Studying Organizational Psychology in New Mexico
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Question:
Dear Psychologist,
I will be moving to New Mexico with my husband and I would like to work on my education. I’m thinking I’d like to study organizational psychology (I was a business and psychology major in my undergraduate work). What do I need to do? Best, Beth
Answer:
Dear Beth,
Congratulations on your upcoming move to New Mexico– it sounds like a great opportunity to try some new things in your life. As for getting a degree in organizational psychology, this is certainly a do-able prospect. Basically you could look at getting a master’s degree or a doctorate degree in the field. The master’s degree will take two years and the doctorate at least four. With an organizational psychology doctorate, you have more options of careers in research, university teaching, and leadership in an organization.
What are types of jobs you might get as an organizational psychologist? Typically professionals with a degree in this field choose either to work internally in an organization, usually in human resources, or as an external consultant. When organizational psychologists work externally they either have their own private practices or are part of a company that has training, leadership development, facilitation, or coaching services.
Organizational psychologists are trained to work with a whole organization, to understand the complete system. At the same time, they also sometimes provide leadership coaching to the executives and help with team building. Organizational psychologists also study and are trained in assessment. They know how to use assessment tools for the entire organization as well as the leadership team, individual executives, and teams. In general, they specialize in the psychology of the workplace.
Organizational Psychology Degrees
How do you go about finding a program that works for you? First, think about whether you want to get a master’s degree or doctorate. As mentioned above, your decision will relate to your future career goals. There may very well be some traditional campus schools nearby to where you live where you can get your advanced degree in this field. However, if you do not find a program that suits you, consider the option of New Mexico online schools in organizational psychology.
Online Schools
With an online school you will be able to work from your home at your own pace and with considerable flexibility. On the other hand, like with all independent online programs, you will need to have discipline and focus. It is also important that you make sure that the program is accredited. Hybrid schools combine in-class learning a few times in a semester (making it possible for you to perhaps travel out of state) with an online at-home component.
Whether you go to a traditional campus school or start an online program you will eventually need some on-the-job supervised training. Check that the program you pick includes such a training.
Next Steps
For more information on what it means to practice organizational psychology, take a look at the American Psychological Association as well as the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology. Both of these sites will have resources and links that might be helpful to you.
Good luck in starting your new career.
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