An online bachelor’s industrial organizational psychology degree can introduce you to workplace psychology, including the dynamics of employee relations and work environments.
Industrial organizational psychology programs prepare individuals to work in several different industries. You might enjoy working in the organizational psychology field if you want to help workplaces become more efficient by improving company culture.
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If you’re thinking about pursuing a bachelor degree in industrial psychology, you can read on to learn more about possible career paths as well as subjects studied in this field.
Online Industrial Organizational Psychology Degrees
An industrial organizational psychology degree can help you learn about the basic principles and concepts of psychology and how to apply them to the workplace.
Industrial organizational psychologists can be found in almost any industry, though they typically must hold a graduate degree. Individuals who earn a bachelor’s in IO psychology may work in management positions or specialize in training and administrative duties. Responsibilities can widely differ depending on the industry and type of position.
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Common subjects studied in industrial organizational psychology programs include:
- Workplace psychology
- Interpersonal communication
- Leadership
- Employment staffing and training
- Data collection and assessment
Roles related to organizational psychology may analyze data and workplace relations and implement strategies that will revamp a team’s efficiency.
Coursework that focuses on specific industries and roles may be available depending upon the school or program. A bachelor’s degree in industrial psychology can also prepare you for graduate studies. It is fairly common for individuals who pursue a bachelor’s in IO psychology to continue their education in the field.
It’s also possible to enter occupations relevant to industrial organizational psychology with a bachelor’s degree. Common industries associated with this field include human resources, business, and public health. An online bachelors degree program tends to offer more flexibility for individuals unable to attend on-campus classes. Some schools may offer accelerated psychology degree online programs as well.
Industrial and Organizational Psychology Careers & Salaries
Industrial organizational psychologist careers can be found in a variety of work environments. Positions in the IO psychology field involve problem-solving and creating solutions for organizations to improve productivity and professional relationships.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the following career paths are related to the study of 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 Managers | $100,170 |
| Management Analysts | $93,000 |
| Labor Relations Specialists | $77,010 |
| Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists | $64,120 |
| Human Resources Specialists | $62,290 |
| Training and Development Specialists | $61,570 |
These careers often involve similar or overlapping responsibilities that an industrial organizational psychologist would perform. A masters or doctoral degree is required for a licensed industrial organizational psychologist position.
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Salaries and job availability can differ based upon location, experience, and level of education, among other factors. Entry-level positions could help you gain field experience if you intend on pursuing a graduate degree.
Industrial/Organizational Psychology Bachelor’s Curriculum
Curriculum can differ depending on the school’s program. These are common courses that may be studied in industrial organizational psychology programs:
- Introduction to Industrial Organizational Psychology: This foundational course explores basic principles of industrial organizational psychology, including job satisfaction and employee relations.
- Introduction to Management: This course introduces you to management theory, management tools, and team organization.
- Attitudes and Motivation in the Workplace: This course introduces you to behaviors in the workplace and how to conduct research on employee attitudes and motivation strategies.
- Organizational Behavior: This course examines human behaviors in a business setting and how these behaviors correlate with workplace operations.
- Leadership Theory and Practice: This course helps you define leadership and how to differentiate it from management, and you’ll also study effective leadership styles.
- Employment and Staffing: This course introduces you to the recruitment, hiring, and training processes of a workplace.
- Interpersonal Communications: This course is designed to teach you about effective interpersonal communication skills in professional and personal settings.
- Public Relations Strategies: This course focuses on how to build professional relationships and apply data and research to strategies.
- Human Resources Management: This course is designed to teach you about the common management responsibilities and practices of human resources managers.
- Strategic Communication: This course helps you learn effective communication strategies and how to apply them in various environments.
Colleges and universities may offer different elective courses that align with your specific interests. Core curriculum revolves around studying workplace interactions and behaviors to improve conditions through training, team building, and related activities.
