Best Online Master's in Organizational Psychology Programs
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.
What are the best organizational management programs of 2020? Here are our top 10:
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Northeastern University | Boston, MA |
| 2 | George Washington University | Washington, DC |
| 3 | Lincoln Christian University | Lincoln, IL |
| 4 | Colorado State University Global Campus | Greenwood Village, CO |
| 5 | University of Denver | Denver, CO |
| 6 | Lewis University | Romeoville, IL |
| 7 | Regis University | Denver, CO |
| 8 | Concordia University Irvine | Irvine, CA |
| 9 | Gonzaga University | Spokane, WA |
| 10 | Trevecca Nazarene University | Nashville, TN |
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.
- How We Rank Schools
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2020 Best Accredited Online Master's in Organizational Psychology Programs
| Rank | School | Location | Cost | Graduation Rate | Description | Toggle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Albizu University |
Miami, FL | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 100% |
Albizu University focuses on community-oriented fields, such as psychology, education, and speech-language therapy/pathology. Among its academic options is an online master's in organizational psychology. Students can take up to four years to complete the 48-credit curriculum. Required courses include employment law, personnel psychology, and performance and talent management. Prior to graduation, students must complete six credits of an applied research or capstone project. Admission requires a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA and submission of three recommendations, a CV, and a statement of purpose. All online students pay the same tuition rates regardless of residency. Program Overview Program Name: Master of Science in Industrial and Organizational Psychology DeliveryFormat: 100% online Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0 minimum Contact Phone: (305) 593-1223 |
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| 2 |
University of Southern California |
Los Angeles, CA | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 92% |
The University of Southern California is a major private research university located in Los Angeles. USC boasts a student body of approximately 48,500, an impressive retention rate greater than 95%, and a respected online school dedicated to graduate and professional studies. Students can earn an online master's in organizational psychology within 16 months. Combining psychology theory, research, and business practice, the 34-credit curriculum prepares graduates for careers in employee relations, human resource management, and talent development. A required on-site internship allows for skills development and on-the-job training. USC evaluates applicants based on academic performance, test scores, and admission materials. There is no minimum GPA requirement. Prospective students must supply GRE scores. Program Overview Program Name: Master of Science in Applied Psychology DeliveryFormat: 100% online, with a required on-site internship Admission RequirementsStandardized Tests: GRE Contact Phone: (866) 232-0232, ext. 4371 |
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| 3 |
Colorado State University - Fort Collins |
Fort Collins, CO | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 71% |
Colorado State University-Fort Collins is a major research university with nearly 24,000 undergraduate and 4,000 graduate students. CSU Online offers students the opportunity to earn degrees through distance learning with the flexibility of an asynchronous format. With completion times of two or four years, CSU's online master's in organizational psychology prepares students to make meaningful and lasting change in organizations. The 38-credit curriculum requires courses in applied psychological research design, measurement theory, and workforce training and development. All students complete a final capstone project under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Applicants need a bachelor's degree, undergraduate coursework in statistics and a relevant psychology discipline, and GRE scores. The GRE psychology subject test is also required. Program Overview Program Name: Master of Applied Industrial/Organizational Psychology Delivery Format: 100% online Admission Requirements GPA: 3.0 minimum Contact Phone: (970) 491-2665 |
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| 4 |
Touro University Worldwide |
Los Alamitos, CA | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 50% |
Touro University Worldwide is the online campus of Touro University, a private, nonprofit institution of higher and professional education. More than 1,000 graduate students enroll at TUW each year, pursuing 14 diverse degrees, including an online master's in organizational psychology. Requiring a total of 36 credits, TUW's organizational psychology program offers three concentration options: coaching and consulting, human resource management, and occupational health psychology. Graduates are equipped to deal with issues of poor morale, low productivity, and a lack of teamwork. A final capstone project is required. Prospective students must hold a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA. TUW charges no application fee, and all students pay the same tuition regardless of residency. Program Overview Program Name: Master of Arts in Industrial and Organizational Psychology DeliveryFormat: 100% online Admission RequirementsGPA: 2.5 minimum Contact Phone: (818) 575-6800 |
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| 5 |
Missouri University of Science and Technology |
Rolla, MO | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 63% |
Missouri University of Science and Technology is a top technological institution offering 99 degrees in 40 areas of study. Approximately 1,700 graduate students attend each year, 32% of whom enroll exclusively in distance education courses. Missouri S&T offers 18 fully online graduate programs, including an online master's in organizational psychology. The 40-credit degree prepares professionals for tasks in candidate selection and job placement, training program development, and performance measurement. Students who prefer a non-thesis track can complete a graduate certificate in either applied workplace psychology or statistical methods in psychology. Classes are delivered by live streaming video and are also archived for later viewing. Admission requires a minimum 3.0 GPA. Missouri S&T prefers that prospective students major in psychology, but applicants in related fields are encouraged to apply. Program Overview Program Name: Master of Science in Industrial/Organizational Psychology Delivery Format: 100% online Admission Requirements GPA: 3.0 minimum Contact Phone: (573) 341-6591 |
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| 6 |
Baker College |
Flint, MI | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 19% |
With more than 100 programs, approximately 16,000 students and 11 locations, Baker College is the largest independent college in Michigan. The college also operates a global campus, which offers 24/7 asynchronous scheduling. Baker's online master's in organizational psychology offers an accelerated path that allows students to earn their degrees within 12 months. Students complete a total of 36 credits, including psychology of performance and motivation, research methods, and individual/group factors in the workplace. An optional, in-person residency is available for interested students. To apply, prospective students must provide official undergraduate transcripts demonstrating a minimum 2.5 GPA and a 500-1,000 word essay. All online students pay the same tuition rates regardless of residency. Program Overview Program Name: Master of Science in Industrial/Organizational Psychology Delivery Format: 100% online Admission RequirementsGPA: 2.5 minimum Contact Phone: (800) 964-4299 |
