Organizational psychologists apply psychology principles to help organizations improve their operations and culture. A master's in organizational psychology, typically the minimum requirement for this field, teaches students to analyze work environments and revise their policies and practices for greater effectiveness.
Prospective students choose graduate school for this field because most employers require an advanced degree. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 8% growth for the occupation between 2020 and 2030, comparable to the projected growth rate for all occupations. The median annual salary for this profession was $81,040 in May 2021.
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According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average annual master's program tuition was $19,792 in 2019-20. While most programs last for two years, top online schools may offer accelerated or more flexible study options. Here, we explore the online master's in organizational psychology, including the requirements, considerations, and career outlook.
Frequently Asked Questions About Master's in Organizational Psychology Programs
Is a master's in organizational psychology worth it?
Yes. A master's in organizational psychology provides plenty of value to graduates. The training prepares students for specialized psychology careers, along with management, consulting, counseling, and analyst positions. The program also equips graduates with a foundation for further study if they wish.
Students can benefit from the online degree value as well, which provides them with more flexible and accessible training. They can choose from programs across the country and study during the hours that suit their schedules best.
What can I do with a master's in organizational psychology?
Graduates with a master's in organizational psychology typically become organizational or industrial psychologists. They can also enter the human resources field, training and development management, or management consulting. Other professional options include career counseling and coaching.
Graduates who wish to continue their training can take many educational routes. They can pursue a doctorate in organizational psychology or another psychology field. They may also tackle a business management, leadership, or training and development doctorate.
Are organizational psychology graduates in demand?
Yes. The demand for organizational psychology graduates looks strong as organizations want to enhance their performance and develop a competitive advantage. The BLS projects 8% growth for organizational psychologists between 2020 and 2030. This is about the same as the projected growth rate of 8% for all occupations.
Other possible career paths feature similar or better demand. For example, the BLS projects 9% growth for human resources managers, 11% growth for training and development managers, and 14% growth for management analysts between 2020 and 2030. Career counselors are projected to grow by 11% during the same time.
How much money can I make with a master's in organizational psychology?
Salaries for graduates with a master's in organizational psychology depend on many factors, such as their chosen field, experience, industry, and location.
According to the BLS, organizational psychologists earned a median annual salary of $105,210 in May 2021. The top 10% of psychologists in general made more than $133,890 per year. Meanwhile, the lowest 10% made less than $47,850 annually.
Management analysts made median annual wages of $93,000 during that same period. The top 10% in the field earned over $163,760 yearly.
What are the highest-paying jobs with a master's in organizational psychology?
The highest-paying position available to graduates with a master's in organizational psychology belongs to human resources managers. The median annual wage for these professionals was $126,230 in May 2021, as per the BLS. The top 10% of earners in this field made over $208,000.
Training and development managers also earn considerably high salaries. According to the BLS, they made median annual salaries of $120,130 in May 2021. The top 10% in the field made more than $207,420.
What Can I Expect From an Online Master's in Organizational Psychology Program?
An online master's in organizational psychology can look different depending on the school and focus area. Typically, these programs feature 30-45 credits and take two years to finish. In addition to coursework, seminars, and extensive research assignments, organizational psychology students often complete practical training and field observations.
The graduate training focuses on building research and analytical skills. It also builds specialized abilities in recruitment, training and motivation, performance appraisal, and building workplace equality. Students also develop leadership, communication, and collaboration skills. Most learners begin with a foundation of integrity, analytical skills, and a knack for problem-solving.
Depending on the school and program, a master's in organizational psychology may award an MA or MS degree. While these degrees lead graduates down similar paths and may feature considerable overlap, they can differ in focus. MS programs may have a heavier research and leadership approach, whereas MA programs focus on clinical and behavioral sciences.
Though organizational psychology can be its own concentration, programs may offer students many other specializations. These may include organizational behavior, human resources management, employee performance and development, and leadership. When preparing for graduate school, identify what program structure, degree type, and concentrations you want and find the school that best provides them for you.
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Popular Online Master's in Organizational Psychology Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
What Courses Will I Take in an Online Master's in Organizational Psychology Program?
Personnel Psychology
This course examines the various aspects of an organization's personnel life cycle. The training explores recruiting and hiring individuals, plus evaluating performances, skill development, and contributions to organizational culture and diversity.
Organizational and Management Development
In this course, students learn what successful management and organizations look like. They study various management styles, tasks, and philosophies. They also examine the impact of organizational behavior, group dynamics, and management relationships.
