How to Become an Industrial-Organizational Psychologist
Explore what it takes to become an industrial-organizational psychologist and what opportunities await.
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- I-O psychologists need a master’s degree, while a doctoral degree is often required for research or teaching positions.
- Most professionals enter the field after about six years of education, combining psychology fundamentals with specialized training in workplace behavior.
- The median annual salary for industrial-organizational psychologists is $147,420.
Industrial-organizational (I-O) psychologists examine how people behave in workplaces. They use behavioral science to help organizations solve problems related to production, people, and culture.
Discover the steps you need to take to enter the field and what education, experience, and credentials you may need.
Steps to Become an Industrial and Organizational Psychologist
The path to an industrial-organizational psychology career differs from most clinical and counseling psychologist roles. These professionals don’t usually need a doctorate or licensure to access the field, but they do need specialized skills in business and organizational behavior.
Here are the typical steps to become an I/O psychologist:
- 1
Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor’s in psychology typically features 120 credits and four years of study. General psychology degrees explore human behavior and cognition and provide fundamental skills in communication, research, and data analysis.
While not required, an industrial-organizational major can provide a more relevant foundation, covering industry regulations, staff selection and training, and workplace systems.
- 2
Earn a Master’s Degree
A master’s in industrial-organizational psychology delves into the advanced principles of the field, teaching you how organizations create the best culture and optimize employee performance. In these programs, you explore organizational management theory, talent development and optimization, and industry-specific training.
Master’s degrees in industrial-organizational psychology typically feature 30-45 credits and take two years to complete.
- 3
Gain Professional Experience
Relevant industry experience can prove useful for both licensed and unlicensed I/O psychologists. For example, state psychology licensure requires a set number of supervised experience hours. Employers hiring unlicensed I/O specialists often prefer candidates with relevant industry experience.
While many professionals gain their experience after graduation, practicums and internships allow you to complete a portion of it while you study.
- 4
Consider State Licensure
Psychology licensure is not typically required to work in industrial-organizational psychology.
Psychologist is a protected term that refers to doctoral-licensed clinicians. Only those who meet specific licensing requirements can call themselves psychologists. However, some states allow masters level licensed professionals to call themselves psychological associates.
The requirements for state licensure vary by state, but they usually include a psychology doctorate, at least 3,000 hours of supervised experience, and a passing score on the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).
Since most states only license clinical and counseling psychologists, however, many industrial-organizational psychology professionals bypass this step.
How Long Will Becoming an Industrial-Organizational Psychologist Take?
It takes about six years to become an industrial-organizational psychologist, including four years for your bachelor’s and two years for your master’s degree. If you pursue state licensure, it generally takes about 12 years, including approximately 10 years to complete your bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate, and another two years to meet supervised experience requirements.
| Job | Time to Become |
|---|---|
| Educational Psychologist | 8-10 years |
| Clinical Psychologist | 8-12 years |
| Experimental Psychologist | ~10 years |
| Neuropsychologist | 10-13 years |
How to Continue Your Education as an Industrial-Organizational Psychologist
Continuing your education as an I-O psychologist can open the door to many new opportunities, including state licensure and advanced roles and responsibilities.
How Much Does an Industrial and Organizational Psychologist Make?
Salaries for industrial-organizational psychologists depend on several factors, including location, experience, and credentials. Most positions only require a master’s degree, but professionals with doctoral degrees and state licensure may have access to higher-paying jobs.
$147,420
Median Annual I-O Psychologist Salary
$70.87
Median Hourly I-O Psychologist Salary
Source: BLS, May 2023
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming an Industrial-Organizational Psychologist
Industrial-organizational psychologists use psychological principles to improve workplace culture, policies, and outcomes. They may provide consultations, human resources support, and training and development.
