Between diverse personnel and growing technological developments, work environments are evolving at an accelerated rate. Consequently, more businesses require talented specialists who can manage the changing workplace and develop processes that promote success. The professionals who are most qualified to provide these services are industrial-organizational psychologists. Discover more about this field and how higher education can help you pursue this career path at Fairfax University of America’s campus in Virginia, near Washington, D.C.
The primary goal of industrial-organizational psychology is to augment the human aspects of operations at a business and foster more effective decision-making, productivity, and ethical practices. Their efforts often lead to increased profits for the organization. Some of the specific problems that industrial-organizational psychologists focus on include recruitment, training and development, performance, organizational structure, and employee motivation.
Despite their name, industrial-organizational psychologists do not perform counseling services like traditional therapists. In other words, they do not work one-on-one with people to help them navigate mental, emotional, or social challenges. Instead, they operate exclusively in businesses and organizations conducting the following tasks:
Jobs in industrial-organizational psychology tend to be highly rewarding. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average yearly wage for industrial-organizational psychologists is $113,320. However, most people will not be able to secure these high-paying roles when they enter the field. That said, individuals pursuing a career in industrial-organizational psychology can advance their careers in the following ways:
Few organizations will hire someone for an industrial-organizational psychologist position unless they have some educational background, often a bachelor’s in psychology or business administration. Having a master’s degree in the field or a doctorate in psychology will further enhance your prospects.
After graduation, industrial-organizational psychology students may find that many jobs require prior experience. If their education did not afford them any practical knowledge, they can seek internship and networking opportunities from external organizations, such as Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology.
Like more advanced degrees, certification can boost a person’s chances when applying for a job in industrial-organizational psychology. If you plan to work in the United States, you can attain board certification from the American Board of Organizational and Business Consulting Psychology (ABOBCP).
Having licensure also increases your ability to find work in different states. Most states require industrial-organizational psychologists to have a license, but specific conditions will vary in each region. Individuals can find more resources regarding licensure from the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP).
If you have no educational experience in industrial-organizational psychology but wish to enter the career, earning a business administration degree at Fairfax University of America is ideal for jumpstarting your career. Our Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs give students the knowledge and skills to make positive social and financial impacts as industrial-organizational psychologists. Some related topics these degree programs cover include:
Turn to Fairfax University of America for affordable, business-focused instruction in business administration. Our flexible programs are ideal for students from various backgrounds, including multilingual families and faith-based households. With students and faculty from all over the world, our non-profit university in Virginia is a center for cultural enrichment. Additionally, our location in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area gives students access to influential business leaders and immediate employment opportunities at diverse organizations upon graduation.
At Fairfax University of America, we strive to help students achieve better personal and professional growth and become transformative leaders in an increasingly global society. To learn more about how our business administration degree programs can lead to a career in industrial-organizational psychology, request information online or complete an application today.