For those interested in psychology and business, the field of Industrial and Organizational Psychology can be a great fit. Industrial and Organizational Psychology is the study of human behavior in the work place, and those who choose a career in this field have a variety of options for applying their knowledge and skills. They can gain employment in human resources, training and training evaluation, leadership development, research and academia, and consulting. Jobs for industrial and organizational psychologists are projected to grow 53% from 2012 to 2022 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Below is a list of the schools that offer an online master’s degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology taking solely cost into consideration — these are the cheapest online master’s degrees in psychology out there. Program tuition does not include fees, so please check directly with the institution for a full list of costs. Our data was taken directly from the university websites.
#1. City University of New York
The City University of New York is a public university system that includes 24 campuses across New York City and serves over 270,00 degree-seeking students. They offer a Master of Arts in Psychology with an Industrial/Organizational specialization
that requires 36 credit hours for completion. Persons pursuing this degree will deepen their knowledge of core conceptions, applications, and theories, be able to participate fully in all stages of the research process, apply ethical standards in human subject and animal research, and respect diversity and cultural differences. They will study human behavior in the workplace including performance management, work life quality, recruitment, and training. Graduates of this degree program will be prepared for various careers in human and social services, human resources, marketing, and research and data analysis. This program can also serve as an excellent bridge to doctoral work. Applicants must have a 3.0 undergraduate GPA and have completed courses in Introductory Psychology, Statistics, and Research Methods for admission to the program. Those without this coursework can be admitted conditionally.
Accreditation: City University of New York is regionally accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Program Tuition: $15,300
#2. California Southern University
A private institution offering all of its graduate and undergraduate programs fully online, California Southern University has been in operationssince 1978. Their Master of Science with a concentration in Industrial and Organizational Psychology is offered for those persons interested in specializing in office and workplace psychology. Students in this program will be equipped to aid in workplace productivity, increase communication, foster team-building, and organize leadership training. Persons in this program will complete require core Psychology courses and choose from a variety of electives in Industrial and Organization Psychology, including interpersonal conflict in the workplace, Myers-Briggs type indicator, consulting in business, education, mental health, organizational psychology, and cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy. There is no GRE or GMAT required for admission and applications are accepted on a rolling basis as courses start monthly.
Accreditation: California Southern University is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Program Tuition: $17,850
#3. Grand Canyon University
Located in Phoenix, Arizona, Grand Canyon University is a private Christian institution. Their Master of Science in Psychology with emphasis in Industrial and Organizational Psychology can be completed in as little as a year and a half. This program equips its students to apply their knowledge of human behavior to challenges in the workplace in the areas of conflict resolution, professional competence, process evaluation, and management. Students will focus on utilizing data as it relates to workplace performance and profitability through curriculum that is aligned with the recommendations of the American Psychological Association. Core coursework includes social and cultural psychology, organizational behavior and development, statistics, research methods, and strategies for effective leadership and consultation. Admission into this degree program is based on undergraduate GPA and GRE or GMAT scores.
Accreditation: Grand Canyon University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Tuition: $18,000
#4. University of Hartford
With an enrollment of over 7,000 students, the University of Hartford is a private institution located in Hartford, Connecticut. They offer a Master of Science in Organizational Psychology that requires 36 credit hours for completion. Students will gain understanding of theory and apply practical skills in order to improve their skills in research, facilitation, communication, and interpersonal issues. Coursework includes personnel psychology, experimental design, research methods, and a capstone project. Courses can be taken a the convenience of the student — there are no required class or login times. A bachelor’s degree is required for admission into this program, but there is no minimum GPA or GRE requirement.
Accreditation: The University of Hartford is regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
Program Tuition: $18,540
#5. Kansas State University
Kansas State University is a public institution with its main campus in Manhattan, Kansas. It enrolls over 24,000 undergraduate and graduate students from all 50 states and over 100 countries. They offer a Master of Science in Psychology with emphasis in Industrial and Organizational Psychology that can be completed in two and a half years. Students complete most of the coursework online but are required to be on-campus for a two-week summer intensive each year of the program. Persons pursuing this degree will be prepared to apply concepts and methodologies from the field of behavioral science to problems facing professional individuals and groups. Graduates will refine their skills in analytical and quantitative methods, verbal and written communication, development of selection, training, and performance evaluation, and utilization of computer and information technologies to increase professional efficiency. Completion of this degree will prepare degree-holders for careers in human resources, job training, job analysis, staffing and hiring, consulting, and testing evaluation. Applicants are not required to submit GRE or GMAT scores unless their undergraduate GPA is below 3.0. They are, however, expected to have two years of experience in human resource management or supervision.
