RFI

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.

The study of psychology is widely popular because it supports a wide range of career paths, such as improving the workplace. As an industrial and organizational psychology major, you’ll learn how to use psychology to improve individual and organizational performance across various industries. This subfield is particularly beneficial among those with managerial or operational experience within businesses and organizations.

In this program, you’ll study characteristics of human behavior in the workplace and deepen your understanding of diverse experiences through cultural, sociohistorical and transnational viewpoints. Although this program does not lead to licensure in clinical psychology, you’ll be well prepared to pursue careers or additional education in the realm of organizational psychology.

The skills you’ll develop as an I-O psychology major

This concentration program will strengthen your abilities to understand and contextualize individuals’ thoughts, feelings and behaviors in a workplace environment. In your courses, you’ll become proficient in fundamental organizational psychology strategies such as career development, attitude theory, job evaluation and performance management. Other transferable skills you’ll gain include:

• Critical thinking.
• Leadership.
• Personal ethics.
• Problem-solving.
• Teamwork.
• Research methodology.
• Written communication.

The differences between our BA or BS in I-O psychology concentrations

When deciding between the BA and BS concentration in I-O psychology, you should consider your personal interests and career goals. The BA program is practice-oriented and best suited for a career centered around people or services, such as human resources.

Whereas, the BS program is research-oriented and will provide you with more quantitative skills, such as statistics and data analysis. If you’re interested in earning a PhD in the future, the BS program may be a better fit. Additionally, the BS requires a higher level of math and an additional lab course compared to the BA.

In this program, you'll delve into the workings of animal and human biology, gaining a comprehensive understanding of how we function, think and behave. With courses emphasizing ecological, evolutionary and biomedical knowledge, you'll learn how to apply core scientific concepts. Graduates can use this understanding in an array of fields ranging from chemistry and human physiology to neurobiology and veterinary science.

Additionally, you’ll become equipped with a set of multidisciplinary skills, including:

• Analyzing social behavior
• Collecting data and other lab functions
• Completing technical reporting

Please note that this program’s organic chemistry lab course includes a seven-day, in-person component. These in-person science labs take place in the summer and provide you with valuable laboratory experience, building your technical skills and your ability to work in teams in a lab setting.

Who’s a good candidate for this program?

If you're fascinated by the intricacies of physiological function, including the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, nervous, immune or renal systems, and are eyeing a career in the biomedical field, this program may be a good fit for you. This program is also applicable to those interested in animal behavior, aiming for careers in wildlife management, zoos, animal conservation and training. If you're drawn to understanding animals in the context of ecological and evolutionary changes, such as their responses to climate change, or if you're considering a future in veterinary science, you're an ideal candidate for this program.

Additionally, this bachelor’s degree can be completed as part of an Accelerated Master’s program. When accepted, you can earn a master’s degree in as little as one year after completing your undergraduate degree. This opportunity saves you time and money while giving you advanced knowledge in your field. Applicable master's degrees include:

• Master of Science in biology
• Master of Science in computational life sciences

How this program compares to our neuroscience degree

As an NPB major, you’ll explore a broader and more integrated approach to the study of life sciences compared to ASU’s online Bachelor of Science in neuroscience degree. While neuroscience focuses intensively on the nervous system, particularly human neural functions and clinical implications, this program spans various physiological systems from cardiovascular to renal and emphasizes a comparative study across species.

This program also integrates ecological and evolutionary perspectives into organismal function, appealing to pre-health students, aspiring veterinarians and those interested in conservation biology and ecology. In contrast, our neuroscience degree concentrates on psychology and the clinical aspects of neural system function. This program, therefore, provides a more comprehensive exploration of biological sciences, ideal for those seeking a holistic understanding of life's mechanisms.

This social and behavioral sciences major empowers you to confront the complex challenges of contemporary society by examining human behavior and societal dynamics. You'll develop a holistic comprehension of the influences shaping individuals and communities, preparing you for impactful contributions.

This program also features a rich curriculum encompassing psychology, sociology, anthropology, political science, human communication and more. By merging theoretical foundations with hands-on applications, you'll graduate equipped to provide solutions to social issues, such as:

• Inequality.
• Homelessness.
• Women's rights.

The skills you’ll develop as a social and behavioral sciences major

In this program, you'll cultivate a versatile skill set for a wide range of career paths. Engaging in interactive lectures, case studies, research projects, group discussions and simulations, you'll develop proficiencies in:

• Collaboration and teamwork.
• Competent communication.
• Critical thinking.
• Empathy and cultural competence.
• Ethical decision-making.
• Leadership.
• Problem-solving.
• Research and data analysis.

By honing these skills, you'll be equipped to navigate multifaceted societal problems, communicate effectively with diverse audiences and drive positive change in your community and beyond.

In this social and behavioral sciences degree, you’ll explore the intricacies of human behavior and societal dynamics, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the factors shaping individuals and communities. You'll study subjects including psychology, sociology, anthropology, political science and human communication. Courses blend theoretical frameworks with practical applications, enabling you to analyze complex social issues, such as women's rights, homelessness, inequality and more, and develop innovative solutions.

The skills you’ll develop in this degree program

Throughout this program, you'll develop a diverse set of skills essential for a variety of career paths. Through interactive lectures, group discussions, case studies, research projects and simulations, you'll graduate with skills including:

• Competent communication.
• Critical thinking.
• Empathy.
• Ethical decision-making.
• Leadership.
• Problem-solving.
• Research and data analysis.

These skills are highly transferable and will support your career in various industries and graduate studies, ensuring your success in lifelong learning endeavors.

Marketing is a broad discipline that applies to nearly every industry and field of expertise. In this specialized program, you’ll gain foundational marketing knowledge alongside an applied focus on professional sales techniques. Your courses will emphasize building long-term customer relationships in a B2B sales environment to prepare you for real-world scenarios. Ideal candidates for this concentration are interested in pursuing roles in sales, business development, account management and related fields.

The skills you’ll develop as a professional sales major

In this professional sales program, you’ll have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience developing selling skills such as personal pitching, strategic questioning and active listening. You’ll also become proficient in analytical research, relationship management, consumer behavior, global applications and B2B marketing. Other transferable skills you’ll gain include:

• Communication.
• Critical thinking.
• Leadership.
• Personal ethics.
• Problem-solving.
• Teamwork.