5 Organisational Psychology Courses to Boost Workplace Productivity for HR Managers

Applying organisational psychology best practices in the workplace can instil lasting employee wellbeing and productivity. For anyone choosing HRM (or higher up), organisational psychology courses with degrees and microcredentials are becoming a thing - especially in the digital- and AI-powered industry 5.0 that emphasises human centricity. 

Several globally known institutes offer B.Sc. programmes online in industrial-organisational psychology. Ivy Leagues and equivalent also offer online master’s hybridising the latest approaches in management and psychology. From the same, you can expect career-advancing online certificate courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. 

While established MOOC platforms like FutureLearn partner with some of the best international institutes to offer I-O psychology programmes completely online. These are also available as microcredentials and as online degrees. 

Coursera and Udemy are fine options for a range of psychology courses for quick and affordable learning on broader and foundational concepts. But their I-O psychology offerings aren’t too specialised at this moment. 

So, the choices are there at this point. What we can do is help you choose the right one, irrespective of your career or learning stage.

Read along these five organisational psychology courses covering various psychological and leadership perspectives. Hopefully, you can decide on one. 

1. Mental Health and Wellbeing in the Workplace on FutureLearn

The University of Aberdeen from Scotland, in partnership with FutureLearn, offers this valuable microcredential for recent graduates. 

Course Name	Mental Health and Wellbeing in the Workplace
Duration	10 weeks
Provider	FutureLearn
Cost	£965 or approx. INR 90,000
Institute	University of Aberdeen

What You’ll Learn

• The scope of learning covers the essential understanding of what impacts the mental health of employees and teams and how their organisations should act upon it.
• As remote work has become the norm, the course delves deep into research-backed factors and proven frameworks for improving mental health. 

Pedagogy

This microcredential covers real-world case studies with discussion boards every week to apply learning in practical settings. 

MCQ tests are there, too. 

Microcredential Objectives

• This course aims to make you an in-demand specialist who helps improve mental health in the workplace.
• It also provides 15 CPD credits that can be used for further master’s online training in Psychology from the same university. 

Eligibility

A bachelor’s degree and a 6.5 IELTS score are required. 

When Does It Start?

It is available as of September 2024. 

2. Industrial-Organizational Psychology Master’s Degree Program from Harvard Extension School

This 11-12-module-course is an essential programme for serious HRM pros and features stackable certificates and customisable learning paths. 

Course Name	Industrial-Organizational Psychology Master’s Degree Program
Duration	2 to 5 years
Cost per course	$3,340 or approx. INR 2,79,435
Institute	Harvard Extension School

What You’ll Learn

• You will gain knowledge on performing quantitative analysis and psychometrics and a deep understanding of the psychology of diversity.
• Harvard's faculty, from its own medical school and psychology department, teach topics such as authentic leadership, organisational behaviour, and social psychology.  

Pedagogy

Blending both synchronous and asynchronous learning modes, it provides an immersive learning experience, which is further value-added by sound academic and career advice. 

Course Objectives

• The courses can be taken individually for micro-certificates that helps HR professionals, such as HR recruiters, managers, and leaders, at different stages of their careers. Other than that, completing the entire curriculum provides the learner with the alumni-status degree - Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Extension Studies, Field: Industrial-Organizational Psychology. 
• Harvard’s Mignone Center for Career Success has been added to this course, for offering comprehensive career advice. 

Eligibility

A bachelor’s degree is required. 

When Does It Start?

Registration for the 2025 batch starts on November 4, 2024. 

3. Online Graduate Certificate In Industrial/Organizational Psychology (I/O) at Purdue Global

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, this updated organisational psychology course is for working professionals. It covers the latest workplace challenges in light of advancing technologies.

Course Name	Online Graduate Certificate In Industrial/Organizational Psychology (I/O)
Duration in Credit Hours	30 hours
Cost per course	Around USD 1000+ or INR 80,000+
Institute	Purdue Global

What You’ll Learn

• This course has six modules - 5 credits each - covering all the traditional and latest theories, frameworks, and practices. 
• Learn to apply scientific principles behind work motivation for employees, teams, and organisations. 

Pedagogy

Research-based learning with field placement (based on your location and choice) to apply your theoretical knowledge in the course in a practical setting. 

The course is taught by experienced Purdue’s faculty. 

Course Objectives

• The course covers contemporary organisational psychology practices hovering over ethical, legal, and sociocultural issues, which make it ideal for Training and Development Managers, HR Specialists, and Recruiting Managers. 
• Credits earned can help one pursue other degree programmes from Purdue Global. 

Eligibility

A bachelor’s degree is required. 

When Does It Start?

Application dates start from October 2nd 2024. 

4. B.Sc. Industrial and Organizational Psychology from IU International University of Applied Sciences

This bachelor’s online programme has been accredited, complying with German and European standards - ZFU 174318. The course is quite comprehensive but can be completed within 72 months. 

It's ideal for beginners or early career switchers interested in HR management.  

Course Name	B.Sc. Industrial and Organizational Psychology
Duration in Credit Hours	36 to 72 months
Cost per month (online/part-time learning mode)	INR 11,483
Institute	IU International University of Applied Sciences

What You’ll Learn

• This 6-semester comes with applied psychology modules, giving you a strong foundation on how an organisation performs its leadership and managerial functions (POSDCORB) and communicates with customers. 
• You will dive deep into research methodologies, learn about employee psychology and international labour laws, perform psychological assessments, etc. 

Pedagogy

It has project-based learning each semester, which makes for practical learning after theoretical understanding. Throughout the programme, you will get access to the institute’s digital learning tools, recorded lectures, administrative support, and online library access. 

Exams are completely online here. 

Course Objectives

• This degree is accepted everywhere in the European Union, which allows you to work or continue further education in the entire region. 
• You can find work as Relationship Manager, Recruitment Manager, Consultant, and related. 

Eligibility

The main requirements are high school or 10+2 pass certificates in English, optional scores for English tests (IELTS or similar), and an APS certificate to study in Germany. 

When Does It Start?

Enrolment can be done anytime. 

5. Online MBA in Organizational Behavior & HR Management from the University of North Texas

This is one of the best and shortest online MBAs for concentrations in HRM. Its primary focus is how your HR role can help an organisation thrive. 

Course Name	Online MBA in Organizational Behavior & HR Management
Duration	36 hours
Cost	Calculated on a credit basis; available on the website after application details are provided.
Institute	University of North Texas - G. Brint Ryan College of Business

What You’ll Learn

• Focuses on a deeper understanding of organisational structure and the interplay of processes and behaviour within. 
• Offers practical guidance on critical HR roles and how you add on as a business partner. 
• Key leadership areas, such as change management and organisational development, are included here. 

Pedagogy

The course comes with an asynchronous learning mode and seminars. 

Course Objectives

• This degree helps gain career access to top-level management roles. 
• It also opens up more career opportunities in the HR space. 

Eligibility

Aspiring candidates must provide graduation transcripts, updated resumes, and GMAT/GRE scores. 

When Does It Start?

The next enrolment date is on October 15th 2024. 

Pick the Right Organisational Psychology Course for a Quick or Sustained Career Boost

The right course will always depend on your professional development needs. 

You may already be an HR business partner or want a promotion to upper management. In such cases, an executive-level PG programme could help. 

An accredited bachelor's online programme will provide strong foundations if you are aspiring or switching careers in a different continent. 

Ideally, you can earn short micro certifications during your HR career journey and stay updated. 

The bottom line: all or any of these courses on organisational psychology will help you recruit the best talent that your organisation can retain.