Industrial Organizational Psychology is a specialized area of psychology focused on the study of human behavior in the workplace. Employers value employees with IO psychology skills:
- in their HR departments
- in learning and development
- as trainers
Earning an industrial psychology degree is a step in the right direction toward becoming a professional industrial organizational psychologist. I/O psychology degree programs include courses to develop leadership skills and learn about organizational behavior. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in psychology (including industrial organizational psychology) is expected to grow by 6% through 2031.
We created this ranking of the top 10 bachelor’s in industrial organizational psychology to showcase the best programs available in the United States. When you’ve finished here and you want to continue planning your educational future, be sure to check out these industrial organizational psychology master programs.
Methodology
To create this ranking of the top bachelors in organizational psychology, we used information from the National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator. We researched accredited colleges offering a bachelor’s in Industrial Organizational Psychology and reviewed each program. We determined that the top programs:
- hold regional accreditation
- are taught by expert faculty
- offer courses specifically in IO psychology consistent with the demands of the industry
We then applied our ranking methodology to narrow our list further to the top 10 industrial organizational psychology degree programs.
Net Price
- Less than $10,000 per year= 5 Points
- $10,000 to $15,000 per year= 4 Points
- $15,001 to $20,000 per year= 3 Points
- $20,001 to $25,000 per year= 2 Points
- Greater than $25,001 per year= 1 Point
Student to Faculty Ratio
- 10:1 or less= 5 Points
- 11:1 to 15:1= 3 Points
- Greater than 15:1= 1 Point
Overall Graduation Rate
- Greater than 50%= 3 Points
10. Southern Adventist University – Collegedale, Tennessee
Bachelor of Science in Industrial-Organizational Psychology
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Net Price: $24,127
Overall Graduation Rate: 48%
Points: 5
Southern Adventist University offers a top value bachelor’s degree in industrial organizational psychology taught from a Biblical worldview. Students gain experience conducting research and presenting findings under the guidance and support of experienced faculty. Course offerings include:
- Organizational Behavior
- Multicultural Relations
- HR Management
Unique learning experiences and professional development opportunities are available to students through participation in the Southeastern Psychological Association and the International Honor Society of Psychology.
9. Middle Tennessee State University – Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Bachelor of Science-Industrial Organizational Psychology
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Net Price: $12,617
Overall Graduation Rate: 54%
Points: 8
Middle Tennessee State University offers a high-quality bachelor’s in industrial organizational psychology for students who want to help teams work better together and solve complex workplace issues. Course offerings include:
- Industrial and Organizational Training and Development
- Personnel Selection and Placement
- Motivation and Work Attitudes
Students can complete an optional internship in IO psychology to build their resume and gain experience. Graduates are prepared for entry level positions in HR or for graduate study in IO psychology or a related field.
8. Washington University in St. Louis – St. Louis, Missouri
Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Organizational Psychology
Student to Faculty Ratio: 7:1
Net Price: $28,298
Overall Graduation Rate: 93%
Points: 9
University College at Washington University in St. Louis offers a high-quality BS in industrial and organizational psychology for students planning a future in:
- Human Resources
- Management
- Organizational Behavior
Courses are typically scheduled during the evening hours to accommodate working professionals and adult students. IO psychology courses include:
- Applied Psychology of Learning: Training in Industry
- Introduction to Group Dynamics
- Organizational Psychology
Students can complete an internship to gain professional work experience.
7. Salem State University – Salem, Massachusetts
Combined Bachelor and Master of Science, I/O Psychology
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Net Price: $18,125
Overall Graduation Rate: 57%
Points: 9
Salem State University offers a combined industrial organizational psychology bachelor’s and master’s degree program. This five-year program can save students considerable time and money. Elective IO psychology courses include:
- Work Motivation
- Psychology of Organizational Development Consulting
- Managing Human Performance in Organizations
Future industrial organizational psychologists complete an internship, gaining valuable professional training. Students can choose to complete either a thesis or a directed study in their final year of the program.
6. University of Detroit Mercy – Detroit, Michigan
Industrial/Organizational Psychology BA
Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Net Price: $17,911
Overall Graduation Rate: 67%
Points: 9
The top value BA in industrial/organizational psychology from the University of Detroit Mercy puts a dual emphasis on business and psychology. Students will gain a strong understanding of both organizational life and human nature. Industrial organizational psychology major courses include:
- Psychological Testing and Measurement
- Organizational Design and Structure
- Group Dynamics
If your next steps include earning a master’s in I/O psychology, Detroit Mercy offers an accelerated five-year bachelor’s to master’s I/O psychology program that saves both time and money when compared to earning both degrees separately.
5. University of St. Francis – Joliet, Illinois
Industrial & Organizational Psychology BA
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Net Price: $16,949
Overall Graduation Rate: 65%
Points: 9
The University of St. Francis features an inexpensive industrial organizational bachelor’s degree focused on psychological theories and how they apply to human resources. Students will explore areas like:
- organizational communication
- team building
- leadership
Psychology core courses include:
- Team Building and Development
- I/O Psychology
- Group Dynamics
Students conduct field-based research and assessments to further develop critical thinking and communication skills. Graduates are ready for entry level roles or graduate level training.
4. San Diego State University – San Diego, California
Psychology BA with I/O Emphasis
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 26:1
Net Price: $6,867
Overall Graduation Rate: 76%
Points: 9
One of the best-value industrial psychology degrees is offered by San Diego State University. This is a comprehensive program that can prepare an industrial psychology major for graduate level study or the workforce. IO psychology courses include:
- Personnel and Industrial Psychology
- Organizational Psychology
- Psychological Testing and Measurement
Students can join the Psi Chi honor society and psychology club and take advantage of professional development opportunities. Students can also participate in the Student Research Symposium to showcase their research and creative activities while a part of the program.
3. CUNY Bernard M Baruch College – New York, New York
Industrial/Organizational Psychology BBA
Student to Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Net Price: $3,793
Overall Graduation Rate: 74%
Points: 9
The Zicklin School of Business at Baruch College features our top bachelor’s in industrial organizational psychology. This BBA program can serve as a terminal degree or as a launchpad for continued study. Students take courses in all areas of psychology while emphasizing IO psychology. Baruch has a robust selection of elective course offerings including:
- Occupational Health Psychology
- Leadership and Managerial Development
- Psychology of Career Development and Planning
Graduates are successful in areas like:
- government
- market research
- human resource management
This is a great degree for students who want to use a psychology degree in business.
2. Rider University – Lawrenceville, New Jersey
Organizational Psychology BA
Student to Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Net Price: $23,781
Overall Graduation Rate: 61%
Points: 10
Rider University features a budget friendly organizational psychology bachelor’s degree focused on management and psychology. Students can choose to complete a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in organizational psychology. One of the highlights of the program is the focus on engaged learning. Coursework gives students the opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge and skills to real world situations. Rider also offers a 100% online BA in organizational psychology designed for working professionals.
1. Touro University Worldwide – Los Alamitos, California
Online Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with Concentration in Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Student to Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Net Price: $18,121
Overall Graduation Rate: 57%
Points: 11
Touro University Worldwide features a budget friendly online bachelor’s in IO psychology degree with no on-campus residency requirements. The program is a great choice for students currently working or planning to work in for profit and non-profit organizations. There are six start dates throughout the year so students can get started when it is most convenient. Industrial organizational psychology bachelor degree online courses are taught by professors with real-world experience and cover areas like:
- Cross-Cultural Issues in Industrial and Organizational Psychology
- Effective Client Communication
- Applied Social Psychology
Full-time students can complete their degree in just three-and-a-half years.
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