Industrial-Organizational Psychology, B.S.

Industrial-Organizational Psychology

Learn to assess and improve individual, group, and organizational dynamics in the work environment with hands-on experience.

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Industrial-Organizational Psychology, B.S.

Impact people; impact businesses through IO Psychology

  • Do you want to learn how to improve the lives of people at work?
  • Do you want to combine your interest in business with your interest in psychology?
  • Interested in making jobs more satisfying, workers more productive, and training leaders to treat employees fairly?

Industrial and Organizational Psychology (IO Psychology) is the psychology of the workplace and employee behaviors. Learn how to hire and train effectively by applying evidence-based practices to organizational challenges. MTSU is one of only a few universities across the nation to offer this degree. The curriculum aligns with both the Society of Industrial-Organizational Psychology (SIOP) and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) standards. Industrial-Organizational Psychology addresses a variety of human resources and organizational issues, such as:

  • Employee recruitment and selection
  • Training
  • Compensation
  • Employee stress, health, and well-being
  • Retention & turnover
  • Performance management
  • Job analysis
  • Employee engagement

The major in Industrial-Organizational Psychology is designed to (a) prepare students for entry-level positions in human resources departments and (b) provide a background for students wishing to pursue graduate work in industrial-organizational psychology or related fields. Students can get hands-on work experience through internships or the opportunity to work with our on-campus consulting firm, the Center for Organizational Human Resource Effectiveness (COHRE).

We encourage students to join the MTSU Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and attend breakfast networking events and workshops curated for their professional development. MTSU SHRM provides I-O Psychology majors with the opportunity to learn from area professionals, get matched with HR mentors, apply for scholarships, and attend I-O relevant conferences.

What our alumni are saying:

"When I interviewed for my first job I felt so prepared to answer the questions because of what I learned in my classes."

"My education has given me a broad understanding of what goes on in human resources."

"My Bachelor's Degree in I-O Psychology from MTSU helped me land a dream job in HR. I started at MTSU as a general Psychology major. The class "Seminar on Careers in Psychology" introduced me to the HR field as a potential career choice. HR is the perfect intersection of business and psychology. I changed my major to I-O Psychology as quickly as possible. My passion grew in every class thanks to the professors who taught from their own real-world experience as HR professionals.

I landed an entry-level job with an outsourced HR company in Nashville and have worked my way into an HR Director position with the company after just 4 years. I have obtained certifications from HRCI and SHRM and am now serving on the MT|SHRM board of directors helping other HR peers with their professional development. I'm eternally grateful to the MTSU I-O Psych program for helping me get to where I am today!"

"I definitely feel that my education has set me up for future success."

"I-O psychology taught me the importance of taking care of employees and treating them right."

"I was truly shocked at how closely my degree tied into a real-world scenario of an HR department."

If you live in one of these states: GA; you may be able to attend MTSU at in-state rates under the Academic Common Market program.

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News Briefs

COHRE THP promo

MTSU psychology students work with THP to design testing for trooper promotions

Industrial-Organizational Psychology students at Middle Tennessee State University are getting real-world experience collaborating with the Tennessee Highway Patrol to identify future leaders for the agency.[ Read More ]

Dr. Patrick McCarthy, top left, a psychology professor and director of the industrial-organizational psychology program in the College of Behavioral and Health Sciences, and MTSU alumna Risa Witherow are guests on an upcoming

‘MTSU On the Record’ explores students’ views on industrial-organizational psychology

MTSU students’ views on a professional organization’s attempts to promote industrial/organizational psychology were the topic of discussion on a recent “MTSU On the Record” radio program.  Host Gina Logue’s interview with Dr. Patrick McCarthy, an MTSU psychology professor and director of the Industrial-Organizational Psychology Master’s Degree Program in the College of Behavioral and Health Sciences, and MTSU [ Read More ]

News Briefs

COHRE THP promo

MTSU psychology students work with THP to design testing for trooper promotions

Industrial-Organizational Psychology students at Middle Tennessee State University are getting real-world experience collaborating with the Tennessee Highway Patrol to identify future leaders for the agency.[ Read More ]

Dr. Patrick McCarthy, top left, a psychology professor and director of the industrial-organizational psychology program in the College of Behavioral and Health Sciences, and MTSU alumna Risa Witherow are guests on an upcoming

‘MTSU On the Record’ explores students’ views on industrial-organizational psychology

MTSU students’ views on a professional organization’s attempts to promote industrial/organizational psychology were the topic of discussion on a recent “MTSU On the Record” radio program.  Host Gina Logue’s interview with Dr. Patrick McCarthy, an MTSU psychology professor and director of the Industrial-Organizational Psychology Master’s Degree Program in the College of Behavioral and Health Sciences, and MTSU [ Read More ]

Related Media

MTSU Preview Day November 2

CAREERS

Industrial-Organizational Psychology, B.S.


The Industrial/Organizational Psychology major is designed to prepare students for roles in human resources departments of businesses, non-profits and government, and to provide a background for students wishing to pursue graduate work in industrial/organizational psychology, or related fields (the most recent U.S. News and World Report, ranks Industrial-Organizational Psychologist #1 in Best Science Jobs). Human resources is a growing area in the workplace, and demand exceeds supply for people with the skills learned in the Industrial/Organizational Psychology major.  Potential career options include:

  • Compensation analyst
  • Instructional designer
  • Employee benefits consultant
  • Employee relations manager
  • Human resource generalist
  • Human resource manager
  • Talent Acquisition specialist
  • Talent Management director Training
  • Development manager
  • Compliance specialist
  • Director of staffing operations

Employers of MTSU alumni include

  • Bridgestone Inc.
  • Premise Health HCA – Hospital Corporation of America
  • Hulu
  • Nissan
  • USA Edelman
  • SMS Holdings Corporation
  • Carvana
  • Dollar General
  • Vanderbilt Hospital
  • AmerisourceBergen
  • Tennessee Dept. of Transportation
MTSU Career Development Center

MTSU’s Career Development Center

MTSU offers a comprehensive Career Development Center that serves students throughout the full student experience and beyond. They collaborate with faculty and staff to equip students with the tools to be marketable to the world of work and continuing education.  

Students can schedule an appointment or check online resources and job boards at mtsu.edu/career

Students can find current internship opportunities by talking to faculty and visiting the University job and internship board called Handshake

Wondering what you can do with your major? Check out our What Can I Do with A Major In guides. 

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