According the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in industrial-organizational psychology is expected to grow by 8% through 2026. This demand is created by organizations who use I/O psychologists to hire and retain employees, improve office morale, and increase productivity in the workplace. Business executives are increasingly aware of the impact that individual employees can have on the overall success of the company, making the unique interpersonal skill set garnered from an industrial and organizational psychology degree very valuable.

Earning an online master’s in I/O psychology can be a great way to advance your career or enter into a niche field for individuals with an undergraduate degree in psychology. The flexibility of an online program is attractive to working professionals and those juggling many different obligations. We created this list of the top 10 online master’ in industrial organizational psychology to showcase the best programs available to online students.

Methodology

Using information gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator, accredited colleges were identified that offered an online Master’s in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. We reviewed each program and determined that the top programs held regional accreditation, were taught by expert faculty, made the majority of their coursework available online, and offered a relevant curriculum consistent with the demands of business. We then applied our ranking methodology to narrow our list further to the top 10 online master’s in I/O psychology.

  • 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

  • 15:1 or less= 5 Points
  • 16:1 to 20:1= 3 Points
  • Greater than 20:1= 1 Point

#10 – Southern New Hampshire University – Manchester, New Hampshire

Master’s in Industrial-Organizational Psychology Online

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Student to Faculty Ratio: 24:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $18,810/year
Points: 4
Southern New Hampshire University features a top online master’s in I/O Psychology for students who want to change corporate culture. Students have 24/7 access to coursework, making this a great choice for working professionals. The program can be completed in just 15 months by taking two courses each 10-week term. Faculty are industry experts, with relevant real-world experience. Courses cover areas like:

  • the psychology of leadership
  • organizational consulting
  • measurement and assessment
  • social psychology.

#9 – Capella University – Minneapolis, Minnesota

Master of Science in Psychology, Industrial/Organizational Psychology

School Profile
Student to Faculty Ratio: 22:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $14,516/year
Points: 5
The Master of Science in Psychology offered by Capella University features a specialization in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. Students will gain the skills necessary to bring positive change to the workplace. Capella offers GuidedPath, its original learning format that gives structure for students who succeed with a schedule and deadlines. It also offers FlexPath for students who want to take courses at their own pace and move onto the next course when they are ready. I/O Psychology courses cover areas like:

  • consultation
  • leadership
  • HR
  • research methods

Students can complete their degree in just 12 months of full-time study.

#8 – Colorado State University – Greenwood Village, Colorado

Master of Applied Industrial/Organizational Psychology (M.A.I.O.P.) Online

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Student to Faculty Ratio: 27:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $9,000/year
Points: 6
The Master of Applied Industrial/Organizational Psychology (MAIOP) at Colorado State University is a practitioner-oriented degree with knowledge and skills applied to research and consulting. This 38-credit hour top industrial organizational psychology online master’s degree program can be completed in two to four years of study, depending on course load. There is no thesis requirement. Courses cover areas like:

  • organizational development
  • succession planning and leadership development
  • applied measurement theory
  • workforce training and development.

#7– Alliant International University – San Diego, California

Master of Arts in Organizational Psychology

School Profile
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $23,501/year
Points: 7
The master’s in organizational psychology at Alliant International University is offered in a flexible online format. This 50-credit hour program takes two years to complete. Courses cover areas like:

  • data analysis
  • survey methods
  • cultural diversity
  • HR development

Students will prepare for a variety of jobs in:

  • healthcare
  • entertainment
  • technology
  • hospitality.

#6 – Missouri University of Science and Technology – Rolla, Missouri

Master of Science in Industrial-Organizational Psychology


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Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $10,061/year in-state and $29,558/year out-of-state
Points: 7
Missouri University of Science and Technology features a top online master’s in industrial organizational psychology. It has certificate options available in applied workplace psychology or statistical methods psychology. This 40-credit hour program also includes a thesis option for students seeking a research-intensive career. Core content courses cover areas like:

  • employee affect and behavior
  • training and development
  • small group dynamics
  • organizational development

All courses are delivered in a flexible online format that includes live streaming video and collaborative learning software like Zoom and Canvas.

#5 – Austin Peay State University – Clarksville, Tennessee

Master’s in Industrial Organizational Psychology Online


School Profile
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $7,920/year in-state and $20,502/year out-of-state
Points: 8
The top online master’s in industrial organizational psychology at Austin Peay University will give students the skills needed to improve employee performance and workplace well being. Students will study areas like:

  • personnel selection
  • training and development
  • motivation
  • team performance

Graduates have successfully found opportunities in:

  • private and public business
  • non-profits consulting
  • HR.

#4 – Carlos Albizu University – Miami, Florida

Master of Science (M.S.) in Industrial & Organizational Psychology

School Profile

Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $11,774/year
Points: 9
The top online master’s in industrial organizational psychology at Albizu University prepares students to become culturally competent I/O practitioners. Students will gain knowledge and training in areas like:

  • performance management
  • training and development
  • organizational development

Faculty are active I/O psychology professionals, sharing their professional expertise in research, practice, and theories in the field. Graduates are prepared to work in industries like:

  • education
  • research
  • government
  • HR.

#3 – Eastern Kentucky University – Richmond, Kentucky

Industrial-Organizational Psychology Program

School Profile
Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $9,900/year in-state and $14,400/year out-of-state
Points: 10
The Department of Psychology at Eastern Kentucky University features a fully online top master’s in industrial organizational psychology. Courses cover areas like:

  • I/O psychology
  • organizational psychology
  • research methods
  • professional skill development

Students have numerous opportunities to work closely with faculty members. There are multiple opportunities for professional development through the Center for Applied Psychology and Workforce Development. All students complete a six credit hour practicum experience to apply this knowledge and skills in a supervised field experience.

#2 – Touro University Worldwide – Los Alamitos, California

Online Master of Arts in Industrial and Organizational Psychology

School Profile

Student to Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $9,000/year
Points: 10
Touro University Worldwide features a top online master’s in industrial organizational psychology that aligns with the guidelines and values of:

  • the Society for Industrial/Organizational Psychology
  • the Society for Human Resource Management
  • the Society for Consulting Psychology

Concentrations are available in:

  • coaching and consulting
  • HR management
  • occupational health psychology

The program consists of 12 courses, including a capstone course focused on an organizational or career-related situation of interest to the student.

#1 – Salem State University – Salem, Massachusetts

Master of Science in Industrial/Organizational Psychology

School Profile

Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $2,520/year in-state and $4,140 out-of-state
Points: 10
Our top choice for a master’s online in industrial organizational psychology is the program atSalem State University. Students will be prepared for a wide variety of careers in areas like:

  • HR
  • organizational development
  • change management
  • leadership development

This industrial-organizational psychology program utilizes case management instruction and places a strong focus on structured quantitative research. The curriculum follows the guidelines of the Society for Industrial/Organizational Psychology. It includes coursework in:

  • ethics
  • psychometrics
  • management theory and application
  • statistics and data analysis

All students complete a 300 hour internship to gain practical experience. Full-time students can complete the program in just two years.