Productivity and worker morale are among the most critical factors in a company's success -- and the most elusive. Industrial-organizational psychologists apply their expertise to make people happier at work. In doing so, they make an important contribution not only to workers, but also to the organization as a whole. As businesses recognize the value of psychologists, demand for these specialists is growing; the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists industrial-organizational psychologists among the fastest-growing of all occupations.
A closer look at industrial-organizational psychologists
The industrial-organizational psychologist may boost employee morale and performance by counseling managers on their management style, changing employee work methods or improving the work setting. Some psychologists affect worker happiness by contributing to policy planning, employee screening and company hiring practices, worker training and assessment, feedback systems and other aspects of organizational development. Some industrial-organizational psychologists focus on fostering a particular quality in the workplace, such as innovative thinking or leadership skills.
Industrial-organizational psychologist salary and career outlook
Here's an idea of the salary and job growth figures industrial organizational psychologists might expect in the coming years:
| Career | Total Employment | Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial-Organizational Psychologists | 630 | $111,150 |
Industrial-organizational psychologist training online
A career in industrial-organizational psychology customarily begins with a graduate degree in the field, either at the master's or doctoral level. The Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology, a division of the American Psychological Association, maintains a list of industrial-organizational psychologist schools. Graduate training online should cover history of the field; the biological, learned and social bases of behavior; data collection and analysis; and core industrial-organizational topics.