Business psychologists specialize in the study of the workplace and work to motivate employees, enhance working conditions, and ensure the smooth and successful running of a business.
By applying psychological principles to influence workplace behavior, a business psychologist helps organizations and employees attain top performance and job satisfaction. They give counsel to business owners and employers on strategies to improve performance. These include practices for hiring, giving employee feedback, training, and management.
Generally, there are two types of business psychologists: researchers and advisers. Both may work as consultants or in-house staff. Business psychologists examine all levels of an organization and work with administrators to evaluate corporate practices and individual and team performance with the goal of supporting a healthy and productive work environment.
Request info6 Career Paths in Business Psychology
Here are six interesting careers you are qualified for with a degree in business psychology.
Industrial Counselor
An industrial counselor has the unique job of applying psychological principles to enhance both the performance and working environment of a business. The job also includes designing better screening tools to support hiring managers in selecting top talent for positions or tasks. .
As an industrial counselor, the business psychologist will address problems in the workplace that adversely affect productivity and will develop strategies for conflict resolution. Counselors will also help new employees acclimate to their work environment.
How much does an industrial counselor make?
The median annual salary for an industrial counselor is $113,320, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data was collected in May 2021 for industrial-organizational psychologists.
Human Resource Executive
Human resources is another excellent domain to apply your business psychology degree. Human resource personnel tasks include:
- Employee performance evaluations
- Management functions (such as management development and employee training)
- Consultation services
- Fair hiring practicesÂ
- Employee relations
- Employee personal development
- Behavioral and organizational assessments
Other responsibilities include screening, interviewing, and hiring new employees, processing time sheets, and addressing conflict among co-workers or between employee and management.
How much does a human resources executive make?
The median annual salary for a human resources executive is $126,230 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data was collected in May 2021 for human resources managers.
Marketing Executive
Business psychologists are equipped with skills that help them function effectively in the marketing sphere. By analyzing consumer thought processes and purchasing trends, a business psychologist can help a company develop lucrative strategies to attract more customers. Communicating the brand’s messaging in creative ways is particularly valuable for expanding reach.
In this role, business psychologists also help in the design of fresh, creative advertising campaigns, marketing strategies, and, sometimes, new product development. The job of a psychology-trained marketer is to know what makes consumers tick and apply that to company strategy. Through this lens, they can improve the messaging, products, and revenue of an organization.
How much does a marketing executive make?
The median annual salary for a marketing executive is $133,380, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data was collected in May 2021 for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers.
Request infoCorporate Consultant
Expertise in business psychology is valuable to help corporations improve performance and increase productivity. As a corporate consultant, the business psychologist analyzes overall corporate structure or a department directly involved with productivity to understand the possible problems and develop strategies for positive changes.
For example, if employees aren’t performing well, the business psychologist will need to discover what is hampering productivity and provide suitable solutions to motivate success and productivity in the corporation.
How much does a corporate consultant make?
The national average salary for a corporate consultant is $75,538, according to Zip Recruiter. This data was collected at the time this article was updated.
Human Factors Specialist
A human factors specialist develops products that are simpler to use by utilizing an understanding of how people learn and interact with their environment.
For example, a human factors specialist could work with designers and programmers to develop a website that is easy for everyone to interact with and enjoy. A business psychologist has the special skills needed to understand what fonts, displays, colors, or features will be most effective in making the site attractive, enjoyable, and simple. They can also coordinate and advise a design team on the development of products and services.
How much does a human factors specialist make?
The national average salary for a human factors specialist is $106,585 according to Zip Recruiter. This data was collected at the time this article was updated.
College Professor
With a master’s degree or doctorate in business psychology, one can become a college professor and teach courses a variety of concentrations in the field, including:Â
- Industrial-organizational psychology
- Organizational management
- Engineering psychology
- Consumer psychology
- Industrial relations
An educator shapes the next generation of business psychologists and may also supervise business-related research studies to expand and deepen the body knowledge in the field of business psychology.
How much does a college professor make?
The median annual salary for a marketing executive is $79,640, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data was collected in May 2021 for postsecondary teachers.
Pursuing a Business Psychology Degree
To become a practicing business psychologist, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or a doctorate in business psychology or a related field.
The requirements for classifying yourself as a business psychologist vary in different states. It is essential to research the requirements in your state before enrolling in a business psychology training program. Almost all states require you to receive a license.
At The Chicago School, we offer a variety of programs for students who seek to graduate with a Ph.D. in Business Psychology. These include both online and in-person programs with tracks in either consulting or industrial and organizational business psychology:
- Ph.D. in Business Psychology, Consulting Track (Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Online, Dallas)
- Ph.D. in Business Psychology, Industrial/Organizational Track (Los Angeles, Chicago, Online)
Business Psychology Degrees at The Chicago School
To learn more about our business psychology programs at our campus locations or online, visit our programs page or fill out the form below to request more information.
FAQs About Business Psychology
Q: What can you do with a degree in business psychology?
A: There are many career paths to choose from in the field of business psychology. Among them are the six careers for business psychologists highlighted in this article: industrial counselor, human resources executive, marketing executive, corporate consultant, human factors specialist, and college professor. Keep in mind that to become a college professor, you’ll need to pursue a master’s degree or doctorate.
Q: What do you do as a business psychologist?
A: Depending on the specific area within business psychology you pursue, you can use your degree to help counsel employees, influence consumer behavior and marketing, inform businesses about human psychology as a consultant, become a college professor, and more!
Q: Where can you work as a business psychologist?
A: You can work as a business psychologist in most major cities and even some rural areas in the world. This is also a field that, at times, is suitable for working remotely.Â
Q: Can you be a business psychologist with a master’s degree?
A: These are the minimum degree requirements for six business psychology career paths outlined above:
- Industrial Counselor: Master’s degree
- Human Resource Executive: Bachelor’s degree
- Marketing Executive: Bachelor’s degree
- Corporate Consultant: Bachelor’s degree
- Human Factors Specialist: Bachelor’s degree
- College Professor: Master’s or doctorate
These requirements may differ by company.