Best institutions to study Organizational Behavior Studies
A program that focuses on the scientific study of the behavior and motivations of individuals functioning in organized groups, and its application to business and industrial settings.
116 U.S. institutions graduated 3,311 Organizational Behavior Studies students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 52.1003, a specialization of Human Resources Management and Services (CIP 52.10), and leads most directly to the Human Resources Specialists occupation (BLS SOC 13-1071).
About Organizational Behavior Studies programs
A program that focuses on the scientific study of the behavior and motivations of individuals functioning in organized groups, and its application to business and industrial settings. Includes instruction in organization theory, industrial and organizational psychology, social psychology, sociology of organizations, reinforcement and incentive theory, employee relations strategies, organizational power and influence, organization stratification and hierarchy, leadership styles, and applications of operations research and other methodologies to organizational analysis.
See also: 42.2804 - Industrial and Organizational Psychology., 09.0901 - Organizational Communication, General.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Organizational Behavior Studies program, a part of Human Resources Management and Services, focuses on the scientific study of individual behavior and motivations within organized groups. This program is designed for students interested in understanding how these dynamics apply to business and industrial settings, preparing them for various roles in human resources and organizational management.
Students will gain knowledge in organization theory, industrial and organizational psychology, employee relations strategies, and leadership styles. Core skills include effective communication, critical thinking, and a solid understanding of human resources policies and procedures.
Credentials awarded
What Organizational Behavior Studies graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Bachelor's degree1,709 graduates / yr · 56 institutions52%
- Master's degree821 graduates / yr · 40 institutions25%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate357 graduates / yr · 18 institutions11%
- Doctor's degree - research/scholarship216 graduates / yr · 10 institutions6.5%
- Associate's degree101 graduates / yr · 12 institutions3.1%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year67 graduates / yr · 8 institutions2.0%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years16 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.5%
- Award of less than 12 weeks10 graduates / yr · 3 institutions0.3%
- Doctor's degree - professional practice9 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.3%
- Post-master's certificate5 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.2%
Graduates over time
Organizational Behavior Studies completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 5,670 |
| 2013 | 5,089 |
| 2014 | 5,475 |
| 2015 | 4,755 |
| 2016 | 4,740 |
| 2017 | 4,518 |
| 2018 | 4,028 |
| 2019 | 3,675 |
| 2020 | 3,504 |
| 2021 | 3,798 |
| 2022 | 3,540 |
| 2023 | 3,302 |
| 2024 | 3,345 |
| 2025 | 3,311 |
Top 50 institutions for Organizational Behavior Studies, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Oklahoma - Norman Campus Norman, OKPublicBachelor'sPost-degree cert.Master's | 307 | 75% | — | $45,107 |
| 2 | Harvard University Cambridge, MAPrivate not-for-profitPost-degree cert.Master'sAward of less than 12 weeks | 283 | 98% | $15,013 | — |
| 3 | Wayne State University Detroit, MIPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 189 | 58% | — | $48,324 |
| 4 | Pennsylvania State University - Main Campus University Park, PAPublicBachelor's | 187 | 86% | — | $58,884 |
| 5 | Regent University Virginia Beach, VAPrivate not-for-profitDoctoralMaster'sBachelor's | 157 | 57% | $18,677 | $51,631 |
| 6 | University of the Incarnate Word San Antonio, TXPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor's | 108 | 51% | $21,745 | $58,499 |
| 7 | Purdue University Global West Lafayette, INPublicBachelor's | 82 | 50% | — | $50,810 |
| 8 | Northern Kentucky University Highland Heights, KYPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 79 | 52% | — | $49,803 |
| 9 | University of North Texas Denton, TXPublicBachelor's | 77 | 61% | — | $45,745 |
| 10 | Fielding Graduate University Santa Barbara, CAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoralPost-degree cert. | 75 | — | — | — |
| 11 | University of Cincinnati - Main Campus Cincinnati, OHPublicBachelor'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 70 | 75% | — | $44,171 |
| 12 | University of Richmond University of Richmond, VAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 65 | 85% | $24,049 | $55,123 |
