Best Master's Degrees in Organizational Psychology

Affordability, accessibility, and student experience were all factors Study.com considered when researching the top online master's degrees in organizational psychology. These institutions had the best programs in organizational psychology that were student-focused, provided internship or hands-on experience, career guidance, and allowed students to focus the program on their goals.

1. Touro University Worldwide

The online Master of Arts in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Touro University Worldwide in Los Alamitos, CA, tops our list of best graduate programs in the field due to its flexible delivery of eight-week courses, quick completion of a year, and tuition assistance programs. The program is aligned with the values of the Society for Industrial and Organizational Society (SIOS) and features concentrations in coaching and consulting, human resource management, and occupational health psychology. Students will also complete a capstone project that focuses on their area of interest.

2. Austin Peay State University

Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, TN, has an online Master of Science in Industrial-Organizational Psychology program that is geared both toward students wanting to enter the workforce at the graduate level and those who want to continue their schooling and seek a Ph.D. in the field. The curriculum focuses on understanding workplaces through a psychological perspective, and courses are taught by faculty with diverse backgrounds, clinical expertise and research interests. In as little as two years, students can complete their coursework in 15-week sessions in an engaged online classroom averaging 11 students.

3. Missouri University of Science and Technology

The online Master of Science in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from Missouri University of Science in Technology in Rolla, MO, prepares students for their careers by providing a strong foundation in IO psychology, along with teaching statistics and research methods. Online students have the same engaging experience as the on-campus students, as students participate in live classes online, directly communicating with their instructor and classmates. Students can also choose from a thesis option or non-thesis option, and consult with their advisors to develop a specific degree plan that aligns with your personal and professional goals.

4. Franklin University

Franklin University in Columbus, Ohio, offers an online Master of Science in Business Psychology that combines business strategy and psychological research to prepare students for a successful IO psychology career. The program is taught by experienced business professionals that aim to help students graduate in 14 months. Students can also earn a micro credential badge in organizational psychology badge for additional focus on resolving workplace issues in a creative manner.

5. Touro College

The online Master of Science in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from Touro College in Bay Shore, New York, is designed to make students competitive in their field through a program that not only covers important IO theories, but also provides career experience. This program has a unique capstone internship of 240 hours that not only provides practical experience, but can lead to full-time job opportunities. Students can also take advantage of the Touro College alumni network of those working specifically in industrial organizational positions to help build their network.

6. Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale

Keiser University in Fort Lauderdale, FL, offers an online Master of Science in Organizational Psychology that is perfect for self-motivated students seeking leadership roles in the field. Students in this program gain simulated field experience so they can practice skills in employee satisfaction, human resources, personnel psychology - all while practicing leadership skills.

To get a more in-depth look at our school ranking methodology, please visit Study.com's ranking methodology page.

Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

Students or graduates hoping to pursue a master's in organizational psychology can come from a variety of undergraduate backgrounds. While many students will have a bachelor's in psychology, most programs will accept applications from prospective students with a diverse range of majors . However, depending on the university, programs may require several prerequisites such as statistics, introduction to psychology, or other lower-level psychology courses. Students without these courses can usually complete them at any accredited community college or university but should check with their individual program to learn about transfer credit policies.

Universities offering master's degrees in organizational psychology generally have admissions requirements outside of their online application. All graduate programs will typically ask for a minimum of a bachelor's degree, as well as official transcripts from undergraduate programs attended. Transcripts can be ordered by a student from his or her university registrar's office and may be sent as a paper or digital copy. Other requirements common among organizational psychology master's programs include:

• GRE standardized test scores
• Letters of recommendation (between 1-3)
• Statement of purpose describing goals and/or reason for applying to program
• Resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
• Application fee

Students whose first language is not English are generally required to submit proof of proficiency through a language exam.

Organizational psychology is a great field for individuals interested in the application of psychology to improve organizations. Professionals in this field are generally curious about human behavior and enjoy problem-solving. Those with a master's in organizational psychology typically work 40 hours a week in a business environment. They should be comfortable interacting with a variety of people from different backgrounds. Organizational psychologists tend to have an interest in making workplaces more efficient, and healthier for employees.

Students considering pursuing a master's in organizational psychology face several considerations before submitting applications. It is important to weigh similar programs such as an industrial/organizational psychology degree vs. an MBA to decide the best fit. Prospective applicants may want to research other factors such as location, class sizes, public vs. private universities, and cost. For example, in-state tuition is typically cheaper than out-of-state. Additionally, some universities offer the opportunity to participate in internships which could help students network in the field.

The American Psychology Association does not accredit master's level programs. Despite this, students should ensure that their prospective program is regionally accredited. Regional accreditation is granted by one of six accrediting bodies. Accreditation is important for several reasons. The U.S. government will not grant financial aid for non-accredited programs. Additionally, credits do not usually transfer between accredited and non-accredited programs. Finally, accreditation ensures degree programs have been rigorously evaluated for quality. Some employers may not hire applicants who did not attend an accredited university.

Organizational psychology programs offer business psychology courses that focus specifically on the science of human behavior being applied to workplace problems. Students typically start their master's program with core or foundational courses that teach the basics of research and statistics, as well as provide an introduction to the field. After completion of these topics, students will move on to electives, if available, that allow them to focus on other areas of interest. Graduate programs usually require at least 36 credit hours.

