Getting Into the Organizational Psychology Field
Organizational psychology, sometimes called industrial psychology, is a business-focused branch of psychology. Organizational psychologists often have a masters in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, although some may have a doctorate degree. Either way, you need to attend one of the many industrial-organizational psychology graduate programs to enter the field. Most people working in this field also have extensive experience in human resources or management, although some go straight from a psychology bachelor’s degree to industrial-organizational psychology graduate programs.
Top 5 Masters in Industrial-Organizational Psychology Programs
Rank | School | Location |
---|---|---|
1 | University of Central Florida | Orlando, Florida |
2 | Appalachian State University | Boone, North Carolina |
3 | University of North Carolina | Charlotte, North Carolina |
4 | San Jose State University | San Jose, California |
5 | California Baptist University | Riverside, California |
What Can I Do With a Masters in Industrial Organizational Psychology?
Most people who receive a masters in industrial organizational psychology go into high-ranking human resources positions in major corporations. Some graduates enter into high-level business management roles. Still others work in business consulting firms. The masters in industrial organizational psychology is a versatile degree, which is undoubtedly one of the reasons that the popularity of the degree has grown in recent years.
What are the Requirements of Industrial Organizational Psychology Graduate Programs?
All industrial-organizational psychology graduate programs require that students first obtain a bachelor’s degree. Some graduate programs require that this bachelor’s degree be in psychology. Others may only require that applicants have completed a few psychology classes. Industrial-organizational psychology graduate programs may have a minimum GPA requirement. This requirement ranges from a 2.5 GPA to a 3.5 GPA. Once admitted to the program, students must complete general psychology courses, industrial/organizational psychology courses, and usually some kind of internship.
Best 25 Master’s in Organizational Psychology Programs
University of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida offers a high-quality master’s degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology at an affordable price. This program is designed for full-time students. Students can choose to do a thesis project, but they do not have to do so in order to graduate.
School Overview
Appalachian State University
Appalachian State University offers a leading master’s degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology and Human Resource Management. As the name implies, this degree program is best for students who intend to go into human resources after graduation. All students complete an internship to gain hands-on experience.
School Overview
University of North Carolina
The University of North Carolina – Charlotte has the leading graduate ndustrial/organizational psychology program in the state. Classes are held during the evenings and on the weekends to allow students to work full-time. This program follows the guidelines set forth by the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology.
School Overview
San Jose State University
San Jose State University has a unique industrial/organizational psychology graduate program. Students must complete an internship, with many opportunities at tech firms in nearby Silicon Valley. Students must also complete a thesis project to graduate.
School Overview
California Baptist University
California Baptist University offers a master’s degree in industrial/organizational psychology that incorporates Christian values. This program offers students a well-rounded education in both theory and practical experiences. This program requires students to complete 45 credits before getting their degrees.
School Overview
University of Nebraska
The University of Nebraska offers one of the leading graduate industrial/organizational psychology programs in the Midwest. Nebraska offers an M.A. degree for students who plan to progress to the Ph.D program and a terminal M.S. degree. Students can take classes on full-time or part-time schedules.
School Overview
Minnesota State University
There are several highly-ranked industrial/organizational psychology graduate programs in Minnesota, and Minnesota State University is the best. The program is lockstep, so students can graduate within 2 years as long as they pass their courses and their comprehensive exam. Student can choose between completing an internship or a thesis. They must also pass a comprehensive exam and a portfolio review to graduate.
School Overview
St. Cloud State University
St. Cloud State University is another top industrial/organizational psychology graduate program in Minnesota. Students have ample opportunity to work with local businesses. Students also have the opportunity to attend both local and national conferences.
School Overview
University at Albany
The University at Albany has the leading industrial/organizational psychology graduate program in New York. This program offers students a well-rounded education in the field. Students are provided with the opportunity to complete an internship, although it is not required for graduation.
School Overview
University of Georgia
The University of Georgia features the top-ranked graduate industrial/organizational psychology program in the South. This program is designed for working professionals. Classes are delivered in a hybrid format, with some taking place on campus and some online.
School Overview
Texas A&M
Texas A&M has an innovative master’s degree program in industrial/organizational psychology. The program can be completed in 16 months, as it is offered on an accelerated full-time schedule. This program does not require a thesis, but it does require students to complete an internship.
