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Industrial-Organizational (I-O) psychology is the scientific study of human behavior at work and the application of that science to workplace issues facing individuals, teams, and organizations.
I-O psychology is different from human resource management. I-O curriculum includes core in psychological theories and a strong statistical foundation, including psychometrics. Although I-O programs do prepare students for careers in human resources departments, the I-O curriculum is particularly focused on the science of human behavior at work, as it relates to personnel functions, individual characteristics, and interpersonal relationships in the workplace. While HR professionals are guided by compliance with regulations, workforce laws, policies, and procedures, I-O practitioners are guided by the internal motivators of employees as their goal is to help both organizations and employees thrive.
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- Create and implement valid selection, training, and performance management practices
- Promote evidence-based human resource management practices
- Design workplace research; collect and analyze work-related data
- Develop leaders, high-impact teams, and foster teamwork
- Increase motivation and enhance work-life balance
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- Make a difference: Use psychological science to improve the workplace
- It’s meaningful work: Enhance the workforce’s performance and quality of life
- High employment rate: The Labor Department projected that demand for I-O professionals will increase by 53% between 2014 and 2022
- Competitive salaries: Median annual salary for I-O master’s degree professionals was $88k according to 2019 SIOP Income Survey.
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US News and World Report ranked I-O Psychology as #3 in Best Science Jobs! Individuals with master’s degrees in I-O psychology are employed in consulting, private practice, government, and corporations.
- Assessment and Selection Specialist
- Employment Testing Professional
- Human Resources Manager
- Instructional Designer
- Leadership Coach
- Organizational Development Specialist
- Personnel Analyst
- Research Consultant
- Talent Management Specialist
- Training and Development Manager
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More information about I/O Psychology can be found on the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology and the American Psychological Association websites.
