Industrial/organizational psychology is a specialized area that applies principles and theories of psychology to organizations. These industrial psychologists understand how human behavior, or employee behavior, merges with job performance levels. They use labor statistics from various research methods to ultimately improve work life and job success. Professionals with I/O psychology training are in-demand by employers who want to increase employee productivity and satisfaction, develop teams, offer training programs and improve workplace conditions. These factors can have a direct impact on an organization’s success and profitability. They also impact organizational development and organizational performance.
Industrial psychology is a great way to increase job satisfaction. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for psychologists is expected to increase by 6% through 2032. This growth is expected to add 196,000 jobs in the field, which includes industrial/organizational psychologists. The median pay for a psychologist in 2022 was $85,330. In most cases, a master’s in industrial/organizational psychology is a terminal degree for the field but a bachelor’s degree may be enough for some new hires. However, the highest degree will offer better career advancement. The advanced training programs provided allow students to apply principles of psychology to:
- improve employee satisfaction
- improve job satisfaction for business owners
- create meaningful incentives
- increase performance management
- motivate employees
- provide appropriate professional development opportunities
Featured Programs
We created this ranking of the top organizational/industrial psychology master’s programs online to showcase some of the best programs in the country. We developed our initial list of programs from data we obtained from the National Center for Education Statistics and stuck to defining key qualifications to find the best of the best. We searched industrial-organizational psychology degree programs with an online option. We narrowed the list to include only accredited schools that offer a significant majority of their I/O coursework online. We then applied a ranking system. Where there are ties, the school with the lower average graduate tuition rate is favored. Information about each of the schools was found on their university website.
Ranking is as follows:
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 (Total Cost):
- Less than $19,000- 3 points
- $19,000 to $25,000- 2 points
- Greater than $25,000- 1 point
1. Touro University Worldwide – Los Alamitos, California
Online Master of Arts in Industrial & Organizational Psychology
Average Total Cost: $18,000
Student to Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Points: 6
Touro University Worldwide offers our top choice for a master’s in industrial and organizational psychology. The rigorous 36-credit hour curriculum is comprised of short, eight-week courses delivered in a flexible 100% online format. Students will learn how to effectively deal with issues like:
- low productivity
- ineffective processes
- low morale
Three concentrations are available including:
- Coaching and Consulting
- Human Resource Management
- Occupational Health Psychology
All students complete a capstone course focusing on an organizational or career-related situation relevant to the student’s professional goals.
2. Austin Peay State University – Clarksville, Tennessee
MS in Industrial-Organizational Psychology
Average Graduate Tuition: $18,813
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Points: 5
Austin Peay State University features a low-priced online master’s in industrial/organizational psychology that takes two years to complete. The curriculum follows a traditional semester schedule and there are no on-campus residency requirements. The program follows the Guidelines for Education and Training and the Master’s Level from the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology. Admission to the program is competitive. Courses include:
- Personnel Assessment and Selection
- Performance Management
- Applied Measurement in Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Applicants should have at least a 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA to be considered for acceptance to the program. New students are accepted for the fall and spring semesters.
3. Marian University – Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin
Online Master of Science in Industrial Organizational Psychology
Average Graduate Tuition: $23,940
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Points: 4
The low cost online master’s in industrial/organizational psychology from Marian University is a flexible program emphasizing both social and global perspectives. Students can choose to complete a thesis or gain practical experience through a practicum. With 12 convenient start dates per year and non-sequential courses, students can begin the program when it’s convenient and set their own pace. Core courses cover areas like:
- Training and Development
- Ethical and Legal Issues
- Organizational Consulting
Full-time students can complete their degree in just 16 months.
4. Baker College – Owosso, Michigan
Master of Science in I/O Psychology
Average Graduate Tuition: $21,600
Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Points: 4
The 36-credit hour master’s online in industrial/organizational psychology from Baker College helps students use the principles of psychology to help their organizations achieve success. Students will use psychological theories and principles to help individuals and teams work better together to further the mission of the organization. Courses are taught by working professionals who share their real-world perspective with their students. Core courses include:
- Individual and Group Factors in the Workplace
- Psychology of Leadership
- Psychology of Performance and Motivation
An integrative capstone course allows students to synthesize the knowledge and skills they learned in the program.
