The Ph.D. in Industrial Organizational Psychology

Industrial/organizational (I/O) psychologists help organizations of all sizes and types better manage employees using evidence-based approaches and scientific research. Students delve into issues of critical relevance to today's businesses, including talent management, assessment, training and organizational development and work-life balance to give employers a greater understanding of how to assess, select, develop, manage, and retain their most valuable assets. Students interested in this emerging career field often choose Florida Tech for a PhD in I/O Psychology due to the unique team-based research approach, multiple consulting and research centers and applied learning experience through a 300-hour practicum option.

The Best I/O Program Culture

In a study published by the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Florida Tech's PhD in I/O Psychology program is ranked as having the "best program culture." In addition, the doctoral program is currently ranked in the top ten I/O programs in the country in student satisfaction.

Small Class Sizes–Dedicated Faculty

The Ph.D. in industrial organizational psychology program at Florida Tech is a balanced scientist-practitioner curriculum, with team-based coursework and research projects. Small class sizes and close mentoring from faculty members allows one-on-one attention for students. I/O faculty are active researchers who work collaboratively with colleagues around the world and students in the doctoral program.

Professional, Flexible Program

The I/O curriculum is based on the standards developed by the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology to train scientists and practitioners. The goal of Florida Tech's industrial/organizational psychology PhD program is to develop expert I/O psychologists who solve human challenges and consult with managers on the issues facing their organization.

The program offers a concentration in international I/O psychology that prepares students to work and conduct research in multinational organizations focusing on cross-cultural theory, research design, international business, and cultural competencies.

Research Opportunities

Florida Tech's foundation as a research university results in complex and well-rounded industrial organizational psychology programs that students can customize to their particular area of interest. Students earning a PhD in I/O psychology develop expertise through discussion of case studies, team research, and consulting with businesses. Research topics can include feedback, emotions, motivation, culture, legal issues, and more.

Students are encouraged to publish and present their research at conferences and are frequent authors and co-authors of manuscripts. Doctoral students can also receive assistantships from Florida Tech to work with local organizations such as Harris Corp., Intersil, Disney, and the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute (located at Patrick Air Force Base).

Additional Resources

The Institute for Cross-Cultural Management and the Center for Organizational Effectiveness provide students in the PhD in I/O psychology program with valuable real-world resources and hands-on activities. This could include development of training materials, research, and other solutions that corporations use to better manage their employees and workplace.

The Center for Organizational Effectiveness

Affiliated with the Center for Organizational Effectiveness, this management consultant group facilitates student participation in real-world applied projects in the field, such as employee surveys, training programs, multi-rater feedback, and individual assessments. Graduate students in the industrial organizational psychology programs work with clients in small businesses to Fortune 500 companies, blending creativity with practical concepts learned in the classroom.

The Institute for Cross-Cultural Management

As businesses expand across both international and cultural borders, employees must learn to interact with consumers from around the world. Cultural miscommunication can lead to negative events in the workplace, so to prevent this kind of miscommunication, the Institute for Cross-Cultural Management provides training and resources to international businesses. To assist their efforts, students in the industrial/organizational psychology programs at Florida Tech research cultures from around the globe, creating informational content for clients from all industries.

Diverse Career Opportunities

Career opportunities with a PhD in industrial organizational psychology are found in business, private consulting, research, and academic environments. Jobs might also include employment in talent recruitment, coaching, assessment, training, certification, merit systems, and efficiency. The United States Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that industrial/organizational psychologists are the fastest growing occupation in the country (2012-2022), with an astounding growth rate of 53%.