Best Online Master's in Organizational Psychology

Our list of the best online master's programs in organizational psychology can help prospective students find the right program for their interests and career goals.
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Updated June 5, 2023

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Are you ready to discover your college program?

The best online organizational psychology master's programs prepare you for a lucrative and in-demand career as an industrial-organizational psychologist. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, industrial-organizational psychologists earned a median salary of $105,310 per year in May 2021.

Unlike most psychologist roles, organizational psychologists don't need a doctorate. To rank the best online organizational psychology master's programs, we compared factors like academic rigor, student outcomes, and cost.

Featured Psychology Programs

10 Best Master's in Organizational Psychology Programs

#1 Best Online Master’s in Organizational Psychology

Carlos Albizu University

  • Miami, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The master's in organizational psychology program at Carlos Albizu University, located in Miami, offers a flexible online format. The master of science in industrial/organizational psychology program emphasizes industry-relevant knowledge and skills, preparing graduates for decision-making responsibilities. After earning a master's degree, candidates also pursue careers in new industries.

The master's curriculum emphasizes both practical and theoretical approaches to organizational psychology. Learners focus the program with electives or a concentration. The master's program recommends that applicants bring a background in organizational psychology or a related field.

Online enrollees work with the program to find internship opportunities in their local area. Graduate students grow their professional connections through internships and virtual networking events.

Carlos Albizu University at a Glance:

Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year

Admission Rate: 56%

Total Online Master's Programs: 2

Program Name: Master of science in industrial/organizational psychology

Graduate Tuition In State: $11,774

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $11,774

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$11,628
Out-of-state
$11,628
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,774
Out-of-state
$11,774
Retention Rate
60%
Acceptance Rate
56%
Students Enrolled
720
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
16% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#2 Best Online Master’s in Organizational Psychology

Missouri University of Science and Technology

  • Rolla, MO
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The master's in organizational psychology degree at Missouri University of Science and Technology, located in Rolla, uses a flexible distance learning format. The master of science in industrial-organizational psychology program draws on a rigorous curriculum that prepares graduates for leadership responsibilities. Earning a master's degree can also help candidates pursue new career opportunities.

The master's curriculum emphasizes theory and practice in organizational psychology. Learners choose electives and concentrations to prepare for focused career paths. The master's program recommends that applicants bring a background in organizational psychology or a related field.

Online enrollees work with the program to arrange professional internships at approved locations in their local area. Graduate students also build professional connections through virtual networking events and other activities.

Missouri University of Science and Technology at a Glance:

Type of School: Public, four-year

Admission Rate: 79%

Total Online Master's Programs: 16

Program Name: Master of science in industrial-organizational psychology

Graduate Tuition In State: $10,452

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $29,558

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,120
Out-of-state
$27,921
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,452
Out-of-state
$29,558
Retention Rate
82%
Acceptance Rate
79%
Students Enrolled
8,088
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
22% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#3 Best Online Master’s in Organizational Psychology

Southern New Hampshire University

  • Manchester, NH
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

From its campus in Manchester, Southern New Hampshire University offers an online master's in organizational psychology. The master's in organizational psychology program uses a rigorous curriculum to prepare graduates for advanced roles in the field. A master's degree also helps candidates pursue new career paths.

The master's curriculum emphasizes research methods and analytical skills. Learners specialize their course of study to prepare for the job market. Applicants with a background in organizational psychology typically meet the admission requirements.

Online enrollees fulfill any in-person requirements, such as internships, at approved sites in their local area. Graduate students also build professional connections by attending networking events.

Southern New Hampshire University at a Glance:

Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year

Admission Rate: 88%

Total Online Master's Programs: 22

Program Name: Master's in organizational psychology online

Graduate Tuition In State: $18,810

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $18,810

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$30,756
Out-of-state
$30,756
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$18,810
Out-of-state
$18,810
Retention Rate
65%
Acceptance Rate
88%
Students Enrolled
113,514
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
94% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education

#4 Best Online Master’s in Organizational Psychology

Colorado State University

  • Fort Collins, CO
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

From its campus in Fort Collins, Colorado State University offers an online master's in organizational psychology. The master's in industrial/organizational psychology program strengthens industry-specific skills, preparing graduates for leadership responsibilities. A master's degree helps candidates advance in their current field or pursue a new career path.