Accreditation: Kansas State University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Tuition: $20,121
#6. Southern New Hampshire University
A private, nonprofit institution, Southern New Hampshire University enrolls more that 3,000 on-campus students and 60,000 online students. Their Master of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Industrial-Organizational Psychology prepares its students to work in a wide variety of industries, including health services, IT, criminal justice, sports management and marketing. Through 36 hours of coursework, persons in this degree program will design, develop, and evaluate performance and training initiatives and create efficiency within organizations as their unique needs require. This degree can be completed in as little as 15 months if students choose to take two courses per 10-week term. There is also flexibility for those students wishing to take a slower pace. Classes for this program include research methods, social psychology, cognitive processes, measurement and assessment, theories of personality, ethical practice, and psychology of leadership. Coursework is aligned with the standards set by the Society for Industrial-Organizational Psychology. There is no GRE or GMAT required for admission, but applicants should have either a bachelor’s degree in Psychology or a related field or have taken required prerequisite courses.
Accreditation: Southern New Hampshire University is regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
Program Tuition: $22,572
#7. Walden University
An online-only institution, Walden University offers undergraduate and graduate degrees to over 47,000 students. Their Master of Science in Industrial-Organizational Psychology requires 48 credit hours for completion. This program is designed to equip graduates to evaluate employee behavior and attitudes and implement techniques for improving performance of the individual and the organization as a whole. Students choose from seven different specializations: consulting psychology, forensic consulting, general practice, human resource management, international business, leadership development and coaching, and organizational diversity and social change. Coursework for this program includes leadership development, psychology of organizational behavior, consulting for organizational change, research theory and methods, ethics and standards, and testing and measurement. Graduates will be prepared for a variety of career options including consulting, employee development, I-O practice, human resources management, and project coordination.
Accreditation: Walden University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Tuition: $24,480
#8. Baker College
A private, non-profit institution, Baker College has several locations throughout Michigan. They offer a Master of Science in Industrial/Organizational Psychology that seeks to prepare students to help organizations and people work more effectively. Persons pursuing this degree will study a range of topics including psychology history, statistics, and specialized leadership topics. Students will also complete a capstone project as part of their 57 required credit hours. Graduates will be prepared to work as business consultants, employee training managers, human resources directors, marketing researchers, or personnel recruiters, among a variety of other career options. Applicants do not have to submit GRE or GMAT scores, but should have an undergraduate degree in a related field and an interest in helping people.
Accreditation: Baker College is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Tuition: $24,795
#9. Capella University
An online institution with over 38,000 students, Capella University offers more than 50 degree program options. Their Master of Science in Psychology with specialization in Industrial/Organizational Psychology requires 55 quarter credits for completion. Students in this degree program will be prepared to utilize psychological theories to increase productivity and employee satisfaction in the work place. They will be equipped to work in managerial or consulting positions in human resources, coaching, and training, or as a community college instructor. Completion of this program means gaining knowledge and skills in applying theoretical and research findings to professional settings, communicate psychological concepts, analyze professional literature, and respect difference and diversity in the work place. Coursework includes tests and measurements, inferential statistics, research methods, lifespan development, ethics and multicultural issues, and psychology of leadership. Persons pursuing this degree will also complete an integrative project in their final quarter. All courses last for three months, with a three week break between each quarter. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree — no GRE or GMAT required for entrance.
Accreditation: Capella University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Tuition: $26,675
#10. Colorado State University
A public research university with over 30,000 students, Colorado State University is located in Fort Collins. They offer a Master of Applied Industrial/Organizational Psychology offers students research-based and practical training that will equip them to apply psychological principles to leadership and organizational situations. They will study the behavior of people in businesses in order to increase productivity and improve performance. Graduates of this degree program will be equipped to recruit high-quality employees, identify training needs, lead employee development programs, address issues of discrimination and diversity in the work place, and improve the quality of work performance. This 38-credit program can be completed in two years if desired, and includes coursework in research methods and design, measurement theory, and workforce training and development. Simulations are used so that students are grouped into virtual consulting teams and must complete a series of projects each semester. Applicants must have a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, submit GRE scores, and if they do not have an undergraduate degree in Psychology, must also submit GRE Subject Test scores.
Accreditation: Colorado State University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Tuition: $27,094