| 13 | University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearBachelor's | 62 | 97% | $22,055 | — |
| 14 | Pennsylvania State University - World Campus University Park, PAPublicBachelor's | 61 | 34% | — | $58,884 |
| 15 | University of La Verne La Verne, CAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 60 | 63% | $45,461 | — |
| 16 | Brigham Young University Provo, UTPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 55 | 81% | $13,712 | $59,842 |
| 17 | Temple University Philadelphia, PAPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 50 | 75% | — | $50,128 |
| 18 | Minnesota State University - Mankato Mankato, MNPublicBachelor's | 47 | 54% | — | $46,691 |
| 19 | North Carolina State University at Raleigh Raleigh, NCPublicPost-degree cert. | 46 | 85% | — | — |
| 20 | The College of Saint Scholastica Duluth, MNPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor'sPost-degree cert. | 43 | 71% | $21,150 | — |
| 21 | Santa Clara University Santa Clara, CAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 40 | 88% | $44,094 | — |
| 22 | University of Michigan - Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MIPublicBachelor's | 40 | 93% | — | $82,714 |
| 23 | Miami University - Oxford Oxford, OHPublicBachelor's | 38 | 80% | — | — |
| 24 | Southern Nazarene University Bethany, OKPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 38 | 51% | $19,619 | $61,939 |
| 25 | University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus Denver, COPublicMaster's | 37 | 46% | — | — |
| 26 | Indiana University - Bloomington Bloomington, INPublicBachelor's | 37 | 80% | — | — |
| 27 | Waldorf University Forest City, IAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 35 | 21% | $22,328 | $77,897 |
| 28 | Benedictine University Lisle, ILPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoralBachelor'sPost-degree cert. | 34 | 50% | $23,570 | $83,475 |
| 29 | Tiffin University Tiffin, OHPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 33 | 40% | $24,126 | $47,095 |
| 30 | Estrella Mountain Community College Avondale, AZPublicAssociate's | 32 | 32% | — | — |
| 31 | Northwestern University Evanston, ILPrivate not-for-profitPost-degree cert.Bachelor'sMaster's | 31 | 95% | $14,799 | $82,255 |
| 32 | University of North Texas at Dallas Dallas, TXPublicBachelor's | 28 | 42% | — | — |
| 33 | George Washington University Washington, DCPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster's | 27 | 84% | $29,789 | $57,219 |
| 34 | Villanova University Villanova, PAPrivate not-for-profitPost-degree cert. | 27 | 92% | $33,774 | — |
| 35 | Alliant International University - San Diego San Diego, CAPrivate for-profitMaster'sDoctoral (prof.) | 26 | — | — | — |
| 36 | Wayne State College Wayne, NEPublicMaster's | 26 | 52% | — | — |
| 37 | Pitzer College Claremont, CAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 25 | 83% | $23,248 | — |
| 38 | The University of Arizona Global Campus Chandler, AZPublicDoctoral | 25 | 11% | $26,445 | $51,118 |
| 39 | University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus Pittsburgh, PAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 25 | 85% | — | $53,339 |
| 40 | Johnson & Wales University - Online Providence, RIPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral | 24 | 0% | $21,981 | $46,645 |
| 41 | Saint Mary's College of California Moraga, CAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 23 | 70% | $25,578 | — |
| 42 | University of Denver Denver, COPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 23 | 76% | $29,726 | — |
| 43 | Bethune - Cookman University Daytona Beach, FLPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 23 | 31% | $16,818 | — |
| 44 | Rio Salado College Tempe, AZPublicAssociate's | 21 | 9% | — | — |
| 45 | Edgewood University Madison, WIPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor's | 21 | 60% | $23,822 | — |
| 46 | Bethel University Saint Paul, MNPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sPost-degree cert.Bachelor's | 18 | 71% | $25,225 | $76,000 |
| 47 | Case Western Reserve University Cleveland, OHPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 18 | 87% | $27,976 | — |
| 48 | Texas A&M University - College Station College Station, TXPublicPost-degree cert. | 18 | 84% | — | $51,664 |
| 49 | American Public University System Charles Town, WVPrivate for-profitPost-degree cert. | 18 | 57% | $10,199 | — |
| 50 | Saint Louis University Saint Louis, MOPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 17 | 80% | $24,886 | $52,377 |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Human Resources Management and Services field (CIP 52.10) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 37 states & territories
