20 Best Online Master’s in Organizational Psychology

Missouri University of Science and Technology, with campuses in Columbia, Kansas City, St. Louis, and Rolla, MO, has a 40-credit hour Industrial-Organizational Psychology graduate program that helps students put psychological science to work.

The program gives students the tools they need to assess candidates for jobs, set up sound training programs, and measure employee success. They also learn to work with leaders to develop an organization from the ground up. 

Students can choose a thesis option or a non-thesis path to earn a certificate in Statistical Methods in Psychology or Applied Workplace Psychology. Offering exciting methods for enhancing well-being, Missouri S&T’s degree gives grads the power to ensure employees are happy and productive while maintaining a proper work-life balance. Course delivery is 100% online, making attendance a breeze for working students.

Applicants should have a 3.0 GPA in prior coursework and have already taken General Psychology, Statistics, and Research Methods. They also need to submit GRE scores and a statement of purpose. Missouri S&T ranks No. 179 among National Universities, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2020 rankings. 

Kansas State University, in Manhattan, KS, has an online master’s degree in industrial and organizational psychology offered by its Department of Psychological Sciences. Students learn to apply behavioral science methodologies to today’s HR issues.

The 38-credit hybrid program includes two-week-long summer courses that are delivered on campus, giving students valuable hands-on training.  

Many students complete the degree in 2.5 years. Graduates are able to seek careers in areas related to human resources, job training, job analysis and validation, testing evaluation, staffing and hiring, and consulting. Applicants should have two years of work experience, and those with supervisory experience receive preferential admission.

K-State boasts an amazing 97% job placement rate for its master’s graduates. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and ranks No. 162 in National Universities on U.S. News & World Report’s 2020 rankings. It’s the No. 1 choice for multicultural students in Kansas and for Kansas high school graduates.

Connecticut’s prestigious University of Hartford has a 36-credit hour Master of Science in Organizational Psychology that gives students the theoretical framework they need to become experts in research design, data collection and analysis, communication, facilitation, and interpersonal, group, and organizational problems.

Combining theory and practice, the program prepares grads to assist many types of organizations at the leadership/management level. 

Local students have the option of taking in-person night classes, but the program is also offered 100% online. There are four required courses: Advanced Research Methods, Experimental Design, Introduction to Industrial/Organizational Psychology, and Personnel Psychology. Students can opt to complete an 11-course Capstone or Internship track (both of which include a 3-credit practicum course). Electives in General Psychology and Organizational Studies round out the requirements. 

There are three program start times each year, and no specific class or login times are required of online students. Courses are self-paced. Part-time students can finish in four years at a rate of two courses per semester. Students in the Internship track will need to attend on-campus classes, though. Admission requirements include official transcripts, a letter of intent, and three letters of recommendation.

Located in Chicago, National Louis University offers an MS in Industrial and Organizational Psychology that applies the science of psychology to real-world workplace challenges.

With a focus on human behavior at work, this interdisciplinary curriculum includes courses from both the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences and the School of Business and Management. Other courses include Human Resource Management and Occupational Outcomes.

NLU’s online program is an excellent choice for anyone wanting to help both organizations and employees find the best candidate matches for the benefit of all. Students learn from renowned faculty practitioners and researchers in small classes that use a cohort model to ensure peers move together through the entire 20-month curriculum. There is also a dual degree option for those enrolled in the Human Resource Management and Development master’s program. 

The standalone degree program, which is offered by NLU’s College of Professional Studies and Advancement, requires 36 to 42 semester hours. Applicants may transfer up to nine hours of qualifying credit from other schools.

Foundational courses include either Advanced Social Psychology or Advanced Theories of Personality, plus Research Methodology and Writing. There’s also a survey course, 27 credits of core classes, plus a capstone and one elective to complete all degree requirements. 

Eastern Kentucky University, in Richmond, KY, offers a versatile online Master of Science in Industrial-Organizational Psychology that’s heavy on consulting and professional development work.

Over the 36-credit hour program, students harness the skills they need to assess employees’ behavior within business settings to create performance and productivity enhancement strategies. They also sharpen their analytical and communication skills along the way.

Accelerated terms are only eight weeks long. The program follows the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology’s training guidelines and requires no on-campus visits. Research and field experience opportunities are available via the Center for Applied Psychology and Workforce Development. Another perk is that the school waives GRE scores for those whose undergraduate GPA was 3.0 or better. 

Graduates have a high placement rate and are ready to take on jobs as assessment and development specialists or coordinators, corporate HR analysts, HR or training directors, employment specialists, health and safety managers, and many more options. EKU ranked No. 54 in a tie for Regional Universities South and No. 32 (tied) in Best Colleges for Veterans in U.S. News & World Report’s 2020 rankings. 