5. University of Hartford – West Hartford, Connecticut
Online Master of Science in Organizational Psychology
Average Graduate Tuition: $26,136
Student to Faculty Ratio: 8:1
Points: 4
The College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Hartford offers a high value online master’s in organizational psychology that prepares today’s leaders to tackle challenges within their organizations. Courses are designed to help students gain skills in areas like:
- data collection and analysis
- research design
- communication
Full and part-time program options are available. Students who want to gain practical experience in an organizational setting can follow the Internship Track which includes a three-credit hour practicum course. Students working full-time can select the Capstone Track. This includes a capstone course that allows students to apply organizational material in their current role.
6. Franklin University – Columbus, Ohio
Master’s in Business Psychology
Average Graduate Tuition: $24,120
Student to Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Points: 4
The 36-credit hour online master’s in business psychology from Franklin University teaches students how to apply psychology principles to improve business and organizational performance. Students can complete their degree in just 14 months. Courses are taught from real-world business practitioners who share their industry experience with their students. The contemporary curriculum includes the latest business strategies with cutting edge psychological research.
7. Albizu University – Miami, Florida
Master of Science in Industrial and Organizational Psychology
Average Graduate Tuition: $29,760
Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Points: 3
Albizu University delivers an affordable industrial/organizational psychology master’s program taught by active I/O professionals. Students benefit from a low student/faculty ratio that allows students to get to know their instructors and peers. Faculty serve as mentors to support students with their career goals. Required courses include:
- Employment Law
- Organizational Training and Development
- I/O Statistics
Online students complete an applied research project as their capstone course. Graduates are successful I/O psychology practitioners in areas like:
- HR
- Government
- Research
8. Eastern Kentucky University – Richmond, Kentucky
Online Industrial-Organizational Psychology Master’s Degree
Featured Programs
Average Graduate Tuition: $22,860
Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Points: 3
Students who want to improve performance and productivity in their organizational should consider the online master’s in industrial organizational psychology from Eastern Kentucky University. The 36-credit hour features accelerated, eight-week terms and follows the SIOP training guidelines. Students can participate in field experience opportunities through the Center for Applied Psychology and Workforce Development and an experiential learning capstone project. Students with at least a 3.0 undergraduate GPA can waive the GRE requirement.
9. Bellevue University – Bellevue, Nebraska
Online Master of Science in Industrial and Organizational Psychology
Average Graduate Tuition: $23,364
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Points: 3
The affordable top online master’s in industrial/organizational psychology from Bellevue University can help students further their career with advanced training to impact performance in the corporate landscape. Students are activity engaged through:
- applied assessment
- real-world organizational projects
- professional networking opportunities
The flexible schedule allows students work on their degree while maintaining work-life balance. Students can take one course at a time, streamlining the path to complete their degree. The cohort model allows students to develop meaningful relationships and build a professional network.
Students can lock in their low tuition rate for the duration of the program as long as they remain actively enrolled.
10. National Louis University – Chicago, Illinois
Online M.S. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology
Average Graduate Tuition: $28,440
Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Points: 3
National Louis University features an affordable online master’s in I/O psychology that offers a mix of courses from the master’s in psychology and master’s in human resources. The program is professionally focused to meet the needs of employers. The curriculum aligns with the industry’s best practices as published by the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology. Courses are delivered 100% online and meet Quality Matters standards for online education. Students move through the program as a cohort while building relationships with faculty and peers. Most students can complete their degree in 20 months.
