Many online doctoral programs require previous knowledge in the field of study when considering students for admissions. Unlike some universities where students can go directly from a bachelor's degree program into a doctoral program (picking up the master's degree along the way), most online doctoral programs in organizational behavior require a master's degree in the field of psychology. Students must have knowledge of how to use statistical data and quantitative analysis in the psychology field. Some programs, like the one at Northcentral University, will allow students to enter the program from another field. These students generally have to fulfill prerequisite courses before moving on to advanced study in the field.
The curriculum of online doctorates in organizational behavior vary by institution. The number of credit hours required can differ based on school requirements or even the need to fulfill prerequisite courses. The online Ph.D. offered at Capella University, for instance, requires 120 quarter credits (about 60 semester credit hours), while the program at Northcentral University requires 51 credit hours. Similarly, Walden University requires 121 quarter credits for graduation. Courses vary according to school emphases. Some courses offered include studies in areas such as social psychology, advanced topics in organizational behavior and development, and psychological consultation.
Various concentrations within the field of organizational behavior/psychology can affect which course you will take as a student. Because organizational psychology can actually cover a variety of workplace settings, some schools offer concentrations in particular areas of study. Some of these include industrial/organizational behavior or psychology, consultation psychology and even coach psychology and behavior.
It is important to consider accreditation when choosing an online doctoral program in this field. It should be noted that as of June 2010, there were no APA accredited (American Psychological Association) schools offering an online doctorate degree in the field. Students can, however, receive proper licensing in the field upon graduation by meeting state testing standards. At the bare minimum, the school should be regionally accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and its regional accrediting agencies are generally recognized as the best form of accreditation in higher education.
Students graduating with a doctoral degree in organizational behavior have a number of possible career options. Career fields vary across many sectors. Students obtaining a doctorate can pursue a career in higher education as a university professor or even work as a human resources director for a large corporation. Careers in consulting and with government agencies are also a possibility. Organizational behavior cuts across a variety of disciplines. The career path is usually up to the graduate.