Best Online Organizational Psychology Programs

Organizational psychology focuses on how psychology applies within organizations, including companies and other workplaces. Whether you're passionate about conducting research or interested in how social structures impact individual psychology, a bachelor's in organizational psychology is a great way to build your foundation.

This field serves an important purpose within society, helping improve workplaces and employment conditions. Read on to learn more about online bachelor's in organizational psychology programs, top online schools and find answers to your questions about careers in organizational psychology.

What Can I Expect From an Online Bachelor's in Organizational Psychology Program?

Whether you enroll in an in-person or online bachelor's in organizational psychology program, you can expect to study core topics in psychology through the lens of organizational operation and management. Students with a special interest in the way individuals think and act within the context of workplaces often pursue this degree.

Most programs require about 120 credits and four years of full-time study to complete. However, accelerated programs may be available for those who want to graduate ahead of schedule. Part-time students can expect to spend longer earning their degree.

Schools generally offer an organizational psychology track as a BA or BS program. BA programs focus more on social science, while BS programs include a more clinical focus. Regardless of which type of degree you earn, a bachelor's in organizational psychology can provide a foundation for entry-level work or a stepping stone for more advanced studies.

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What Courses Will I Take in an Online Bachelor's in Organizational Psychology Program?

Introduction to Organizational Psychology

Introductory organizational psychology courses help you build the foundation for more advanced studies. Coursework typically focuses on the four major organizational psychology domains: human resource management, factors influencing employee performance, organization development, and research relevant to the field.

Introduction to Group Dynamics

In this course, students examine the ways humans behave within groups. Learners study leadership, decision-making, and dysfunctional team behavior and often work in groups to better understand how different dynamics can influence teamwork. Students may then analyze their team's performance and leadership styles.

Research Methods

An important component of any psychology education, this course introduces students to the research techniques and methodology needed to conduct research in organizational psychology. Students learn to evaluate existing psychological studies before going on to conduct their own research.

Organizational Culture

Because organizational psychology focuses on the workplace, learners entering the field need a strong understanding of how an organization's culture impacts employees. In this course, students analyze the way factors like company culture, communication, politics, and power structures affect the overall level of success of a company and its employees.

Social Psychology

Social psychology courses provide learners with the techniques used by social psychologists to examine human behavior within social settings. Students learn to develop theories and use empirical research, critical thinking, and the scientific method to test their theories.

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What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Bachelor's in Organizational Psychology Program?

Make sure to submit all required materials when applying to an online bachelor's in organizational psychology program. Requested documentation might include a writing sample, transcripts, recommendation letters, entrance exam scores, and an application fee. Many schools require a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Application

Applicants complete an online application that requests contact information and various materials. Most schools use an online platform like the Common App that students can use to submit applications to multiple institutions. Most applicants also pay a fee unless they can get a waiver based on financial need.

Test Scores

Many programs offering a bachelor's in organizational psychology require scores for entrance exams like the ACT or SAT. Entrance exams help measure high school graduates' preparedness for higher education. However, they do not necessarily predict success in college. Therefore, schools consider these scores only as part of the whole application.

Letters of Recommendation

College applicants should expect to submit one or more letters of recommendation, highlighting their achievements, likelihood of doing well in their studies, and perhaps their work history. Students can approach teachers, employers, and trusted mentors for these letters. Allow enough time for your recommenders to write these letters before application deadlines.

Essays

Most schools offering an online bachelor's in organizational psychology request purpose statements from prospective students. These application essays allow students to showcase their writing skills, personalities, academic strengths, and suitability for higher education. An application essay should include a solid organizational structure and answer the prompt directly.

Official Transcripts

Most colleges and universities request academic transcripts and cumulative GPAs. An applicant coming from a community college or another university can determine which credits can transfer by contacting the school's admissions department.

What Can I Do With an Online Bachelor's in Organizational Psychology Degree?

Career Outlook

The job market offers many employment options for organizational psychology graduates. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 8% job growth for psychologists and 10% job growth for human resources specialists, which is average for all occupations. However, organizational psychologists need at least a master's degree in the field.

See where popular degrees like an online bachelor's in organizational psychology can take you. Learn more about organizational psychology careers.

Career Paths

Human Resource Manager

Human resource managers ensure that an organization's employee onboarding, training, and evaluation processes function smoothly. These professionals recruit, interview, hire, and train employees. Human resource managers may handle employee discipline and termination and resolve disputes between employees.

Median Annual Salary: $126,230

Change Management Specialist

Change management specialists help organizations implement change to internal processes or systems. These professionals work directly with leadership to provide guidance on how to successfully implement changes and support teams during the transition.

Average Annual Salary (July 2022): $80,670

Workforce Insight Analyst

These professionals work with businesses and organizations to improve human resources and overall company success. They often observe an organization and conduct employee surveys so they can determine where weaknesses exist, then make informed recommendations to improve employee recruitment, retention, and satisfaction.

Average Annual Salary (July 2022): $75,868

Talent Management Specialist

Talent management specialists work with other human resource professionals to maximize the effectiveness of leadership and other employee development programs. They often manage the leadership pipeline and help funnel high-performing employees into more advanced positions. They may also train and educate other HR professionals on creating effective teams.