Where Organizational Behavior Studies graduates come from. Each state links to all Human Resources Management and Services programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 13-1071, Human Resources Specialists, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Organizational Behavior Studies program can pursue careers as Human Resources Specialists, among other roles. The job outlook is promising, with a projected growth rate of 6.2% and approximately 81,800 annual openings. The median wage for these positions is $72,910, typically requiring a Bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 52.1003
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Human Resources Specialistsprimary SOC 13-1071 | $75,940 | +6.2% Faster than average | ~81,800 | Bachelor's degree |
Human Resources Managers SOC 11-3121 | $149,280 | +5.0% Faster than average | ~17,900 | Bachelor's degree |
Business Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1011 | $99,080 | +5.7% Faster than average | ~8,100 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Training and Development Managers SOC 11-3131 | $133,000 | +5.8% Faster than average | ~3,800 | Bachelor's degree |
Compensation and Benefits Managers SOC 11-3111 | $149,230 | +0.2% Little or no change | ~1,500 | Bachelor's degree |
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Organizational Behavior Studies programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Interpret and explain human resources policies, procedures, laws, standards, or regulations.
- Hire employees and process hiring-related paperwork.
- Maintain current knowledge of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and affirmative action guidelines and laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
- Prepare or maintain employment records related to events, such as hiring, termination, leaves, transfers, or promotions, using human resources management system software.
- Address employee relations issues, such as harassment allegations, work complaints, or other employee concerns.
- Review employment applications and job orders to match applicants with job requirements.
Tools and technology used
Other Human Resources Management and Services specializations
The 6 other 6-digit CIP codes under Human Resources Management and Services (CIP 52.10).
- Human Resources Management/CIP 52.1001
Personnel Administration 18,033 graduates / yr518 institutions - Human Resources DevelopmentCIP 52.10053,502 graduates / yr76 institutions
- Labor and Industrial RelationsCIP 52.10021,363 graduates / yr26 institutions
- Human Resources Management and ServicesCIP 52.1099906 graduates / yr31 institutions
- Labor StudiesCIP 52.1004137 graduates / yr13 institutions
- Executive/CIP 52.1006
Career Coaching partial data93 graduates / yr9 institutions
Common questions
What degree can I earn in this program?+
You can earn a Bachelor's degree, Master's degree, Postbaccalaureate certificate, or a Doctor's degree.
What skills will I develop?+
You will develop skills in communication, critical thinking, active listening, and understanding human resources management.
What careers can I pursue?+
You can work as a Human Resources Specialist, Training and Development Manager, or Compensation and Benefits Manager.
What is the job outlook for this field?+
The job outlook is faster than average, with a growth rate of 6.2% and around 81,800 annual openings.
What is the CIP code for Organizational Behavior Studies?+
Organizational Behavior Studies is CIP 52.1003 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Human Resources Management and Services (CIP 52.10). NCES defines it as: A program that focuses on the scientific study of the behavior and motivations of individuals functioning in organized groups, and its application to business and industrial settings. Includes instruction in organization theory, industrial and organizational psychology, social psychology, sociology of organizations, reinforcement and incentive theory, employee relations strategies, organizational power and influence, organization stratification and hierarchy, leadership styles, and applications of operations research and other methodologies to organizational analysis.
How many institutions offer Organizational Behavior Studies programs?+
116 U.S. institutions reported Organizational Behavior Studies graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 37 states & territories, awarding 3,311 credentials in the year. That is 12.1% of all Human Resources Management and Services graduates.
How much do Organizational Behavior Studies graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Human Resources Specialists occupation, which Organizational Behavior Studies most directly leads to, pays a median of $75,940 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Human Resources Management and Services field report median earnings of $51,763 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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