Industrial-Organizational Psychology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Industrial-Organizational Psychology is a specialized field dedicated to understanding and enhancing human behavior within workplace environments through scientific research and practical application. This discipline bridges psychology and business by analyzing how individuals and teams function in organizational contexts, with the goal of improving productivity, employee well-being, and overall system performance.
- Group Behavior Theory: Explores how individuals interact within teams, examining dynamics such as communication patterns, leadership roles, and conflict resolution strategies in collaborative settings.
- Organizational Theory: Investigates the structure, culture, and processes that shape how organizations operate, including models of decision-making, change management, and system efficiency.
- Reward and Punishment Structures: Analyzes the psychological impact of incentive systems, disciplinary practices, and performance-based feedback on motivation and compliance.
- Human-Machine and Human-Computer Interactions: Focuses on optimizing interfaces and workflows to improve usability, reduce errors, and enhance user experience in technology-driven work environments.
- Motivation Dynamics: Studies the internal and external factors that drive employee engagement, effort, and persistence in achieving professional goals.
- Human Stress Studies: Examines sources and effects of occupational stress, including burnout, work-life balance, and mental health, with strategies for intervention and prevention.
- Environmental and Organizational Influences on Behavior: Evaluates how physical spaces, workplace policies, and cultural norms affect individual performance and psychological state.
- Alienation and Job Satisfaction: Explores the psychological experience of disconnection from work and the factors that contribute to meaningful engagement and fulfillment in professional roles.
- Job Testing and Assessment: Involves the development and application of valid, reliable tools to evaluate candidate qualifications, predict job performance, and support fair hiring and promotion decisions.
Industrial-Organizational Psychology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Industrial-Organizational Psychology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Industrial-Organizational Psychology degrees, including Human Resources Managers, Managers, All Other and Training and Development Managers. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 3,182,090 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Human Resources Managers 11-3121 | $140,030 | $83,790 - $239,200 | 215,520 | $67.32 |
| Managers, All Other 11-9199 | $136,550 | $68,860 - $227,590 | 630,980 | $65.65 |
| Training and Development Managers 11-3131 | $127,090 | $75,810 - $219,990 | 44,960 | $61.10 |
| Industrial-Organizational Psychologists 19-3032 | $109,840 | $51,880 - $224,590 | 1,050 | $52.81 |
| Management Analysts 13-1111 | $101,190 | $59,720 - $174,140 | 893,900 | $48.65 |
| Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1066 | $80,330 | $47,870 - $158,900 | 41,610 | N/A |
| Human Resources Specialists 13-1071 | $72,910 | $45,440 - $126,540 | 917,460 | $35.05 |
| Training and Development Specialists 13-1151 | $65,850 | $37,510 - $120,190 | 436,610 | $31.66 |
Salary Comparison
Industrial-Organizational Psychology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $73,130 in Arkansas to $124,851 in California—a 71% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Massachusetts, and District of Columbia. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 3,182,090 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Industrial-Organizational Psychology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 100 institutions offering Industrial-Organizational Psychology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Industrial-Organizational Psychology is found at University of Phoenix (UOPX), Arizona (439 graduates), Capella University (173 graduates), Walden University (122 graduates), The Chicago School (TCSPP), Los Angeles (87 graduates), and CUNY Bernard M Baruch College (84 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 2,834 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Admissions | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Phoenix (UOPX) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
439 | N/A | Phoenix, Arizona | Private | phoenix.edu |
