Best Online Master’s in Organizational Psychology Programs
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2024Most 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.
The Best Online Master’s in Organizational Psychology of 2024
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Rolla, MO- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,960
- Out-of-state$29,550
- In-State$10,452
- Out-of-state$29,558
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate85%
- Students Enrolled7,241
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment40%
- AccreditationYes
George Mason University
- Fairfax, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,510
- Out-of-state$32,970
- In-State$13,035
- Out-of-state$34,347
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate91%
- Students Enrolled38,628
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment78%
- AccreditationYes
Saint Peter's University
- Jersey City, NJ
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$37,660
- Out-of-state$37,660
- In-State$21,186
- Out-of-state$21,186
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance Rate93%
- Students Enrolled3,009
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment55%
- AccreditationYes
Touro University Worldwide
- Los Alamitos, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$14,440
- Out-of-state$14,440
- In-State$9,000
- Out-of-state$9,000
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,251
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment99%
- AccreditationYes
Colorado State University
- Fort Collins, CO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,709
- Out-of-state$28,991
- In-State$10,834
- Out-of-state$26,564
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate90%
- Students Enrolled32,586
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment50%
- AccreditationYes
Marian University
- Fond Du Lac, WI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$28,660
- Out-of-state$28,660
- In-State$11,286
- Out-of-state$11,286
- Retention Rate65%
- Acceptance Rate76%
- Students Enrolled1,445
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment34%
- AccreditationYes
Western Michigan University
- Kalamazoo, MI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$13,334
- Out-of-state$16,668
- In-State$16,884
- Out-of-state$25,325
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance Rate83%
- Students Enrolled18,266
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment72%
- AccreditationYes
Sacred Heart University
- Fairfield, CT
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$44,960
- Out-of-state$44,960
- In-State$34,509
- Out-of-state$34,509
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate66%
- Students Enrolled9,785
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment42%
- AccreditationYes
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.
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 $$ 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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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