What should I major in to be a industrial/organizational psychologist?

Question

I am considering a career in industrial/organizational psychology, and I am not sure what to major in for my undergraduate studies. If you are an IO psych or you know an IO psych, please help me. Thanks.

Answer 1

Here is what an IO psychologist at the University of South Florida suggests:
Most I/O graduate students were undergraduate psychology majors. The undergraduate psychology major is helpful, in that basic psychology principles and terminology will be familiar. This makes the first year of graduate school easier, but people with other backgrounds can do well with extra effort. Because I/O is a technical field, it is helpful to have undergraduate coursework in research methodology and statistics (required of most psychology majors). It is also helpful to have familiarity with computers, and to have good writing ability. Some background in business administration might be helpful for those who become pratitioners, although business concepts are very quickly acquired on the job.
I recommend to an undergraduate student contemplating an I/O career to do the following:

1. Take an undergraduate I/O psychology course. If your university doesn't offer one, read an I/O textbook.
2. Get to know three professors. You will need letters of recommendation. The best way to do this is by volunteering to help with research. They don't have to be I/O professors, or even psychology professors.
3. Get a good psychology background. Courses most relevant are social and cognitive.
4. Take all the research methods and statistics your psychology department offers.
5. Be sure you have a solid background in basic mathematics (i.e., college algebra). Be familiar with computers, as you will have to learn how to use statistical software. Be familiar with word processing and e-mail. Know how to navigate the internet. Be sure you can communicate well in both spoken and written English. These skills will be needed in graduate school, and later in your career.
6. Be sure to get good grades. A solid A average will be needed for most programs.
7. Investigate graduate programs by the beginning of your senior year. Consider their emphasis and quality, as well as entry requirements. Most American programs are pretty similar, but there are some that have particular emphasis, often because of the interests of their particular faculty members. (One way to see this is by the research topics of faculty.) Programs also vary in quality. Some are well established with large experienced faculties and large professional networks which help in getting internships and jobs after graduation. Potential employers are likely to know the program, and a degree from there might carry more weight. Others might be new and not yet established or have very small faculties (which limits the range of faculty interests). My advice is to go to the best program that will accept you, but don't feel that your career is over before it's begun because you didn't get into one of the "top" programs. There are many great programs from which to choose, even among those that aren't on anyone's top 10 list.

Answer 2

Psychology undergrad and find some research to do with someone doing I/O. Then get a Ph.D in I/O.

Answer 3

Major in psychology and minor in business or human resources.

Answer 4

You merely become a Psyc Major in college. Take classes that address I/O psyc. When you get to graduate school you can zero in more closely