How To Become an Industrial-Organizational Psychologist

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How Long Does It Take, What Degree Do You Need, and More

I/O Psychologists

I/O Psychologists apply principles of psychology to human resources, administration, management, sales, and marketing problems. Activities may include policy planning; employee testing and selection, training, and development; and organizational development and analysis. May work with management to organize the work setting to improve worker productivity.

Salary
$112690
Becoming One
Very Hard
Education
Doctoral degree
Job Satisfaction
Job Growth

Personality
Interest Match



What degree do you need

Recommended degree level

PhD

We did a survey to ask other Industrial-Organizational Psychologists what degree they had when they became an Industrial-Organizational Psychologist. Here are the results.
PhD
47.68%


Master’s Degree
46.92%


Post-Doctoral Training
5.39%


One of the most common questions that we always get is what major or degree do I need to become I/O Psychologists or what courses do I need to take.

We also asked I/O Psychologists what did they major in college or university and here are the top 5 most popular majors that came up.

Psychology
Industrial and Organizational Psychology

The entry-level degree for employment as an industrial-organizational (I-O) psychologist is a master’s degree in psychology, often with a specialization in industrial and organizational psychology. A typical master’s program takes two years of full-time study. Although a master’s degree is the standard for most I-O psychologists, some go on to complete a doctorate in psychology, with specialization in industrial-organizational psychology. This path is typically taken by those who wish to do research and provide consulting services to a range of organizations. States typically require a doctorate for I-O psychologists who practice in a clinical setting.



How hard is it

Difficulty
Very Hard

You will need an extensive amount of skill, knowledge and experience to be an Industrial-Organizational Psychologist. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, a surgeon must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.

Careers in this difficulty category may need some on-the-job-training, but most of these careers assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, and work-related experience and training. These careers usually involve coordinating, training, supervising, or managing the activities of others to accomplish goals. Very advanced communication and organizational skills are required. Similar careers include pharmacists, lawyers, astronomers, biologists, neurologists, and veterinarians.


Related work experience required
4 to 6 years

4 to 6 years
33.54%


Over 10 years
28.4%


6 months to 1 year
10.79%


Job training
1 to 2 years

1 to 2 years
28.29%


6 months to 1 year
15.02%


None
14.14%



License and certifications

Do you need any license or certification
Requirements vary by job tasks

In all states and the District of Columbia, Industrial-Organizational Psychologists who practice independently must be licensed. Licensing laws vary by state and type of position.


Skills required

We asked other I/O Psychologists if they could only have 5 skills, what would they be. Here is what they said.

1. Reading Comprehension what does this mean
2. Active Listening what does this mean
3. Speaking what does this mean
4. Complex Problem Solving what does this mean
5. Judgement and Decision Making what does this mean

= Hot in-demand that most employers are looking for


Knowledge required

Just like any other job, you will need certain know-hows to excel at your job. I/O Psychologists are generally very knowledgeable in these 5 key areas.

1. Psychology what does this mean
2. Personnel and Human Resources what does this mean
3. English Language what does this mean
4. Administration and Management what does this mean
5. Education and Training what does this mean


Learn more about I/O Psychologists

Summary
Job Description
Salary
Requirements (You are here)
Quiz

Related to Industrial-Organizational Psychologists Requirements

Industrial-Organizational Psychologists requirements, how to become I/O Psychologists, degree required to be an Industrial-Organizational Psychologist, Industrial-Organizational Psychologists license and certifications, majors to be an Industrial-Organizational Psychologist, is it hard to become an Industrial-Organizational Psychologist and how long does it take


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