Over the years, an individual’s personal experiences affect the desires, assumptions, skills, and attitudes they bring to the workplace. As a result, in-depth evaluations by experts in the organizational psychology field identify causes of problems affecting an organization, such as disputes or reduced productivity. An online PhD in organizational psychology will benefit students who aspire to solve conflicts of this nature. Several opportunities exist in diverse human resources and management positions.
To begin with, graduates can expect to earn a lucrative salary in this field, which is highly gratifying. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), organizational psychologists earn an average yearly salary of $113,320 as of May 2021. As you combine psychology with workplace issues, you will develop as an imaginative problem-solver. Professionals in this field can handle operational issues, particularly employee conflict, poor productivity, and low morale.
You can remain a sought-after specialist by helping managers organize their workforce efficiently. This article has crafted the top online Ph.D. programs in organizational psychology. As a working professional, this write-up is a must-read.
Article Navigation: What is a PhD in Organizational Psychology? | Online PhD in Organizational Psychology – What to expect | Online PhD in Organizational Psychology Coursework | Doctorate in Industrial-Organizational Psychology Jobs | Salaries for Industrial-Organizational Psychology Graduates | Licensure and Certification: APA Accredited Industrial Organizational Psychology Programs | Top 6 Online PhD in Organizational Psychology Programs | FAQs: Online PhD in Organizational Psychology | Next Steps
What is a PhD in Organizational Psychology?
Organizational psychology is a field of study that analyzes human/employee behavior within the workplace. It emphasizes the evaluation of the employee, group, and organizational behavior and the principles supported by evidence to improve the effectiveness and well-being of an entire organization and its personnel. Also, it considers vital questions like:
- What promotes employee satisfaction and engagement?
- How do members of a team communicate and work together?
- What are the most effective methods for hiring and keeping employees?
In brief, proffering solutions to these and other questions enables them to advise managers on strategies and systems needed to enhance operations.
Online PhD in Organizational Psychology – What to expect
This degree will benefit you if you desire to make the employee environment the best possible. To advance your mastery in this specialty, consider pursuing your dual master’s and PhD in psychology. This process can be a smooth transition if you have first-hand knowledge of what organizational psychology PhD programs require. Are you excited already? Delve deeper to know the likely educational requirements, coursework, and the cost of these prestigious programs.
How long does it take to earn a doctorate in industrial-organizational psychology online?
To graduate from an online doctoral program in industrial-organizational psychology, students typically need to earn between 60 to 69 credits depending on the institution. Generally, it takes three years minimum and a maximum of eight years for full-time students (i.e., those starting from their undergraduate degree).
Note: For candidates who have previously earned their master’s in this field, obtaining a doctorate in industrial-organizational psychology will typically take three years.
How much does an online doctorate in industrial-organizational psychology cost?
Several parameters affect how much a doctoral program in industrial-organizational psychology online costs. The physical location of the college you choose for your online PhD in organizational psychology is crucial. Many schools and institutions charge more for out-of-state applicants, even for fully online programs.
Most online doctorates in organizational psychology programs cost between $600 and $850 per credit. The overall tuition cost for graduates ranges between $38,000 and $65,000.
Typical online doctorate in industrial-organizational psychology admissions requirements:
- A master’s degree in industrial-organizational psychology from a regionally accredited institution
- Submission of previous college transcripts
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 in respective master’s degree
Note: Most online doctorates in organizational psychology still offer admissions to candidates with degrees in related fields.
Choosing an accredited online industrial-organizational psychology degree program
Different APA-accredited industrial organizational psychology programs at master’s and bachelor’s levels are obtainable from public and private colleges within the United States. While some programs include in-person practicum requirements, many online universities will allow you to fulfill these commitments remotely.
With the demands of critical and psychological reasoning, students would have more flexibility by going through the online learning path. For candidates wanting to earn their doctorate from a specific institution, it’s imperative to opt for colleges that offer combined master’s and doctoral programs online at a competitive rate.
Online PhD in Organizational Psychology Coursework
Online Coursework
The curriculum in most online organizational psychology PhD programs includes employee psychology, leadership theories, research methods, and effective human resources management. Courses in these doctoral programs in industrial-organizational psychology also educate students on strategies to enhance morale and productivity in the workplace via applying psychological principles and theory.
In the online PhD organizational psychology coursework, strong emphasis is placed on inclusion, diversity, and equality issues. Learners will study workplace relational attachment, advanced digital connectivity concepts, and agile working practices.
Research project
To earn a doctorate in an online PhD psychology APA-accredited program, candidates must complete a dissertation based on research. Before the final project, learners enroll in classes from which they choose a topic, evaluate and carry out research, create a proposal, and prepare their thesis.