Organizational Psychology Foundational Courses

Foundational courses are designed to give students a solid knowledge base that will set the stage for the continuation of studies. Because many organizational psychology programs welcome students from diverse educational backgrounds, core classes introduce main topics. Strong skills in research and statistics will usually help students in their future careers. Some common foundational courses for organizational psychology master's degrees include:

• Introduction to industrial/organizational psychology
• Research methods
• Statistics

Students will generally need to finish their degree with a comprehensive exam, written thesis, internship, or capstone project, in order to demonstrate mastery and the practical application of learned themes.

Organizational Psychology Specialist & Elective Courses

Some programs may offer concentrations within organizational psychology but it is typically more common for students to be offered a selection of electives. Electives vary widely by university and the availability of options may help students to narrow down program preference. Topics covered by elective courses could include finance, leadership and management, or employee health and wellness. Students may wish to pick electives in the same area of study or combine various topics for a wider knowledge-base.

Licensure & Certification in Organizational Psychology

Unlike clinical, school, or counseling psychologists, licensing for organizational psychologists has not been universally established. Most states, however, restrict the use of the title "psychologist" and have strict criteria for who may call themselves a psychologist. As such, some states require organizational psychologists to be licensed. For those with a master's degree in organizational psychology who wish to work in human resources as training and/or development specialists or in other roles where their title does not specifically refer to them as a psychologist, licensing may not be required. Students should clarify any licensing requirements with their state's psychology board.

In terms of certification, several options are available including the Professional in Human Resources Certification (PHR) by the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM), the Organizational and Business Consulting Psychology Certification by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP), and the Certified Professional in Learning and Performance Certification (CPLP) by the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD).

Students hoping for further training and education in organizational psychology may want to apply for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program. PhD programs in organizational psychology prepare students to enter roles as researchers and postsecondary teachers at the college and university levels. Students undertaking a PhD generally take a specified number of credit hours in theory classes before dedicating independent study and research to complete a dissertation. Dissertations are original pieces of research chosen and conducted by the student in their area of interest within organizational psychology.

Many job opportunities exist for those with either a Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MS) in Psychology. Individuals with a master's in organizational psychology can work in various settings including schools, businesses, the government, or the private sector. Master's degrees in organizational psychology prepare graduates to enter a number of fields with job titles such as:

• Career coach
• Industrial/organizational (I/O) psychologist
• Training and development specialist
• Human resources specialist
• Facilitator

Some individuals with a master's in organizational psychology may choose to become consultants or freelancers. This means they will not be hired as a permanent employee. Instead, they will work with different organizations on a temporary basis to identify and solve problems in the workplace.

Job Outlook for a Master's in Organizational Psychology

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), while employment for industrial organizational psychologists is expected to grow by 3% between 2019-2029, they estimate that no new jobs will be added to the field. This will likely make competition for jobs strong among those with a master's degree. The BLS states that individuals with training and experience in quantitative research methods could potentially have an advantage over other candidates. Internships offered during study may prove useful for creating and maintaining connections that could lead to employment after graduation.

For individuals with a master's in organizational psychology who wish to go into careers in human resources, the outlook is more positive. Employment for training and development specialists is expected to grow by 9% which is classified as much faster than all other fields.

How to Become an Industrial/Organizational Psychologist

Industrial/organizational psychologists, or I/O psychologists, apply scientific principles of human behavior to improve work environments. By observing workplaces and employees, I/O psychologists can identify areas of improvement. They are also responsible for addressing issues related to the recruitment and selection of candidates, and employee motivation. They may develop and implement work-life balance programs, or focus on reducing occupational hazards to promote employee health.

I/O psychologists generally have at least a master's degree although some may be required to have a PhD for state licensing. Some states require professionals in this field to be licensed. However, there is not yet a consistent licensing scheme so interested individuals should speak with the psychology licensing board in their state.

I/O psychologists, per the BLS, were paid a median yearly wage of $92,880 as of May 2019. Among I/O psychologists, the highest paid worked for the government and earned $96,870. Conversely, the lowest paid were found in the K-12 educational setting and made around $76,960.

How to Become a Training and Development Specialist

Training and development specialists are responsible for identifying and addressing gaps in training. They do this by interviewing staff and managers to assess needs. Through this they are able to develop training materials and educational programs for organizations. They may be involved in delivering training sessions for employees. Training and development specialists generally work in human resources.

To become a training and development specialist, interested individuals will need at least a bachelor's degree. These professionals come from a variety of backgrounds but those trained in organizational psychology may have an advantage by being able to understand and integrate psychological interventions. A master's degree in the field could increase job prospects, as could additional certifications or training beyond a graduate degree.

The BLS estimates that as of May 2019, training and development specialists made a median annual salary of $61,210. The highest paid of these were employed in scientific and technical services fields and made a median wage of $71,460.

Finding ways to fund a master's degree in organizational psychology may seem like a daunting task but students have a number of options. U.S. federal financial aid, available to all prospective students, are loans provided by the government for approved, accredited universities. Applicants must complete an online application called the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This asks for financial and personal information in order to determine how much aid a student qualifies for.

Grants are also available for students with financial need. Generally, grants are only awarded to students from low-income and/or disadvantaged backgrounds. Grant money does not need to be repaid.

Scholarships are another type of "free" money available to students. They are usually applied for by students and are often competitive. The Asian American Psychological Association offers the Filipino-American Psychology Scholarship to Filipino-American students pursuing a master's or doctoral degree in psychology, including organizational psychology. The $500 reward includes a mentorship and opportunities to get involved in professional networking within their field.