Deciding Next Steps, both Degree and School

[klago999]

Hi there. I'm new here, and have kind of stalled out until I make a decision regarding next steps... any advice is greatly appreciated!

I have a couple of decades worth of experience in Ops Management, but am tired of my current industry in general. I never obtained degrees until very recently, it took me about 2 months to finish the Pierpont BoG requirements. I've been continuing Sophia credits slowly while waiting for the diploma and pondering which direction to go next. I'm interested in an Industrial Organizational Psych degree, as I feel that my skillset can support similar roles (even HR or consulting) in other industries, and would like to have a degree that is somewhat flexible. But, am not set on it and I don't believe that UMPI offers it. How much does specific degree type really matter in this instance? SNHU does offer the I/O Psych, however, I don't prefer the slower pace. Prefer open book tests, and am absolutely fine with writing papers. Thanks again for any pointers or suggestions!

Your Location: Michigan, United States
Your Age: 44
What kind of degree do you want?: Interested in Industrial Organizational Psychology, open to suggestions. 

Current Regional Accredited Credits: 

Arizona State University: 1 total credit
CIS 194 Business Tech Fundamentals, 1, 100% or A

Current ACE, CLEP, or NCCRS Credits: 

Sophia Credits: 87
Visual Communications, 3, 96% or A
Introduction to Information Technology, 3, 90% or A
Conflict Resolution, 3, 95% or A
Macroeconomics, 3, 96% or A
Microeconomics, 3, 94% or A
Environmental Science, 3, 95% or A
Art History I, 3, 97% or A
Art History II, 3, 97% or A
Introduction to Business, 3, 93% or A
The Essentials of Managing Conflict, 1, 100% or A
Introduction to Web Development, 3, 100% or A
Introduction to Networking, 3, 97% or A
IT Career Exploration, 1, 96% or A
Lifespan Development, 3, 96% or A
Developing Effective Teams, 1, 96% or A
Personal Finance, 3, 98% or A
Introduction to Nutrition, 3, 97% or A
Project Management, 3, 97% or A
College Readiness, 3, 98% or A
Human Biology, 3, 97% or A
Anatomy and Physiology, 3, 90% or A
Introduction to Ethics, 3, 95% or A
Principles of Finance, 3, 97% or A
College Algebra, 3, 93% or A
Introduction to Statistics, 3, 90% or A
Business Law, 3, 97% or A
English Composition I, 3, 95% or A
Managerial Accounting, 3, 91% or A
Introduction to Psychology, 3, 98% or A
Introduction to Sociology, 3, 93% or A
Financial Accounting, 3, 96% or A


Any certifications or military experience? 

Google Professional IT Certificate
CSM Certificate
Pierpont BoG AAS (AoE Information Systems)

[Jonathan Whatley]

I'm interested in an Industrial Organizational Psych degree, as I feel that my skillset can support similar roles (even HR or consulting) in other industries, and would like to have a degree that is somewhat flexible. But, am not set on it and I don't believe that UMPI offers it. How much does specific degree type really matter in this instance? SNHU does offer the I/O Psych, however, I don't prefer the slower pace. Prefer open book tests, and am absolutely fine with writing papers. Thanks again for any pointers or suggestions!

Because I/O Psychology programs at the bachelor's level are rare, few if any hirers will screen for them. A generic bachelor's in Psychology is a typical preparation for I/O at that degree level.

You can choose assignment topics and potentially electives to tilt your program towards I/O and domains important to I/O (testing, motivation, etc.)

You can also use any opportunities available for a minor or add-on degree or certificate to add a résumé item or two that will complement the psychology side (e.g., a UMPI minor in management and/or educational studies [related to training]).

Many schools have online master's in I/O psychology, including the subscription-priced CBE programs at Walden (Tempo) and Capella (FlexPath). Several online doctorates are available in I/O psychology, albeit none CBE.

[bjcheung77]

@klago999, Welcome to the board, nice intro post, you've got the template but missed the addendum! You've got the Pierpont BOG AAS and now ready to ladder into a Bachelors... Basically, I have been recommending the balanced mix/match trifecta of certs, degree, experience... I believe you would be best served with a BAS with a minor in MIS and Psychology, I've mentioned doing a double minor (even triple for those who want a third minor) plus the 3-4 classes that go towards the MAOL.

You can get the UMPI MAOL if it's within budget and timeline (info missing from the addendum) as long as you have the energy and don't have many commitments. Organizational Leadership is different than I/O Psych, but they're both part of an area within Business/Corporations and other Organizations, you can get a second Masters or pivot to the MS I/O Psych at Walden. It'll go like this as I suggest now, UMPI BAS Minor Psych, Walden MS I/O Psych, PSY CHI Society membership...