Best Online Master’s Degrees in Organizational Psychology

Interested in enhancing your career by learning techniques to get the most out of employees, creating collaborative and enjoyable workplaces, and improving organizational outcomes? That’s fantastic! 

To work as a human resources manager, executive coach, workforce analyst, or in any number of organizational-improvement-related careers, one of the best ways to make yourself a competitive applicant is by earning your organizational psychology master’s online.

So, we’ve done the hard part for you, researching and compiling details about the best programs. Below, you’ll find information about:

• The best master’s in organizational psychology online programs
• Courses you’re likely to find in these programs, tuition, and admissions processes
• Skills you’ll likely learn and course outcomes
• Career opportunities you’ll be prepared for
• Answers to frequently asked questions

Ready to get on the path to earning your master’s in organizational psychology online? Let’s begin!

Top Online Master’s Degrees in Organizational Psychology for 2024

We have ranked the top schools below. Our Rankings Data comes from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES.) Click the About the Ranking link below for more information about our methodology.

2 Year Schools 4 Year Schools
or
Select a StateALCACOILINMIMONJNYRIVAWI
About the Ranking
Base Methodology for OnlineColleges.me’s 2024 Online College Rankings
1. Create List of Eligible Schools and Programs
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
• Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
2. Assign Weightings
After creating the list of eligible schools, OnlineColleges.me data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of affordability, support services, and online program availability metrics. Online program availability and overall affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings.
Online Program Availability
• Number of online programs in subject area reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system: 0-5 online programs = 1 star; 6-10 = 2 stars; 11-15 = 3 stars; 16-20 = 4 stars; 21+ = 5 stars. In our design, laptop icons = stars.
• For degree-specific pages, ex: Psychology degrees, we list the current number of online programs available at that school for that degree type, as self-reported by the schools.
Affordability
• Cost – Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on tuition and fees per academic year.
• Students w/ Institutional Aid – Percentage of students who receive financial aid from the school itself.
Support Services
• Academic Counseling – Existence of this service on campus or online.
• Career Placement – Existence of this service on campus or online.
About Our Data
OnlineColleges.me’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: January of 2024
• 1

  Marian University

  Fond Du Lac, WI

  Private not-for-profit $$

  An online Master of Science in Industrial Organizational Psychology from Marian University is ideal for adult students who need flexibility. Classes begin every seven weeks, meaning students don’t have to wait long before getting started on their degree. Each accelerated seven-week course is available entirely online, and students can graduate in just 16 months. Students can even choose between a traditional thesis or practicum experience before graduation.

  Program Highlights:

  Master of Science in Industrial Organizational Psychology

  • Credits: 36
  • Length: 16 months
  • Cost: $550/credit
  • Mode: Fully online
  • Accreditation: NCACS

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  12/1

• 2

  Saint Peter’s University

  Jersey City, NJ

  Private not-for-profit $$$$

  It only takes 15 months to earn a Master of Industrial Organizational Psychology at Saint Peter’s. The program consists of six core courses; students fulfill the remaining credits by choosing electives based on their career goals. During their time in the program, students learn how to improve organizational performance, analyze big data, and develop critical thinking skills. Each class is capped at 18 students, meaning students receive plenty of attention from peers and faculty.

  Program Highlights:

  Master of Industrial Organizational Psychology

  • Credits: 36
  • Length: 15 months
  • Cost: $720/credit
  • Mode: Fully online
  • Accreditation: MSCHE

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  11/1

• 3

  Touro College

  New York, NY

  Private not-for-profit $$

  Touro College offers an entirely online Master’s in Industrial Organizational Psychology. All of the courses in the program are synchronous, which is perfect for students who prefer the structure and accountability of set meeting times. The flagship feature of the program is a 240-hour internship in the field. Notably, many interns are offered a full-time job at their internship location after graduation.

  Program Highlights:

  Master’s in Industrial Organizational Psychology

  • Credits: 36
  • Length: Two years
  • Cost: $890/credit
  • Mode: Fully online or on campus
  • Accreditation: WSCUC

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  10/1

• 4

  Baker College

  Owosso, MI

  Private not-for-profit $$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  8/1

• 5

  The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Los Angeles

  Los Angeles, CA

  Private not-for-profit $$$$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  5/1

• 6

  Western Michigan University

  Kalamazoo, MI

  Public $$$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  16/1

• 7

  Colorado State University-Fort Collins

  Fort Collins, CO

  Public $$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  17/1

• 8

  Auburn University

  Auburn, AL

  Public $$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  20/1

• 9

  Missouri University of Science and Technology

  Rolla, MO

  Public $$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  19/1

• 10

  George Mason University

  Fairfax, VA

  Public $$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  16/1

• 11

  Johnson & Wales University-Online

  Providence, RI

  Private not-for-profit $$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  13/1

• 12

  Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global

  Marion, IN

  Private not-for-profit $

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  17/1

• 13

  National Louis University

  Chicago, IL

  Private not-for-profit $$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  16/1

Program Spotlights: Master’s in Organizational Psychology Online Degrees

While each program spotlighted below differs slightly, their outcomes and core courses are typically similar. Each of the following master’s in organizational psychology online programs is regionally accredited, meaning a third party has verified that they reflect a standard quality of education.

In earning this degree, you’ll gain competence in essential areas, including: communication skills; the psychology of motivation and human behavior in the workplace; how to analyze data and key performance indicators (KPIs) to improve business outcomes; how to coach employees; the art of facilitating productive dialogues and creating inclusive spaces; and more.

To begin your journey, take a look at three of the top online master’s in organizational psychology programs.

