According to the American Psychological Association, organizational psychology studies how employees behave. Students in an online program for a master’s degree in organizational psychology will gain special expertise in applying psychological concepts to improve the workforce.
Organizational psychologists earn a median salary of $81,000 annually. Other career options with this degree include human resources manager, training and development manager, and compensation and benefits manager, all of which have a median salary of over $120,000 annually.
The average cost of a master’s in organizational psychology can range from $12,394 at a public university to over $26,621 at a private university.
How to Choose an Online Master’s in Organizational Psychology Program
Choose your area of study
Creating career goals can help narrow the potential areas of study for an online master’s in organizational psychology and help students find the best program for their needs. Several popular program options include:
- Master of Arts in Psychology
- Master of Arts in Industrial and Organizational Psychology
- Master of Science in Industrial and Organizational Psychology
Tips for students to help choose an area of study include consulting with leaders in the organizational psychology field, considering goals for other areas of life, analyzing potential salaries, and following their passions.
Research schools and programs
When researching schools, students should prioritize institutions and programs that are accredited. A school’s accreditation status confirms that the school and program meet quality standards and have educational plans to help students succeed.
Students can verify accreditation status by visiting the U.S. Department of Education’s Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs, the American Psychological Association, and the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System.
A school’s website is often the best place to start researching a program and its curriculum, faculty, internship opportunities, duration, course delivery methods, and more. Students can also contact a school representative directly, attend online tours and information sessions, and follow the institution on social media to learn more.
Prepare for tests and applications
As application requirements vary from school to school, it’s a good idea to contact a school’s admissions office or program representatives to confirm what application materials you must submit.
A standard application for an online master’s in organizational psychology includes:
- Application and fees
- Official undergraduate transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal essay
- Resume
Some online master’s in organizational psychology require prerequisite classes before officially entering the graduate program. Any student with a bachelor’s degree in a psychology-related field will likely already have taken the classes. Students with non-related degrees may have to complete courses like the following:
- Statistics
- Research methods
- Foundations in Psychology
- Learning
- Social Psychology
In addition, some universities require students to pass the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or the GRE Psychology subject-specific test. Other schools allow students to substitute the GRE with years of work experience.
Select your program
Using the information gathered through research, students can create their list of the top online master’s in organizational psychology programs. To narrow the list, students can find answers to questions like the following:
- What are the faculty credentials?
- Has the program received awards or special recognition?
- What are the graduation and placement rates?
- Are courses on a flexible or structured schedule?
- Do online students have access to student services?
When deciding which programs to apply to, students should also keep in mind that most schools charge nonrefundable application fees, which can add up quickly. This may factor into their plan for how many applications to submit.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is typically the first step in obtaining money for graduate school. Schools will use this to determine eligibility for federal student loans, grants, and work-study funding.
Early in the process, students should also contact the school’s financial aid department to learn more about institutional aid opportunities, like scholarships, grants, and fellowships.
Students working full-time jobs while attending an online master’s in organizational psychology program may have tuition assistance opportunities through their employers.
Best 50 Accredited Online Master’s in Organizational Psychology Programs
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How We Rank Schools
This list includes various types of degrees in organizational psychology, including Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MS), and Master of Professional Studies (MPS) degrees. Each type of degree has a somewhat different orientation. For example, MPS degrees focus primarily on practical skills, while MS degrees are research-oriented. Consider these different approaches when selecting the type of degree program you want.
All of the programs reviewed have regional accreditation, meaning they meet high standards of quality and that coursework is more likely to be transferable to another institution. The programs on this list are delivered in a variety of formats, including online, in-person, and hybrid classes.
We ranked the programs by evaluating their course strength, overall program cost, faculty reviews, and reputation. Then, we gave them an Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.
What Can You Expect from an Online Master’s in Organizational Psychology Program?
Full-time students can finish an online master’s in organizational psychology in two years or less, while part-time students may need an extra year to complete the program. Some students may be able to complete their degree faster by enrolling in an accelerated program that compresses required coursework into a shorter time frame.
Students in this program will extend their knowledge on topics such as employment law, performance management, leadership, statistics, and research. Most programs involve a practicum experience in which students work in supervised positions in the community to get hands-on training. Many programs integrate a capstone project or thesis to let students demonstrate what they have learned throughout the best online master’s program in organizational psychology.
After graduation, students must pass licensure or certification exams to practice as well as obtain licensure from the states where they work.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online master’s in organizational psychology degree program
- Personnel Psychology. Students learn the elements of a relationship between employee and employer, from entering to exiting the company, and personality testing in recruiting personnel. Students also explore potential legal issues in personnel selection.
- Executive Leadership. Students better understand coaching employees and how to improve communication skills, resolve conflicts, and assess emotional intelligence. They also learn the characteristics of successful leaders.
- Diversity and Culture. Every organization must recognize and appreciate diversity and the many cultures of the employees. Students learn to create a culture that values differences and integrates individual strengths to build diverse teams.
- Psychometrics. Students taking this class become familiar with testing methods for leaders to utilize for employee improvement. They learn to design, apply, and interpret psychological tests based on interests, aptitudes, abilities, intelligence, achievement, and cognitive functioning. Students learn to analyze various psychometric tests statistically and make recommendations based on their analysis.
- Organizational Psychology. Students explore the employee’s relationship with an organization as a whole. Topics focus on attitude, motivation, conflicts, and making changes within the company.
Online Master’s Degree in Organizational Psychology Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online master’s in organizational psychology degree program?
For the most accurate information about how to apply to an organization psychology master’s program, students should contact the school’s admissions office.
Typically, students will start the process by submitting an application through the universities’ websites.
Most online master’s programs will also require students to submit transcripts, entrance exam scores, official transcripts with proof of graduation and final undergraduate GPA, personal statements, letters of recommendation, and application fees.
How much does an online master’s in organizational psychology degree program cost?
In the 2020-2021 academic year, tuition for master’s degree programs in public schools averaged $12,394, while tuition at private institutions averaged $26,621.
However, the exact price any student pays depends on additional factors like how much financial aid they receive, what income a student has during their program, and what kind of additional fees students are charged.
These fees can include:
- Technology fees
- Digital media fees
- Library fees
- Activities fees
- Student services fees
- Textbook fees
- Childcare costs during school hours
- Convenience fees
How long does it take to earn an online master’s in organizational psychology degree?
Master’s programs consist of 30 to 40 credit hours in core and elective courses, practicums, and final projects. In a traditionally-paced program, this can take full-time students 1-2 years to complete, while part-time students might need 2-3 years to finish the program.
Because of the flexibility of online programs, students may be able to enroll in an accelerated program, where they can take additional courses each term or enroll in new classes as soon as they complete other coursework. This can help students earn their master’s in organizational psychology in less time.
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