The master's curriculum emphasizes the best practices in organizational psychology. Learners prepare for the job market by choosing a specialty through electives. The admission requirements include a background in organizational psychology or a related field.

Online enrollees add to their resume by pursuing internship opportunities at approved locations in their local area. Internships and other networking events help graduate students expand their professional network.

Colorado State University at a Glance:

Type of School: Public, four-year

Admission Rate: 81%

Total Online Master's Programs: 19

Program Name: Master's in industrial/organizational psychology

Graduate Tuition In State: $10,520

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $25,791

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,426
Out-of-state
$28,147
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,520
Out-of-state
$25,791
Retention Rate
84%
Acceptance Rate
81%
Students Enrolled
33,426
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
26% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#5 Best Online Master’s in Organizational Psychology

Baker College

  • Owosso, MI
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The master's in organizational psychology degree at Baker College, located in Owosso, uses a flexible distance learning format. The master of science in industrial/organizational psychology program emphasizes industry-relevant knowledge and skills, preparing graduates for decision-making responsibilities. With a master's degree, candidates advance their current career or more into new professional paths.

The master's curriculum covers theoretical and practical approaches to organizational psychology. Learners individualize the course of study by selecting electives and concentrations. The program encourages applicants to gain experience in organizational psychology before applying to the program.

Online enrollees can often complete professional internships at approved locations in their own community. Graduate students expand their professional network through internships and online events.

Baker College at a Glance:

Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year

Admission Rate: 73%

Total Online Master's Programs: 12

Program Name: Master of science in industrial/organizational psychology

Graduate Tuition In State: $12,510

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $12,510

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,720
Out-of-state
$9,720
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$12,510
Out-of-state
$12,510
Retention Rate
49%
Acceptance Rate
73%
Students Enrolled
7,606
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
62% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#6 Best Online Master’s in Organizational Psychology

National Louis University

  • Chicago, IL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Graduate students seeking an online organizational psychology degree can enroll in the master's program at National Louis University, located in Chicago. The MS in industrial and organizational psychology program helps graduates move into leadership roles and increase their earning potential. A master's degree also helps candidates pursue new career paths.

The master's curriculum incorporates theoretical and applied approaches to organizational psychology. Learners individualize the course of study by selecting electives and concentrations. The master's program builds on undergraduate training or professional experience in organizational psychology.

Online enrollees work with the program to find internship opportunities in their local area. The program encourages professional development activities, including networking events, so graduate students can expand their professional connections.

National Louis University at a Glance:

Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year

Admission Rate: 98%

Total Online Master's Programs: 14

Program Name: MS in industrial and organizational psychology

Graduate Tuition In State: $11,646

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $11,646

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$13,200
Out-of-state
$13,200
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,646
Out-of-state
$11,646
Retention Rate
58%
Acceptance Rate
98%
Students Enrolled
7,005
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
47% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#7 Best Online Master’s in Organizational Psychology

Touro University Worldwide

  • Los Alamitos, CA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

From its campus in Los Alamitos, California, Touro University Worldwide offers an online master's in organizational psychology. The online master's in industrial and organizational psychology program helps graduates move into leadership roles and increase their earning potential. A master's degree can also train candidates for roles in new industries.

The master's curriculum emphasizes the best practices in organizational psychology. Learners choose electives or a specialization to gain focused career training. The master's program recommends a background in organizational psychology for applicants.

Online enrollees complete internship programs in their local area to gain hands-on experience. Graduate students also participate in networking events to expand their professional connections.

