If you’re ready for a stable and dynamic corporate career, then you should pursue a master’s in organizational psychology online! Due to the increased market competition among all corporations, organizational success depends on staff skills and collaboration. Enterprises are looking for professionals who help foster a company’s goals. A master’s in organizational psychology online will provide students with insights, skills, and knowledge to meet this need.
The industrial-organizational psychology discipline has one of the most substantial growth rates in the US, to begin with. Indeed the field offers opportunities to explore rewarding careers in healthcare, production companies, and government. Therefore, if you’re eager to support organizational success, then you will find this psychology-meets-business niche very satisfying.
There are plenty of accredited and affordable master’s in organizational psychology online programs outlined in this article! Specifically, we will provide information about industrial organizational psychology careers and the requirements for enrollment in each program. Read on for the full scoop.
Article Navigation: What is Organizational Psychology? | Master’s in Organizational Psychology Online Degree: An Overview | Online Master’s in Organizational Psychology Admissions Requirements | How to Choose a Master’s in Organizational Psychology Online Degree | Master’s in Organizational Psychology Online Courses | Industrial Organizational Psychology Job Outlook | What Can You Do with an IO Psychology Master’s Degree? | The Best Industrial-Organizational Psychology Master’s Programs Online | Frequently Asked Questions: Best Industrial Organizational Psychology Master’s Programs | Start a Master’s in IO Psychology Today!
What is Organizational Psychology?
Organizational psychology focuses on implementing psychological theories and methods in businesses, workforces, or organizations. To illustrate, this type of psychologist assists in maximizing business productivity by enhancing company strategy. For instance, they often work in staff recruitment, training, promotion, and teamwork plans.
The Difference Between Organizational Psychology and Industrial-Organizational Psychology
Industrial-organizational psychologists hardly vary from organizational psychologists. However, it’s common among students to explore industrial vs. organizational psychology differences.
It’s possible to use the two aliases interchangeably. They both address critical issues relating to recruitment, workplace motivation, reward systems, and work structure. A key difference, though, is that industrial psychology focuses on the performance evaluation of employees. It includes training, hiring, and legal matters associated with employee conflicts. On the other hand, organizational psychology prioritizes leadership, cooperation, and motivation.
Master’s in Organizational Psychology Online Degree: An Overview
Top industrial-organizational psychology graduate programs demand different requirements from students. It’s important to know that some I/O psychology master’s programs do not require a GRE for admission. In the following detailed sections, kindly consider the essential tips outlined.
How Long Does a Master’s in Organizational Psychology Online Take?
Generally, a master’s in organizational psychology online program requires 38 credit hours. Because of this, a graduate degree in this field typically takes at least 24 to 18 months.
How Much Does a Master’s in Organizational Psychology Online Cost?
Tuition costs are directly affected by each university’s “total” credits. On average, it costs at least $17,300 and at most $42,600 to obtain an online master’s in organizational psychology.
Online Master’s in Organizational Psychology Admissions Requirements
Application
To begin with, complete and submit an application form. Further, ensure that this is submitted before the deadline to avoid unforeseen delays that may occur.
Test Scores
While some colleges do not demand test scores, others require students to submit them. Depending on the school, test scores vary significantly. Generally, they consider test scores and undergraduate GPA within the range of:
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- GRE-Quantitative: at least 140 to 149, GRE-Verbal: at least 140
- GRE-Analytical Writing 4.0–5.0
Letters of Recommendation
Of course, submit a required amount of letters of recommendation to the program. They could come from former professors from your undergraduate college.
Resume and Work Experience
Submit all relevant documents about your work experience in different fields. For those that have worked remotely, include this if it applies to you.
Essays
Depending on the college, essays or statements of purpose will be required to be submitted by applicants.
Note: Most APA accredited industrial organizational psychology programs require a well-written essay of no less than 500 words.
Official Transcripts
Lastly, candidates must submit the official transcripts on completion of their undergraduate degrees.
Note: Undergraduate degrees from accredited universities are of importance.
How to Choose a Master’s in Organizational Psychology Online Degree
Cost
The cost of all I/O psychology master’s programs varies significantly. Therefore, applicants should opt for colleges they can conveniently afford.
Program Format
The obtainable course formats are online, on-campus, blended, and hybrid. Additionally, for working students, an online course format is most convenient.
Accreditation
The best industrial-organizational psychology master’s programs online are accredited by recognized government agencies. Thus, in your search, consider accreditation as a significant factor.
Student Support
All institutions offer financial aid to eligible students. Eligible candidates include veterans and military students.
Master’s in Organizational Psychology Online Courses
The top industrial organizational psychology graduate programs offer the following courses:
- Personnel Psychology
- Organizational and Management Development
- Consulting and Leadership
- Social Psychology and Well-Being
- Training and Coaching
Industrial Organizational Psychology Job Outlook:
This section will consider the industrial-organizational psychology job outlook and career options for organizational psychologists.
The BLS estimates an 8% growth rate in psychology, which is generally as fast as average for all occupations. However, the careers industrial-organizational psychologists may achieve might have a higher growth rate. Particularly, industrial-organizational psychologists may see an annual salary of around $113,320, which is well worth the master’s.
