Best Online Master’s in Organizational Psychology Programs

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.

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.

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 $$ 147,420 per year in May 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s significantly more than the median for all psychologists of $96,100. 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 7% projected job growth for psychologists from 2023-2033. That’s faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.

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.

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.

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.

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.