Best Online Master’s Degrees in I/O Psychology
See inside some of today’s best I/O psychology master’s online, and get key insight into admissions requirements, cost, curricula, and accreditation.
When you are choosing an online industrial organizational psychology master’s program, you want to be sure the curriculum aligns with your career objectives. You want to know if there’s an internship that provides a practical application for your research. But, how will you know if you’ll be getting a quality education?
EduMed’s rankings for the ’24-’25 academic year highlight schools that meet our standards for quality online education. This initiative identifies top online I/O psychology master’s degree programs that stand out for their flexibility, affordability, and student outcomes.
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California
Private
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Public
Golden Gate University
San Francisco, California
Private
Purdue University Global
West Lafayette, Indiana
Public
Indiana Wesleyan University
Marion, Indiana
Private
Albizu University-Miami
Miami, Florida
Private
Auburn University
Auburn, Alabama
Public
Colorado State University-Fort Collins
Fort Collins, Colorado
Public
William James College
Newton, Massachusetts
Private
Touro College
New York, New York
Private
Johnson & Wales University-Online
Providence, Rhode Island
Private
Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Private
Baker College
Owosso, Michigan
Private
Saint Peter’s University
Jersey City, New Jersey
Private
Keystone College
La Plume, Pennsylvania
Private
Sacred Heart University
Fairfield, Connecticut
Private
National Louis University
Chicago, Illinois
Private
Marian University
Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin
Private
FAQs About Online I/O Psychology Master’s Degrees
Graduate school is a major investment in time and capital. To make sure yours pays off, you want to do some research before you apply. Be sure the curriculum aligns with your interests and career goals. Investigate the program’s internship options. Find out what kind of post-degree career support is offered by the school and typical career paths for program graduates. Weigh the program’s costs against the potential benefits of job satisfaction and salary potential.
The best decision is an informed decision. Here is what to know before you apply.
What exactly is a master’s in I/O psychology?
I/O psychology is where psychology and business meet. I/O programs use a scholar-practitioner model and social science research to address questions of efficiency and effectiveness, health and happiness within organizations. Students may investigate topics like how human cognitive behavioral research can be applied to corporate training and development.
I/O psychology master’s programs have distinct personalities. Some may focus more on “I” (industrial) aspects, exploring topics like consumer behavior or labor relations, rather than the organizational aspects such as team dynamics and leadership. Some I/O master’s programs are terminal degrees, while others are geared towards doctoral program preparation and emphasize research over applied practice.
Can you earn an organizational psychology master’s completely online?
Many online programs allow you to complete your I/O psychology coursework entirely online. Students may be grouped together in online cohorts to promote program cohesion and encourage student interaction. Online learning may be self-paced, though some schools require synchronous learning experiences like online discussions through video conferencing.
Programs may have capstone projects or internships. Students will find or be placed for in-person internships within organizations, research firms or universities, consulting firms, or government agencies. Alternatively, some schools offer ‘virtual consulting’ options for capstone or thesis projects.
What do you learn in an industrial-organizational psychology program at the master’s level?
While the specific course design and structure of programs differs, the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) has identified core competencies for graduate level programs. As they are shorter and less broad in scope than doctoral programs, there is a degree of flexibility in master’s program content. As a result, some programs may focus more on the industrial versus organizational content.
SIOP has identified 26 areas of competence for I/O psychology programs. The understanding is that no one program will include all of these, especially at the master’s degree level. Below are areas of competence and course offerings common across masters programs.
- Research methods: Applying the scientific method to the study of individuals. Students learn about inductive and deductive reasoning, crafting problem statements and research questions, generating hypotheses, reviewing scientific literature, and designing studies and assessments.
- Statistical analysis: Applying statistical techniques to data gleaned from empirical research. Students learn statistical methods including parametric and nonparametric statistical methods, quantitative and qualitative research methods, and data analysis.
- Psychology: Learning key concepts of psychology that study basic processes, individual populations, and behavior so that those concepts can be applied within the context of industry and organizations.
- Organizational behavior: Exploring how the structure, culture, and customs of organizations affect small group dynamics and individual behaviors within that organization.
- Leadership: Understanding how leadership and management impact the organizational structure and behavior, as well as how it impacts individuals within that organization. It addresses macro level issues like the policies governing the workplace and micro issues like project planning.
Common Courses in I/O Psychology Master’s Programs
What specializations or concentrations are available in I/O psychology master’s programs?
While masters programs are less in-depth than doctoral programs, there are still opportunities for specialization. Some entire programs are geared towards one aspect of the field, industrial or organizational. Other programs will offer non-core courses that allow students to pursue specialty interests such as these listed below.
How long does it take to complete a master’s in organizational psychology online?
As with any graduate degree, how a student approaches the program determines how long it will take.
A full time student can expect to complete an I/O psychology master’s program in two years. Part time students may complete the program in four years, with the first two years focusing on foundational topics in psychology. Most programs will include a capstone project or experience. Those may be paid internships in industry, consulting, or government agencies. Accelerated programs are often available as a fifth year (15 months) after completion of a bachelor’s of science in psychology.
