10 Most Affordable Top-Ranked Master's in I/O Psychology 2020

Industrial/Organizational Psychology (I/O psychology) is the area of psychology that applied psychological principles and theories to companies and organizations. I/O psychologists study areas like:

employee hiring and training
employee satisfaction
workplace performance

We created this list of the 10 most affordable high-quality Master’s in Industrial-Organizational Psychology to showcase some of the top programs in the United States. A master’s degree is considered the entry point for a career in I/O psychology and, in many cases, is considered a terminal degree in the field. Students can gain traction in this breakout field by earning their degree from an accredited university. These master’s programs in I/O psychology have what it takes to get you moving in the right direction.

Methodology

Using information gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator, accredited colleges were identified that offer a master’s degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. We reviewed regionally accredited programs and ranked them by affordability. Information regarding student/teacher ratio, and courses/specializations were noted.

Salem State University
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Appalacian State University
University of Nebraska-Omaha
Texas A & M University-College Station
University of Central Florida
San Jose State University
Minnesota State University
St. Cloud State University
Bowling Green State University

Ranking of 10 Most Affordable Top-Ranked Master’s in Industrial-Organizational Psychology

10. Bowling Green State University – Bowling Green, Ohio

I-O Psychology Master’s Program

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $8,017/year in-state and $14,009/year out-of-state

The affordable industrial/organizational psychology master’s degree from Bowling Green State University is a comprehensive program that prepares students to be active contributors to the field of I/O psychology. The program supports a strong culture of collaboration and cooperation that promotes success. Students can work with local businesses through the Institute for Psychological Research and Application. Many students complete summer or year-long internships to gain practical experience. Faculty and students are involved in the I/O psychology research community, publishing their work in journals and presenting at conferences.

9. Minnesota State University – Mankato, Minnesota

Master of Arts Degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology

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Student to Faculty Ratio: 22:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $7,994/year

Minnesota State University Mankato features an affordable industrial/organizational psychology master’s program through the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. Students gain valuable professional training by participating in the in-house consulting group, the Organizational Effectiveness Research Group. Course offerings include:

Psychometric Theory
Performance Appraisal
Organizational Development

Travel opportunities are available to students who want to attend specialized conferences or be a part of the international biannual trip to explore I/O psychology from a global perspective.

8. St. Cloud State University – Saint Cloud, Minnesota

Industrial/Organizational Psychology (M.S.)

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $7,607/year in-state and $11,780/year out-of-state

The low-cost I/O psychology master’s program at St. Cloud State University prepares students to find innovative solutions to workplace challenges. Students will study psychological principles and theories that can improve workplace performance and employee satisfaction. Courses are taught by expert faculty who support the professional development of their students. Course offerings include:

Ethical Issues in I/O Psychology
Psychometrics
Psychology of Training and Organizational Development

Graduate assistantships are available and can help students save a considerable amount of money over the course of the program. Graduates are prepared for a variety of exciting career opportunities in areas like research, HR, and leadership development.

7. San Jose State University – San Jose, California

Master of Science program in Industrial/Organization (I/O) Psychology

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Student to Faculty Ratio: 25:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $7,176/year in-state and $16,680/year out-of-state

San Jose State University offers a budget friendly I/O psychology master’s degree program focused on theory, research, and application. The program follows a scientist-practitioner model that develops broadly educated and critically minded I/O psychology leaders. Course offerings include:

Applied Psychometrics
Multivariate Analysis
Seminar in Personnel Psychology

Students complete supervised field work for six to 12 months, which could lead to a permanent full-time position. All students complete a master’s thesis that consists of an original empirical research project with support from experienced faculty. Students can complete the program in two years.

6. University of Central Florida – Orlando, Florida

M.S. Program in I/O Psychology

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Student to Faculty Ratio: 31:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $6,916/year in-state and $25,759/year out-of-state

The University of Central Florida features a high-value MS program in industrial/organizational psychology that takes just four semesters to complete. Students can choose from a thesis or non-thesis program option depending on their professional goals. Required courses include:

Work Motivation and Job Attitudes
Recruitment, Placement and Selection
Job Analysis and Performance Appraisal

Professional development opportunities are available through UCF Performance Solutions, a research group using the latest technology and research to improve productivity and performance within organizations. Financial assistance is available through fellowships, assistantships, and tuition support. Admission to the program is competitive and limited to just 16-18 students a year.

5. Texas A&M University – College Station, Texas

Master’s Program in I/O Psychology

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Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $6,775/year in-state and $19,048/year out-of-state

The College of Liberal Arts at Texas A&M University offers an inexpensive MS in Psychological Sciences with a concentration in I/O psychology as a terminal degree program focused on applying the science of psychology to the workplace. Coursework and an internship give students experience working with real-world client projects workplace challenges. The curriculum follows the master’s degree guidelines set by the SIOP so students can feel confident they are receiving a cutting-edge educational experience. Students do not complete a thesis as part of the program, but they may participate in research opportunities with faculty in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences or in another related area. The program is offered as a 16- month accelerated program delivered in a cohort-based format.

