Industrial and organizational (I-O) psychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on human behavior in the workplace. It applies psychological principles and research methods to solve problems in organizations to improve the well-being of employees. This area of expertise can also drive the success of an organization by creating a productive and supportive work environment where employees feel empowered. Key areas within I-O psychology range from recruitment and training to culture and leadership development.
The skills you’ll develop in this I-O degree program
This I-O concentration will strengthen your abilities to understand and contextualize individuals’ thoughts, feelings and behaviors in the workplace. In your courses, you’ll become proficient in scientific writing and quantitative analytical skills including assessment and intervention strategies. You’ll also develop more advanced statistical and research skills in the BS compared to the BA program concentration in I-O. Other transferable skills you’ll gain include:
- Critical thinking.
- Leadership.
- Personal ethics.
- Problem-solving.
- Teamwork.
- Research methodology.
- Written communication.
Is a BA or BS in I-O psychology best for you?
When considering whether to pursue ASU’s online BA or BS concentration in I-O psychology, it's essential to align your decision with your personal interests and career aspirations. The BA program is practice-oriented and ideal for people-centric or service-oriented careers, such as human resources. Verses the BS program, which is research-oriented and emphasizes quantitative training in statistics and data analysis. If you're interested in pursuing a PhD after graduation, the BS program may be a more suitable choice for your long-term goals.
Additionally, you’ll be able to take advantage of ASU’s Statistics and Methods (SAM) Lab online. This program can help you build a strong understanding of the quantitative and qualitative methods used in your research methods or statistics courses.
Explore methods of psychology used in workplace settings during Arizona State University’s Bachelor of Science in psychology with a concentration in industrial and organizational psychology. In this program, you’ll gain a foundational understanding of psychology with a specialized focus on organizational strategies such as conflict resolution, assessment and leadership. Upon completion, you'll be prepared to apply your knowledge broadly as psychology plays a role in workplaces across industries.
This I-O psychology program includes general psychology core courses in addition to specialized courses such as Psychology of Work, Industrial Psychology and Organizational Behavior. You’ll also have the option to take PSY 494: Professional Field Experience, a course that includes structured internships and other experiential learning opportunities.
Prepare for the full New College experience curated by world-renowned faculty who are some of the brightest, most innovative academic minds in the world. Areas of expertise include psychology, anthropology, geography, political science, cybersecurity, forensic science and more. Our faculty strives to create an environment that prepares students to take their place in the world using the skills they’ve learned to pursue careers that benefit their communities.
ASU is a global university recognized for its commitment to innovation, research and high-quality academic programs. Our university has been recognized with peer-reviewed honors from U.S. News & World Report.
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No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”