Consulting and Leadership
Students in this course learn how to design and provide consulting and leadership programs. They look at methods for analyzing an organization, identifying organizational goals, and planning an intervention that delivers.
Social Psychology and Well-Being
In this course, students investigate how the well-being of an individual and an organization converge. They explore methods that allow organizations to provide social psychological benefits that also benefit the organization as a whole.
Training and Coaching
This course examines practices for training and coaching organizations and individual employees. Students look at motivation tactics, skill development, and goal setting.
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What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Master's in Organizational Psychology Program?
To qualify for admission to a master's in organizational psychology, prospective students usually need at least a bachelor's degree. Schools may request a specific discipline, such as psychology, political science, or business administration. Competitive programs may set a GPA minimum.
Many schools also have course prerequisites, including sociology, economics, research methods, and statistics. An online master's in organizational psychology may feature technological requirements as well.
Below, we list the most common application requirements, as per our graduate admissions guide.
Application
Prospective students use the college application to demonstrate their interest in a school and program. They can apply directly to their desired schools or use one of the college application systems to streamline the process and apply to multiple schools at once.
Test Scores
Schools may require applicants to submit standardized test scores, such as the GRE or GMAT. Due to COVID-19, candidates may receive a test waiver. Every school has their own score cutoffs and requirements, but prospective learners can use GRE prep to boost their admission chances.
Letters of Recommendation
Most college applications include three letters of recommendation from teachers and employers who know the applicant well. References use the letters to address the candidate's strengths and potential. When asking for letters of recommendation, prospective students should be clear about the expectations and deadlines.
Resume and Work Experience
In some cases, schools make professional experience a requirement for program admission. While rare for a master's in organizational psychology, candidates may still need to submit a college application resume. These documents provide supplemental insight into the applicant's chosen path and personal drive.
Essays
College essays take various forms, depending on the school and program. They may give prospective students space to discuss their personal journey, highlight their interests, or answer a specific application question. When writing a grad school essay, applicants typically identify their research interests and what about the program and faculty appeals to them.
Official Transcripts
Nearly all applications include official transcripts, showcasing all grades from high school and college. Not only do transcripts help school officials determine if the applicant meets the admission standards, but they also provide necessary information for prerequisites and transfer credits. Our transfer guide offers more information on transfer credits.
What Can I Do With an Online Master's in Organizational Psychology Degree?
Career Outlook
As organizations look to compete in an increasingly global landscape, they seek out more effective methods for improving employee recruitment and retention, training, performance, and organizational culture. This has increased the demand for organizational psychologists and managers with psychological insight.
The BLS projects the addition of 13,500 new organizational psychologists between 2020 and 2030. The BLS also projects more than 13,000 annual openings on average. Psychologists earned a median annual wage of $81,040 in May 2021, and the top 10% of earners made over $133,890.
In addition to organizational psychology and counseling positions, graduates with a master's in organizational psychology can pursue many management occupations, including human resources and training and development managers. They also qualify for analyst and consulting roles.
Uncover the professional possibilities of a master's in organizational psychology. Learn more about organizational psychology careers.
Career Paths
Organizational Psychologist
Organizational psychologists research challenges in productivity, organizational behavior and culture, and employee performance. They pass on their findings to organizations, management professionals, and training specialists. They may specialize in a particular field, industry, or organizational issue.
Median Annual Salary (May 2021): $105,310
Human Resources Manager
Human resources managers oversee employee relations and act as the connection between management with their staff. They may handle the hiring and training process, compensation and benefits, labor laws, and health and safety. They may need to resolve conflicts and improve organizational culture and performances.
Median Annual Salary (May 2021): $126,230
Management Analyst
Management analysts evaluate an organization to find inefficiencies and ways to improve. They may suggest and implement new practices, policies, or procedures to reduce costs, grow revenues, or enhance performances. They may also specialize in certain industries, organizations, or problem areas.
Median Annual Salary (May 2021): $93,000
Career Counselor
Career counselors provide advice and assistance to students and job-seekers. They may help clients develop new skills or prepare them to enter a new job or industry. Career counselors analyze clients to identify the areas in which they need to grow and provide professional development support to address those issues.
Median Annual Salary (My 2021): $60,510
Training and Development Manager
Training and development managers help organizations enhance their employee's skills and performances. These professionals develop and run their own programs or help organizations manage their own training sessions. Managers can specialize in certain areas or help improve multiple fields.