Touro University Worldwide at a Glance:

Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year

Total Online Master's Programs: 8

Program Name: Online master's in industrial and organizational psychology

Graduate Tuition In State: $9,000

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $9,000

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$14,400
Out-of-state
$14,400
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,000
Out-of-state
$9,000
Retention Rate
71%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
1,940
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
98% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

#8 Best Online Master’s in Organizational Psychology

Bellevue University

  • Bellevue, NE
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

From its campus in Nebraska, Bellevue University offers an online master's in organizational psychology. Graduates train for leadership roles in the field while earning their degree from the master of science in industrial and organizational psychology program. A master's degree helps candidates advance in their current field or pursue a new career path.

The master's curriculum emphasizes the best practices in organizational psychology. Learners prepare for focused career paths by choosing electives and concentrations. Applicants without a background in organizational psychology may need to complete prerequisite courses before enrolling in the master's program.

Online enrollees work with the program to arrange professional internships at approved locations in their local area. Graduate students expand their professional network through internships and online events.

Bellevue University at a Glance:

Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year

Total Online Master's Programs: 24

Program Name: Master of science in industrial and organizational psychology

Graduate Tuition In State: $10,530

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $10,530

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,176
Out-of-state
$7,176
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,530
Out-of-state
$10,530
Retention Rate
78%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
11,637
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
95% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#9 Best Online Master’s in Organizational Psychology

Adler University

  • Chicago, IL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Located in Chicago, Illinois, Adler University enrolls master's students in its top-ranked online organizational psychology program. The master's in industrial and organizational psychology program emphasizes advanced practice skills, training graduates for leadership roles and an increased earning potential. A master's degree can also lead candidates to new career paths.

The master's curriculum emphasizes both practical and theoretical approaches to organizational psychology. Learners specialize their course of study to prepare for the job market. The master's program recommends that applicants bring a background in organizational psychology or a related field.

Online enrollees coordinate with the program to complete internships at approved sites in their local area. Graduate students grow their professional connections through internships and virtual networking events.

Adler University at a Glance:

Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year

Total Online Master's Programs: 9

Program Name: Master's in industrial and organizational psychology

Graduate Tuition In State: $35,888

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $35,888

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$35,888
Out-of-state
$35,888
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
1,558
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
42% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#10 Best Online Master’s in Organizational Psychology

Golden Gate University

  • San Francisco, CA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Based in San Francisco, California, Golden Gate University hosts a top-rated online master's in organizational psychology. The master of arts in industrial-organizational psychology program emphasizes advanced practice skills, training graduates for leadership roles with increased earning potential. A master's degree can also prepare candidates for positions in new industries.

The master's curriculum covers methodological and research perspectives. Learners prepare for the job market by pursuing a specialty through electives. Applicants without a background in organizational psychology may need to complete prerequisite courses before enrolling in the master's program.

Online enrollees participate in internship programs at approved locations in their area. Internships and other networking events help graduate students expand their professional network.

Golden Gate University at a Glance:

Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year

Total Online Master's Programs: 22

Program Name: Master of arts in industrial-organizational psychology

Graduate Tuition In State: $19,620

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $19,620

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$15,840
Out-of-state
$15,840
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$19,620
Out-of-state
$19,620
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
2,432
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
67% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Best Online Master's

Online Master's in Organizational Psychology Programs Ranking Guidelines

We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.

Our Methodology

Here at TheBestSchools.org, we take the trust and welfare of our readers very seriously. When making our school and program rankings, our top priority is ensuring that our readers get accurate, unbiased information that can help them make informed decisions about online education. That's why we've developed a rigorous ranking methodology that keeps the needs of our readers front and center.

Our proprietary, multi-criteria ranking algorithm analyzes key data indicators — as collected by the federal government — for each school or program. What data we use depends on the focus of each specific ranking, but in all cases, our ranking methodology is impartial: Schools cannot buy better rankings at TBS.

While specific criteria under consideration can vary by ranking, there are a few data points that we value most highly. They are affordability, academic quality, and online enrollment. Below, we break down our algorithm to help you understand what you're getting when you use one of our rankings.

  • Academics
  • Affordability
  • Online Enrollment

Data Sources

The data used in TBS rankings comes primarily from the federal government, and much of it is provided by the schools themselves. We aggregate and analyze this data to build our rankings.

