Best Online Master’s in Organizational Psychology Programs of 2022
We've ranked the top online master's in organizational psychology programs. Compare schools by cost and convenience.

Published on August 13, 2021 · Updated on April 26, 2022
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Organizational psychologists apply human behavior theories and research to improve professional environments and organizations' bottom line. Earning a master's in organizational psychology qualifies professionals for leadership opportunities that can offer a great return on a student's investment.
This page provides information about an online master's in organizational psychology. Topics include high-ranked programs, common courses, specializations, admission requirements, career paths, and earning potential.
Students who earn an online master's in organizational psychology enter a growing field. For instance, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data projects a 14% increase in demand for psychologists from 2018-28. This growth should create over 26,000 jobs.
Professionals who earn this degree often pursue careers as industrial-organizational psychologists. Unlike other careers in psychology, employers hiring for this role consider an online master's in organizational psychology terminal unless professionals plan to pursue careers in academia.
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Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Master's in Organizational Psychology Programs of 2022
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#1 Online College in Michigan
Baker College
School Information | |
---|---|
Location | Owosso, Michigan |
Admission Rate | 73% |
Graduation Rate | 18% |
Instituation Type | Private |
Accreditation |
Yes
|
Percent Online Enrollment |
62%
|
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $695
Out of State | $695
Credits to Graduate
36
Program Information
Institution Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Baker is a private, nonprofit college based in Flint, Michigan. The school offers an online master's in organizational psychology program. Managers and human resources specialists learn the psychological principles that help organizations succeed.
The 36-credit curriculum requires two years to complete. Core courses explore the psychology of leadership and individual and group factors in the workplace. The program concludes with an integrative psychology capstone.
Applicants need a minimum 2.5 GPA in previous coursework. Baker does not require GRE scores.
#2 Online College in New Hampshire
Southern New Hampshire University
School Information | |
---|---|
Location | Manchester, New Hampshire |
Admission Rate | 88% |
Graduation Rate | 44% |
Instituation Type | Private |
Accreditation |
Yes
|
Percent Online Enrollment |
94%
|
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $627
Out of State | $627
Credits to Graduate
36
Program Information
Institution Accreditation | New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
Students can transfer up to 12 credits into SNHU's 36-credit master's in psychology program. The master's features a concentration in industrial and organizational psychology.
The concentration requires four courses: organizational consulting, motivation in the workplace, psychology of leadership, and a seminar in industrial and organizational psychology. The program concludes with a psychology capstone.
Applicants to the online master's in organizational psychology program should have completed prerequisite courses in psychology, statistics, and research methods.
#3 Online College in California
Touro University Worldwide
School Information | |
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Location | Los Alamitos, California |
Graduation Rate | 100% |
Instituation Type | Private |
Accreditation |
Yes
|
Percent Online Enrollment |
98%
|
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $500
Out of State | $500
Credits to Graduate
36
Program Information
Institution Accreditation | WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Based in Los Alamitos, California, TUW offers an online master's in organizational psychology that takes one year to complete. Students can choose from concentrations in coaching and consulting, human resource management, and occupational health psychology.
Enrollees complete nine core classes and three electives. Each course lasts eight weeks, and the program culminates with a capstone. Applicants need a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA.
#4 Online College in California
Northcentral University
School Information | |
---|---|
Location | La Jolla, California |
Instituation Type | Private |
Accreditation |
Yes
|
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $889
Out of State | $889
Credits to Graduate
30
Program Information
Institution Accreditation | WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
A private institution located in San Diego, California, NCU offers an online master's in organizational psychology. Degree-seekers advance the science of work.
Students take 10 courses over 16 months. Core coursework explores research design, organizational development, and tests and measurements in industrial and organizational psychology. The program concludes with an internship or a capstone.
Admission requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. NCU offers weekly start dates.
#5 Online College in Nebraska
Bellevue University
School Information | |
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Location | Bellevue, Nebraska |
Graduation Rate | 24% |
Instituation Type | Private |
Accreditation |
Yes
|
Percent Online Enrollment |
95%
|
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $610
Out of State | $610
Credits to Graduate
36
Program Information
Institution Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
A private school in Nebraska, BU offers an online master's in organizational psychology program. The curriculum emphasizes practical projects and applied assessments.
Students take 12 courses in areas including social psychology, measurement and design, and applied research methods. Learners also complete two statistical methods courses and a practicum.