University of Southern California’s 34-credit hour online Master of Science in Applied Psychology features a concentration track in Organizational Psychology. This 16-month program helps professionals to succeed in helping businesses manage their workforce. The challenging curriculum blends the study of psychology theory with research and practice in modern business environments.

Taught by working senior-level executive faculty, the program uses small classes and plenty of group activities to simulate real-world collaborative situations. Courses include seminars in Applied Social Psychology and Human Behavior; electives include Group Dynamics, Psychology of Organizational Change, and Strategic Business Relationships. A practicum, internship, and a formal scholarly paper round out degree requirements. 

USC, an anchor institution in Los Angeles since 1880, claims to be “one of the world’s leading private research universities.” Graduates of USC’s versatile master’s program can move on to lucrative careers in employee relations, human capital management, placement services, career counseling, advancement and development, and talent development. USC is ranked No. 26 in Psychology (tied) in U.S. News & World Report’s 2020 listings. 

Liberty University, in Lynchburg, VA, is a long-time leader in online education. Its 36-credit hour MA in Applied Psychology – Industrial/Organizational Psychology takes, on average, just 1.5 years to complete. Programs at Liberty are designed with practicality in mind.

Students learn to become marketable employees and effective leaders who are able to help others evolve their own careers while ensuring businesses are able to maximize their staff to create valuable products and services. 

As a nonprofit private school rooted in evangelical Christian beliefs, Liberty’s foundational psychology training is taught with an underlying tradition of Christian education. Its core mission goals are affordability, accessibility, and academic quality. Grads’ employment outcomes include careers as hiring managers, employment counselors, social service managers, and human resource analysts. 

The 8-week classes are delivered 100% online, and Liberty has a liberal transfer policy of up to 50% transfer credits allowed. Applicants should hold a 2.5 GPA or higher in their bachelor’s work. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and offers a 50% tuition discount to military grad students, helping it earn the top spot on Military Times’ Best for Vets: Colleges 2019 for Online and Nontraditional Schools. 

Touro University Worldwide, in Los Alamitos, CA, has recognized industrial and organizational psychology as one of the fastest-growing areas out there. Why? Because every organization relies on its people to succeed. Touro’s master’s in industrial and organizational psychology focuses on the ways that workers interact with each other and how they can better collaborate to get things done to benefit their organization. 

This online-delivered, 36-semester credit program offers students three concentrations: Coaching and Consulting, Human Resource Management, or Occupational Health Psychology.

Each of these meets guidelines set by the Societies of Industrial & Organizational Psychology, Human Resource Management, and Consulting Psychology. In just 12 classes, including a capstone, students master the concepts needed to handle positions of authority within a range of institutions. 

Touro’s highly trained faculty are devoted to the school’s mission of providing an accessible education that meets the career needs of adult learners and the underserved. Programs are taught using problem- and project-based curricula and engaging, interactive online learning models. Applicants should have a minimum 2.5 GPA in their baccalaureate work or a 2.75 if the student is transferring from another institution.

San Francisco’s Golden Gate University offers a hybrid, 42-credit hour Master of Arts in Industrial-Organizational Psychology that prepares students for leadership careers in all types of organizations, large or small.

The curriculum consists of 33 core credit hours in classes such as Applied Psychological Research, Group Dynamics in Organizations, Organizational Behavior & Process, and Organizational Change. Three electives round out the credit requirements. 

Students have the flexibility to complete the degree 100% online or take some classes in person. Those wanting to keep working beyond the master’s level can continue on for a Ph.D. if they so choose. Graduates are able to understand the theoretical frameworks of the field, with a focus on organizational behavior and how personnel function in team settings. 

The average class at GGU has only 14 students, and the school offers a handy Projected Schedule outline of efficient paths for course completion. The Student Handbook is another useful resource to aid applicants who want to learn details about program outcomes, sample resumes, and forms needed. GGU students must stay in good academic standing with a 3.00 cumulative GPA. 

Colorado State, Fort Collins sums up the benefits of distance learning as, “Study from wherever you are and wherever you go.” Its Department of Psychology’s Master of Applied Industrial/Organizational Psychology program lets you do just that! The 38-credit hour degree can be completed in as few as two years or up to four for part-time students. 

With a focus on developing practical skills, the program is designed to prepare graduates to launch straight into their new organizational roles. Classes use an “active learning model” with simulations to build on students’ knowledge and skills. Students work together in virtual teams to undergo a range of assignments and complete projects related to real-world HR issues. 

