. A PhD in IO psychology may also provide you with more job opportunities and resources through professional organizations in the psychology field.
Universities Offering Online PhD in Organizational Psychology Degree Program
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Social responsibility, research-driven strategy, and critical thinking skills are at the center of the Doctor of Philosophy in Industrial and Organizational Psychology program at Adler University. The program aims to prepare graduates for careers in fields such as human resources, academia, leadership development, talent management, and organizational change.
Adler University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Antioch University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership and Change. The program has an interdisciplinary curriculum that pulls essential principles and skills from fields like education, business, social sciences, and humanities. Students can typically finish the program in 4 years. It is primarily completed remotely, but students are required to attend three on-campus residencies each year.
Antioch University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Capella University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. The curriculum teaches strategies to promote team satisfaction, productivity, and effectiveness across a broad spectrum of industries. This 87 credit program uses a low-residency model, blending online learning with regular in-person intensive experiences on campus.
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Colorado State University’s Doctor of Philosophy in Education and Human Resource Studies offers a specialization in Organizational Learning, Performance, and Change.
This specialization is geared toward individuals pursuing leadership roles in the business field. The program requires the completion of 60 credit hours that can be completed in a hybrid format. Students attending full-time can typically complete the program in 4 years.
Colorado State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Columbia International University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership. It is designed for students who are passionate about instituting change to increase company success and colleagues’ well-being. The program consists of 48 credit hours and utilizes an entirely online learning format. On average, students can complete it in 27 months or less.
Columbia International University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Eastern University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership that can be earned online. The program focuses on the way faith, reason, and justice can help inform students’ work, not only in their professional organizations but also in their communities and personal lives. Students can choose from concentrations in Business Management, Nonprofit and Public Administration, and Educational Administration.
Eastern University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Grand Canyon University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. The program offers a Qualitative Research track that emphasizes the ways interpersonal dynamics in the workplace influence employee motivation and engagement. It can be attended either online or on campus and requires the completion of 60 credit hours.
Grand Canyon University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Indiana Tech offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Global Leadership program. The curriculum focuses on how to harness leadership strategies modeled by leaders across the globe and adhere to ethical, legal, and accountability benchmarks.
The program complements remote learning with in-person residencies. It offers concentrations in Organizational Leadership, Higher Education Administration, Global Health Leadership, and Business Administration.
Indiana Tech is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Indiana Wesleyan University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership. It is designed to prepare graduates for careers as professors, researchers, or executive-level organizational leaders. This program can be completed using a hybrid format of online learning alongside yearly on-campus residencies. It can typically be completed in 4 years of full-time study.
Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Johnson University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership Studies with a concentration in Organizational Leadership. It is designed with flexible online coursework to meet the educational needs of busy working professionals.
The goal of the program is to graduate students that can articulate essential foundations for leadership and exercise effective leadership. It seeks to graduate students who demonstrate Christian character in their work and will contribute meaningfully to their organizations.
Johnson University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Liberty University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. The curriculum is designed to equip graduates with the perspectives, strategies, and research skills needed to advocate for positive change in their field. The program’s classes use an accelerated, 8 week schedule and meet fully online. Most students can complete the program’s 60 required credits in just 3 years when attending full-time.
Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
North Carolina A&T State University offers a Doctorate in Leadership Studies. The program offers concentrations in Organizational Leadership, Educational Leadership, and Health Services Leadership. Students must complete 48 credits of online coursework—including 18 credits in their chosen concentration. In addition to this, students must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours working on their dissertations.
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Regent University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership program. It seeks to graduate students who can become thought leaders, conduct research, and promote organizational spirituality.
The program is housed entirely online and requires the completion of 60 credits. The curriculum covers key concepts like communication, followership, organizational spirituality, organizational culture, change management, and research methods.
Regent University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Saybrook University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Managing Organizational Systems. The program is designed for students currently holding master’s degrees who want to gain the skills and knowledge needed to excel as leaders. This online program requires the completion of 65 to 80 credits. Students can typically complete the program in 5 years, though completion time depends on students’ chosen workloads.
Saybrook University is accredited by the Senior Commission of Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Business Psychology with an Industrial-Organizational emphasis. The program offers the flexibility of online learning and adjustable course loads. Students already holding master’s degrees who attend full-time can typically finish in just 3 years, while students without master’s degrees can typically finish in 5 years.
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.
Touro University Worldwide offers a Doctor of Psychology in Human and Organizational Psychology. The program is housed 100% online and requires no in-person residencies. Students can choose between six start dates for their first 8 week class session. The program’s 66 required credits can usually be completed in 3 years.
Touro University Worldwide is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
The University of Arizona offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Development and Leadership. The curriculum is designed to help students develop advanced research, critical thinking, and managerial skills. The curriculum covers qualitative and quantitative research design, performance management, and global issues in industry. The program culminates in the final year with a dissertation requirement.
The University of Arizona is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of the Cumberlands offers an online program for a Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership Studies. The program is designed for students hoping to advance to leadership roles where they can guide, manage, and improve organizations. It offers concentrations across a variety of sectors, including business, criminal justice, education, and health sciences.
The University of the Cumberlands is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
At Walden University, the Doctorate in Industrial-Organizational Psychology program is designed around students’ needs.
It aims to support students’ education with a convenient online learning approach and offers five concentrations to choose from to better fit personal goals. Students may transfer in up to 53 approved credits from outside institutions. The program is open to students holding both bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Walden University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The Doctor of Psychology in Leadership Psychology at William James College allows students to adjust their course load and educational focus according to their needs and goals. Part-time students can typically finish the program’s 128 required credits in 6 years, while full-time students can typically finish in 4 years. Courses are offered online and complemented by three yearly residencies on campus.
William James College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Getting Your PhD in Industrial Organizational Psychology Online
A PhD in industrial organizational psychology can help you develop more in-depth knowledge of IO psychologist practices.
If you already work in IO psychology, a PhD program may benefit you by allowing you to research new concepts and methodologies to introduce to the field. If you’re interested in furthering your education in industrial organizational psychology, you may find a PhD helpful. You may also want to pursue a PhD if you wish to become a board certified or licensed industrial organizational psychologist.
To get started on furthering your education, you can begin exploring industrial organizational psychology PhD programs at accredited colleges or universities.
