5 Best Ph.D. Industrial and Organizational Psychology Online Programs

industrial and organizational psychology online programs

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, industrial and organizational psychologists will be one of the fastest growing professions between 2012 and 2022, with a projected growth of 53 percent. Industrial and Organizational psychologists are essential to helping organizations maximize workplace productivity and improve the overall mental health of their employees. Earning an online Ph.D. in Industrial and Organizational psychology can provide you with the training and experience needed to be a valuable asset to improve workplace satisfaction and productivity.

Featured Programs

We researched institutions offering doctorate degrees in industrial organizational psychology to create our ranking of the top I/O Ph.D. programs in the United States. While the APA does not currently offer accreditation to online Ph.D. programs in I/O psychology, we did find programs in this area offered by regionally accredited universities. To create our list, we looked for programs offering the opportunity for students to engage with faculty and peers during limited residency experiences. We felt this was important during the dissertation process. We also selected schools offering comprehensive coursework in the area of I/O psychology. Lastly, we looked for programs with the flexibility needed by those with family and work obligations. We ranked the programs using a point system for student/faculty ratio and average graduate tuition rates. While we acknowledge that ratios and tuition rates may be different for Ph.D. programs, we felt this was effective ranking criteria since the information was available on all the schools we considered.

Rating and Ranking Methodology

Student/Faculty ratio:

  • 10:1 or less- 3 points
  • 11:1 to 15:1- 2 points
  • 16:1 and above- 1 point

Average Graduate Tuition Rate:

  • Less than $10,000- 3 points
  • $10,000 to $20,000- 2 points
  • Greater than $20,000- 1 point

#5. Keiser University-Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

Industrial and Organizational Psychology, PhD Online

School Profile

Average Graduate Student Tuition: $21,964/year
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Points: 3
What’s Unique
Ranked 23rd in the Southern region of the country by U.S. News and World Report, Keiser University has both the experience and reputation students look for when choosing a Ph.D. in industrial and organizational psychology online. The 60 credit hour program features eight-week courses and students typically complete one to two courses at a time. Two on-campus residency requirements are included in the program for orientation and mentorship opportunities. During the second residency experience, students work on the details of their dissertation and determine their dissertation committee.

#4. Removed by author

#3. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology-Chicago, Illinois

Ph.D. in Business Psychology-Industrial/Organizational Track

School Profile

Average Graduate Student Tuition: $24,300/year
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
Points: 4
What’s Unique
The Ph.D. in industrial organizational psychology online from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is a full time program that can be completed in just three years for those with a master’s and five years for students who hold a bachelors degree. Students who enter at the post-baccalaureate level will complete 600 hours of internship experience. A dissertation is required as part of the program, allowing students to address a relevant issue in business psychology and create original research. Faculty are experienced in the field and guide students to become leaders in the field of industrial and organizational psychology.

#2. Grand Canyon University-Phoenix, Arizona

Doctor of Philosophy in General Psychology with an Emphasis in Industrial and Organizational Psychology

School Profile

Average Graduate Student Tuition: $9,783/year
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Points: 4
What’s Unique
The College of Doctoral Study at Grand Canyon University features a 60 credit hour online Ph.D. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. Students begin working on their dissertation as early as their first class through the integrated dissertation process. Two doctoral residencies help students connect to both peers and faculty throughout the program. Topics such as leadership, personnel and human resource management, data and statistical testing, and social and organizational principles are covered during this top online Ph.D. in industrial and organizational psychology.

Featured Programs

#1. Northcentral University-San Diego, California

PhD in Industrial Organizational Psychology Online

School Profile

Average Graduate Student Tuition: $16,821/year
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 1:1
Points: 5
What’s Unique
Northcentral University accredited institution is offering an online Ph.D. in organizational psychology. This 60 credit hour program takes about four years to complete and includes a dissertation, allowing students to conduct original research. Courses include leadership and management, work motivation and attitudes, organizational development, and consulting in business, education, and health. This program is one of the most flexible on our list. There are no scheduled lectures, no group assignments, and weekly course starts. All faculty have earned their doctorate and engage with each student on a one-to-one basis for personalized mentoring.

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