Best Online Master’s in Organizational Psychology Programs
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Most psychologists need a doctorate. But you can become an industrial-organizational psychologist with a master’s degree. And this in-demand field reports a median salary of over $135,000 per year.
But what’s an industrial-organizational (IO) psychologist? And which online master’s in organizational psychology program is right for you? If you’re interested in organizational psychology, our resources can help.
Featured Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
What Can I Do With an Online Master's in Organizational Psychology Degree?
While clinical psychologists need a doctorate and a state-issued license, you can work as an industrial-organizational psychologist with just a master’s degree.
Industrial-organizational psychologists use science-backed methods to improve workplaces. They study worker productivity, employee morale, and organizational development to solve workplace problems. Organizational psychologists may work in human resources departments or as independent consultants.
How Much Can I Make With an Online Master's in Organizational Psychology?
Earning an online master’s in organizational psychology can pay off. That’s because the field reports six-figure median salaries and strong demand.
The median salary for IO psychologists reached $139,280 per year in May 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s significantly more than the median for all psychologists of $85,330. And industrial-organizational psychologists only need a master’s degree, not a doctorate.
Several factors influence earning potential, including location, industry, and experience. For example, industrial-organizational psychologists typically increase their earning potential with experience.
Graduates of an online master's in organizational psychology program also benefit from a strong job outlook, with a 6% projected job growth from 2022-2032. That's faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.
What to Look for in an Online Master's in Organizational Psychology
Which organizational psychology master’s program will help you reach your career goals? When researching programs, it’s a good idea to review the curriculum, program length, and requirements. You should also consider your budget and the school’s accreditation status.
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Program Curriculum
What courses does the program offer? In some programs, you’ll earn a master’s in psychology with a concentration in organizational psychology. In others, you can choose a concentration within organizational psychology, such as data science or human resources management. Compare the curriculum with your career goals to find a good fit. -
Accreditation
Accredited universities meet the highest standards for academic quality. Accreditation can affect your financial aid and employment opportunities. Earning an unaccredited degree can also hurt your chances of admission to doctoral programs. That’s why you should always choose an accredited institution to earn your master’s degree. -
Program Length
Most master’s programs in organizational psychology take two years. However, you can also choose a part-time or accelerated track. Review the program length, both in terms of time and credits. And consider whether the program’s pace fits with your schedule. -
Online Learning Format and Requirements
Online learning comes in many forms. The most flexible programs require no set meeting times or in-person requirements. Other programs may offer live class sessions or on-campus residencies. You can find a format that matches your needs and preferences.
The Best Online Master's in Organizational Psychology of 2024
We use datasets from sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
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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Missouri University of Science and Technology
Rolla, MO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $795-$950
Out-of-State | $795-$950
Credits to Graduate: 37
Missouri University of Science and Technology's MS in industrial-organizational psychology trains I-O psychologists who can enhance workplace and employee performance. The program emphasizes flexibility for busy learners.
Topics covered include personnel selection, training and development, job analysis and performance management, and advanced research methods. In addition to thesis and non-thesis tracks, the MS allows for full-time or part-time enrollment.
Support services for online learners include access to the library and coaching/mentoring assistance. Enrollees pay the same flat tuition regardless of state residency.
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $850
Out-of-State | $850
Credits to Graduate: 30
The master of professional studies in applied industrial and organizational psychology at George Mason University provides both theoretical and workplace experience in evidence-based I/O practices. Foundational knowledge in I/O psychology complements advanced instruction in research methods and data analytics.
Business professionals and HR specialists develop expertise in employee selection, staff motivation, and performance management. Enrollees learn best-practice strategies for organizational change and development.
A required practicum provides hands-on experience in an organizational setting. Students pay the same affordable tuition regardless of their state residency.
Saint Peter's University
Jersey City, NJ - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $695
Out-of-State | $695
Credits to Graduate: 36
Saint Peter's University offers a master of industrial organizational psychology with a customizable online curriculum that students can complete in 15 months. The degree's MA and MS tracks prepare scientist-practitioners and effective problem-solvers.
Enrollees complete six core courses, including introduction to I/O psychology, research methods and design, and personnel psychology. Students then design the rest of the curriculum based on their career interests.
Electives include social psychology, psychometrics, and negotiation and conflict resolution. The degree culminates with a capstone project or thesis thesis.
Touro University Worldwide
Los Alamitos, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $500
Out-of-State | $500
Credits to Graduate: 36
Touro University's online MA in industrial and organizational psychology offers three concentration options: HR management, coaching and consulting, or occupational health psychology.
Students learn skills such as how to improve customer relations and develop high-performing teams. Enrollees apply their learning to a workplace- or career-related capstone project or assignment. Participants typically complete the degree in 1.5 years.
The program's eight-week terms and generous credit transfer policy help accelerate degree completion. A flat tuition rate for all students makes the degree affordable.
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $770
Out-of-State | $770
Credits to Graduate: 38
Colorado State University's online master of applied industrial/organizational psychology emphasizes the real-world application of I/O knowledge and best practices. Students learn organizational development, succession planning, and workplace training and development skills.
Participants learn how to plan research studies and analyze data. Enrollees build experience as they work as a virtual team to complete applied research/consulting projects within an organization. All students pay in-state tuition regardless of where they reside. Participants typically complete the self-paced degree in 2-4 years.
