Ph.D. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology Program Guide

A July 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report shows that American employers need to fill over eight million open positions. Industrial-organizational (I/O) psychologists use their psychology expertise to improve employers’ recruitment, retention, and training and development programs.

Consider a Ph.D. in industrial-organizational psychology if you want a well-paying job that will help you build a positive work culture.

I/O psychology doctoral programs emphasize psychology’s relationship with and impact on the workplace. Coursework may include professional issues in industrial-organizational psychology, advanced social psychology, and human cognition and learning. Field exercises teach you how I/O psychologists’ decisions affect workers’ efficiency and satisfaction.

Like doctoral programs in other areas, Ph.D. in industrial-organizational psychology programs require a dissertation. Research methodology classes help you build the skills necessary to perform research, write a dissertation, and defend it before a committee.

Some on-campus or online Ph.D. programs in industrial-organizational psychology take 4-5 years to complete. Part-time degree-seekers and learners needing to revise their dissertations may need more time to graduate.

Professionals with a Ph.D. in industrial-organizational psychology can explore many roles, such as postsecondary teacher or independent consultant. Start exploring careers well before finishing your doctoral program.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Pay close attention to whether universities on your shortlist offer a Ph.D. in industrial-organizational psychology or a Ph.D. in psychology with a concentration in industrial-organizational psychology. The academic experience may vary slightly between them. Contact universities’ admissions departments for more information.

I/O psychology doctoral programs’ curricula depend on whether you hold a master’s in psychology. Incoming students with only a bachelor’s first take master’s-level classes that may include quantitative methods, applied regression methods, and psychometrics. You’ll also write a master’s thesis before moving on to doctoral coursework.

Your doctoral program may require the following classes:

Getting an in-person or online Ph.D. in industrial-organizational psychology depends on application requirements and program length. The information in this section varies by program.

Programs for learners without a master’s degree require 70-80 credits. Expect to take at least four years to earn a Ph.D. in industrial-organizational psychology. Finishing a degree within this timeframe may help you save money on your education, as some programs’ guaranteed funding runs out after four years.

Full-time students may need longer to graduate if they complete an optional externship or must revise their dissertation. Work with your Ph.D. programs’ academic and dissertation advisors to create a personalized graduation timeline.

Typical I/O psychology doctoral programs’ application requirements include:

Some programs may not require but recommend some of these materials. If you think they would improve your application, include optional materials in your application portfolion.

Start the application process as soon as possible. Contact the university’s admissions department to confirm receipt of your application portfolio.

I/O psychology doctoral programs can prepare you for a career in or outside academia. Work with your university’s academic and career advisors to find the right career path.

You can explore many jobs with a Ph.D. in industrial-organizational psychology. The BLS projects the need for postsecondary teachers to grow by 8% between 2022-2032, much faster than the average projected growth rate for all U.S. jobs. Student teaching and the dissertation process train you to inspire the next generation and perform original research.

The BLS projects the need for industrial-organizational psychologists to grow by 6% between 2022-2032. Professionals employed by a large corporation work alongside training and development managers to increase employee productivity.

Your Ph.D. in industrial-organizational psychology salary depends on which career path you pursue. Jobs in academia feature a lower median annual salary than those in the private or public sector. Factors such as geographic location and experience also impact salary potential.

The table below shows the median annual salary for different jobs. You may earn significantly less early in your career.

Note: Salaries marked with an asterisk in the following table are based on average base salary data from 2024.

Becoming a licensed psychologist offers many advantages, such as opening a private practice. In Texas, psychologists renew their licenses by completing at least 40 hours of professional development (PD) each renewal cycle. Check your state’s licensure board website for the latest information regarding PD or continuing education hours, approved providers, and renewal fees.

The American Board of Professional Psychology’s (ABPP) specialty board in organizational and business psychology awards board certification to I/O psychologists meeting experience, education, and training requirements. You also need an active psychology license to qualify. Board certification’s benefits may include higher salary potential, new career opportunities, and eligibility for ABPP leadership positions.