Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Psychology
Updated October 25, 2023
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As businesses seek to develop better processes and greater efficiency, organizational psychologists use tools and principles from psychology to improve communication and enhance working environments. An online Ph.D in organizational psychology blends the theoretical coursework of a traditional graduate psychology degree with applied theory. With positions available in fields like corporate communications and education, an online doctorate in organizational psychology prepares graduates to work with companies in just about every industry.
The Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Psychology Programs
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#1 Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Psychology
National University
San Diego, CA - 4 years
- Online
The doctorate in industrial organizational psychology at National University appeals to learners seeking an online doctorate. Degree-seekers benefit from the flexible enrollment options at the private university. Enrollees can access support services like career advising.
Students take 60 credits of doctoral courses to earn their degree. After meeting coursework requirements, doctoral candidates pass a comprehensive examination and conduct research for an original dissertation or project. Doctoral degree-holders may work in academia, research positions, and leadership roles.
Doctoral students attending the accredited institution online qualify for several forms of financial aid. Prospective applicants should contact the organizational psychology program for more information about financial aid and the admission process.
National University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: Data not available
Online Master's Programs: 26
Online Doctoral Programs: 15
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 3-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $16,983
Accepts Transfer Credits: Accepted
Online Doctorate in Organizational Psychology Programs Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
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Featured Online Doctorate in Organizational Psychology Programs
What to Expect From a Doctorate in Organizational Psychology Program?
Curriculum for an Online Doctorate in Organizational Psychology
- Organizational Psychology: This course prepares students to work with businesses to enhance work environments through the use of psychological principles. Topics include group dynamics, personality traits, and communication across organizational levels. Students examine multicultural issues in the workplace and develop strategies that promote conflict resolution and improved communication.
- Psychopharmacology: In addition to examining the ethical and cultural issues surrounding psychopharmacology, this course covers the neurological effects of pharmaceutical use. Students explore side effects, drug interactions, and the various types of medication used to treat mental illnesses. This is an essential course for students planning any kind of clinical practice.
- Psychophysiology: This course examines human behavior from a biological perspective. Students explore the relationship between the brain and behaviors, and acquire knowledge of neurological processes and biofeedback techniques. Students also interpret psychophysiological research and integrate it with theories of psychology. With an understanding of psychophysiology, students qualify for careers in clinical practice and research.
- Research Methods: In this course, students interpret research in the field and develop their own research projects. The course emphasizes the use of appropriate statistical methods to analyze data. Students gain skills in quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research design, which prepares them for careers in research and consultation.
- Theories of Personality: This course familiarizes students with historical and contemporary theories of personality. Students examine modern approaches to psychotherapy and use theoretical knowledge to conceptualize human behavior. This course provides a foundation for advanced scientific inquiry and clinical practice, and online Psy.D programs often include it in their core curriculum.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Doctorate in Organizational Psychology?
Students complete their Ph.D. in psychology online in approximately five years. Programs that require an internship typically take six years to complete while those that don't generally require only four years in school. Most programs consist of approximately 60 credits with the final credits of the program comprised of dissertation and fieldwork hours. Your completion time will also vary based on elective requirements and whether you enroll full-time or part-time.
Online doctoral programs in psychology may also vary in their program structure. While some programs allow students to earn their degree at their own pace, other programs use a cohort learning model. Cohort programs admit a select number of students once or twice a year, and follow a structured program schedule while advancing together as they earn their degree. Students in cohorts also benefit from deeper group interactions and interpersonal communication. Conversely, students enrolled in individually-paced programs follow a personalized plan of study and may take time off between semesters if necessary.
Accreditation for Online Doctorate in Organizational Psychology Degrees
Accreditation ensures that schools provide a quality education by adhering to a set of accreditor-approved regulations and standards. The most common type of accreditation in the U.S. is regional. Regionally accredited schools emphasize a strong liberal arts foundation and are typically nonprofit private and public state-funded institutions. Conversely, nationally accredited schools are commonly for-profit colleges that provide vocational training. While both accreditation types are recognized by the Department of Education (ED) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), many universities only accept credits earned from regionally accredited schools. Additionally, schools may also acquire accreditation through the Distance Education Accrediting Commission, an organization that specializes in the accreditation of online programs.
When selecting a graduate program, online psychology doctoral students should seek APA-accredited online Psy.D programs. The American Psychological Association's accreditation process ensures that psychology programs adequately prepare students for licensure while also providing quality assurance for consumers.
