Top 5 Online PhD Industrial Organizational IO Psychology

As an industrial-organizational psychologist, your role will be to improve productivity in workers, increase employee satisfaction and make sure organizations can become more successful. The majority of doctorate programs in this discipline are highly research-orientated, and they also include statistical analysis and psychological testing. Most courses will also include aspects such as multicultural psychology, human resource management, motivation, personnel selection, and leadership and organizational change in their curriculum.

A lot of people now choose to study online because it allows them to continue with their career and it means they are less bound by their personal geographical location. However, while online doctorate degrees in organizational psychology exist, the majority of these will also expect some practical attendances at conferences, completion of field research and internships and more. Many graduates become researchers, complete academic research, become consultants or work as directors of employee relations or human resources.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), industrial-organizational psychologists earn an average national annual salary of $90,070 per year. They have also listed it as the fastest-growing occupation in the country, with a growth rate of 53% expected between 2012 and 2022. In response, more and more schools are now offering programs that focus specifically on this sub-discipline of psychology.

It is important to choose a school that best suits your needs. Hence, below we have listed what we feel are the top 5 online doctorates in organizational psychology programs for you to consider.

#1 The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

At The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, students can take part in an Online Ph.D. in Business Psychology, Consulting Track. This program recognizes the speed at which the field of industrial-organizational psychology is growing. Graduates are ready to take on roles that help them to better understand the impact of human behavior on the effectiveness of an organization. The curriculum incorporates psychological theory, strategic thinking, best practice in business and leadership. The curriculum is designed to allow working professionals to further their education. While it is delivered online, students will have to take part in three residency weekends during the three years the program lasts.

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The program takes 97 credits to complete, which is made up of 36 master’s degree program credits and 61 units of residency. Some of the courses students can take part in include:

  • Business and Financial Literacy
  • Strategic and Organizational Planning
  • Change Management

To be accepted to the program, students must:

  • Hold a master’s degree in a relevant discipline.
  • Complete a statistics course.
  • Hold a GPA of 3.2.
  • Provide one letter of recommendation.
  • Send in their resume or curriculum vitae.
  • Write an essay.
  • Provide transcripts.

#2 Capella University

Capella University offers an online Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology with a specialization in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. It is designed to deliver graduates with a deep-rooted knowledge of organizational behavior. They have foundations in group, social and adult psychology, as well as understand research, statistical and advanced testing methodology. NO GRE Required!

This program takes 87 credits to complete, including:

  • Ethics and Multicultural Issues in Psychology
  • Advanced Inferential Statistics

Students must also complete specialization courses in areas such as:

  • Multivariate Statistics: Theory and Application
  • Psychology of Leadership

To be admitted to the program, students must:

  • Hold a master’s degree in a relevant field.
  • Prove English proficiency if they are international students.
  • Have transcripts evaluated.
  • Hold a GPA of 3.0 minimum.

#3 Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon offers two different doctoral degree programs in industrial-organizational psychology. The first is the Doctor of Philosophy in General Psychology with an Emphasis in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. This program develops true behavioral experts who focus specifically on the workplace. They understand critical issues in businesses, such as coaching, talent management, selection, assessment, organizational development, training, work-life balances, and performance. Graduates often work as staff psychologists, consultants or university teachers. NO GRE Required!

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This program takes 60 credits to complete and includes courses in areas such as:

  • Psychoanalysis and Psychodynamic Theory
  • Humanistic, Transpersonal and Existential Psychology
  • Psychology of Leadership

The second program offered by Grand Canyon University is the Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership with an Emphasis in Behavioral Health. This program has been designed for those who currently work as behavioral health professionals, such as social workers, marriage and family therapists and professional counselors. It is also available for behavioral health agency managers, psychiatric nurses and school counselors.

This program also takes 60 credits to complete and includes courses in such areas as:

  • Progressions in Leadership Thought
  • Psychopathology, Behavioral Assessment, and Interventions
  • Behavioral Health Entrepreneurship

To be admitted to either program, students must apply for admissions by contacting the school and indicating the program they are interested in.

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#4 Walden University

At Walden University, students can complete a Ph.D. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. This was one of the first programs in this specialization to be offered online. The coursework of the program focuses on principles and theories grounded in scientific research. Graduates are equipped with the necessary skills to understand organizational and employee behavior and to assess the needs of an organization. They are often hired to create more synergistic workplaces as well as ensuring employees can have improved performance and productivity. NO GRE Required!

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Students can choose from one of six specialization areas:

  • Consulting psychology
  • Forensic consulting
  • General practice
  • Leadership development and coaching
  • Organizational diversity and social change
  • Research and evaluation

Each area of specialization follows the same timeline and students must all complete a total of 106 quarter credits. This is made up of:

  • 71 credits in core courses
  • 15 credits in specialization courses
  • 20 credits for a dissertation

Students must also take part in 4 four day sessions of residency.

To be admitted to the program, students must:

  • Provide their employment history.
  • Submit all transcripts.
  • Provide a goal statement.
  • Hold a master’s degree in a relevant field.
  • Have at least three year’s professional or academic experience.

#5 Northcentral University

Northcentral University offers a Doctor of Business Administration in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. This is an interdisciplinary specialization that bridges the School of Psychology and the School of Business and Technology Management. Graduates know how to practically apply industrial and organizational psychology, using this to better understand people within the workforce. They also focus on elements such as workforce laws and regulations, personnel administration topics, employee relations, union contracting and diversity management. NO GRE Required!

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The course takes 54 credits to complete, which includes a number of specialization courses, as well as a number of core courses, such as:

  • Research Methodology
  • Research Design
  • Quantitative Research Design
  • Scholarly Literature Review

Specialization courses include:

  • Industrial/Organizational Psychology
  • Advanced Topics in Organizational Behavior
  • Consulting in Business, Education, and Health
  • Advanced Topics in Organizational Development

To be admitted to the program, students must:

  • Provide transcripts.
  • Go through academic evaluation.

SEE ALSO: 15 Things You Can Do With an Industrial/Organizational Doctorate

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