Marian University
Fond Du Lac, WI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $665
Out-of-State | $665
Credits to Graduate: 36
Located in Wisconsin, Marian University developed the online MS in industrial organizational psychology with busy working professionals in mind. Students learn how to complete critical tasks such as training and development, job analysis, and organizational consulting.
A notable course teaches students how to perform I/O analytics using the R programming language. The program culminates with a thesis or practicum experience. Classes start every seven weeks. All students pay the same affordable tuition regardless of in-state or out-of-state residency.
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $764
Out-of-State | $764
Credits to Graduate: 36
The MA in industrial organizational behavior management at Western Michigan University blends online learning with in-person classes at the campus in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Students interested in pursuing a doctoral program can choose the thesis track, while the enrollees looking to enter the workforce after graduation can choose the practicum option.
A mentorship model ensures students work with specific faculty members throughout the program. All participants complete core courses in personnel selection and placement, training and development, and behavioral systems analysis. Electives help develop expertise in accountancy, health services delivery, and other areas.
Sacred Heart University
Fairfield, CT - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $850
Out-of-State | $850
Credits to Graduate: 36
Located in Fairfield, Connecticut, Sacred Heart University offers a one-year MS in industrial/organizational psychology. The hybrid cohort program requires twice-weekly evening classes supplemented with online work. The curriculum explores organizational and personnel psychology, job analysis and competency modeling, and training and development.
Students learn how to apply research methodology in the behavioral sciences within organizations. Supervised fieldwork provides I/O workplace experience in an area of the student's professional interest. The degree's six eight-week modules accelerate degree completion.
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
Ranking Methodology Summary
To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:
- Affordability (30%)
- Student outcomes (30%)
- Reputation (20%)
- Diversity and social mobility (20%)
In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.
What Can I Expect From an Online Master's in Organizational Psychology?
During an online master’s in organizational psychology program, you’ll typically complete 30-36 credits of coursework. Full-time students generally complete their degree in two years.
Many programs cover topics like the psychology of motivation, organizational leadership, and the application of psychology to workplace problems. After meeting the coursework requirements, you may complete a capstone project or pass a master’s exam to earn your degree. Depending on the program, you may also conduct research, investigate case studies, and work closely with a faculty mentor.
Organizational psychology master’s programs often emphasize applied psychology, preparing graduates for careers in human resources, training and development, or consulting. These programs can also prepare you for doctoral programs in psychology.
What Are the Admission Requirements for a Master's in Organizational Psychology?
Ready to submit an application? First, make sure you meet the admission requirements. Typically, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree. Many programs also require letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and prerequisite courses. While each program sets its own requirements, many include the following.
Admission Materials
You’ll submit official transcripts, an application, and supporting material like recommendation letters and a personal statement. Since these requirements vary widely, make sure to check which admission materials you’ll need for each program.
Education
While you don’t need a bachelor’s in psychology to apply, it can help you meet the prerequisite courses. Master’s programs typically expect you to take psychology and social science courses as an undergraduate, which they verify on your official transcripts.
GPA
Programs want to make sure you can succeed in graduate-level coursework. That’s why they typically set a minimum GPA, often a 3.0 GPA, for admissions. If your GPA is lower, consider taking undergraduate psychology courses to demonstrate your academic skills.
How Much Does an Online Master's in Organizational Psychology Degree Cost?
The cost of earning your master’s in organizational psychology online can vary widely. While public universities reported an average in-state tuition rate of around $12,600 per year for the 2021-2022 school year, private tuition averaged around $28,000, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Some universities offer flat tuition rates for distance learners regardless of state residency, so online programs can potentially save students money. You can also use federal financial aid, scholarships, and grants to cover costs. For example, many organizations offer psychology scholarships. Or check out our scholarship and grant resources for more opportunities.
Average Annual Tuition Cost of a Master's Degree, 2021-2022
Public Institution
$12,596
Private Institution
$28,017
Everything Else You Need to Know About Online Master's in Organizational Psychology Programs
Is a master's in organizational psychology worth it?
Yes, earning a master's in organizational psychology can pay off. The degree prepares you for in-demand careers as an industrial-organizational psychologist. While many other psychology careers require a doctorate, you'll qualify for IO psychology jobs with a master's degree. And the field reports a higher median pay than other psychology specialties.
Can you call yourself an IO psychologist with a master's degree?
Yes, you can become an industrial-organizational psychologist with a master's degree. While some employers prefer to hire candidates with a doctorate, a master's represents the entry-level degree required for industrial-organizational psychology jobs. Unlike many other psychology careers, you don't need a state-issued license to work as an IO psychologist.
Is an online master's in organizational psychology respected?
Yes, employers respect online master's in organizational psychology programs offered at accredited institutions. These programs meet the same standards for academic quality as in-person programs. When researching online master's programs, contact programs to learn more about their accreditation status and graduate placement record.
Is there a demand for organizational psychologists?
Yes, organizational psychologists benefit from high demand. Companies rely on IO psychologists to improve productivity and morale. According to BLS job projections, industrial-organizational psychologists will see 6% job growth from 2022-2032. That represents faster-than-average job growth.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed February 4th, 2024.