All accrediting agencies are recognized through the ED and CHEA. These organizations require accrediting bodies to engage in ongoing reviews in order to ensure that accreditors hold schools accountable for the standards stipulated in the accreditation process. Not only do the ED and CHEA serve in an oversight capacity, they also advocate for consumers through the enforcement of quality control regulations. Both the ED and CHEA operate databases that list all accredited schools and programs in the United States. Students may find these compilations helpful as they evaluate prospective online Psy.D programs.
Employment Outlook for Doctorate in Organizational Psychology Graduates
Doctorate in Organizational Psychology Careers
Graduates with a Ph.D. in psychology online have several marketable skills that prepare them for careers in fields like psychology, education, corporate consultation, and administration. Psychologists and similar professionals often have the freedom to create their own work schedules, and nearly a quarter of psychologists are self-employed. Professionals employed in the following occupations rely on their skills in analysis, observation, and communication. They are effective problem solvers and rely on compassion and patience to help facilitate change.
Psychologist
Psychologists carry out different tasks depending on their specialty. Many psychologists work in clinical settings, helping clients overcome emotional difficulties and equipping them with tools to confront problems. Other job duties include conducting research, developing assessments, and supervising students and new professionals.
Rehabilitation Counselors
Rehabilitation Counselors are tasked with helping mentally, physically, and emotionally disabled clients become self-sustaining, rehabilitation counselors serve as therapists, advocates, and intermediaries. An advanced degree in counseling or psychology equips these professionals with skills needed for treatment planning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the administration of assessments.
Postsecondary Teachers
Postsecondary Teachers earn an online doctorate in psychology allows professionals to teach at the graduate level. Postsecondary teachers instruct courses, provide student support, create lesson plans, and grade assignments. In addition to instructional responsibilities, postsecondary teachers help students develop a plan of study and often serve on dissertation committees.
Postsecondary Education Administrators
This occupation typically requires a master's in organizational psychology degree for career entry positions. A Ph.D. in psychology online allows professionals to advance to higher levels of college administration, which often include developing school policies, creating programs to assist students, and overseeing student organizations.
Training and Development Specialist
Training and Development Specialist Organizational Ph.D. psychology online programs prepare graduates for careers as training and development specialists. These professionals work with organizations to improve employee productivity and job satisfaction. They assess current employee practices, develop and implement training programs, and provide personalized support as employees acquire new skills.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Doctorate in Organizational Psychology Salary
Using data from PayScale, the table below lists salary trends for five careers commonly pursued by graduates with an online Ph.D. in psychology. All five of these careers feature entry level salaries above $55,000.
| Job Title | Overall Median Salary | Entry-Level Employees | Mid-Career Employees | Late-Career Employees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psychologist | $87,8466 | $74,000 | $90,000 | $101,000 |
| Clinical Psychologist | $89,020 | $74,000 | $91,000 | $110,000 |
| Human Resources Consultant | $78,426 | $65,000 | $80,000 | $92,000 |
| Postsecondary Professor | $90,115 | $57,000 | $69,000 | $106,000 |
| Scientific Researcher | $71,569 | $58,000 | $78,000 | $104,000 |
Organizational Psychology Professional Organizations
Students pursuing their Psy.D online can enhance their education by joining a professional organization. These organizations allow students to network at professional conferences, access the latest scholarly publications, and feature job forums and continuing education programs. Additionally, Psy.D programs online often require students to secure liability insurance prior to completing an internship, and these organizations allow students to acquire that insurance at a reduced price.
Paying for Your Online Doctorate in Organizational Psychology
Online Psy.D programs may seem expensive at first glance, but students can pursue a variety of financial aid opportunities to ease the burden of tuition. One of the most common ways students meet tuition costs is through federally funded programs. The Department of Education provides loans, work study programs, and grants for qualifying students. Students should take the initial step toward acquiring federal aid by completing the FAFSA, a free online application for federal student aid. Completing the FAFSA determines a student's eligibility for loans and other types of federal assistance.
When taking on student loans, students should select a federal loan before considering a private loan. Federal student loans feature low interest rates, deferment while in school, and income-based repayment plans that make them the best choice for students. Furthermore, professionals who meet certain employment requirements may be eligible for loan forgiveness. Teachers and other public service workers employed by the government or nonprofit organizations may receive full loan forgiveness.
In addition to federal aid, many organizations, schools, and private sponsors offer scholarships. These monetary gifts allow students to reduce their out-of-pocket costs without repaying a cent of the scholarship awarded. The American Psychological Association offers scholarships, grants, and research funding to psychology students.
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