How to Choose an Online Bachelors in Organizational Psychology Degree Program
Similar to when considering an online masters in organizational psychology, here are some key factors to consider when choosing an online bachelor’s in industrial organizational psychologist degree:
- Program concentrations available. If you’re interested in a specific field, you may want to consider programs that offer elective courses that align with your interests. For example, students interested in human resources may want to find a program that offers more coursework relating to HR studies.
- Credit hours. You may want to consider the amount of credit hours a program involves. Bachelor’s programs are generally a minimum of 120 credits, but some programs might include more.
- Cost. Tuition costs widely vary depending on the college or university, the type of program, and number of credit hours.
Knowing which factors are most important to you could help you determine which type of program to pursue.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements can vary across colleges and universities, but these are some common requirements for schools:
- High school transcript
- Letters of recommendation
- SAT or ACT scores (if required)
- Personal essay
If you’re interested in a particular college or university, you can typically find specific admission requirements on a school’s admissions webpage. The requested materials are generally submitted along with a completed college application. Online bachelor’s programs may have different admission requirements than on-campus programs.
I/O Psychology Programs Accreditation
When searching for industrial organizational psychology programs, it’s essential to consider the accreditation status of a college or university program.
Pursuing a degree program from a regionally accredited institution establishes the credibility of your education. It ensures that the school is meeting defined educational standards. Employers often take accreditation status into consideration.
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An accredited school or program can also influence your ability to pursue a graduate degree, licensure, or certification in the field. A list of accredited schools is provided by the US Department of Education. Some psychology programs are accredited by the American Psychology Association Commission on Accreditation or other third-party accreditors.
I-O Psychology Licensure and Certifications
Licensure and certifications in the industrial organizational psychology field may be available depending upon your level of education.
Some certifications are designed for students at the graduate level. Individuals seeking licensure to practice industrial organizational psychology typically earn a PhD or PsyD through an accredited program. Licensure requirements can vary depending on the state you are in.
Various organizations offer certifications for IO psychology. For example, the American Society for Quality offers a Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence certification. The process for certification typically includes completing an exam and fieldwork hours.
Licensure allows someone to practice as an IO psychologist, while certifications prove that an individual has specialized knowledge in different sectors of the field.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
You may be eligible for state or federal financial aid opportunities. Steps to apply for state financial aid can vary depending upon your location. A Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can be submitted to apply for federal aid.
Scholarships, grants, and tuition assistance can also be offered by colleges or universities. Some private or public organizations might offer scholarship or grant opportunities as well. For example, the American Psychological Association occasionally offers scholarship, grant, and award opportunities to eligible applicants.
What Is an Industrial Organizational Psychology Bachelor Degree?
An industrial organizational psychology bachelor degree is an undergraduate degree designed for individuals who want to help improve workplace efficiency and employee morale. Individuals in this field can take on many different roles and responsibilities in a variety of industries.
Working in the IO psychology field involves studying workplace psychology and employee behaviors. The coursework for this degree can provide you with foundational knowledge on common organizational psychology concepts and practices.
Topics studied for this degree typically include solving problems in the workplace based upon psychological research, improving productivity and efficiency, and team management.
What Can You Do with an Industrial Organizational Psychology Degree?
Industrial organizational psychology is a multidisciplinary field, so you may be qualified to work in a variety of industries. Earning an IO psychology bachelor’s degree may also open up entry-level opportunities in the organizational psychology sector.
Careers related to industrial organizational psychology often involve working with individuals or groups in workplace settings. For instance, many graduates go into the human resources field. Others might work as labor relations specialists, training and development specialists, or management analysts.
Your bachelors could also act as a foundation for further studies. Most industrial organizational psychologists hold at least a masters degree.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Bachelor of Science in Industrial-Organizational Psychology Degree Online?
Credit hours can differ depending on the college or university, but most bachelors degree programs include at least 120 credits.
