The Best Master's in Industrial/Organizational Psychology Online

Industrial/organizational psychologists improve workplace dynamics and motivate employees. They also help organizations develop productively. After earning an industrial psychology degree online, graduates can pursue human resources, consulting, and organizational management careers.

Most careers in the field require at least a master's degree in industrial psychology. Applicants to these programs typically need a bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field. Master's degree-seekers without a psychology background may take introductory courses before starting graduate coursework.

This guide to master's in industrial/organizational psychology online programs explores common courses, tuition rates, and career options for graduates.

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Questions About Industrial/Organizational Psychology

What can I do with a master's in industrial/organizational psychology?

A degree in organizational psychology qualifies graduates for psychology and human resources jobs in many fields. Degree-holders can also work as consultants and executive coaches.

How long does it take to become an industrial/organizational psychologist?

Graduate program applicants need a bachelor's degree, which takes about four years to complete. Most master's programs require about two years of study.

What is the difference between industrial/organizational psychology and human resources?

Industrial/organizational psychologists apply psychological concepts to workplace dynamics. Their work aligns closely with HR responsibilities. Many industrial/organizational psychologists work in human resources departments.

Why Get a Degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology?

Learners in a master's in industrial/organizational psychology online program gain specialized knowledge in behavioral theories and employee engagement methods. Graduates often pursue advanced careers with high salary potential. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that industrial/organizational psychologists earn a median salary of $96,270 per year.

Students can earn an industrial/psychology degree online or in a hybrid format. Many of these programs offer flexible asynchronous courses. This format allows learners to complete assignments at convenient times. Some students work full time while earning their degree, completing coursework in the evenings and on weekends.

How Much Does an Industrial/Organizational Psychology Degree Cost?

The cost of earning a master's degree in industrial psychology varies by school type, program length, and enrollment format. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average cost of graduate tuition and fees was $19,792 for the 2019-2020 academic year.

Most master's degrees take about two years to complete. Some programs offer accelerated options, which allow students to graduate sooner. Part-time learners typically need more time to graduate.

Psychology and counseling programs often require in-person practicum hours. These experiences may involve extra expenses and fees.

Additional Online Student Fees

Online students may need to pay additional fees to cover costs such as tech support. Distance learners may also pay graduation fees.

Students pursuing a master's in industrial/organizational psychology online often choose hybrid programs. This format combines on-campus and online classes. In most cases, students completing on-campus requirements pay for travel and lodging expenses.

Graduates of psychology programs may also need to pay to obtain professional licensure and certifications.

How Much Do Industrial/Organizational Psychology Graduates Make?

Industrial/organizational psychologists can become human resources managers. They can also work as consultants and organizational effectiveness managers. Graduates can pursue careers in the public and private sectors. Organizations across fields recruit industrial/organizational psychologists for their human resources departments.

Industrial/organizational psychologists earn an annual median salary of $96,270, according to the BLS. Human resources managers earn a median salary of $121,220 per year.

Industrial psychologists can pursue further education to qualify for more career opportunities and higher salaries. Professionals with a Ph.D. often secure top management, academic, and research positions.

Courses in a Master's in Industrial/Organizational Psychology Program

Students pursuing a master's in industrial/organizational psychology online learn psychology concepts and workplace motivation techniques. Many programs feature foundational psychology coursework. Learners also take specialized industrial/organizational classes.

Most programs focus on organizational dynamics and development. Degree-seekers examine how employee interactions can affect a company's culture and overall well-being. Students also learn to apply advanced research design principles and methods to workplaces.

The following list highlights three common industrial/organizational psychology courses. While course availability and content vary, most programs in the field cover these topics.

• Introduction to Industrial/Organizational Psychology

  The course surveys the industrial/organizational psychology field. Students learn about the field's history, goals, and applications. Course topics cover workplace behaviors and employee training and development programs. In addition, learners study performance assessment methods. Coursework may explore psychological applications at the individual, group, and organizational levels.

• Psychology of Leadership

  Leadership impacts the development of all organizations. This course explores major leadership theories, models, and approaches. Course topics may include leadership development and assessment strategies. Students examine the roles of mentorship, training, and coaching in organizational development.

• Capstone

  Many programs require a culminating capstone project. Capstones require learners to apply major program concepts. These projects prepare students for professional psychology practice. For example, students may identify and address a workplace problem using research and psychology tools.

How to Become an Industrial/Organizational Psychologist

While most psychologists need a doctorate, many industrial/organizational psychology positions require only a master's degree. However, a Ph.D. can help people qualify for advanced careers.

Job duties for industrial/organizational psychologists vary widely. However, these professionals typically focus on employee assessment and motivation. These psychologists may develop training programs. They may also design and administer employee aptitude tests. To better motivate employees, they revise company policies.

Licensure for Industrial/Organizational Psychology

Only industrial/organizational psychologists with a Ph.D. or Psy.D. can obtain professional licensure. Specific licensure requirements vary by state. However, licensure candidates in all states need a doctorate from an accredited school. They must also complete supervised clinical hours and pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).

Licensure candidates must perform a set number of supervised clinical hours. Clinical requirements vary by state. Students should contact their local psychology board for details.

Psychologists must also pass the EPPP. The exam assesses knowledge and skills in key psychology areas. Licensure candidates must also pass an oral exam in all states except California.

Many states require psychologists to complete continuing education requirements to maintain licensure. Individuals should research their state's requirements.

The Best Master's in Industrial/Organizational Psychology Online