What Can You Do with an IO Psychology Master’s Degree?
Operations Research Analysts
To begin with, operations research analysts are experts at solving complex issues. Particularly statistical analysis, optimization, and data mining. They use these skills to provide solutions that improve productivity and profitability. For this purpose, this career relies primarily on data and statistical evaluation techniques to help organizations solve problems.
Note: Among the industrial-organizational psychology careers, the top 10% in this field earn significantly higher than those in other fields.
Management Analysts
A management analyst is responsible for creating and conducting operations to help the company’s management run more effectively and efficiently. They develop procedure manuals and perform work measurements, organizational analyses, and evaluations, for example. In short, management analysts enhance an organization’s efficiency and underlying profit margins.
The BLS forecasts a whopping 14% employment growth for management analysts over the next ten years. The median yearly salary was $93,000 as of May 2021.
Labor Relations Specialist
These experts propose recommendations and regulations to facilitate workers’ rights. Generally, labor relations specialists analyze and manage labor contracts. Specifically, they interpret and execute collective bargaining agreements regarding issues such as pay and benefits, insurance, union policies, etc. According to BLS, they earn an average salary of $77,010 per annum.
Industrial Organizational Psychologist
Persistent demand for I/OPs will increase by 8% from 2020 to 2030. Industrial-organizational psychologists can enhance a company’s business structure and boost revenue. Moreover, the average annual wage for an organizational psychologist in this role is $81,040.
Recruiting and Staffing Manager
For any organization, finding and training new personnel is essential. Recruiting and staffing managers are in charge of all training and hiring procedures. For example, they apply psychological techniques while recruiting new staff to ensure the best candidates get the job and that talent retention is essential. Therefore, they’re crucial to business success. According to PayScale.com, Recruiting managers will earn an average yearly salary of $76,625 in 2022.
Continuing Education: Master’s in Organizational Psychology Online
The industrial organizational psychology graduate programs online are affordable in various states. Consider that students can take on a part-time compensation analyst role or workforce analyst while earning their degree. Graduates interested in a job in academics or research can further earn their Ph.D. in this field.
The Best Industrial-Organizational Psychology Master’s Programs Online
1. George Mason University
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Degree Offered: Master of Professional Studies in Applied Industrial and Organizational Psychology
Duration: Less than two years
George Mason University offers a Master of Industrial and Organizational Psychology degree online. It specifically exposes students to research-based field techniques and data interpretation. Through the curriculum, candidates will learn how to systematically select prospective employees that are a good fit for a business. They also learn to pinpoint specific employee motivations and create helpful evaluation and performance initiatives. The primary areas of study focus on knowing and applying principles such as:
- Client Communication Skills
- Evidence-Based Practices
- Data and Research Analytic Methods
2. Liberty University
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Degree Offered: Master of Arts in Applied Psychology-Industrial Organizational Psychology
Duration: 17 months
Liberty University offers an online Master’s in Organizational Psychology program to work with organizations and businesses in any sector. The school’s online degrees are among the best industrial-organizational psychology master’s programs in the US. Above all, you will discover the research techniques and approaches that improve employee productivity. Also, how human behavior and the mind impact any industry’s internal operations. Furthermore, you’ll understand how different sectors, including research, government, and businesses, affect their employees in various ways.
The coursework areas include:
- Validation/Test Construction
- Development and Organizational Behavior
- Development and Human Resource Training
- Performance and Personnel Management
3. Northcentral University
Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
Degree Offered: Master of Science in Industrial and Organizational Psychology
Duration: 2 years
Northcentral University provides an online Master of Science in IO Psychology, preparing graduates for a rewarding career in consulting and government. Students can combine principles and ideas relevant to IO psychology during the study. Subsequently, graduates will have undergone training to showcase their expertise and practical communication skills. Above all, they apply critical thinking, sensitivity to diversity, ethics, knowledge, and research methods to address workplace problems.
The master’s in IO psychology coursework cover topics such as:
- Research design
- Statistics analysis
- Personnel psychology
- Organizational behavior
Note: Industrial organizational psychology internships are compulsory, and graduates must complete them.
4. Capella University
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Degree Offered: Master of Science in Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Duration: 15 months
Capella University provides aspiring learners a flexible and affordable online MS in Industrial Organizational Psychology. Specifically, the program prepares students to become sought-after professionals capable of developing initiatives critical to aid employee performance. Also, faculty are industry experts, leading students in the latest human behavior and motivation approaches.
In brief, the focus of the coursework will be on:
- Tests and Measurements
- Survey of essential Research Methods
- Consultation Psychology
- Quantitative Analysis and Design
- Psychology of Leadership
- Multicultural and Ethics Issues in Psychology
- Foundations of Practice and Theory for Psychology Learners
Note: Capella University does not require GRE results for the industrial-organizational psychology master’s program.