Applicants need either a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA in the last 60 credits or a master's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
#6 Online College in Florida
Carlos Albizu University-Miami
School Information | |
---|---|
Location | Miami, Florida |
Admission Rate | 56% |
Graduation Rate | 33% |
Instituation Type | Private |
Accreditation |
Yes
|
Percent Online Enrollment |
16%
|
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $620
Out of State | $620
Credits to Graduate
48
Program Information
Institution Accreditation | Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
AU is a private school with campuses in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Miami, Florida. The university offers an online master's in organizational psychology program that helps learners become culturally competent practitioners. Graduates can use science to solve workplace problems.
The master's in organizational psychology requires 42 academic credits and six final project credits. Courses explore employment law, work motivation, and small group theory and processes.
Students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA to graduate. Applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA in previous coursework.
#7 Online College in California
Golden Gate University-San Francisco
School Information | |
---|---|
Location | San Francisco, California |
Instituation Type | Private |
Accreditation |
Yes
|
Percent Online Enrollment |
67%
|
100% Online or Hybrid | Self-Paced or Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,090
Out of State | $1,090
Credits to Graduate
39
Program Information
Institution Accreditation | WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Students at GGU in San Francisco can pursue an online master's in organizational psychology. Degree-seekers learn how to evaluate problems, improve training, and conduct market research.
The degree requires 30 core units and 9 elective units. Core courses cover consulting skills, diversity in organizations, and leading complex change.
Applicants need a bachelor's degree from an accredited school and a minimum 2.5 GPA. Prospective students with lower GPAs may submit a statement of purpose for consideration.
#8 Online College in Illinois
Adler University
School Information | |
---|---|
Location | Chicago, Illinois |
Instituation Type | Private |
Accreditation |
Yes
|
Percent Online Enrollment |
42%
|
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $898
Out of State | $898
Credits to Graduate
36
Program Information
Institution Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Located in Chicago, Adler offers a master's in organizational psychology that emphasizes inclusion and social justice. Students can specialize in data science, training and development, or human resources management.
The curriculum comprises 25 core credits, 6-9 concentration credits, a 200-hour social justice practicum, and a thesis or capstone project. Applicants need a bachelor's degree from an accredited school and a minimum 2.5 GPA.
#9 Online College in California
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Los Angeles
School Information | |
---|---|
Location | Los Angeles, California |
Admission Rate | 13% |
Instituation Type | Private |
Accreditation |
Yes
|
Percent Online Enrollment |
82%
|
100% Online | Some Synchronous Experiences
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,253
Out of State | $1,253
Credits to Graduate
40
Program Information
Institution Accreditation | WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Students at The Chicago School can pursue an online master's in industrial and organizational psychology. The program requires two years of full-time study or four years for part-time learners.
The curriculum includes coursework in organizational design, performance management, and organizational team dynamics. Students complete a five-credit applied research project.
Applicants need a bachelor's degree and must have completed preparatory coursework.
#10 Online College in Missouri
Missouri University of Science and Technology
School Information | |
---|---|
Location | Rolla, Missouri |
Admission Rate | 79% |
Graduation Rate | 66% |
Accreditation |
Yes
|
Percent Online Enrollment |
22%
|
100% Online| Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $950
Out of State | $950
Credits to Graduate
40
Program Information
Institution Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Located in Rolla, Missouri S&T offers an online master's in organizational psychology program. Students learn to enhance the well-being and performance of individuals within organizations.
Degree-seekers choose from thesis and non-thesis tracks. Students who choose the thesis track generally aspire to research careers. Non-thesis track students can concentrate in applied workplace psychology or statistical methods in psychology.
Applicants need a bachelor's degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA. Prospective students should score at least 300 on the GRE's verbal and quantitative sections.
Online Master's in Organizational Psychology Program Overview
A master's in organizational psychology builds upon a bachelor's degree in psychology to develop in students leadership competencies, such as effective communication strategies and critical-thinking skills. Subjects include recruitment, training and development, workplace effectiveness, employee performance, and research.
Program requirements vary as universities develop their own curriculum. On average, an online master's in organizational psychology requires up to 45 credit hours. Students typically earn their degree in two years with full-time attendance. However, some online programs offer accelerated options.
Culminating assignments include an exam or a thesis, each of which reveals a student's potential to apply organizational psychology theory to rprofessional settings. Depending on the school, students may need to complete the exam in-person or at a testing facility. Students should also anticipate field experiences or professional research publishing opportunities.
Common Master's in Organizational Psychology Degree Courses
In this course, students examine behavioral theories groups and individuals in organizational settings. Pertinent topics include organizational design, job satisfaction, employee motivation, leadership, development, and company culture. Course objectives include understanding effective management strategies, selecting appropriate methods that can lead to organizational performance, and identifying organizational systems to solve problems as they arise.