What to Expect in Your Online Master’s Degree Program in Organizational Psychology

As you can see based on the above program descriptions, in an online master’s in organizational psychology, you’ll learn the necessary knowledge and skills to analyze ongoing organizational performance, develop strategies to support employee well-being and boost productivity, build leadership qualities, effectively mediate workplace conflict, and improve overall organizational success.

Many online learning programs are self-paced. For instance, SNHU’s master’s program has no set class times, allowing you to watch lectures and complete assignments on your schedule.

Depending on your program, you may have the opportunity to specialize in niche areas like the psychology of leadership, motivation in the workplace, organizational consulting, and more. Some programs are entirely specialized, like Penn State World Campus’s Master of Professional Studies in Psychology of Leadership.

Many programs will also offer hands-on learning opportunities, like The Chicago School’s M.A. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology online program, which features an online-only applied research project.

Below you’ll find common courses you’ll take as you pursue your master’s in organizational psychology online.

Common Online Master’s in Organizational Psychology Courses

How Much Does an Online Master’s in Organizational Psychology Cost?

While earning your organizational psychology master’s online will typically be more affordable than its in-person counterpart, it’s still wise to plan financially to make sure you’ll be able to afford your education. 

If you’re looking for financial support to complete your master’s, don’t worry — plenty of options are available.

Most universities suggest submitting the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). The FAFSA will qualify you for many types of student aid, including loans, scholarships you don’t need to pay back, and more.

Some schools offer school-specific scholarships, like National University’s $7,500 annual Key Grant scholarship.

Other options many schools offer include work/study programs and private scholarships. Some schools also accept state-specific grants, like those for Virginia residents at Liberty University.

If you’re pursuing your master’s to enhance your capacities at work, you should consider researching if your organization offers employer tuition assistance.

You can usually find detailed financial aid information on university tuition, financing, or admissions pages.

How Much Your Online Master’s in Organizational Psychology Could Cost

Careers You Can Pursue with a Master’s in Organizational Psychology Online Degree

With your online master’s in organizational psychology degree, you’ll be prepared to work as a specialized consultant or researcher in a wide variety of settings — non-profits, healthcare facilities, universities, labor unions, state and national government agencies among them. That’s what’s so exciting about completing your organizational psychology master’s online — it thoroughly prepares you to create a positive impact anywhere group dynamics are at play.

Your master’s program will also expand job opportunities by empowering you with highly sought-after skills, like effective communication that improves organizational output and employee well-being.

Earning a graduate degree can also help increase your earnings potential. Indeed.com reports that a master’s degree is associated with a 20% increase in salary potential compared to a bachelor’s degree.

Below, find three potential careers for graduates of this program. 

Career #1: Executive Coach

Executive coaches may work as employees of an organization or as consultants brought in on a case-by-case basis to improve organizational performance. Responsibilities may include organizational assessment and goal setting, 1:1 coaching, leading workshops to strengthen specific employee or team skills, developing customized strategies to achieve goals, and more.

Source: Salary.com, 2022

Career #2: Human Resources Manager

As a human resources manager, you’ll oversee many organizational administrative functions. For instance, you may manage recruitment processes, interviewing, and hiring new staff, mediating workplace disputes, developing strategies to boost workplace engagement and well-being, training and development, and more.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022

Career #3: Team Training and Development Specialist

Also known as a team development trainer or facilitator, this role centers on developing team communication, effectiveness, and overall success. Team development specialists will begin by evaluating a team’s performance to identify strengths and weaknesses as well as team dynamics. They are also responsible for developing customized interventions. These interventions could include team-building exercises, workshops, and 1:1 coaching sessions.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022

FAQs About Online Master’s Programs in Organizational Psychology

By now, we’ve covered some of the top-ranking online master’s in organizational psychology, average tuition costs, and potential career opportunities. However, chances are you may still have questions about admissions, course structure, student services, and more. To help, we’ve pulled together answers to six of our most frequently asked questions.

• Are online master’s degree programs in organizational psychology fully online?

  Yes! While you should double-check the location requirements for the specific program you’re interested in, the programs we’ve listed above are all available to be completed 100% from the comfort of your home. It should be noted that some programs, like the Chicago School’s master’s degree, include an optional track for internships and thesis projects that need to be completed in person.

• What does the admissions process look like for this degree?

  Most programs require you to have earned at least a 2.5 GPA in your bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. However, each program has its own admissions requirements. For instance, National University will accept students with a bachelor’s degree GPA of 2.0-2.49 if they have satisfactory GMAT, GRE, or Miller Analogies Test scores. Universities may also require official transcripts, interviews, letters of recommendation, and more.

• How long does it take to complete a master’s degree in organizational psychology online?

  Your timeline to degree completion will depend on several factors. For instance, if you plan on attending part time, it will naturally take longer than if you attended as a full-time student. Many master of organizational psychology online programs report that their programs can be completed within one to three years when taken full time.

• What academic and career support services are available to online students earning their master’s in organizational psychology?

  Many online programs offer a wide variety of academic and career options to online students. You’ll typically receive access to the school’s online library, alongside one-on-one academic advising and career placement services following graduation. Some schools also have online communities where you can connect with other students and even attend virtual events.

• Can I work while pursuing a Master’s in Organizational Psychology online degree?

  If you plan to work or need to balance personal obligations, you can take most programs part time. As it is, many online programs can be easily adapted to fit your schedule. So the short answer — yes, you can work while pursuing your online master’s in organizational psychology.

Other Master’s Degree Options in Psychology

If you are interested in a master’s degree in psychology but are unsure what specialization to pursue, check out these other degree pages to learn about your options:

Master’s Degrees in Psychology – Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

Master’s Degrees in Psychology – Forensic Psychology