School Overview
Salem State University
Salem State University may be one of the lesser-known schools on this list, but their industrial/organizational psychology graduate program is top-notch. Courses are offered on-campus, over the Internet, and in hybrid format. As with most of the programs on this list, students are required to complete an internship.
School Overview
Northern Kentucky University
Northern Kentucky University is the only ranked industrial-organizational psychology graduate program on our list. Students can greatly customize their course of study to meet their specific interests. Classes can be taken on both full-time or part-time schedules.
School Overview
Montclair State University
Montclair State University has a leading industrial-organizational psychology program with affordable tuition. Students receive instruction both in theory and in practical skills. Students may be eligible for graduate research assistantships or teaching assistantships, both of which provide a tuition waiver and a stipend.
School Overview
Central Michigan University
Central Michigan University offers a campus-based master’s degree in industrial/organizational psychology. This program is designed for full-time students. Students must complete a practicum and an internship to graduate from this two-year program.
School Overview
Western Michigan University
Western Michigan University may be edged out by its in-state rival in terms of university-wide graduation rates, but its industrial-organizational psychology graduate program is still top notch, boasting a >95% graduation and placement rate. Students can choose to complete a practicum or a thesis. Most students who want to go straight into the workforce complete the practicum option, while students who want to get a Ph.D generally choose the thesis option. The program’s M.A. grads have gone on to work in a variety of public and private sector industries and organizations, including Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 companies.
School Overview
University of Minnesota
he University of Minnesota offers perhaps the best-known industrial-organizational psychology program of any public university on this list. This program is aimed at students who plan to complete a Ph.D. Students complete their master’s degrees in two years, then seamlessly transition to the Ph.D program.
School Overview
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is unique because of its singular focus. Their master’s degree in industrial/organizational psychology is available to both full-time and part-time students. Students must complete two internships prior to graduation.
School Overview
Roosevelt University
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is unique because of its singular focus. Their master’s degree in industrial/organizational psychology is available to both full-time and part-time students. Students must complete two internships prior to graduation.
School Overview
Elmhurst University
Elmhurst University is one of the smallest and least well-known schools on our list, but their industrial/organizational psychology program is first-rate. This program is offered on a part-time schedule to accommodate working adults. Students can choose to complete an internship, a capstone project, or a thesis. The program is 36 semester hours.
School Overview
Columbia University
Columbia University is certainly the most prestigious school on this list, so it should come as no surprise that its graduate industrial/organizational psychology program is excellent. There are two formats available: the traditional degree for students who don’t have relevant work experience and the executive degree for students with at least eight years of relevant experience. The executive format includes a change leadership specialization.
School Overview
University of New Haven
The University of New Haven offers a flexible master’s degree in industrial/organizational psychology. Students can complete this degree on either a full-time or a part-time schedule. Full-time students can complete the degree in two years, while part-time students can finish in three years.
School Overview
Seattle Pacific University
Seattle Pacific University offers the only ranked industrial/organizationl psychology master’s degree in the Pacific Northwest. Students are only admitted during the fall semester. SPU also offers a doctoral program, so students can continue their studies without transferring to another school.
School Overview
New York University
New York University offers a prestigious industrial/organizational psychology graduate program. Students can pursue their degrees on either a full-time or part-time basis. Students can either complete a thesis or a comprehensive exam to graduate.
School Overview
Hofstra University
Hofstra University offers a graduate industrial/organizational psychology program with close ties to the Long Island business community. Students have extensive internship opportunities through the program. Classes can be taken on either a full-time or part-time schedule.
School Overview
Masters in Industrial Organizational Psychology Ranking Methodology
We took two factors into consideration when ranking these schools. First, we looked at the tuition that each school charges per year. If the school charges different rates based on a student’s residency, we used the in-state tuition rate. Next, we looked at each school’s graduation rate. We calculated each school’s rating by taking the tuition rate and adding a multiplier based on the percentage of students who didn’t graduate. For example, a school with yearly tuition of $50,000 and a graduation rate of 80% would have a rating of 60,000 (50,000 x 120%). Lower ratings are better.
Representatives from the institutions on this list are welcome to contact us with any corrections or questions they may have.
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