Postgraduate study in industrial organizational psychology at the doctoral level is strongly grounded in theory and the application of research.
Industrial organizational psychology degree programs are typically offered in two different orientations: practitioner-oriented and scientific practitioner-oriented. The practice-oriented type of degree is usually a terminal master’s degree that prepares students to work as an industrial organizational psychologist, while a scientific practice-level model prepares students for further study at the doctoral level. At the doctoral level of study, students can almost always expect the rigors of the scientific-practical model. In the field of organizational-industrial psychology, the difference in the type of degree usually determines the type of career that the professional will have. Those who graduate with a terminal master’s degree usually work for a company applying their qualifications in human resources and management issues, while those who go on to the doctorate level usually end up working in academia or doing research.
Students considering industrial organizational psychology degree programs after completing their bachelor’s degree should first understand what type of career they want. Working as an applied industrial-organizational psychologist often means working closely with human resource departments and managers on key issues related to employee or organizational performance. As such, a terminal degree at the master’s level is generally practice-oriented, with the student focusing their studies on the main theoretical areas of applied industrial organizational psychology in an organizational setting. Research training is often included; however, training is rarely broad in scope at this level, often consisting of only one or two research courses.
Candidates entering industrial-organizational psychology degree programs at the master’s level, which are not terminal in nature but offer students a good balance between research and applied theory, are generally prepared to continue their studies at the doctoral level. . While these students can also enter the job market after graduation, they are not prepared to take on research jobs, but they also will not have all the theoretical knowledge normally required to take on some applied positions. However, while they are prepared to study at the doctoral level, some students may take on junior positions in the field and work their way up to a senior psychologist or research assistant position. However, more often than not, these students will go on to pursue a Ph.D. in their field of study.
Postgraduate study in industrial organizational psychology at the doctoral level is heavily grounded in research theory and application, including statistical methods and analysis. The main focus is preparation for large research projects, both in organizations and in academic settings. Completing the doctoral requirements will also provide candidates with the necessary qualifications to teach or direct degree programs in industrial organizational psychology, which are typically limited to the graduate level, as undergraduate studies often focus on general psychology.