Median Annual Salary (May 2021): $120,130
Organizational Psychology Not For You? Check Out These Related Careers.
Continuing Education
Most graduates with a master's in organizational psychology enter the workforce, but they can also continue their education. The most direct route leads to a doctorate in organizational psychology. They can also pursue a doctorate in business administration, a doctorate in human resources, or a doctorate in organizational leadership.
The American Board of Professional Psychology offers a postgraduate credential in organizational and business consulting psychology.
How Do I Choose an Online Master's in Organizational Psychology Program?
Cost
When evaluating educational costs, prospective students must consider all expenses, including travel and training materials. They should also compare online and on-campus programs, in-state and out-of-state programs, and private and public school costs. They should consider looking at the true program cost, which includes income lost due to training as well.
Program Format
Prospective students should compare program formats to find the best style for them. Consider, for example, comparing synchronous vs. asynchronous training and full-time vs. part-time studies. If their schedule allows it, candidates may also consider accelerated and self-paced programs.
Location
Finding the right school location is important for all students, regardless of what they choose between online or on-campus options. On-campus learners need to travel to campus or live nearby, whereas online learners may need to complete on-campus residences or satisfy other local requirements.
Accreditation
Prospective students need to look for institutional and programmatic accreditation. According to our college accreditation guide, institutional accreditation can impact financial aid, employment, and postgraduate credentials. Programmatic accreditation is not required for a master's in organizational psychology.
Student Support
What type of student services and online student services a school offers should be another consideration for prospective students. They should identify what services and programs would benefit them most and find schools that best provide them. Some possible options might include career services, academic support, mentorship programs, and internships and practicums.
Best Accredited Online Master's in Organizational Psychology Programs
Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team
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How We Rank Schools
At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We want to help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.
Our rankings are grounded in a few guiding principles and use the latest statistical data available from trusted sources. Read our ranking methodology. We hope our approach helps you find the school that is best for you.
#1
Baker College
| Location | Owosso, Michigan |
| Admission Rate | 73% |
| Graduation Rate | 18% |
| Instituation Type | Private |
| Accreditation | Yes Higher Learning Commission |
| Percent Online Enrollment | 62% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online. |
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100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $695
Out of State | $695
Credits to Graduate
36
Program Information
Institution Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Baker is a private, nonprofit college based in Flint, Michigan. The school offers an online master's in organizational psychology program. Managers and human resources specialists learn the psychological principles that help organizations succeed.
The 36-credit curriculum requires two years to complete. Core courses explore the psychology of leadership and individual and group factors in the workplace. The program concludes with an integrative psychology capstone.
Applicants need a minimum 2.5 GPA in previous coursework. Baker does not require GRE scores.
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#2
Southern New Hampshire University
| Location | Manchester, New Hampshire |
| Admission Rate | 88% |
| Graduation Rate | 44% |
| Instituation Type | Private |
| Accreditation | Yes New England Commission on Higher Education |
| Percent Online Enrollment | 94% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online. |
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100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $627
Out of State | $627
Credits to Graduate
36
Program Information
Institution Accreditation | New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
Students can transfer up to 12 credits into SNHU's 36-credit master's in psychology program. The master's features a concentration in industrial and organizational psychology.
The concentration requires four courses: organizational consulting, motivation in the workplace, psychology of leadership, and a seminar in industrial and organizational psychology. The program concludes with a psychology capstone.
Applicants to the online master's in organizational psychology program should have completed prerequisite courses in psychology, statistics, and research methods.
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#3
Touro University Worldwide
| Location | Los Alamitos, California |
| Graduation Rate | 100% |
| Instituation Type | Private |
| Accreditation | Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission |
| Percent Online Enrollment | 98% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online. |
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100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $500
Out of State | $500
Credits to Graduate
36
Program Information
Institution Accreditation | WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Based in Los Alamitos, California, TUW offers an online master's in organizational psychology that takes one year to complete. Students can choose from concentrations in coaching and consulting, human resource management, and occupational health psychology.
Enrollees complete nine core classes and three electives. Each course lasts eight weeks, and the program culminates with a capstone. Applicants need a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA.
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#4
Northcentral University
| Location | La Jolla, California |
| Instituation Type | Private |
| Accreditation | Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission |
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100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $889
Out of State | $889
Credits to Graduate
30
Program Information
Institution Accreditation | WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
A private institution located in San Diego, California, NCU offers an online master's in organizational psychology. Degree-seekers advance the science of work.