| Capella University |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
173 | N/A | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Private | capella.edu |
| Walden University |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
122 | N/A | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Private | waldenu.edu |
| The Chicago School (TCSPP) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
Doctorate (P)
|
87 | N/A | Los Angeles, California | Private | thechicagoschool.edu |
| CUNY Bernard M Baruch College |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
84 | SAT: 1210-1410 | New York, New York | Public | baruch.cuny.edu |
| Teachers College at Columbia University (TC) |
Master's
|
83 | N/A | New York, New York | Private | tc.columbia.edu |
| Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) |
Master's
|
78 | N/A | Madison, New Jersey | Private | fdu.edu |
| George Mason University |
Master's
|
75 |
SAT: 1140-1340 ACT: 25-30 |
Fairfax, Virginia | Public | www2.gmu.edu |
| Adler University |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
73 | N/A | Chicago, Illinois | Private | adler.edu |
| University of Hartford (UHart) |
Master's
|
65 |
SAT: 1100-1280 ACT: 25-32 |
West Hartford, Connecticut | Private | hartford.edu |
| Bellevue University |
Master's
|
60 | N/A | Bellevue, Nebraska | Private | bellevue.edu |
| Franklin University |
Master's
|
60 | N/A | Columbus, Ohio | Private | franklin.edu |
| William James College (MSPP) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (P)
|
57 | N/A | Newton, Massachusetts | Private | williamjames.edu |
| Albizu University |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
45 | N/A | San Juan, Puerto Rico | Private | albizu.edu |
| University of Puerto Rico (UPRA) |
Bachelor's
|
45 | N/A | Arecibo, Puerto Rico | Public | upra.edu |
| Keiser University |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
42 | N/A | Fort Lauderdale, Florida | Private | keiseruniversity.edu |
| The Chicago School |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
41 | N/A | Chicago, Illinois | Private | thechicagoschool.edu |
| Touro University Worldwide (TUW) |
Master's
|
40 | N/A | Los Alamitos, California | Private | tuw.edu |
| Northcentral University (NCU) |
Master's
|
37 | N/A | San Diego, California | Private | nu.edu |
| Seattle Pacific University (SPU) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
32 |
SAT: 1050-1320 ACT: 20-28 |
Seattle, Washington | Private | spu.edu |
| Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) |
Bachelor's
|
30 |
SAT: 1000-1230 ACT: 19-26 |
Murfreesboro, Tennessee | Public | mtsu.edu |
| NUC University (NUC) |
Master's
|
30 | N/A | Bayamon, Puerto Rico | Private | nuc.edu |
| Auburn University (AU) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
29 |
SAT: 1240-1380 ACT: 25-31 |
Auburn, Alabama | Public | auburn.edu |
| Golden Gate University (GGU) |
Master's
|
29 | N/A | San Francisco, California | Private | ggu.edu |
| Northwestern University |
Master's
|
29 |
SAT: 1490-1560 ACT: 33-35 |
Evanston, Illinois | Private | northwestern.edu |
| DePaul University |
Master's
|
28 |
SAT: 1130-1340 ACT: 26-31 |
Chicago, Illinois | Private | depaul.edu |
| United States Military Academy (USMA) |
Bachelor's
|
27 |
SAT: 1200-1430 ACT: 28-33 |
West Point, New York | Public | westpoint.edu |
| Texas A & M University |
Postbac Cert.
Doctorate (R)
|
26 |
SAT: 1140-1380 ACT: 25-31 |
College Station, Texas | Public | tamu.edu |
| Elmhurst University |
Master's
|
25 |
SAT: 960-1210 ACT: 23-28 |
Elmhurst, Illinois | Private | elmhurst.edu |
| California Baptist University (CBU) |
Master's
|
24 | N/A | Riverside, California | Private | calbaptist.edu |
| Touro University |
Master's
|
24 |
SAT: 1275-1440 ACT: 28-33 |
New York, New York | Private | touro.edu |
| Hofstra University |
Master's
|
23 |
SAT: 1210-1380 ACT: 27-31 |
Hempstead, New York | Private | hofstra.edu |
| University of New Haven (UNH) |
Master's
|
22 | SAT: 1090-1260 | West Haven, Connecticut | Private | newhaven.edu |
| University of Georgia (UGA) |
Master's
|
22 |
SAT: 1160-1390 ACT: 25-32 |
Athens, Georgia | Public | uga.edu |
| Roosevelt University |
Master's
|
22 |
SAT: 820-1090 ACT: 21-29 |
Chicago, Illinois | Private | roosevelt.edu |
| Vanguard University of Southern California |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
21 | N/A | Costa Mesa, California | Private | vanguard.edu |
| Missouri State University |
Master's
|
20 |
SAT: 990-1220 ACT: 19-25 |
Springfield, Missouri | Public | missouristate.edu |
