The University of Maryland, Baltimore County’s graduate degree in Industrial/ Organisational Psychology has highlighted the need for companies to run smoothly, efficiently and effectively by developing professionals adept at monitoring and arresting potential issues concerning workplace behaviour.
The Master of Professional Studies in Industrial/Organisational Psychology degree explore and integrate important topics including organisational behavioural management, human factors, and professional human resources practice. The program also provides students with the opportunity to develop a professional portfolio while building strong relationships with faculty practitioners and industry professionals.
Among the typical activities of an I/O Psychology professional are creating and implementing training programs that help engage organisational growth; analysing organisational functioning and making recommendations for improvements by studying work environments, organisational structures, communication systems, group interactions, and employee morale;presenting research findings to various stakeholders; providing expert testimony in employment lawsuits and conducting surveys to test advertising efforts and analyse consumers’ reactions to new products and package designs.
Promising career and job prospects
The U.S. News & World Report ranked I/O psychologists #2 in its Best Science Jobs category. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the projected national change in employment from 2016-2026 is expected to increase by 15%. Burning Glass Technologies lists a variety of industries that need I/O Psychology professionals to help steer organisations onto fruitful paths that allow for growth and success. These include:
- Manufacturing
- Health Care and Social Assistance
- Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Educational Services
- Finance and Insurance
- Public Administration
- Information
- Retail Trade
Among the companies that require I/O Psychology jobs are General Electric Company, Work for Progress, Booz Allen Hamilton, Deloitte, Ascension Health, Rosetta Stone, Turner Broadcasting, Raymond James Financial, KBR, Therapy Source, Pepsi Co Inc, Lockheed Martin Corporation, CVS Health, Disney, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Anthem Blue Cross, Habitat for Humanity and the U.S. Government.
The median salary of an Industrial/Organisational Psychology professional with a master’s degree is US$87,125 based on O*Net Online.