The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) is our primary source. Its data comes from annual surveys conducted by the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Every college, university, or technical school with access to federal financial aid must participate in these surveys, which include questions about enrollment, graduation rates, finances, and faculty qualifications. This is publicly available data, which you can access yourself through the College Navigator.

Additionally, because we value a personal touch and the professional experience of our staff and Academic Advisory Board, we vet all results and adjust rankings as necessary based on our collected knowledge of schools and degree programs. Depending on the ranking, we may obtain additional input from AcademicInfluence.com, subject matter experts, prior TBS ranking lists, or other sources we deem relevant to a particular ranking.

Breakdown of Our Rankings Methodology

About Our Ranking Factors

Here at TBS, we value what you value: quality education, affordability, and the accessibility of online education. These factors guide all of our program rankings.

Each of these factors are further broken down into weighted subfactors. For example, retention rates are weighted more heavily than availability of program options because they are a better indicator of student success.

We chose the following factors for our rankings because of their influence on learning experiences and graduate outcomes. However, students should always balance our rankings against their personal priorities. For instance, a learner who needs a fully online program may prioritize online flexibility more than our rankings do. Our rankings are designed to help you make a decision — not to make a decision for you.

Academics - 75%

Affordability - 15%

Online Enrollment - 10%

In all our school rankings and recommendations, we work for objectivity and balance. We carefully research and compile each ranking list, and as stated in our advertising disclosure, we do NOT permit financial incentives to influence rankings. Our articles never promote or disregard a school for financial gain.

If you have questions about our ranking methodology, please feel free to connect with our staff through contact page.

We thank you for your readership and trust.


What Is a Master's in Organizational Psychology?

Combining the principles of psychology and business, organizational psychology (also known as industrial psychology) is the scientific study of working. A master's degree in organizational psychology provides graduates with the critical leadership skills to drive structural and cultural change across an organization.

Online master's degree programs in industrial organizational psychology explore an array of topics related to human behavior and business, including workplace diversity, employee training, performance auditing, and change management. Students learn to use evidence-based best practices to effectively restructure organizations, promote teamwork, and enhance the workplace. Available concentrations in this degree track include talent management, human resources management, and coaching and consulting.

Each school offers its own unique program. For example, instead of traveling to a college campus for classes, some schools let distance learners complete all their work in virtual classrooms. This allows students to take classes and complete assignments in the comfort of their home or office. It also opens the door for students to enroll in programs outside of where they live and work. Online students engage with their professors and classmates through email, web conferences, and discussion boards.

Instructors deliver online coursework synchronously, asynchronously, or as a combination of both formats. Asynchronous programs do not require any specific login times, which means that students can complete work on their own schedules. Conversely, synchronous courses require students to sign on at specific times to participate in real-time video conferences or group discussions with classmates and instructors. Cohort-style online programs tend to mandate that students complete courses together at a set sequence and at a specific pace. Students in more flexible programs can choose their course loads and finish their programs at a pace that best suits their needs.

Online learning serves as a great option for students who require maximum flexibility, such as needing to balance work, family, or other personal commitments. The most successful distance learners are independent and self-motivated enough to complete their work.

Benefits of a Master's Degree in Organizational Psychology

After earning an undergraduate degree, students often face the decision of whether to pursue a master's degree. A bachelor's degree in organizational psychology is a great stepping stone to a more advanced degree in the field. Professionals with bachelor's degrees in organizational psychology may find careers as training and development coordinators, instructional designers, personnel analysts, or human resources generalists.

However, many positions in this field require a master's degree. Earning an online master's degree in industrial organizational psychology opens the door to many job opportunities with higher earning potential, including as organizational consultants, training development directors, researchers, and employee relations directors. Some organizations may even prefer to hire industrial-organizational psychologists who hold their Ph.D. Earning a doctoral degree in industrial organization also qualifies graduates to become college professors. The following section describes five potential careers for students with a master's in organizational psychology.