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An online bachelor’s degree in industrial organizational psychology generally takes 4 years to complete it you attend school full-time on a 16 week semester schedule. Some colleges and universities offer accelerated online degree programs. Programs that offer shorter semesters year-round may be completed sooner. It typically takes part-time students longer to complete their degree program.
What’s the Difference Between a Business Psychology vs. IO Psychology Degree?
The fields of business psychology and industrial organizational psychology both work with people and businesses to improve conditions, but here are some key differences between the two.
| Business Psychology | Industrial Organizational Psychology |
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Industrial organizational psychology programs focus on workplace issues involving individuals or a team of employees and offering solutions for improvement. Business psychology focuses on large-scale business relation issues.
Is a Bachelor’s in Organizational Psychology Degree Worth It?
Yes, a bachelor’s in organizational psychology degree is worth it for many professionals. This program could help prepare you for an entry-level career in the organizational psychology field. A bachelor’s degree in IO psychology can also prepare you for graduate studies or professional certification.
This could be a rewarding position for people who want to help others by boosting company culture and improving employee morale through team-building practices. Several occupations related to the industrial organizational psychology field are expected to experience faster than average job growth over the next ten years.
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For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 10% job growth for human resources specialists and 11% job growth for training and development specialists.
Universities Offering Online Bachelors 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.
Colorado State University offers a Bachelor’s in Psychology. The curriculum is designed to give students a broad education in the core areas of study within the discipline, including social, organizational, industrial, cognitive, and biological psychology. The program combines the flexibility of online learning with an emphasis on collaboration and community-building with peers and instructors.
Colorado State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Colorado Technical University offers a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Organizational Behavior. The curriculum is designed to build students’ analytical, interpersonal, and leadership skills that will serve them well in a variety of careers. This 182 credit program offers three start dates yearly, allows for the transfer of approved credits, and can be completed entirely online.
Colorado Technical University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Concordia University—Irvine offers an online program for a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Psychology. It is designed for students who are interested in exploring the influences behind human behaviors. Within the program’s courses, students will study research methods, social psychology, training and talent development, and business ethics. To graduate, students must complete 120 credit hours.
Concordia University Irvine is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Eastern Kentucky University offers a Bachelor’s in Psychology that has diverse curriculum options for students with a variety of professional interests. The program offers 8 concentrations in sub-disciplines like Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Child Psychology, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Workplace Psychology, and Cognitive Sciences. Classes for all eight specialties are housed 100% online.
Eastern Kentucky University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Florida Institute of Technology offers an online program for a Bachelor of Arts in Applied and Organizational Psychology.
The curriculum is designed to equip students with skills in conflict management, organizational behavior, recruitment, communication facilitation, team leadership, and personnel development. Graduates often pursue roles as labor relations specialists, human resource directors, vocational specialists, and organizational management consultants.
Florida Institute of Technology is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The Bachelor of Science in Psychology program at Louisiana State University—Alexandria offers a concentration in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. The program aims to help students learn how to promote performance and productivity in their future careers. Courses cover key concepts such as abnormal psychology, cultural diversity, statistics, and professional issues.
Louisiana State University at Alexandria is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Maryville University offers an interdisciplinary program for a Bachelor’s in Organizational Leadership that blends core principles and skills from both psychology and business fields. The program offers three start dates each academic year and allows qualifying transfer credits from outside institutions. The entirety of the curriculum can be completed in a convenient online format.
Maryville University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Palo Alto University offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Psychology. Built on the intersection of business and behavior, the program is designed to teach students interpersonal skills that will help them succeed in business or clinical settings. Students who have previously completed their general education requirements can potentially finish their major requirements in just 2 years.
Palo Alto University is accredited by the WASC Senior Colleges and Universities Commission.
Post University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program that allows students to tailor their education to their goals. It offers concentrations in Applied Behavior Analysis, Industrial and Organizational Psychology, and Human Development, Education, and Health. All concentrations can be attended either on campus or online, and students can typically complete their degree requirements in 4 years of full-time study.