Students take 10 courses over 16 months. Core coursework explores research design, organizational development, and tests and measurements in industrial and organizational psychology. The program concludes with an internship or a capstone.
Admission requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. NCU offers weekly start dates.
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#5
Bellevue University
| Location | Bellevue, Nebraska |
| Graduation Rate | 24% |
| Instituation Type | Private |
| Accreditation | Yes Higher Learning Commission |
| Percent Online Enrollment | 95% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online. |
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100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $610
Out of State | $610
Credits to Graduate
36
Program Information
Institution Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
A private school in Nebraska, BU offers an online master's in organizational psychology program. The curriculum emphasizes practical projects and applied assessments.
Students take 12 courses in areas including social psychology, measurement and design, and applied research methods. Learners also complete two statistical methods courses and a practicum.
Applicants need either a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA in the last 60 credits or a master's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
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#6
Carlos Albizu University-Miami
| Location | Miami, Florida |
| Admission Rate | 56% |
| Graduation Rate | 33% |
| Instituation Type | Private |
| Accreditation | Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Percent Online Enrollment | 16% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online. |
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100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $620
Out of State | $620
Credits to Graduate
48
Program Information
Institution Accreditation | Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
AU is a private school with campuses in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Miami, Florida. The university offers an online master's in organizational psychology program that helps learners become culturally competent practitioners. Graduates can use science to solve workplace problems.
The master's in organizational psychology requires 42 academic credits and six final project credits. Courses explore employment law, work motivation, and small group theory and processes.
Students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA to graduate. Applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA in previous coursework.
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#7
Golden Gate University-San Francisco
| Location | San Francisco, California |
| Instituation Type | Private |
| Accreditation | Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission |
| Percent Online Enrollment | 67% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online. |
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100% Online or Hybrid | Self-Paced or Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,090
Out of State | $1,090
Credits to Graduate
39
Program Information
Institution Accreditation | WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Students at GGU in San Francisco can pursue an online master's in organizational psychology. Degree-seekers learn how to evaluate problems, improve training, and conduct market research.
The degree requires 30 core units and 9 elective units. Core courses cover consulting skills, diversity in organizations, and leading complex change.
Applicants need a bachelor's degree from an accredited school and a minimum 2.5 GPA. Prospective students with lower GPAs may submit a statement of purpose for consideration.
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#8
Adler University
| Location | Chicago, Illinois |
| Instituation Type | Private |
| Accreditation | Yes Higher Learning Commission |
| Percent Online Enrollment | 42% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online. |
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100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $898
Out of State | $898
Credits to Graduate
36
Program Information
Institution Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Located in Chicago, Adler offers a master's in organizational psychology that emphasizes inclusion and social justice. Students can specialize in data science, training and development, or human resources management.
The curriculum comprises 25 core credits, 6-9 concentration credits, a 200-hour social justice practicum, and a thesis or capstone project. Applicants need a bachelor's degree from an accredited school and a minimum 2.5 GPA.
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#9
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Los Angeles
| Location | Los Angeles, California |
| Admission Rate | 13% |
| Instituation Type | Private |
| Accreditation | Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission |
| Percent Online Enrollment | 82% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online. |
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100% Online | Some Synchronous Experiences
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,253
Out of State | $1,253
Credits to Graduate
40
Program Information
Institution Accreditation | WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Students at The Chicago School can pursue an online master's in industrial and organizational psychology. The program requires two years of full-time study or four years for part-time learners.
The curriculum includes coursework in organizational design, performance management, and organizational team dynamics. Students complete a five-credit applied research project.
Applicants need a bachelor's degree and must have completed preparatory coursework.
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#10
Missouri University of Science and Technology
| Location | Rolla, Missouri |
| Admission Rate | 79% |
| Graduation Rate | 66% |
| Accreditation | Yes Higher Learning Commission |
| Percent Online Enrollment | 22% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online. |
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100% Online| Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $950
Out of State | $950
Credits to Graduate
40
Program Information
Institution Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Located in Rolla, Missouri S&T offers an online master's in organizational psychology program. Students learn to enhance the well-being and performance of individuals within organizations.
Degree-seekers choose from thesis and non-thesis tracks. Students who choose the thesis track generally aspire to research careers. Non-thesis track students can concentrate in applied workplace psychology or statistical methods in psychology.
Applicants need a bachelor's degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA. Prospective students should score at least 300 on the GRE's verbal and quantitative sections.
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