The Best Industrial-Organizational Psychology Master’s Programs for 2025
Key Takeaways
- Top programs for I-O psychology master’s degrees include those from New York University, CUNY Bernard M Baruch College, and Rice University.
- I-O psychology master’s programs cover how to improve organizational dynamics, boost staff performance, and aid in training.
- Admission typically requires a relevant four-year degree, good academic standing, and at times, work experience.
Industrial-organizational psychologists help organizations boost effectiveness, increase employee retention, and improve productivity. The most common employers are scientific research organizations, colleges, and universities. Industrial-organizational psychologists earn an average salary exceeding $100,000.
Learn about the best industrial and organizational psychology master’s programs and what to expect in school and in your career.
Best Industrial-Organizational Psychology Master’s Programs
New York University
New York, NY- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$55,384
- Out-of-state$55,384
- In-State$37,332
- Out-of-state$37,332
- Retention Rate96%
- Acceptance Rate9%
- Students Enrolled57,335
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment31%
- AccreditationYes
CUNY Bernard M Baruch College
- New York, NY
- 4 year
- Campus
- In-State$6,930
- Out-of-state$14,880
- In-State$11,090
- Out-of-state$20,520
- Retention Rate88%
- Acceptance Rate51%
- Students Enrolled19,698
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment53%
- AccreditationYes
Rice University
- Houston, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$54,100
- Out-of-state$54,100
- In-State$51,634
- Out-of-state$51,634
- Retention Rate98%
- Acceptance Rate9%
- Students Enrolled8,672
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment10%
- AccreditationYes
University of Central Florida
- Orlando, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,368
- Out-of-state$22,467
- In-State$6,916
- Out-of-state$25,759
- Retention Rate92%
- Acceptance Rate43%
- Students Enrolled68,842
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment9%
- AccreditationYes
University of Georgia
- Athens, GA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,790
- Out-of-state$28,830
- In-State$8,878
- Out-of-state$25,186
- Retention Rate95%
- Acceptance Rate37%
- Students Enrolled41,615
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment20%
- AccreditationYes
DePaul University
- Chicago, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$42,449
- Out-of-state$42,449
- In-State$21,719
- Out-of-state$21,719
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance Rate74%
- Students Enrolled21,348
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment60%
- AccreditationYes
San Jose State University
- San Jose, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,742
- Out-of-state$17,622
- In-State$7,176
- Out-of-state$16,680
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate80%
- Students Enrolled36,062
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment71%
- AccreditationYes
Fairfield University
- Fairfield, CT
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$53,630
- Out-of-state$53,630
- In-State$20,034
- Out-of-state$20,034
- Retention Rate90%
- Acceptance Rate45%
- Students Enrolled6,289
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment21%
- AccreditationYes
Southern Methodist University
- Dallas, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$55,012
- Out-of-state$55,012
- In-State$31,590
- Out-of-state$31,590
- Retention Rate90%
- Acceptance Rate61%
- Students Enrolled11,842
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment13%
- AccreditationYes
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- Charlotte, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,812
- Out-of-state$18,474
- In-State$4,337
- Out-of-state$18,482
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate80%
- Students Enrolled30,298
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment56%
- AccreditationYes
Our Ranking Methodology
Psychology.org ranks education programs using data from reputable sources like the U.S. Department of Education. Our vetting process also includes a quality assurance team that assesses datasets for accuracy.
Psychology.org reserves the right to exclude any schools that lack significant data from the rankings to ensure accurate calculations. This list is for 2025. For more about how Psychology.org evaluates and ranks education programs, visit our full ranking methodology.
What to Look For in an Industrial-Organizational Psychology Master’s
Industrial-organizational master’s programs help learners build valuable insights into workplace psychology. They teach practical techniques and theories for improving organizational behavioral dynamics.
Curricula typically cover:
- Methods for optimizing and motivating employee performance
- How to build and manage training, development, and professional improvement programs
- Business administration from a human resources perspective
- Leadership-oriented insights into organizational change management
Some schools design curricula to cover skills and proficiencies endorsed by organizations like the Society for Human Resource Management or the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology. Regardless, you should always look for industrial-organizational master’s degrees at accredited institutions.
Admission requirements vary, but they typically include a four-year degree in a related field, a strong academic track record, and a compelling statement of purpose. Some schools prefer or require applicants to have one or more years of relevant work experience.
As a master’s student, you can qualify for various financial aid options, including federal aid and private scholarships.
What to Expect in an Industrial-Organizational Psychology Master’s Program
Industrial-organizational master’s degrees typically consist of about 30-36 credits. If you study full time, you can usually graduate in about two academic years.
Learning content generally includes a combination of applied theory and research methods. Some curricula also cover business administration and organizational development.
Industrial-organizational master’s programs typically culminate in a capstone experience or thesis. Capstone projects prompt you to display your synthesized knowledge, while a thesis involves producing an original work of research-focused scholarship.
Practical Experience Opportunities
At the master’s level, practical experiences in industrial-organizational psychology typically take the form of practicums or internships. Students secure placements through partnerships between their school and participating employers. Placements can last for a single semester or an entire academic year.
Practicums and internships allow you to apply your knowledge in a real-world setting and develop your skills under the tutelage of an experienced professional. They also double as excellent networking opportunities that may help your future job search.
Research Opportunities
Many industrial-organizational master’s programs involve multiple courses in research methods and statistical analysis. Some also have thesis options or requirements, which allow you to design and perform your self-directed research.
Depending on the school, you may contribute to ongoing studies or research programs and work alongside faculty members or external researchers.
In some cases, research participation could lead to opportunities to earn publication credits. You might also be invited to join presentations at industry events or conferences.
Frequently Asked Questions About Industrial-Organizational Psychology Master’s Programs
With an industrial-organizational master’s degree, you can pursue careers in human resources, organizational management, or business administration. Some roles involve extensive interpersonal interactions, while others have a stronger research or analytical focus.
