For students who choose to study industrial psychology as their major, business psychology careers and job choices are expected to increase more than any other area of psychology, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts more than a 25% increase in the number of business and industrial psychology jobs over the coming decade. That is nearly double the expected growth for other psychology careers. This should come as good news to those currently working toward industrial psychology degrees or who are currently considering an education in business psychology.

If you are undecided which area of psychology you want to focus your education, or you are curious about the kinds of jobs available involving business psychology careers, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has extensive information available. In the Occupational Handbook, there are several disciplines discussed, as well as recommendations on education and training required, licensure, as well as discussion of the various job duties each discipline performs. For business or industrial psychology, also known as organizational psychology, work psychology, or occupational psychology, professionals typically work with businesses to develop policies and programs in the workplace.

Organizational or business psychology careers center on the relationship between the workplace and human psychology. Therefore, professionals either consult or work directly for businesses and organizations, typically in the human resources department. These professionals determine recruitment and new hire selection criteria, educational and training programs, as well as assessment and evaluation processes. They provide leadership training and executive coaching, consult on organizational development and culture, as well as addressing occupational health and safety issues. Through the efforts of psychological professionals, companies and organizations can foster work/life balance initiatives, increase employee morale and motivation, as well as provide insight into the psychology behind compensation programs beyond hourly wages and raises.

In terms of career paths, graduates have many areas in which to focus their studies and future job roles. Virtually anything having an effect on an individual or group's psychological health relative to work and business can be managed or addressed by an industrial psychology professional. Practice areas for business psychology careers include, but are not limited to

·    Job performance and analysis
·    New hire selection and training
·    Employee evaluation and compensation
·    Developing and administering aptitude, personality, and skill testing
·    Organizational culture and ethics
·    Decision making
·    Job design and assessments
·    Technology (including adaptive technology)
·    Team/Group/Departmental performance

Students with an eye on business psychology careers can also pursue research positions in these same practice areas. Working with government agencies, universities, or nonprofit organizations to collect data and study trends in the workplace as they relate to the human condition provides a rewarding career for many graduates. Since business psychology majors train in the scientist-practitioner model, they are generally well versed in the value and proper procedures required to conduct research in their chosen field. As such, graduates can often choose the course of their career while maintaining the ability to shift from research to practice and back again will relative ease.