Program applicants need an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and a “B” or higher in courses such as human resource management, industrial psychology, organizational behavior, or organizational psychology. Colorado State University is ranked No. 79 among Top Public Schools and No. 166 among National Universities (tied) by U.S. News & World Report for 2020. 

Founded in 1927 in Clarkesville, TN, Austin Peay State University makes its offerings available to the world with its innovative online programs. The Master of Science in Industrial-Organizational (I-O) Psychology follows a “scientist-practitioner model” of education to train students to put psychological principles into practice within a wide spectrum of organizational types.  

This highly ranked 36-credit hour program teaches three tiers of competencies: general knowledge and skill areas (such as Ethical Issues, History and Systems of Psychology, and Research Methods), core content related to I-O psychology (such as Groups and Teams, Human Performance, Individual Assessment, and Job Evaluation and Compensation), and related competencies in Consumer Behavior and Human Factors. 

The school uses the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology standards to inform its curriculum. To graduate, students must pass a proctored, 90-minute comprehensive exam. Admission to APSU is competitive and selective and takes many elements into account. Austin Peay State University is ranked at No. 58 among Regional Universities South in U.S. News & World Report’s 2020 rankings. 

Through its Office of Extended Studies, the University of Maryland – College Park has built a flexible, expedient Master of Professional Studies in Industrial/Organizational Psychology that can be finished in just 15 months.

The 30-credit hour graduate program can be readily taken while keeping up with normal work routines. It uses a blended seminar style of instruction and activities that includes both online and face-to-face components. 

Students are prepared to work in and positively impact diverse industries, from government agencies to academic institutions and corporations. Classes are taught over 12-week terms, with the last week being reserved for exams. Online content is sometimes delivered via pre-recorded lectures and other times as synchronous ones using Maryland’s Enterprise Learning Management System. On-campus meetings are held in the evenings on the College Park campus. 

As the state’s flagship university, the University of Maryland – College Park is leading the way in clean energy initiatives. It also happens to be the alma mater for Sesame Street and The Muppet Show creator Jim Henson. U.S. News & World Report lists the university as No. 64 (tie) among National Universities and No. 144 among Best Value Schools for 2020.  

Southern New Hampshire University, in Manchester, NH, is an open-enrollment private institution established in 1932. Today, it is one of the fastest-growing schools in the country.

SNHU is also at the forefront of online education with its Master of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. The 36-credit hour course of study can be done in 15 months if students take two courses during each 10-week term. 

SNHU students learn how to evaluate workplace problems, improve employee training, enhance employee relations, and increase on-the-job productivity. They also develop research skills and learn techniques for gaining insights that will better educate decision-making at upper levels of management.

Graduates often go on to careers in various sectors, such as human resources, marketing, criminal justice, health services, and educational settings. 

SNHU was ranked No. 1 among the Most Innovative Schools by U.S. News & World Report for 2020. The school doesn’t require GRE or GMAT exam scores, but it does require a minimum 2.75 GPA for graduate admission. To make learning as accessible as possible, SNHU allows provisional acceptance for applicants with a GPA of 2.0-2.74. 

Like most of the institutions on our list, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Chicago focuses on one main area of study, with degree tracks centered around that topic.

Its online Master of Arts in Industrial and Organizational Psychology can be pursued full- or part-time and takes an average of two years to complete. Each term is compressed into just eight weeks. 

The program has an Applied Research Project track that readies students for jobs in consultation, marketing, human resources, government, business, and more. The Applied Research Project helps students learn about real workplace incidents that they might experience in their own careers, lending a practical element to the degree. The project is completed via five credit hours spread over ten terms.

Students applying to the program must submit official transcripts, a resume/CV, an essay, and three letters of recommendation. A grade of “C” or better is required in all preparatory classes in psychology, research methods or experimental psychology, and statistics or quantitative psychology. Those without the necessary background work may need to take foundational courses to prepare them for the rigorous graduate curriculum. 

Miami’s Carlos Albizu University was the “first professional school of psychology established in North America and the Caribbean,” according to their website. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, it is dedicated to diversity, affordability, small class sizes, and academic excellence. Carlos Albizu’s 42-credit hour MS in Industrial and Organizational Psychology can be completed online or on campus. 

Faculty are experienced at teaching practical knowledge and skills to a diverse student body ready to tackle modern organizational issues. Online students receive the same high-quality education as those attending in person. Students complete coursework and an applied research and capstone project.  All students must maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA to graduate. 

