Learn more about the similarities and differences between industrial-organizational psychology, human resources, and organizational development to figure out which career – and educational path – is right for you. Show If you’re interested in a job where you can help people and make a difference in the workplace, then pursuing a career in human resources might seem like a logical path – but it’s not the only option. Depending on your goal, pursuing your master’s degree in Industrial-Organizational (IO) Psychology may better position you to make the kind of impact you’ve always imagined. The Role of HR Human resources professionals have responsibilities like recruiting and interviewing candidates for job openings, putting together compensation and benefit packages, and providing organizational training. What you may not realize is that, in general, HR looks out for the best interests of an organization. That includes everything from protecting the company from legal issues by developing and enforcing policies and procedures to managing timekeeping and payroll to handling employee discipline and termination. If a career in HR is your goal, you can qualify for a job after earning a bachelor’s degree, but it’s probable that you’ll eventually need to get an MBA in order to advance your career . How I-O Psychologists Fit in the Workplace In contrast, the field of Industrial-Organizational Psychology focuses on employees and how to improve their lives and well-being. Essentially, an IO psychologist applies the principles of psychology to the workplace, using intensive data and research to figure out how help employees feel more satisfied, motivated, and engaged at work. That includes assessing, measuring, and evaluating human behavior using hard data – which helps to avoid bias – to solve problems related to recruiting, productivity, general employee health and wellness, and other workplace concerns. The field of Organizational Development places a similar emphasis on qualitative data, but instead of focusing on employees, it focuses more heavily on change management and using strategic interventions to drive organizational effectiveness. An organizational development specialist or organizational change management specialist often starts by using data and focus groups to diagnose organizational problems and then creates written or oral presentations to propose solutions and data-driven strategies. To become an IO psychologist or an organizational development specialist, you’ll need to build on a bachelor’s degree with a master’s in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. While human resources, industrial-organizational psychology, and organizational development are all related, they each serve distinctive functions. No matter which of these rewarding career paths you choose, you’re likely to be well-paid and enjoy a decent level of job security over the next 10 years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, human resources managers earn an average annual salary of $121,000, industrial-organizational psychologists can expect to make an average of $112,000 each year, and the average salary for an organizational development specialist is around $116,000 annually. All three industries are expected to grow by 5-7%, which is slightly faster than average, over the next 10 years. No matter which option you choose, Touro can prepare you to achieve your goals and make a positive impact in the workplace in the way you always dreamed. Fun factIndustrial psychology began to take shape during WWI. The U.S. army needed to test and place millions of recruits, so psychologists created a group administered intelligence test called the Army Alpha. Human resource specialistCompanies employ human resource specialists to screen and recruit new employees and to monitor their transition into new positions. They arrange training sessions, oversee employee relations, and are knowledgeable about all types of benefits and compensation payments. Typically, their work takes place within the companies they work for. This could be an office, health facility, or government agency. National Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming 10% $37,710 25% $48,190 Median $63,490 75% $83,940 90% $109,350 Projected growth (2018-2028) 5.3% Degree required Bachelor’s Management analystA management analyst assesses and makes recommendations on how organizations and companies can be more efficient. They guide company managers in finding approaches to increase profits, or design new protocols and procedures to improve the efficacy of the organization. Management analysts work in the finance industry and government departments. National Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming 10% $50,990 25% $66,080 Median $87,660 75% $116,710 90% $156,840 Projected growth (2018-2028) 13.5% Degree required Bachelor’s
Training and development specialistsThese specialists oversee employees and evaluate whether they have the skills to do the jobs for which they are employed. They assess current skill-sets and implement training and education programs to improve or develop new skills, as required. A training and development specialist works within large companies, administrative and support services, finance and insurance companies, and educational services. National Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming 10% $33,900 25% $45,870 Median $62,700 75% $83,510 90% $107,060 Projected growth (2018-2028) 9.4% Degree required Bachelor’s Fun factI-O psychologists are sometimes expert witnesses in pay discrimination cases—when an employee believes a colleague is getting more money for doing the same work. Human resource managerThis position involves the management of the human resources team in an organization. Tasks include strategic planning with other managers, recruiting, and hiring new staff. An HR manager is also responsible for mediating between executives and other members of staff, and therefore demands strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills. National Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming 10% $71,180 25% $91,730 Median $121,220 75% $162,720 90% $208,000 Projected growth (2018-2028) 7.1% Training and development managerIn companies and organizations, training and development managers are responsible for providing training to new and existing employees to improve their skills. They research, often through surveys, the training needs of staff and then plan and deliver that training accordingly. This career can appeal to professionals who enjoy working with people and can easily explain the data they have collected. National Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin South Dakota Wyoming 10% $66,270 25% $86,820 Median $115,640 75% $155,120 90% $200,210 Projected growth (2018-2028) 8.2% Fun factA 2020 SIOP salary survey revealed that the average annual salary for someone with a Ph.D. in I-O psychology was $125,000, and for a master’s level I-O psychologist it was $88,900.
Fun factThe American Psychological Association (APA) only recognized I-O psychology as a specialization in 1996. Additional resourcesWhat degree is best for industrialAspiring IO psychologists begin their educational pathway by earning a bachelor's in psychology. Graduates often begin working entry-level positions to gain experience. Simultaneously, students go on to earn a master's degree in IO psychology.
What is an IIndustrial and organizational psychologists focus on the behavior of employees in the workplace. They apply psychological principles and research methods to improve the overall work environment, including performance, communication, professional satisfaction and safety.
What are the 3 major fields of industrialThe field of I-O psychology can be divided into three broad areas (Figure 13.2 and Figure 13.3): industrial, organizational, and human factors.
Is IAn industrial organizational (I-O) psychology bachelor's degree provides an exciting pathway for professional and educational advancement. While an industrial organizational psychologist must hold a doctorate, a bachelor's degree is the foundational degree for pursuing this career as well as others in the field.
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