Organizational psychologists apply the principles of psychology to the workplace, with the aim of improving both worker performance and the office environment. As an organizational psychologist, you can choose a research-based career or work hands-on with specific organizations.


You may be called upon to assist in hiring new personnel or you could be hired as a consultant to address a specific management or organizational problem. In fact, many organizational psychologists choose not to work with a single company but rather act as an advisor or consultant to a constellation of organizations.

Your Career in Organizational Psychology

If you think you might be suited to a career in organizational psychology, a bachelor's degree in psychology is the minimum education requirement. However, you cannot work independently until you have at least a master's in organizational psychology, and in many cases it is advisable to earn a doctoral degree as well. Sometimes specific career training can be substituted for education. In addition, the American Board of Professional Psychology offers an advanced certification in the field.