Top 5 Online Master's in Organizational Psychology Programs for 2019
Now, more than ever, graduates with an online master's in organizational psychology are in high demand among employers across industries. The Occupational Information Network projected the field to grow 14% from 2014 to 2024. Employers in many fields want candidates with a master's in organizational psychology, making it easy for graduates to find positions uniquely suited to their interests.
WHAT IS ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY?
Organizational psychologists, also known as industrial-organizational psychologists, study the principles of human behavior and how they apply in the workplace. Fundamental psychological aspects of individuals, groups, and organizations affect every facet of a company's performance. Industrial-organizational psychologists analyze these trends to enhance a company's productivity, management efficacy, workforce morale, and consumer appeal.
Companies in all types of business are interested in improving productivity and increasing profits, creating organizational psychology positions across the entire spectrum of industries. Organizational psychology jobs are most prevalent in research and academic settings, state governments, and consulting firms. The consulting or contract nature of most jobs in industrial organizational psychology creates opportunities to work in stimulating, ever-changing environments.
WHAT ARE THE BEST ONLINE MASTER'S IN ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY PROGRAMS?
Top 5 Online Masters in Organizational Psychology Programs for 2019
CSU offers several online graduate degrees, including a master's of applied industrial/organizational psychology. The program features research-based coursework that emphasizes how to apply psychology to human resources and leadership challenges within any organization or business. The curriculum includes coursework that focuses on quantitative analysis with classes on topics like measurement theory, cross-cultural organizational psychology, and more.
This 38-credit online master's in organizational psychology can be completed in two years of full-time study or four years of part-time study. The program does not include a thesis requirement, but instead provides several opportunities for students to engage with real organizations through research and other projects. Students must enroll in summer courses to graduate. Online courses are delivered asynchronously, allowing students to complete coursework at their own pace.
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How to Choose an Online Master's in Organizational Psychology Program
Online master's in industrial organizational psychology programs differ in length and curriculum. Students interested in a particular industry should ensure that the program they choose offers the appropriate degree concentration. Some programs offer or mandate completion of an internship, and some require field experience, which may conflict with existing obligations for working students. Generally, graduates with an online industrial organizational psychology degree will need further education to become a clinical psychologist.
Students should confirm each university's accreditation status, particularly if they intend to pursue licensure. Tuition costs and financial aid opportunities vary by school, and some programs require students completing the industrial organizational psychology master's program online to attend one or more sessions on campus.
Careers for Graduates of this Program
Graduates from organizational psychology master's online programs often become industry consultants, helping employers create welcoming, supportive, and productive work environments. Organizational psychologists work full- or part-time, and many open consulting businesses. Because a cohesive team atmosphere is vital to business success, online industrial organizational psychology graduates are highly valued.
Human resources generalists help managers acquire a qualified and efficient workforce and cultivate mutually rewarding relationships between employers and employees. Their duties include administrative tasks, such as managing benefits and payroll, overseeing employee training programs, and reviewing and improving company policies.
Median Salary: $52,005
Job Outlook and Salary
Industrial organizational psychology jobs are increasing at a higher rate than average, but the pool of available jobs is still relatively small. This is likely to change as employers learn that organizational psychologists can increase job satisfaction and output of the workforce. Salaries vary based on the specific position, industry, geographic region, and experience level.
| Employment, 2014 | Projected Employment, 2024 |
|---|---|
| 2,000 | 2,300 |
Source: BLS
SALARY GROWTH BY EXPERIENCE
As organizational psychologists accrue years in the industry, they develop an advanced skill set and are more highly valued, leading to increased salaries. Graduates with an online degree in organizational psychology can expect to receive higher pay as they gain experience.
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
Membership in a professional organization can be invaluable to graduates of organizational psychology online programs. These organizations provide resources, networking support, and continuing education. Members attend conferences to stay apprised of developments in technology and new strategies to improve performance.
To determine the best online master's in organizational psychology programs, we looked at the most important factors prospective students, mainly common predictors of future success and a school's commitment to online programs. This boils down to admissions rate, student loan default rate, retention rate, graduation rate, and the percent of students enrolled in online classes. All data points are taken from information provided by colleges and universities to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Each factor is weighted evenly in order to give an objective view and determine the best online master's in organizational psychology programs. To calculate our rankings, we looked at a school's ranking when organized by a single factor, and then averaged each category's ranking to find an overall score: Admissions Rate (20%) + Default Rate (20%) + Retention Rate (20%) + Graduation Rate (20%) + Percent of Students Enrolled in Online Classes (20%) = Final score.