| Montclair State University |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
20 | SAT: 940-1225 | Montclair, New Jersey | Public | montclair.edu |
| CUNY Brooklyn College |
Master's
|
19 | SAT: 1140-1420 | Brooklyn, New York | Public | brooklyn.cuny.edu |
| Saint Peter's University (SPU) |
Master's
|
18 | N/A | Jersey City, New Jersey | Private | saintpeters.edu |
| The University of Tennessee (UTC) |
Master's
|
18 |
SAT: 1005-1185 ACT: 20-25 |
Chattanooga, Tennessee | Public | utc.edu |
| Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
17 |
SAT: 1130-1320 ACT: 23-28 |
Melbourne, Florida | Private | fit.edu |
| Northern Kentucky University (NKU) |
Master's
|
17 |
SAT: 916-1133 ACT: 19-25 |
Highland Heights, Kentucky | Public | nku.edu |
| University of Central Florida (UCF) |
Master's
|
16 |
SAT: 1190-1350 ACT: 25-29 |
Orlando, Florida | Public | ucf.edu |
| Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) |
Master's
|
16 |
SAT: 930-1190 ACT: 17-24 |
Richmond, Kentucky | Public | eku.edu |
| Central Michigan University (CMU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
16 |
SAT: 960-1210 ACT: 21-27 |
Mount Pleasant, Michigan | Public | cmich.edu |
| Meredith College |
Master's
|
16 |
SAT: 1110-1260 ACT: 23-30 |
Raleigh, North Carolina | Private | meredith.edu |
| Colorado State University (CSU) |
Master's
|
15 | N/A | Fort Collins, Colorado | Public | colostate.edu |
| University of Houston (UHCL) |
Master's
|
15 |
SAT: 990-1170 ACT: 18-23 |
Houston, Texas | Public | uhcl.edu |
| Albright College |
Bachelor's
|
14 | N/A | Reading, Pennsylvania | Private | albright.edu |
| The University of Texas |
Master's
|
14 |
SAT: 990-1230 ACT: 18-26 |
Arlington, Texas | Public | uta.edu |
| Johnson & Wales University (JWU) |
Master's
|
14 | N/A | Providence, Rhode Island | Private | online.jwu.edu |
| Wright State University |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
13 |
SAT: 913-1230 ACT: 17-25 |
Dayton, Ohio | Public | wright.edu |
| The Chicago School |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
13 | N/A | Washington, District of Columbia | Private | thechicagoschool.edu |
| Florida Southern College (FSC) |
Master's
|
12 |
SAT: 1170-1310 ACT: 25-30 |
Lakeland, Florida | Private | flsouthern.edu |
| Salem State University (SSU) |
Master's
|
12 | SAT: 990-1160 | Salem, Massachusetts | Public | salemstate.edu |
| University of Detroit Mercy (UDM) |
Master's
|
12 |
SAT: 1020-1260 ACT: 22-28 |
Detroit, Michigan | Private | udmercy.edu |
| Rowan University |
Other Award
|
12 |
SAT: 1100-1310 ACT: 26-30 |
Glassboro, New Jersey | Public | rowan.edu |
| Appalachian State University (App State) |
Master's
|
12 |
SAT: 1100-1280 ACT: 21-27 |
Boone, North Carolina | Public | appstate.edu |
| University of Akron |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
12 |
SAT: 950-1190 ACT: 18-25 |
Akron, Ohio | Public | uakron.edu |
| West Chester University of Pennsylvania (WCU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
12 |
SAT: 1100-1270 ACT: 24-28 |
West Chester, Pennsylvania | Public | wcupa.edu |
| Austin Peay State University (APSU) |
Master's
|
12 |
SAT: 943-1165 ACT: 18-23 |
Clarksville, Tennessee | Public | apsu.edu |
| Indiana University (IUB) |
Bachelor's
|
11 |
SAT: 1170-1400 ACT: 27-32 |
Bloomington, Indiana | Public | indiana.edu |
| Wayne State University (WSU) |
Master's
|
11 |
SAT: 1040-1260 ACT: 21-28 |
Detroit, Michigan | Public | wayne.edu |
| Minnesota State University |
Master's
|
11 | ACT: 22-25 | Mankato, Minnesota | Public | mnsu.edu |
| Avila University |
Master's
|
11 |
SAT: 800-1000 ACT: 15-21 |
Kansas City, Missouri | Private | avila.edu |
| Louisiana Tech University (LA Tech) |
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
10 |
SAT: 1045-1290 ACT: 21-27 |
Ruston, Louisiana | Public | latech.edu |
| Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) |
Master's
|
10 |
SAT: 1150-1378 ACT: 25-31 |
Rolla, Missouri | Public | mst.edu |
| University at Albany (UAlbany) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
10 | N/A | Albany, New York | Public | albany.edu |
| Xavier University (XU) |
Master's
|
10 |
SAT: 1060-1298 ACT: 22-29 |
Cincinnati, Ohio | Private | xavier.edu |
| University of Tulsa (TU) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
10 |
SAT: 1150-1490 ACT: 24-33 |
Tulsa, Oklahoma | Private | utulsa.edu |
| Southern Methodist University (SMU) |
Master's
|
10 |
SAT: 1320-1480 ACT: 30-34 |
Dallas, Texas | Private | smu.edu |
| Purdue University Global |
Postbac Cert.