4. University of Nebraska – Omaha, Nebraska

Master’s in Industrial/Organizational Psychology

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Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $6,138/year in-state and $14,760/year out-of-state

The College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Nebraska Omaha offers both a Master of Science and Master of Arts in I/O psychology. The top value Master of Science in industrial/organizational psychology is a two-year, 36 credit hour program for students planning a career in an applied setting after graduation. The Master of Arts program is a 36-credit hour program for students planning to earn a PhD. Students complete an empirical research project as part of their curriculum. Both programs cover core I/O psychology areas like:

job analysis
performance appraisal
motivation

Most students attend full-time and earn their degree in about two years. Admission is competitive and space is limited.

3. Appalachian State University – Boone, North Carolina

Industrial-Organizational Psychology and Human Resource Management: Master of Arts (MA)

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Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $4,839/year in-state and $18,271/year out-of-state

Appalachian State University offers a high value master’s in I/O psychology and human resources management. The curriculum follows the guidelines set by the Society for Human Resource Management and the Society for Industrial/Organizational Psychology. It prepares students for professional opportunities in business, industry, and government. Core courses include:

Leadership, Groups, and Teams
Organizational Development
Strategic Human Resource Management

Students can choose to complete a thesis or an internship as their culminating experience. Graduates have been successful working for organizations like the Defense Logistics Agency and UTC Aerospace Systems.

2. University of North Carolina at Charlotte – Charlotte, North Carolina

Industrial Organizational Psychology Master’s Program

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $4,337/year in-state and $17,771/year out-of-state

The Department of Psychological Science at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte features a low-cost I/O psychology master’s degree offered as a weekend and evening program to accommodate working professionals. The program trains I/O psychology scientist-practitioners so most students have an applied focus. Course offerings include:

Organization Development and Change
Talent Acquisition
Talent Management

New students are admitted to a cohort during even years and can complete their degree in two years.

1. Salem State University – Salem, Massachusetts

Master of Science in Industrial/Organizational Psychology

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $2,520/year in-state and $4,140/year out-of-state

Salem State University offers the only I/O psychology master’s degree in the Boston area. Their low-priced master’s in I/O psychology follows the curriculum guidelines set by the Society for Industrial/Organizational Psychology. Course requirements include:

Statistics and Data Analysis for I/O Psychology
Psychometrics
Personnel Selection and Placement

The well-rounded curriculum includes elective course offerings from both psychology and human resources. The flexible class format includes evening courses and limited hybrid and online classes. Full-time students can complete their degree in just two years.

Why Industrial Organizational Psychology?

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the 2014-2024 job outlook for Industrial/Organizational Psychology is 19% growth. This far exceeds the expectations for many other careers, both in psychology and in other areas of business.
The median annual salary for I/O psychologists is $80,000. The highest earners can make $250,000 or more each year.
Industrial-organizational psychologists help improve recruiting, hiring and retention practices. They design and analyze performance evaluation systems. They consult on a variety of issues related to employee training. In short, they make workplaces better, and that can be rewarding.
Industrial Organizational Psychologists are needed in a wide variety of businesses. People with an IO Psychology degree can choose a wide variety of areas to specialize in, and businesses with whom to work.

What Does an Industrial Organizational Psychologist Actually Do?

Industrial–Organizational psychologists apply psychology to the workplace by using psychological principles and research methods to solve problems and improve the quality of work life. They study issues such as:

workplace productivity
management or employee working styles
employee morale

They also help top executives, training and development managers, and training and development specialists with:

policy planning
employee screening or training
organizational development

IO psychologists develop interview techniques, rating scales, and psychological tests to assess competencies in:

selection
placement
promotion

They apply principles of learning and individual differences to design and evaluate the quality of training programs. They conduct surveys and research studies to assess organizational climate affecting worker morale and motivation. They advise management on personnel policies and labor-management relations.

A primary difference between the types of job titles acquired among the psychologists who obtain a terminal master’s degree versus those who complete their PhD is the amount of research conducted. Some professionals with terminal master’s degrees may find themselves with some amount of research to their credit. Professionals with a Master of Art or Master of Science degree in Industrial Organizational psychology tend be more involved in the direct instruction of business professionals. Conversely, students who pursue a PhD in the field will find themselves in more research based careers, often in academia or research labs.

IO psychologists are relationship-focused, skilled in developing and maintaining interactions with others. They are:

data-driven
detail-oriented
problem focused
critical thinkers

I/O psychologists are persistent in their efforts and are also comfortable guiding and leading others. Like all psychology professions, good oral and written communication skills are essential to communicate ideas to others.

Related Resources:

Sources:

American Psychological Association

Bureau of Labor Statistics

National Center for Education Statistics

Society for Industrial Organizational Psychology

College Websites

10 Most Affordable Top-Ranked Master’s in Industrial-Organizational Psychology