[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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 [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/doctorate/best-online-doctorate-psychology/” target=”/"_blank"”]online Ph.D[/hen-ui-link] in organizational psychology blends the theoretical coursework of a traditional graduate [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-psychology/” target=”/"_blank"”]psychology degree[/hen-ui-link] 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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Psychology Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”what-to-expect”]What to Expect From a Doctorate in Organizational Psychology Program?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Curriculum for an Online Doctorate in Organizational Psychology[/hen-ui-heading]

• 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.

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Doctorate in Organizational Psychology?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students complete their Ph.D. in [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-psychology/” target=”/"_blank"”]psychology online[/hen-ui-link] 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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”#best-online-programs/”]Back to Schools[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”accreditation”]Accreditation for Online Doctorate in Organizational Psychology Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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 [hen-ui-link href=”https://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/GetDownLoadFile.aspx”]ED[/hen-ui-link] and [hen-ui-link href=”http://www.chea.org/4DCGI/cms/review.html?Action=CMS_Document&DocID=32&MenuKey=main”]CHEA[/hen-ui-link] 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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”#best-online-programs/”]Back to Schools[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”careers”]Employment Outlook for Doctorate in Organizational Psychology Graduates[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Doctorate in Organizational Psychology Careers[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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 [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm#tab-3/”]self-employed[/hen-ui-link]. 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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background” theme=”secondary”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Psychologist” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b3″ class=”font-semibold”]Median Salary: $85,330[/hen-ui-text] 6% [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm#tab-1/”]Psychologists[/hen-ui-link] 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.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Rehabilitation Counselors” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b3″ class=”font-semibold”]Median Salary: $39,990[/hen-ui-text] 2% [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/rehabilitation-counselors.htm”]Rehabilitation Counselors[/hen-ui-link] 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.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Postsecondary Teachers” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b3″ class=”font-semibold”]Median Salary: $80,840[/hen-ui-text] 8% [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/postsecondary-teachers.htm/”]Postsecondary Teachers[/hen-ui-link] 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.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Postsecondary Education Administrators” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b3″ class=”font-semibold”]Median Salary: $99,940[/hen-ui-text] 4% [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/postsecondary-education-administrators.htm/”]This occupation[/hen-ui-link] 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.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Training and Development Specialist” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b3″ class=”font-semibold”]Median Salary: $63,080[/hen-ui-text] 6% [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/training-and-development-specialists.htm#tab-2/”]Training and Development Specialist[/hen-ui-link] 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.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Doctorate in Organizational Psychology Salary[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption][/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Job Title[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Overall Median Salary[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Entry-Level Employees[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Mid-Career Employees[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Late-Career Employees[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Title”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Psychologist/Salary/” target=”_blank”]Psychologist[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Overall Median Salary”]$87,8466[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Entry-Level Employees”]$74,000[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Mid-Career Employees”]$90,000[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Late-Career Employees”]$101,000[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Title”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Clinical_Psychologist/Salary/” target=”_blank”]Clinical Psychologist[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Overall Median Salary”]$89,020[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Entry-Level Employees”]$74,000[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Mid-Career Employees”]$91,000[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Late-Career Employees”]$110,000[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Title”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Consultant%2c_Human_Resources_(HR)/Salary/” target=”_blank”]Human Resources Consultant[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Overall Median Salary”]$78,426[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Entry-Level Employees”]$65,000[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Mid-Career Employees”]$80,000[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Late-Career Employees”]$92,000[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Title”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Professor%2c_Postsecondary_%2f_Higher_Education/Salary/” target=”_blank”]Postsecondary Professor[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Overall Median Salary”]$90,115[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Entry-Level Employees”]$57,000[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Mid-Career Employees”]$69,000[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Late-Career Employees”]$106,000[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Title”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Researcher%2c_Scientific/Salary/” target=”_blank”]Scientific Researcher[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Overall Median Salary”]$71,569[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Entry-Level Employees”]$58,000[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Mid-Career Employees”]$78,000[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Late-Career Employees”]$104,000[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Organizational Psychology Professional Organizations[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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 [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.trustinsurance.com/Products-Services/Professional-Liability/Professional-Liability/Discounts/”]insurance[/hen-ui-link] at a reduced price.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”http://www.apa.org/” target=”_blank”]American Psychological Association (APA[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] The nation’s leader among professional psychology organizations, the APA advances the psychology profession and the practical application of psychological tools in the daily lives of individuals around the world.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.abpp.org/” target=”_blank”]American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] Founded in 1947 with support from the APA, ABPP protects the public by ensuring that psychologists demonstrate clinical standards prior to licensure. In addition to certification, this organization hosts conferences and offers continuing education programs.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”http://www.siop.org/” target=”_blank”]Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] SIOP provides several resources for industrial and organizational psychologists and educators. A division of the APA, this organization features a job forum, a publication database, and research grants.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”#best-online-programs/”]Back to Schools[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”paying”]Paying for Your Online Doctorate in Organizational Psychology[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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 [hen-ui-link href=”https://fafsa.ed.gov/”]FAFSA[/hen-ui-link], a free online application for federal student aid. Completing the FAFSA determines a student’s eligibility for loans and other types of federal assistance.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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 [hen-ui-link href=”https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service#qualifying-employment/”]loan forgiveness[/hen-ui-link]. Teachers and other public service workers employed by the government or nonprofit organizations may receive full loan forgiveness.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]