What are the prerequisites for getting into an online I/O psychology program?
To apply to a master’s program with an undergraduate degree in psychology, you will typically need:
- Undergraduate transcripts
- GRE
- Minimum GPA requirements
- Personal statement or essay
- Letters of recommendation
- Resume (if applicable)
If you do not have a bachelor’s degree in psychology, you will need to fulfill prerequisite requirements. These courses typically include:
- Introductory psychology
- Statistics
- Research methods
Admission into I/O psychology master’s programs can be competitive and schools may have higher GPA and GRE requirements for those without an undergraduate psychology background.
How much does an online I/O psychology master’s cost?
Cost can be a driving factor in choosing a master’s degree program. When evaluating the cost of a degree, you should consider:
- Location: It’s important to factor in the cost of living and commuting if you are applying to a campus-based program. However, location can still be a factor for online program costs as those may vary based on where you live.
- Length: How long will it take you to complete the program? This is particularly important to consider if you are planning to be a full time student or are taking a leave of absence from a job to complete the program.
- Funding: Research scholarship and grant opportunities. Also, consider if the program includes paid internship, fellowship, or research opportunities.
Here is a sample of tuition costs to help you begin your planning:
Southern New
Hampshire University
Master’s in Industrial-Organizational Psychology Online
Total Units: 36
$627/credit
Harvard Extension School
Industrial-Organizational Psychology Master’s Degree Program
Total Credits: 48
$710/credit
Where to Find Help Paying for Your Online I/O Psychology Master’s
Before you start your degree program, you need to know how you will pay for it. The process may feel overwhelming, but there are a lot of resources available to help if you know where to look. You may even discover financial aid options that you didn’t know existed.
Learn more about financial aid for your online master’s in I/O psychology.
Accreditation for Organizational Psychology Degrees
Accreditation is essentially quality control. It assures students achieve a level of competence in order to receive a degree.
Institutional accreditation means the entire school has met specific criteria for educating students and issuing diplomas. Contrary to what you may think, national accreditation is generally less desirable than regional appreciation. Regional organizations are recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and regional accreditation is considered more prestigious than national accreditation. Use the U.S. Department of Education’s search tool to check institutional accreditation.
While a recognized specialty, I/O psychology programs are generally not accredited by the American Psychological Association. However, there are specific core competencies established by SIOP that provide a guiding principle for I/O psychology programs.
Career Options for Your Online I/O Psychology Master’s
Harnessing the power of science to manage talent and improve organizations is at the core of I/O psychology. So, where can this degree take you? What does advancement look like? And, what licenses or certifications do you need to get there? Here are some key things to know about career opportunities in I/O psychology.
What can I do with a master’s in industrial/organizational psychology?
The expertise of I/O psychologists can be applied to all types of work environments from manufacturing to e-commerce, government agencies to educational institutions. Within this broad field, there are certain jobs that are commonly held by I/O psychologists.
- Human resources: Addressing issues such as applicant testing, employee performance, and work-life balance at all levels of HR.
- Consulting: Providing outside services to organizations, identifying and quantifying organizational challenges and creating solutions based in science and research.
- Academia: Conducting research studies that inform and benefit organizations at home and abroad. Teaching and mentoring I/O psychology students at the graduate level.
- Government: Applying research-based solutions to agencies within government, serving in a human resources capacity, and informing policy at the state and national level.
With such broad applications, I/o psychology allows your career path to be driven by your own interests and passions. Here are some of the paths it can take.
How much can you earn with a master’s degree in industrial/organizational psychology?
I/O professionals work in industry, consulting, government, and academia. Organizations are increasingly relying on I/O psychologists to improve their hiring and recruitment, as well as tackling the issues that improve employee performance like work-life balance, ethics, training, and motivation. You’ll often find job titles like analyst, consultant, and research scientist. Many I/O psychologists find management and leadership positions within their teams and companies.
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Source: Projections Central
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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Continuing Education & Related Degrees
Continuing education in psychology or human resources allows you to delve deeper into your study and practice.
Some I/O psychology positions require a doctoral degree, this may be especially true for policy level positions in government and industry or for positions that require extensive skills in quantitative research methods. Additional education can also provide an avenue to executive level positions within human resources.
Continuing Education Opportunities
Online PhD in Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Doctoral programs delve deeper into the core competencies identified by SIOP with a greater emphasis on research methods, and statistical analysis. Most, if not all, programs follow the scientist-practitioner model and require applied, supervised practice through internships and research opportunities. Students will be prepared for careers in research, academics, policy and management. Doctoral degree holders alone may use the psychologist designation.
Related Degrees to Consider
Online Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management
An HR master’s program dovetails well with the I/O psychology background, allowing for further study of strategic management within HR departments. Courses are designed to create effective managers and executives include talent development, workforce planning, human resources law, and ethics.
Online Master’s Degree in Consumer Psychology/Behavior
A master’s degree in consumer behavior allows you to further understand industry targets. This degree prepares you for positions in market research, marketing and advertising, and management. In this research driven program, you will study the psychology of consumer behavior, principles of marketing, and statistical analysis.