Organizations need a system for selecting employees who possess the knowledge and skills to fulfill their job role and remain with the company long-term. Failure to do so can harm companies' bottom line. Talent management courses examine practices and methods that develop and engage employees.
An online master's in organizational psychology prepares graduates to manage talent. Professionals need to utilize succession strategies for employees who either receive promotions or who decide to leave the company. These techniques ensure companies remain steady and on track to reach organizational goals. Course objectives include identifying strategies that result in a diverse talent pool.
In this course, students explore organizational culture, change management, active empathetic listening, and team building. They also learn strategies to increase effectiveness when communicating with other employees. Graduates can look forward to developing their own personalized coaching model.
Psychologists need systematic research methods to plan, conduct, and interpret information. This course also develops critical evaluation skills used to assess consumer research. Students also learn about the philosophy of science. Course objectives require students to understand the importance of reliability, validity, survey administration techniques, and biases.
Related Master's in Organizational Psychology Degree Concentrations
This concentration teaches psychologists to uncover solutions for problems that affect achievement and progress in companies. Course content focuses on collaboration with and the management of employees. Topics may include project management, team interventions, negotiation and bargaining strategies, and advanced leadership.
Psychology professionals work closely with stakeholders, so they need to understand how groups and individuals behave in organizations. A concentration in organizational behavior prepares students to offer leadership competencies and solve problems as they arise. Topics include negotiations, team management, and organizational change.
Professionals planning a career in managing employees may benefit from a concentration in talent development and training. This specialization teaches students to identify professional needs. Topics include training methodologies, strategic planning, performance consulting, and teaching theories. Students also explore collaboration systems, web applications, and management techniques.
This concentration provides students with the tools and skills required to evaluate employees' performance and identify developmental needs. Students should note that program availability and course content vary by program.
This concentration gives students a solid foundation in the user-centered design process and ways to evaluate human-machine interfaces. Students develop their knowledge regarding cognition, perception, and information processing systems. Depending on the program, students may need to complete lab work.
Online Master's in Organizational Psychology Admission Requirements
Students considering an online master's in organizational psychology must submit official transcripts from an accredited bachelor's program. Colleges and universities use official transcripts to determine if candidates possess knowledge and skills needed to complete programs. Students who do not meet the minimum requirements may need to complete additional coursework before gaining admission.
While online schools often waive GRE requirements, universities may require students to complete the GRE exam to determine their potential for success. Universities that do not require the GRE may allow students to submit their scores to distinguish themselves from other candidates.
Online master's in organizational psychology often require a minimum GPA score to help schools narrow the applicant pool. Students who do not meet the minimum requirement may ask admissions to arrange an academic probation period where students complete a semester to prove they can handle the coursework.
Universities often require up to three letters of recommendation from professionals who can speak to students' adaptability, work ethic, and potential to succeed.
Universities may require a statement of purpose that outlines the student's professional intentions, prior experience or contributions to the field, research interests, or other notable characteristics. If the school does not provide a word limit, students should anticipate writing up to three pages.
Online Master's in Organizational Psychology Career Paths
Students who earn an online master's in organizational psychology often become human resource managers. Entry-level roles accept candidates with a bachelor's, but professionals with advanced degrees gain access to more opportunities and responsibilities.
An online master's in organizational psychology may also lead to a career as a survey researcher. In general, this position requires a master’s degree or Ph.D. Likewise, professionals who wish to teach at four-year colleges must earn a Ph.D.
Organizational Psychology CareersRelated Careers
Frequently Asked Questions
The industrial side of psychology focuses on stakeholders who influence the organization. This may include training and development, talent management, assessment, and leadership. Contrastingly, organizational psychology focuses on methods and strategies for improving the structure and processes within a company. Professionals dealing with organizational psychology focus on organizational change, organizational design, effectiveness, and development.
On average, students can earn their degree in two years with full-time attendance. Part-time students should anticipate earning their degree in four years. Programs may offer accelerated options that allow students to graduate sooner. Learners should also note that concentration requirements vary and may extend the length of average programs.
An online master's in organizational psychology allows graduates to apply for jobs in research, government, and consulting firms. Therefore, earning potential varies. Geographic location may also influence earning potential.
This subfield of psychology should continue to grow as organizations realize how talent development, workplace environment, and change management influence their earnings and stability. In fact, BLS data projects a 13% increase in employment through 2028 for this role.
Students who earn an online master's in organizational psychology qualify for roles in several industries. All companies need professionals who understand how to improve organizational structure and manage employees. Potential job titles include human resources manager, industrial and organizational psychologist, survey researcher, and college professor.
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BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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