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| 7 |
Golden Gate University |
San Francisco, CA | Graduation Rate: 19% |
Golden Gate University is a private, adult-focused institution offering flexible evening, weekend, and online courses. Approximately 30% of GGU's 2,000 graduate students enroll exclusively in distance education. The 42-credit online master's in organizational psychology provides both distance learning and hybrid options. Students complete 42 credits, including courses in human resource management, group dynamics, and diversity in organizations. If desired, students can participate in a site-based internship. Skills acquired in the program prepare graduates for doctoral study or employment in technology, pharmaceuticals, and entertainment organizations. GGU admits new students throughout the year, and prospective students may submit applications up to one calendar year prior to the intended start date. Out-of-state residency does not impact the price of online tuition. Program Overview Program Name: Master of Arts in Industrial-Organizational Psychology DeliveryFormat: 100% online, on-campus, or hybrid Contact Phone: (800) 448-4968 |
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| 8 |
National Louis University |
Chicago, IL | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 22% |
National Louis University enrolls approximately 9,000 students each year, more than half of whom pursue graduate degrees. The private institution boasts an extensive online catalog of 17 programs. Students can complete an accelerated online master's in organizational psychology within 20 months. The curriculum requires 36-42 credits. Core courses cover talent acquisition and retention, organizational effectiveness, and psychology of organizational leadership. With faculty approval, incoming students can earn credit for prior learning. Prospective students must hold a bachelor's degree. Applicants with an undergraduate GPA below 3.0 must supply either a professional writing sample or Criterion writing assessment scores. Tuition rates are not impacted by state residency. Program Overview Program Name: Master of Science in Industrial and Organizational Psychology Delivery Format: 100% online Contact Phone: (847) 947-5718 |
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| 9 |
Austin Peay State University |
Clarksville, TN | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 41% |
Austin Peay State University is the fastest-growing public university in Tennessee and, according to U.S. News & World Report, one of the most innovative schools in the nation. The institution offers 49 bachelor's programs and 19 master's degrees, including an online master's in organizational psychology. The 34-credit curriculum includes courses in applied psychology, research methods and statistics, and leadership and organizational change. Students may complete a thesis or a non-thesis track consisting of two electives and a comprehensive exam. Graduates are prepared for work in business, government, nonprofits, and consulting. Admission requires a bachelor's degree with 12 credits of psychology or equivalent courses, a 2.5 GPA, and minimum GRE scores of 143 (verbal) and 138 (quantitative). All online students pay the same tuition rates. Program Overview Program Name: Master of Science in Industrial/Organizational Psychology DeliveryFormat: 100% online Admission Requirements GPA: 2.5 minimum Contact Phone: (931) 221-7011 |
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| 10 |
Southern New Hampshire University |
Manchester, NH | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 54% |
SNHU is a highly respected private university with a catalog of more than 200 programs. Approximately 93% of its 21,000 graduate students enroll exclusively online. SNHU's 36-credit master's in psychology offers three concentration options, including industrial and organizational psychology. Students in this program learn to apply research methods and theory to organizational contexts. The program delivers all coursework asynchronously. All online students pay the same tuition rates, with discounts available for military service members. A 2.75 GPA or higher is required for full admission to a graduate program at SNHU. Prospective students must hold a bachelor's in psychology or satisfy necessary undergraduate prerequisites. Program Overview Program Name: Master of Science in Psychology Delivery Format: 100% online Admission RequirementsGPA: 2.75 minimum Contact Phone: (888) 387-0861 |
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
- Organizational Behavior
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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.
- Talent Management
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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.
- Succession Planning
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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.
- Executive Coaching
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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.
- Research Methods
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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
- Organizational Development
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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.
- Organizational Behavior
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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.
- Talent Development and Training
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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.
- Performance Management
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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.
- Ergonomics
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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
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Official Transcripts
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.
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Graduate Record Examination
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.
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Minimum GPA
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.
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Letters of Recommendation
Universities often require up to three letters of recommendation from professionals who can speak to students' adaptability, work ethic, and potential to succeed.
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Statement of Purpose
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.
Related Careers
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between industrial and organizational psychology?
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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.
- How long does it take to get a master's in organizational psychology?
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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.
- How much do organizational psychologists make in a year?
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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.
- Are industrial/organizational psychologists in demand?
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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.
- What jobs can I get with a degree in organizational psychology?
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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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