Degree programs in industrial-organizational psychology can be practitioner-oriented or scientist-oriented. A terminal master’s degree prepares students for applied work, while a scientific professional model at the doctoral level prepares students for research and academic work. The type of degree determines the career path. Students should consider their career goals before choosing a program. Doctoral programs focus on theory and research, preparing students for research projects and teaching positions.
Degree programs in industrial-organizational psychology are typically offered in two different orientations: practitioner-oriented and scientist-oriented. The professionally oriented type of degree is usually a terminal master’s degree that prepares students to work as an industrial organizational psychologist, while a scientific professional model at the level prepares students to continue studies at the doctoral level. At the doctoral level, students can almost always expect the rigors of the scientific professional model. In the field of industrial-organizational psychology, the difference in the type of degree qualification usually determines the type of career that the professional will have. Those who graduate from the terminal’s master’s usually work for a company that applies their qualifications to human resources and management issues, while those who continue a doctorate often end up working in academics or conducting research.
Students considering organizational organizational psychology programs after completing a bachelor’s degree first need to understand what type of career they want. Working as an industrial organizational organizational psychologist often means working closely with departments and human resource managers on key issues relating to organizational or employee performance. As such, a terminal degree at the master’s level is generally practitioner-oriented, and the student will focus their studies on the main theoretical areas of industrial organizational psychology as applied in an organizational setting. Research training is often included; however, training is rarely broad in scope at this level, often consisting of just one or two research courses. Graduates therefore qualify as applied organizational psychologists upon graduation and generally do not consider further study at the doctoral level.
Candidates who enter degree programs in organizational organizational psychology at the master’s level, which are not terminal in nature but offer students a good balance of research and applied theory, are generally prepared to continue studies at the doctoral level. While these students may also enter the workforce upon graduation, they are not prepared to take on research jobs, nor will they have all the theoretical knowledge generally required to take on some applied positions. However, while they are prepared to study at the doctoral level, some students may take up junior positions in the field and work towards an experienced psychologist or research assistant position. Most of the time, however, these students will go on to study for a doctorate in the field of study.
Graduate studies in industrial organizational psychology at the doctoral level are strongly grounded in theory and application of research, including methods and statistical analyses. Preparation for major research projects, both in organizations and in academic settings, is a key focus. Completing the doctoral requirements will also give candidates the necessary qualifications to teach within or lead degree programs in industrial-organizational psychology, which are generally limited to the graduate level as undergraduate study often focuses on general psychology.
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