5. William James College
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Degree Offered: Master of Arts in Organizational Psychology
Duration: 1 year (full-time), two years (part-time)
William James College offers an online MA in Organizational Psychology to prospective students globally. In short, students will learn modern practices supported by research directly applicable to the workplace. The focus of the course is on how to:
- Consider the requirements of various stakeholders inside an enterprise and cater to them.
- Encourage leaders and employees to be self-motivated for improvement.
- Control your talents and prejudices better to understand human and organizational resource problems and potential solutions.
Candidates will engage in 80 hours of field practice or internships at their current workplace or an institution-partner site. Also, learners can select from co-curricular concentrations to build their knowledge in this field. Expect concentrations such as:
- Global Mental Health
- Latino Mental Health
- Asian Mental Health
- The Caribbean and African Mental Health
6. Bellevue University
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Degree Offered: Master of Science in Industrial and Organizational Psychology
Duration: 15 months
Bellevue University offers an online MS in I/O Psychology through its distance learning platform. However, the curriculum features practical field experience allowing students to focus on unique specialties within the field. In addition, a capstone project involving applied research aids in hands-on field experience.
The industrial organizational psychology degree at Bellevue trains candidates in areas such as:
- Create and implement tests and measures for factors affecting people, teams, and businesses.
- Establish the best ways to use data, analysis methods, and statistical assessments to deliver insightful information that supports business choices.
The I/O psychology coursework includes:
- Personnel Selection
- Applied Research Methods
- Skills and Practicum Development
- Design and Measurement
- Organizational Development
- Social Psychology
- Performance Appraisal and Job Analysis
- Advanced Organizational and Psychology Practice
7. Thomas Edison State University (TESU)
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Degree Offered: MA in Liberal Studies in Industrial-Organizational Psychology
Duration: 18 months
Thomas Edison State University provides a MA in Liberal Studies/I-O Psychology that equips candidates to resolve and manage workplace conflicts. They also gain the skills to expedite organizational change, enhancing efficient operations. Moreover, graduates will have a concrete understanding of how to promote meaningful change. Among the I-O psychology master’s programs outlined, TESU is the only school that emphasizes unearthing organizational talent via psychological approaches.
The coursework covers topics such as:
- Enhancing and Unearthing Organizational Talent via Psychology
- The Psychology of Teamwork, Motivation, and Leadership
- Psychological Factors in Growing and Selecting Organizational Talent
- Change, Resolution, and Conflict
- Capstone
8. Colorado State University (CSU)
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Degree Offered: Master of Applied Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Duration: 2 or 4 years
Colorado State University offers aspiring learners an online Master of Applied I/O Psychology. The in-depth curriculum provides crucial techniques for examining human behavior in organizations. These techniques are then applied to profer solutions necessary to improve the productivity and performance of an enterprise. Subsequently, graduates will know how to apply psychological principles to leadership and HR issues. They also understand how to use measurement and research skills to address practical work-related matters. Above all, the program centers on practical skills and knowledge, emphasizing consulting and research.
Some of the coursework areas include:
- Workforce Development and Training
- Criterion Development and Competency Modeling
- Capstone: Skills and Practicum Development
Note: This degree program is among CSU’s APA accredited industrial organizational psychology programs.
Frequently Asked Questions: Best Industrial Organizational Psychology Master’s Programs
Is a Masters in Organizational Psychology Worth it?
Yes. A master’s in organizational psychology is worth the expense and time because opens doors to stable, lucrative career paths.
What is Industrial-Organizational Psychology?
In particular, industrial-organizational psychology is a field of psychological practice and applied research. It centers on individual behavior in the corporate or business environment.
What Does an Organizational Psychologist Do?
Organizational psychologists employ research methods and psychological principles to address problems in workplace settings.
What Does Industrial Psychology Focus on?
Industrial psychologists specifically concentrate on how workers behave at work and strategies to develop and foster growth.
Is Organizational Psychology a Good Degree?
Yes, it’s a beneficial degree. Because of the considerable training and unique skill set, organizational psychologists earn a decent income.
What Can I Do with an Organizational Psychology Master’s?
Above all, you can operate as a management analyst and project manager in multinational corporations.
What Can I Do with an I/O Psychology Master’s?
With a master’s in IO psychology, you can opt for a role as a behavior analyst, instructional designer, workforce insights analyst, etc.
Can you Work in HR with a Psychology Degree?
Looking at the industrial-organizational psychologist job description, you can in fact conveniently work in HR with a psychology degree.
Where do Industrial-Organizational Psychologists Work?
Generally, I/O psychologists work in commercial enterprises, healthcare facilities, labor unions, and manufacturing firms.
How Competitive Are Graduate Programs in I/O Psychology?
The graduate programs aren’t too competitive. In brief, you will triumph greatly amid competition by honing your skills and improving your self-learning approach.
Start a Master’s in IO Psychology Today!
With this comprehensive list of careers and top master’s in organizational psychology online, we believe you have the agency to make an informed decision. For this purpose, GetEducated.com is full of online degree options in psychology for you to browse through. Because combining industry with psychology makes for a significant paycheck, you know a master’s is worth it!
Don’t hesitate to check out all of the best industrial organizational psychology masters programs online available to you today!