Doctorate in Industrial-Organizational Psychology Jobs
Professionals with doctorate degrees in organizational psychology work in various advanced settings in organizations or enterprises such as businesses, government, and education. The following list describes some of the available job positions for graduates in this field:
Organizational Analyst
Organizational analysts help enterprises by enhancing areas of production, administration, and customer acquisition. They help companies pinpoint existing issues and offer solutions to resolve them. They also create strategies to achieve customer satisfaction.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for this field was $93,000 in May 2021. The job growth may increase by 14% over the next ten years.
Social Science Researcher
Social science researchers direct, manage, and create research initiatives that examine, identify, and analyze social problems linked to elements of human behavior. They use quantitative and qualitative research skills to test hypotheses, interpret, analyze, and gather data. The findings can enlighten companies on the techniques to deploy when managing human relationships in social situations.
According to BLS, a social scientist/researcher can make an average of $90,900 annually. The employment rate is expected to rise 8% from 2020 to 2030.
Human Resources Generalist
The Human Resource Generalist is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the Human Resources (HR) division, including interviewing and recruiting new hires, processing payroll, handling leave and benefits requests, and enforcing business regulations and procedures. They help in timely and constructive performance appraisal of personnel.
HR in this field earns a median yearly wage of $62,290 as of May 2021, according to BLS. The demand for professionals in this position will increase by 10% in the next ten years.
Note: An organizational psychology PhD from a reputable institution will land you this lucrative position.
Executive/Leadership Coach
In a multinational organization, an executive coach analyzes their client’s shortcomings, strengths, and relationships before creating a unique service plan to match their needs. Their function also entails identifying goals and creating a plan to reach them. Executive coaches help improve a leader’s crucial management qualities, output, and teamwork abilities.
BLS estimates that job growth for leadership coaches (development and training managers) will increase by 11% from 2020 to 2030. Experts in this field make an average of $120,130 yearly.
Organizational Development Director
The organizational development director coordinates the implementation of workplace procedures, policies, and programs. Additionally, they endorse process improvement activities and make suggestions for continuously improving initiatives.
Based on PayScale data, professionals in this field earn a median salary of $118,261 annually.
Salaries for Industrial-Organizational Psychology Graduates
According to BLS, yearly wages for industrial-organizational psychology graduates averaged $105,310 as of May 2021.
Licensure and Certification: APA Accredited Industrial Organizational Psychology Programs
Industrial-organizational psychologists interested in working for themselves must obtain a valid state license after meeting the criteria set aside by the jurisdiction in which they operate. Generally, state licensing requirements for organizational psychologists involve:
- Completion of a doctoral program that integrates internship and practicum experiences from an accredited institution
- Excelling in the Professional Practice in Psychology examination
- Completion of at least one year of fully supervised postdoctoral academic training
Graduates of this program can earn a board certification via the American Board of Organizational and Business Consulting Psychology (ABOBCP). The government body certifies graduates who implement their robust knowledge and understanding of psychology in different organizational environments, emphasizing corporate business settings.
Note: Candidates should enroll in organizational psychology PhD programs accredited by the American Psychology Association.
Top 5 Online PhD in Organizational Psychology Programs
Touro University
Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
Degree Offered: Doctor of Psychology in Organizational and Human Psychology
Duration: 3 years
Touro University provides an online PsyD in Organizational and Human Psychology program that equips candidates with the necessary knowledge and skills to address employee behavior and boost productivity. Graduates will have an in-depth understanding of fostering collaboration among employees in an organization. The PhD program at Touro supports the advancement of profound knowledge and the use of psychology in the corporate world.
The doctoral program seeks to:
- Give learners the tools and training necessary to develop solutions based on solid facts in their study area.
- Provide faculty research guidance to help students develop the professional research competencies required to convert theory into workable solutions that successfully transform individuals or entire organizations.
The PsyD Program at Touro has the following distinct features:
- Students can pursue their education while maintaining hectic schedules, family lives, and jobs. The program applies a distinctive methodology via an online course delivery mode.
- Candidates have the opportunity to complete their doctorates when it’s most convenient, thanks to a flexible curriculum course structure that includes research options and group course assignments.
Coursework areas in this program include:
- Applied organizational and industrial psychology
- Methods of quantitative research
- Methods of qualitative research
- Practical social psychology
For most past attendees, this institution’s online organizational psychology PhD offers a good value for money.
Aspen University
Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission(DEAC)
Degree Offered: Doctor of Education in Learning and Leadership – Organizational Psychology
Duration: 4 years
Aspen University provides an online Ed.D in Learning and Leadership – Organizational Psychology. The curriculum teaches students how to use psychological theories and research techniques to overcome issues with productivity, staff morale, and management practices. Learners will also gain the necessary knowledge to enhance workability within an organization or business.
Graduates will learn proven strategies to tackle challenges related to administrative collaboration. Learners will develop leadership skills through practical, real-world applications. These abilities will help them manage teams and individuals in multicultural environments while upholding high ethical standards in a workplace environment.
