Industrial Organizational Psychology Master’s Programs Vs. Ph.D. Programs

You do not need a Ph.D. (or doctorate) in industrial organizational psychology to have a good career in this field. However, there are some benefits to obtaining a Ph.D. degree that you would not have if you enroll in industrial organizational psychology master’s programs. Some jobs require a Ph.D. in industrial organizational psychology, while many do not. There are also salary differences across positions that require or hire people with master’s degrees versus Ph.D. In this article, I compare and contrast the two degrees and explain what you can expect to achieve with each degree. 

There are three main types of academic degrees in industrial organizational psychology: bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and doctorate (typically a Doctor of Philosophy or Ph.D.). Most people who work directly in the field of industrial organizational psychology will obtain either a master’s or doctoral degree. This article focuses on these two degrees as current and prospective students often have trouble determining which to pursue. There are meaningful differences between the degrees, which I will outline in this article.

Master’s or Ph.D. – Which is a Better Fit for You?

When trying to decide between a master’s degree and a Ph.D. program, you should first consider which would be a better fit for your interests and motivations. To get a Ph.D., you will most likely complete a master’s degree along the way. The two-degree paths have different elements to them though. Depending on your interests and preferences, you may find one more appealing than the other.

Industrial Organizational Psychology Master’s Programs: Coursework

Master’s degree programs in industrial organizational psychology, particularly in the United States, typically involve coursework. Just as in an undergraduate degree program, you would have structured coursework, where you have a syllabus, assignments, feedback, etc…You would complete a certain number of courses in a structured format. The courses will be similar to what you completed in an undergraduate degree program. However, the content will be more complex. Your assignments will often require you to apply and demonstrate what you have learned. You will likely be required to complete lengthy written assignments (e.g., writing “term” papers that may comprise a large portion of your course grade). Then, depending on the program, you may have the option to complete a research study, a major examination, or some other capstone project at the end.

Industrial Organizational Psychology Ph.D. Programs: Research

A doctoral program in industrial organizational psychology, on the other hand, may involve some coursework but would typically focus heavily on conducting research. You may work with a team of peers and a faculty member (known in American doctoral programs as your “Advisor”) on research projects throughout your program. Your degree program would end with you conducting a research study more independently, which would become your dissertation paper. Research involves a more dynamic, unstructured learning approach than completing content coursework in a master’s degree program. Consider your preferences for structure and whether you enjoy conducting research when deciding between a master’s degree and a doctoral program.

Master’s vs. Ph.D.: Investment

Both a master’s and Ph.D. program would require significant investments. Each will take time. Industrial organizational psychology master’s programs typically take two years of full-time study to complete. A Ph.D. program often takes at least five years to complete but may take much longer. Both degree programs would require financial investments. Both would likely require you to forego income you could make while completing the program.

Generally speaking, a master’s degree requires less time, resources, and upfront costs, compared to a Ph.D. program. However, you may find additional opportunities when enrolling in a doctoral program that unavailable to master’s degree students. Many universities offer doctoral students stipends, paid research assistantships, or teaching assistantships with tuition waivers. These opportunities can make doctoral programs more affordable in terms of tuition and offset lost income.

After graduating, you may find it easier to obtain employment with a Ph.D. Plus, starting salaries are also often higher for those with doctoral degrees. Thus, you may quickly recuperate the upfront investment after graduation. You will have greater access to higher pay jobs not available with a master’s degree.

Job Opportunities for Master’s vs. Ph.D.

In general, the types of work available to those with master’s and Ph.D. in industrial organizational psychology are similar. You can work as a consultant with a master’s or Ph.D.. You can teach with either a master’s or Ph.D.. Working in industry, such as within a human resource management department of an organization, is also an option with either a master’s or a Ph.D. The scope of options that will be available to you will largely be the same. The variety of work options that is such a benefit of having a degree in industrial organizational psychology will be just as diverse, regardless of whether you have a master’s or Ph.D..

Ph.D. Required

Some jobs absolutely require a Ph.D. and would not be available to those with a master’s degree. For example, you can often only teach at the graduate level (i.e., master’s degree or doctoral programs) with a doctorate. Secondly, for certain research positions, a Ph.D. may be a hard requirement that cannot be adjusted based on experience level. Some government positions require Ph.D.s, and again, they cannot waive this requirement. For example, the position of “Research Psychologist,” that various government agencies offer, requires a Ph.D.

Academic Jobs

Of the jobs that require a Ph.D., one that you should consider carefully if you wish to build an academic career is teaching in higher education. If you want to teach in higher education and do not have a preference for whether you teach undergraduate or graduate students, a master’s degree should be fine. Although, you may still want to pursue a Ph.D. to make your credentials more competitive. You should consider a Ph.D. if you wish you teach in a graduate program. If you are interested in conducting research, consider teaching in a graduate program that offers masters or Ph.D. programs. A graduate program teaching environment will give you access to graduate students as research assistants. Again, a Ph.D. would give you the best chances of attaining such positions.

Conclusion

Unlike in other areas of psychology, you can build a strong career in industrial organizational psychology with either a master’s or Ph.D. Having a master’s degree may put you at a slight disadvantage in terms of the variety of positions available. However, the impact is limited to a small number of jobs requiring a Ph.D. in industrial-organizational psychology. If you want to pursue a Ph.D., keep in mind that it requires commitment and investments. Not everyone will be motivated to conduct research and stay committed to completing a doctoral degree, which can take 5 + years. If you are interested in pursuing a doctorate, be sure to choose an accredited program.

Are you currently trying to choose between industrial organizational psychology master’s programs and doctoral programs? Drop me a line in the comments, and feel free to ask any questions you may have.