|
10 | N/A | West Lafayette, Indiana | Public | purdueglobal.edu |
| Springfield College |
Master's
|
9 | SAT: 1070-1260 | Springfield, Massachusetts | Private | springfield.edu |
| Baker College |
Master's
|
9 | SAT: 960-1170 | Owosso, Michigan | Private | baker.edu |
| Park University |
Master's
Other Award
|
9 | N/A | Parkville, Missouri | Private | park.edu |
| Fairfield University |
Master's
|
8 |
SAT: 1240-1380 ACT: 29-32 |
Fairfield, Connecticut | Private | fairfield.edu |
| Sacred Heart University (SHU) |
Master's
|
8 | N/A | Fairfield, Connecticut | Private | sacredheart.edu |
| Albizu University |
Master's
|
8 | N/A | Miami, Florida | Private | albizu.edu |
| National Louis University (NLU) |
Master's
|
8 | N/A | Chicago, Illinois | Private | nl.edu |
| Saint Cloud State University (SCSU) |
Master's
|
8 |
SAT: 970-1280 ACT: 18-25 |
Saint Cloud, Minnesota | Public | stcloudstate.edu |
| Clemson University |
Doctorate (R)
|
8 |
SAT: 1230-1390 ACT: 28-32 |
Clemson, South Carolina | Public | clemson.edu |
| Vanderbilt University (VU) |
Master's
|
8 |
SAT: 1510-1560 ACT: 34-35 |
Nashville, Tennessee | Private | vanderbilt.edu |
| The Chicago School |
Master's
|
8 | N/A | Richardson, Texas | Private | thechicagoschool.edu |
| Western Michigan University (WMU) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
7 |
SAT: 990-1220 ACT: 20-27 |
Kalamazoo, Michigan | Public | wmich.edu |
| Maryville University of Saint Louis |
Bachelor's
|
7 | N/A | Saint Louis, Missouri | Private | maryville.edu |
| Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico (PUCPR) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
7 | SAT: 1123-1336 | Ponce, Puerto Rico | Private | pucpr.edu |
| Concordia University (CUI) |
Bachelor's
|
6 | N/A | Irvine, California | Private | cui.edu |
| San Francisco State University (SFSU) |
Master's
|
6 | N/A | San Francisco, California | Public | sfsu.edu |
| Southwestern College (SC) |
Bachelor's
|
6 | N/A | Winfield, Kansas | Private | sckans.edu |
| Rider University |
Bachelor's
|
6 |
SAT: 1100-1310 ACT: 22-29 |
Lawrenceville, New Jersey | Private | rider.edu |
| Rice University |
Master's
|
6 |
SAT: 1500-1570 ACT: 34-36 |
Houston, Texas | Private | rice.edu |
| St. Mary's University |
Master's
|
6 |
SAT: 980-1150 ACT: 16-23 |
San Antonio, Texas | Private | stmarytx.edu |
| Universidad Central de Bayamon (UCB) |
Master's
|
6 | N/A | Bayamón, Puerto Rico | Private | ucb.edu.pr |
| Manchester University |
Bachelor's
|
5 | N/A | North Manchester, Indiana | Private | manchester.edu |
| Washington University in St Louis (WashU) |
Bachelor's
|
5 |
SAT: 1500-1570 ACT: 33-35 |
Saint Louis, Missouri | Private | wustl.edu |
| Angelo State University (ASU) |
Master's
|
5 |
SAT: 920-1140 ACT: 17-24 |
San Angelo, Texas | Public | angelo.edu |
| Marian University |
Master's
|
5 | N/A | Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin | Private | marianuniversity.edu |
| University of Puerto Rico (UPR) |
Master's
|
5 | N/A | San Juan, Puerto Rico | Public | uprrp.edu |
| The Chicago School |
Master's
|
5 | N/A | San Diego, California | Private | thechicagoschool.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Industrial-Organizational Psychology programs
How much can I earn with a Industrial-Organizational Psychology degree?
Salaries for Industrial-Organizational Psychology graduates vary by role and location. Human Resources Managers earn a median of $140,030 annually, while Managers, All Other earn around $136,550. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $124,851 compared to $73,130 in Arkansas. Approximately 3,182,090 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Industrial-Organizational Psychology programs?
Currently 126 accredited institutions offer Industrial-Organizational Psychology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Phoenix (UOPX), Arizona (439 graduates), Capella University (173 graduates), and Walden University (122 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Industrial-Organizational Psychology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 1,515 in 2010 to 2,898 in 2023-24. This represents a 91% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Industrial-Organizational Psychology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Human Resources Managers, Managers, All Other, and Training and Development Managers. Related occupations employ approximately 3,182,090 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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