At Aspen, doctoral students will discover how a thorough comprehension of the ethical and professional standards in the industry enhances practical conduct. Students also learn practices that build and sustain effective employee operations to improve productivity.
The coursework in this program includes:
- Motivation and research design
- Methodology and research design
- Project technique management
- Practical and cognitive principles in psychology
- Professional standards and ethics in psychology
Liberty University
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges(SACSCOC)
Degree offered: PhD in Psychology – Organizational and Industrial Psychology
Duration: 3years
Liberty University offers an online PhD in Organizational and Industrial Psychology. The doctoral program provides students with vital skills and knowledge needed for individual, group, and organizational behavior. They will learn how to create solutions to problems and strengthen the productive strategies required in a workplace environment. The PhD program provides students with the necessary abilities and information to develop solutions to address issues and enhance concepts and ideas in the workplace.
Candidates will gain a practical understanding of how the human mind can influence and resolve issues in an organization or business. Students will practice research skills and critical thinking to increase productivity and cooperation in a corporate environment.
The coursework areas include:
- Development and organizational behavior
- Biblical worldview and psychological research
- Teaching psychology
- Research and theories in corporate and industrial psychology
Note: Liberty University only offers online PhD psychology APA-accredited programs.
Grand Canyon University
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Degree offered: PhD in Psychology – Industrial and Organizational Psychology
Grand Canyon University offers an online PhD in psychology with a concentration in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. In this program, candidates will conduct dissertations using the qualitative research technique. The research approach concentrates on how and why individuals believe, act, and think in a particular way. Through quantitative research methodology, learners will have vast insights on how to evaluate occurrences by interpreting numerical data. For students working toward a qualitative Ph.D., they will gather data, develop a sampling plan, and analyze it systematically.
Learners will assess the collection of prior research and consider the design and application used to develop those concepts. They will also conduct independent studies to discover more about thought processes in the modern workplace environment, such as learning, intelligence, reasoning, and motivation.
Graduates will take coursework in:
- System and history of psychology
- Psychodynamic theory and psychoanalysis
- Existential, transpersonal, and humanistic psychology
- Psychology of coaching and consulting
- Principles of organizational and industrial psychology
- Principles of human resources management and personnel
Note: Grand Canyon University offers dual master’s and PhD programs in psychology.
Walden University
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Degree offered: PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psychology
Duration: 3 years
Walden University offers an online PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psychology to eligible students globally. The curriculum provides students with unique skills and the necessary knowledge to explore the complex connections between human behavior and organizational achievement in any sector.
From the knowledge gained, graduates can implement best practices, evaluate organizational needs, build more synergistic environments, and enhance employee performance.
Coursework areas in this course cut across the following:
- Graduate study of foundations in psychology
- Change, measurement, and leadership
- Standard and ethics of organizational and industrial psychology
- Leadership development
At Walden, the PhD organizational psychology admission criteria appeal to most students.
FAQs: Online PhD in Organizational Psychology
What can I do with a PhD in organizational psychology?
Organizational psychologists with a doctorate can work independently or gain employment in multinational corporations to serve as market researchers, leadership trainers, corporate consultants, etc.
Is a PhD in industrial/organizational psychology worth it?
Without a doubt, Yes.
A PhD in industrial organizational psychology enables you to work in various sectors and roles. With job growth of 8% over the next ten years, according to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, demands for professionals in this field are not ending soon. A career path here will not be regrettable.
How long is a PhD in organizational psychology?
For candidates who have obtained a master’s, it takes three years to complete a Ph.D. in this field. Those starting from the undergraduate level can expect to spend seven to eight years earning a doctorate in this field.
Can you get a PhD in organizational psychology?
Yes, you can.
How do I choose an online PhD in organizational psychology program?
This guide should help answer your question. However, to choose wisely, only opt for accredited or recognized institutions by American Psychological Association or Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology.
What is my earning potential with an online PhD in organizational psychology?
You can expect to earn between $81,000 to $105,300 per annum, based on your years of working experience and proven expertise.
What is the job outlook for individuals with an online PhD in organizational psychology?
According to BLS, there will be about 13,400 job openings every year, on average, in the next ten years.
How do I get into an online PhD organizational psychology program?
Obtain your master’s degree in industrial-organizational psychology or a related field. Submit the required academic transcript from your previous college to any accredited institution of your choice.
Go through the lists of programs in this article for you to have a comprehensive overview.
What is the difference between organizational psychology PhD and organizational psychology PhD online?
There is no difference. The organizational psychology Ph.D. online enables students to know the course delivery path.
Next Steps
By taking into account all the essential steps in this online PhD in Organizational psychology guide, candidates can make an informed decision when fully ready to enroll in any of the abovementioned programs.
GetEducated.com encourages you to hone your skill set and maximize your valuable time. Going further, feel free to explore related degree programs in this field from our up-to-date educational resources.