Graduates of the program find employment in a range of public and private sector positions, including roles related to general human resources, management, training and education, employee relations, labor law, affirmative action, union relations, talent development, and organizational change. Please note that this program does not currently lead to U.S. licensure.

Bellevue University in Bellevue, NE, offers a Master of Science in Industrial and Organizational Psychology through its 36-credit hour program. The program is geared toward learning how to apply the scientific principles behind human behavior to improve employee performance and well-being in business workplaces.

Using a practitioner model, the curriculum allows students to gain the know-how necessary to resolve multiple organizational challenges. Classes cover topics ranging from analytical tools and research to how to put theory into practice to motivate workers. 

There are no electives. Students take 12 three-credit courses: Profession of Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Social Psychology, Job Analysis and Performance Appraisal, Applied Organizational Psychology, Organizational Development, Statistical Methods I and II, Personnel Selection, Measurement and Design, Practicum and Skills Development, Applied Research Methods, and Advanced Industrial and Organizational Psychology Practice. 

Applicants must show a minimum 2.5 GPA in their last 60 hours of undergraduate work or an overall 3.0 GPA. Bellevue is a non-profit institution accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. With over 50,000 graduates, it is a recognized top performer in making quality, practical education accessible and convenient for working students around the world. 

Baker College, in Flint, MI, offers an accelerated path to obtaining a Master of Science in Industrial/Organizational Psychology through its Center for Graduate Studies, College of Social Science. The 36-credit hour, 12-course program prepares students to be I/O psychology practitioners who are able to help organizations achieve higher levels of success, no matter what business they’re in. 

The straightforward graduate plan of study includes 11 core classes (one of which is an integrative capstone) and one elective in either Evidence Based Coaching or Industrial/Organizational Psychology Residency. Students opting for the residency are required to participate in a collaborative and engaging professional conference. 

Baker is an independent, not-for-profit institution that does not rely on federal or state grants or other sources of external funding; it is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Applicants submit official transcripts, a resume, and a 1,000-word (maximum) essay. No GMAT or GRE scores are necessary but may be submitted as supplementary material for consideration. 

The online MA in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Chicago’s Adler University is in an intense 36-credit hour degree program with three concentration options. Students can specialize in Data Science, Training and Development, or Human Resources Management. Each degree can be earned in as little as two years. 

Adler places great importance on social justice and inclusion topics within its core curriculum. Its online program allows for a community engagement project that can be used on graduate resumes as real-world career experience. Graduates may seek future employment in several settings, from health care, government, and marketing to banking, manufacturing, or any other institution requiring I/O experts. 

The school took its name from Alfred Adler, the founder of a unique community approach to psychology. It’s the “oldest independent psychology school in North America,” dedicated to training responsible practitioners who are able to put the innovative principles of the school’s approach into practice.

Adler’s campuses maintain over 500 community partnerships to promote its values and mission. Graduates can also enjoy the benefits of an active, socially responsible Alumni Association.

Grand Canyon University is a private Christian institution based in Phoenix. Students pursuing a Master of Science in Psychology can earn an Emphasis in Industrial and Organizational Psychology designation. The 10-course, 36-credit hour degree plan was designed in keeping with the American Psychological Association’s standards and covers topics related to the scientific principles of psychology and research methodology. 

Courses include Contemporary and Ethical Issues, Social and Cultural Psychology, Organizational Behavior and Development, Strategies for Effective Leadership and Consultation, and more. A two-credit capstone rounds out the degree requirements. Graduates will be able to assist companies with employee training, work-life balance management, leadership development, and other areas related to optimizing organizational effectiveness. 

Students can elect to complete the degree online or on campus in the evening. The school offers a variety of scholarships and grants to help cover tuition costs. It also has a dedicated military benefits office ready to help veterans and active-duty students. Graduate applicants should have a 2.8 GPA or better or a GMAT score of 500/GRE score of 300 (combined verbal and quantitative sections) taken since August 2011. 

The MA in Industrial and Organizational Psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Los Angeles has an Applied Research Project Track and trains students to succeed in organizations where their I/O skills are needed. This program can be finished in two years if studying full-time or stretched over four years for part-time attendees. 

The research project entails five credit hours in total, taken at a rate of one half-credit hour per term. Class topics cover training, motivation, human resources matters, and leadership. Content is accessed through the Chicago School’s Global Student Dashboard, through which students can work together with one another, speak with their instructors, turn in assignments, and participate in activities. 

The school has a strong alumni community spread around the U.S. Graduate alumni can benefit from Career Services​ help, free library privileges, networking events, and tuition discounts on further education. Interested students can even preview an online Canvas class to get a feel for what distance learning looks like at Chicago School.