If you love the science of people and how group behavior can come together to make something better, then a master's in organizational psychology might be for you.
Organizational psychologists work with and for businesses to equip employees to do their jobs more efficiently and work together to be more productive. To apply for a program, you don't even have to have an undergraduate degree in psychology — you can apply with any bachelor's as long as you meet prerequisites.
See our top choices for fully online master's in organizational psychology programs and find your next flexible educational program.
Master's in Organizational Psychology Highlights
Out of over 100 online psychology, education, and social sciences students and graduates BestColleges surveyed, all said they would recommend online education to others.
Over 9 out of 10 students and graduates surveyed said earning an online degree has had or will have a positive return on investment.
Eighty-five percent of these students and graduates also said that online learning was just as good as, if not better than, in-person learning.
Source: BestColleges
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Top Master's in Organizational Psychology Online
Why You Should Get a Master's in Organizational Psychology
You work well with others, and you're interested in making the workplace a smoother and more productive place.
You enjoy learning about human behavior and researching the best practices to organize groups.
You can easily transfer your skills to non-psychology roles or continue your education to get a Ph.D. or Psy.D.
Benefits of Getting a Master's in Organizational Psychology Online
You may pay less in tuition by earning your degree online than in person. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see if you qualify for aid.
There are usually no in-person components, so you have the flexibility to take your classes from anywhere or work while you take courses.
Earn a degree taught by the same faculty as in-person courses — ensuring you get equal academic rigor.
How to Choose the Best Organizational Psychology Program for You
Before you choose your program, you should consider its cost, financial aid options, program length, salary potential, and job outlook. Each of these aspects together can impact your return on investment and how much you end up paying for your degree.
How Much Does an Online Master's in Psychology Cost?
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reported in 2019-2020 that the average tuition and fees for online master's students in psychology programs was about $9,600. However, with financial aid, you'll likely pay less — the average net price was about $1,000 less. To see if you qualify for financial aid, submit your FAFSA.
Types of financial aid you can receive are grants and scholarships — which you don't have to pay back — and loans, which you'll need to pay back with interest. Once you complete the FAFSA, submit it to your college and you'll receive a financial aid package to let you know how much you'll pay for your program.
If you're on the fence about an online vs. in-person program, NCES found that online master's degrees are cheaper than in-person degrees by over 30%.
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How Long Does It Take to Get a Master's Degree in Organizational Psychology?
Typical # of Credits
30 Credits
Typical Program Length
2 Years
Typically, an online master's in organizational psychology takes two years to complete, or 30 credits. Some programs may be longer or shorter depending on the method of instruction and your schedule. A degree could take you longer if you enroll part-time, which can allow for better work-life-school balance.
Organizational Psychology Master's Degree Application Requirements
Bachelors degree: Typically you can apply for an organizational psychology master's degree program with a bachelor's in any subject, not just in psychology.
Prerequisites listed by your institution: These can be anything from general education, STEM, and psychology-specific courses required to enter the program.
Letters of recommendation, transcripts, personal essays, and GPA: These requirements can vary by institution.
Accreditation for Organizational Psychology Programs
Make sure that your program is properly accredited. The APA does not accredit fully online psychology programs, thus leaving the programming up to the discretion of the college. To become an industrial-organizational psychologist, some states may require you to have a license to practice.
It is important that your institution be accredited so that it is recognized by employers and licensing organizations. However, you might not need licensure depending on your job. For example, human resources directors, consultants, and professionals in non-social work and non-psychology roles do not require a license to work.
What Can You Do With an Organizational Psychology Degree?
A master's in organizational psychology doesn't limit you to being an IO psychologist. Some other common careers include:
Human resources
General psychology
Training and development
Research
If you plan on becoming a psychologist, check your state's requirements for practice. Some licenses may require you to complete supervised experience hours, but according to the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology, it may vary since some states recognize the difference between health service psychologists and IO psychologists and have different requirements.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (2024) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial-Organizational Psychologist | $109,840 | Works with company management in policy planning, employee productivity, and development |
| Instructional Coordinator | $74,720 | Oversees and develops school curriculum and work with school faculty to assess its effectiveness |
| Training and Development Manager | $127,090 | Creates and leads employee training and development workshops |
| Survey Researcher | $63,380 | Writes, conducts, analyzes, and reports surveys for research |
Source: BLS
Is a Master's in Organizational Psychology Worth It?
That depends on your career goals and interests. If you're already in a human resources role, management, or organizational role, this degree could boost your skills and could help you reach a higher income threshold if you only hold a bachelor's.
Education Beyond a Master's
There are two common types of doctoral degrees in psychology: the doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) and the doctor of psychology (Psy.D.). They're at the same educational level but can lead to very different career paths.
A Ph.D. prepares you for a career in research and academia, while a Psy.D. equips you to practice psychology and apply what you've learned to individuals, groups, and workplaces. If you plan to pursue organizational psychology and want more real-world experience, a Psy.D. might be more compatible with your goals than a Ph.D.
Frequently Asked Questions About Organizational Psychology
You'll learn essentials in organizational psychology that teach you how to lead, care for, and organize coworkers and employees. You'll take classes that explore psychological and practical topics like work motivation, organizational theory and development, statistics, job analysis, and attitude theory.