Courses in an Online Master's in Organizational Psychology Program

Accreditation for Online Organizational Psychology Programs

The accreditation process involves an evaluation of a school's academics, faculty, resources, and more. Accredited institutions are approved and recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (ED). The ED and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), a non-governmental organization of colleges and universities, ensure the credibility of accrediting organizations.

Two types of accreditation apply to higher education: regional and national. Regional accreditation is the highest standard of accreditation, and seven ED- and CHEA-recognized regional accreditation agencies oversee accreditation in the U.S, including the Higher Learning Commission and the Middle States Commission of Higher Education. Schools with regional accreditation boast nonprofit status and typically serve as the more reputable institutions.

The ED also recognizes national accreditation agencies, including the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges and the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training. National accreditation focuses on specific trades, vocations, or faith-based careers. Students should note that attending a school with only national accreditation comes with some downsides, such as employer skepticism regarding the degree conferred and credit-transfer issues.

How to Choose an Online Organizational Psychology Graduate Degree Program

Organizational psychology programs analyze the behavior of people in business settings. Professional organizational psychologists use psychological principles to create methods and plans in order to optimize productivity. The highly specialized nature of the degree means that further concentration options are not always available. However, students often personalize their program by choosing electives of interest.

Courses in an online master's in industrial-organizational psychology program apply theory to practical settings. Students may take classes such as measurement and statistics, research methods, workforce training, and cross-cultural psychology. Prospective students should note that specific classes and electives vary from school to school.

How Long Does It Take to Complete an Online Master's in Organizational Psychology Degree?

Various criteria impact the length of time it takes to earn a degree. For example, most master's degrees require students to earn 30–40 credits, with some degrees requiring up to 54 credits. Whether distance learners take classes on a full-time or part-time basis also affects the length of time it takes to graduate. Some schools allow students to choose between full-time or part-time status; however, some programs only come in one format.

Students who take courses on a full-time basis may earn their degrees in 2–2 years, while those who opt for part-time programs may need 2–4 years to complete their degrees. Distance learners who wish to earn their degrees at a quicker pace should look for accelerated programs, which allow students to graduate in as little as 11 months. Additionally, students who transfer in previously earned credits may require less time to earn their degrees, as taking fewer credits results in a cheaper total program cost.

What Can You Do With a Master's in Organizational Psychology?

Working at the intersection between modern business and traditional psychology, industrial-organizational psychologists often partner with business or government professionals to develop employee training programs, evaluate organizational structures, and assist with change management programs. Students with their online master's degree in industrial organizational psychology also apply these principles to a variety of business operations within administration, human resources, and marketing. Professionals in this specialized field can also opt for careers in academia to conduct research, write papers and books, and instruct students.

Industrial-Organizational Psychologist

Industrial organizational psychologists analyze human behavior in the workplace. Their work includes research design, creating assessment exercises, conducting surveys, and interpreting results. Industrial-organizational psychologists generally hold a master's degree and state licensure, though some organizations prefer a doctoral degree.

Industrial-Organizational Professor

As the industrial-organization field grows, so does the demand for professors. Industrial-organizational professors teach college-level courses, conduct research, and mentor students. They also present lectures, assign coursework, and grade assignments. Colleges and universities require adjunct professors to hold at least a master's degree; however, most tenured professors hold a Ph.D.

Training Development Director

Training development directors create and implement employee training programs. They establish training objectives and ensure that goals align with an organization's larger strategic initiatives. Most positions require a minimum of a bachelor's degree; however, many employers prefer a master's degree.

Research Consultant

Research consultants collect and analyze data, and then they present their findings. Industrial-organizational research consultants solve business problems related to employees and the workplace. Most positions require at least a bachelor's degree; however, many employers require or prefer a master's degree.

Employee Relations Director

Employee relations directors typically work in human resources departments. They manage the workforce, guide employee actions, conduct training sessions, and ensure compliance with labor regulations. Employee relations directors must hold at least a bachelor's degree; however, most employers prefer a master's degree.


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