Median Annual Salary: $120,130

Organizational Development Specialist

These professionals identify organizational weaknesses and develop strategies to maximize efficiency. These specialists also consult with employees from different teams and create training programs to solve issues within each department.

Median Annual Salary: $120,130

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Continuing Education

Graduates with a bachelor's in organizational psychology can pursue master's or doctoral degrees if they want to earn higher salaries or expand their job prospects. To become an organizational psychologist, you'll need at least a master's degree. Those looking to work in clinical practice will need a doctorate along with licensure or certification based on their state's requirements.

The American Board of Professional Psychology offers board certification in organizational and business consulting for candidates with a doctoral degree in psychology.

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How We Rank Schools

Each year, the BestColleges Ranking Team evaluates hundreds of programs to produce our annual Best Online Bachelor's in Organizational Psychology ranking. In 2022, the team sourced the most recent data available from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Navigator, both of which are hosted by the National Center for Education Statistics. We identified four schools that qualify for our ranking list based on the following criteria.

• Each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution.
• Must offer an online bachelor's degree program in the given subject.
• Must submit an annual report to the National Center for Education Statistics.

To ensure the accuracy and quality of our final ranked list, the ranking team reviewed each qualifying school to ensure it met the criteria for our ranking, and then applied our proprietary ranking methodology to identify the best schools offering this program in the nation. Each school is ranked based on a formula measuring admissions rate, enrollment rate, full-time retention rate, and graduation rate. Review our Editorial Policy and Standards to learn more about the standards we uphold.

How Do I Choose an Online Bachelor's in Organizational Psychology Program?

Cost

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, tuition at a public institution averaged $9,400 in 2020-2021, while private institutions averaged $37,600 that year. Students should budget for other expenses, such as housing, transportation, books and supplies, technology, and student services. Online learners can save money on accommodations and parking, but they might have to pay additional technology fees.

Program Format

Online programs offer more flexibility for students. Professionals juggling work and school might prefer asynchronous classes, allowing them to view lectures when convenient.

A bachelor's in organizational psychology takes most full-time students four years to complete. People wanting to enter the workforce sooner might enroll in accelerated online programs, shortening graduation time.

Location

Earning an online bachelor's in organizational psychology can remove geographical barriers that have limited some students in the past. However, some online schools require learners to attend occasional lectures and seminars on campus. Therefore, students might consider attending an online program nearby.

Accreditation

Applicants should ensure that a school offering a bachelor's in organizational psychology has accreditation. Accredited schools receive verification from an independent agency that they meet academic standards. The American Psychological Association provides psychology-specific accreditation to qualifying programs.

Student Support

Applicants pursuing a bachelor's in organizational psychology should look for schools with student services. These offices can provide students with access to tutoring, academic advising, job placement, and college mentors. Student services offices can also link individuals with financial aid, internship opportunities, and counseling.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bachelor's in Organizational Psychology Programs

Is a bachelor's in organizational psychology worth it?

For students interested in psychological issues in workplace or industrial settings, an online bachelor's in organizational psychology can seem worth the time and financial investment.

Individuals can find fulfillment in improving workplace productivity and culture by studying work processes and management styles. Organizational psychologists can contribute positively to work environments with knowledge of ethical standards and best practices. Also, because of the diverse skills they develop in their degree programs, these individuals can gain access to various jobs in multiple industries.

What can I do with a bachelor's in organizational psychology?

Graduates with a bachelor's in organizational psychology can pursue jobs in change management, organizational development, or human resources. Those wanting to become organizational psychologists must earn their master's degree at a minimum. Some employers may prefer a doctoral degree.

Organizational or industrial psychologists apply psychological theories and principles to work processes to solve problems, improve productivity, and enhance work life quality. Professionals often conduct observations and collect and analyze data to identify issues with worker morale, efficiency, communication, and management styles.

Organizational or psychologists hold jobs as trainers, consultants, and human resources professionals. They can also occupy leadership roles as human resources managers, talent management specialists, and evaluation and assessment analysts. Some consultants in this field advise high-level managers on employee training, policy planning, organizational development, and other decision-making areas.

Are organizational psychology majors in demand?

The BLS reports that jobs for psychologists will grow 8% between 2020-2020, which is average for all occupations during the same period. Many sectors will continue to need organizational psychologists for employee retention and training implementation.

Developments in technology have prompted most organizations to adapt to the emerging global economy and alter the structure of their workplace environments. These and other changes require organizational psychologists who can help managers develop their techniques and guide employees in improving efficiency.

How much money can I make with a bachelor's in organizational psychology?

Organizational psychologist jobs typically offer competitive pay, but salaries vary by location, industry, and education. According to Payscale, human resources consultants earn an average of $75,870 as of July 2022. In contrast, professionals working in management can earn higher pay. According to the BLS, human resources managers made a median salary of $126,230 in 2021.

What are the highest paying jobs with a bachelor's in organizational psychology?

Those with a bachelor's in organizational psychology and years of relevant experience can pursue management or leadership positions, which often earn higher pay. For example, the BLS reports that training and development managers and human resource managers earned median salaries of $115,640 and $121,220, respectively.

Industries that offer high-paying jobs for organizational psychology graduates include colleges and universities, scientific research facilities, and local governments. To become psychologists, you will need to earn an advanced degree beyond the bachelor's and state-based certification or licensure for clinical practice.

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