Post University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Purdue University’s Bachelor of Science in Psychology program offers an Industrial and Organizational Psychology concentration that is fully online. Students typically need to devote 15 to 18 hours a week to their coursework during each 10 week term. Most people can complete the program’s 120 required credit hours in 4 years, though there is also an accelerated bachelor’s to master’s option.
Purdue University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Southern New Hampshire University offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Industrial Organizational Psychology. The program aims to help students understand and learn how to harness the human psyche to meet organizational goals in business settings. The 120 credits required for the program can be completed 100% online.
Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Southwestern College offers a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Psychology program that can be earned in a fully online learning format. Accepted students may transfer in up to 94 qualifying credits from outside institutions toward the program’s 124 required credits. Common careers for graduates include talent developers, training and development specialists, behavior analysts, and human resource managers.
Southwestern College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology offers an online program for a Bachelor’s in Business Psychology.
It aims to help graduates leave with advanced knowledge they can take into the workforce or further graduate-level education. Uniquely, for their final year of undergraduate studies, students must choose courses from the behavioral economics, organizational leadership, or industrial psychology master’s disciplines.
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 Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a concentration in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. The program is designed for students who are interested in gaining psychological skills to aid them in their careers but require flexible online learning options. It has six start dates throughout the year and offers classes in accelerated 8 week sessions.
Touro University Worldwide is accredited by the WASC Senior Colleges and University Commission.
Union Institute & University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. The program has concentrations in Holistic Studies, Forensic Psychology, Addiction Studies, and Industrial-Organizational Psychology. This 120-credit program offers full-time and part-time scheduling options, online courses, and small class sizes to encourage community-building. Start dates for incoming students are available every 8 weeks.
Union Institute & University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Central Florida offers a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. The curriculum covers key concepts in terminology, neuroscience, research methodology, behavioral science, and industrial-organizational strategies. In addition to the program’s predominantly online learning format, students are encouraged to pursue hands-on learning experiences through research, internships, and fieldwork.
The University of Central Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Massachusetts’s Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program utilizes a fully online curriculum for its Industrial-Organizational concentration. The curriculum covers essential theoretical and skill-based knowledge in the discipline. Courses cover concepts such as quantitative reasoning, scientific writing, history of psychology, and cross-cultural, abnormal, social, and physiological psychology.
The University of Massachusetts is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
The University of Phoenix offers a Bachelor of Science in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. Graduates often pursue careers in human resources, talent development, personnel assessment, and leadership. The program requires the completion of 120 credit hours. Students who do not have previously completed credits to transfer in from outside institutions and attend full-time can usually complete their requirements in 4 years.
The University of Phoenix is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Wisconsin—Stout offers an online program for a Bachelor’s in Psychology. Students pursuing professions in which an understanding of feelings, thoughts, motivations, and behaviors are needed may find this program beneficial. Students can choose minors and concentrations like Business Administration, Digital Marketing, Human Development, Human Resources, Information Security, and Project Management.
The University of Wisconsin-Stout is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Walden University offers a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Workplace Psychology. The curriculum covers industrial-organizational fundamentals in a blend of general education, major core, concentration, and elective courses. All courses are housed fully online, and students can transfer in up to 135 qualifying quarter credits toward the program’s 181 required quarter credits.
Walden is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Getting Your Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Psychology Online
An online organizational psychology degree can help prepare you for entry-level careers in related fields. Roles and responsibilities for jobs relating to IO psychology can differ depending on the industry.
General responsibilities in this field include assessing employee relations, boosting motivation and productivity, and improving overall efficiency in a workplace. Colleges and universities might even offer elective courses that tailor to your interests in a specific industry.
If you’re interested in pursuing an online bachelors degree in industrial organizational psychology, you can start by checking out accredited schools that offer programs of interest to you.