11. Johnson and Wales University – Providence, Rhode Island
Online Master of Science I/O Psychology
Average Graduate Tuition: $25,260
Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Points: 3
The top organizational psychology master’s degree program at Johnson and Wales University is a two- year program with a 100% career focused curriculum. Students can choose to take a professional or scholarly focus. They complete either a capstone project or thesis, depending on their professional goals. Coursework is challenging and covers areas like:
- Leadership Theory and Practice
- Coaching and Consultation Skills
- Team Dynamics
Students can complete the degree at their own pace while learning from experienced faculty. Multiple start dates are available hout the year so students can begin working on their degree when it is most convenient.
12. University of the Incarnate Word – San Antonio, Texas
MAA Industrial and Organizational Psychology
Average Graduate Tuition: $34,350
Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Points: 3
The University of the Incarnate Word offers an affordable master’s in administration with a concentration in industrial and organizational psychology. This unique program teaches core competencies in administration along with focused training in I/O psychology. The 12-credit hour concentration includes courses in:
- workplace motivation
- diversity in organizations
- assessment and testing in the workplace
The curriculum fully aligns with the Society for Human Resources Management Curriculum Guidebook and Templates, allowing students to sit for the SHRM-CP exam.
13. Colorado State University – Fort Collins, Colorado
Master of Applied Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Website
Average Graduate Tuition: $29,070
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Points: 2
Colorado State University offers a best-value Master of Applied Industrial/Organizational Psychology (MAIOP) focused on improving performance and productivity of employees and organizations. Courses are taught by faculty with industry experience. In fact, faculty have an average of 15 years of experience in the I/O field! Courses are designed to give students advanced knowledge in areas like:
- Workforce Diversity
- Corporate Culture and Climate
- Performance Appraisal Instruments
Graduates are successful in areas like:
- HR
- academia
- training and development.
14. Missouri University of Science and Technology – Rolla, Missouri
Master of Science in Industrial-Organizational Psychology
Average Graduate Tuition: $35,150
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Points: 2
The low-cost distance education I/O psychology master’s degree from Missouri S&T is a 40-credit hour program with thesis and non-thesis options. Students can boost their resume by taking advantage of two embedded graduate certificate programs including:
- Statistical Methods in Psychology
- Applied Workplace Psychology
Students will learn key I/O psychology skills that will help them be more effective trainers and help their employees achieve greater work-life balance. They will explore strategies for organizational development and learn how to develop assessments to find the right employees. New students are typically admitted to the program for the fall semester.
15. Kansas State University – Manhattan, Kansas
Master of Applied Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Average Graduate Tuition: $10,212/year in-state and $23,050/year out-of-state
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Points: 5
K-State Online features a cost-effective master’s in psychology with an emphasis in industrial and organizational psychology. The program is a great choice for professionals who need expert knowledge in areas like:
- human behavior
- federal and state laws
- organizational policies
New students begin their degree in the summer and move thru the program as a cohort. During the first two summers, students come to campus for a two-week intensive. Online courses include:
- Performance Appraisal
- Organizational Psychology
- Personnel Selection
Students can complete their degree in three years.
Are You Interested in Earning an Online Masters in Industrial/Organizational Psychology?
In the rapidly evolving landscape of modern work environments, the role of industrial-organizational psychologists has become paramount. The provided list of the top 25 online master’s degree programs in industrial-organizational psychology underscores the growing importance of this field in enhancing human resources practices and organizational structures.
Industrial-organizational psychologists delve into the intricacies of human behavior within workplaces, harnessing scientific research and data analysis to optimize job satisfaction, work-life balance, and worker productivity. Their expertise in performance measurement and task analysis enables them to evaluate performance effectively, shaping better career paths for employees. The link between psychological insights and technical skills offers a holistic approach to understanding the human factors that influence job performance.
With an increased emphasis on evidence-based practices, these professionals contribute to the scientific study of work, guiding organizations to align their strategies with the latest research findings. The diverse career paths available to industrial-organizational psychologists are characterized by their impact on annual wages, job satisfaction, and overall well-being. As industrial-organizational psychology continues to illuminate the dynamics of work, these experts play a pivotal role in shaping the future of industries and enhancing the quality of work life.
Related Resources:
