10 Affordable Online I/O Psychology Master's Degrees 2025

Businesses are always looking for ways to optimize their systems, and one way to do this is to bring in an expert on industrial/organizational (I/O) psychology. These experts usually have master's degrees, though bachelor's degrees and doctoral programs are available in I/O psychology as well.

Many master's students, especially those who are working professionals, are concerned about finding the money or time for their graduate studies. Luckily, many schools offer these programs online at an affordable price. Keep reading to discover affordable online master's in industrial/organizational psychology.

What Is an Online Industrial/Organizational Psychology Master's Degree?

Industrial-organizational psychology is a field of psychology that focuses on human behavior in the workplace. It's often used by businesses and other types of organizations to help them figure out the best ways to motivate employees and drive results.

These degrees are most commonly offered as Master of Science (MS) or Master of Arts (MA) degrees. Earning an online master's in industrial/organizational psychology allows you to complete your coursework virtually on a schedule that works for you.

How Much Does an Online Master's Degree in I/O Psychology Cost?

The cost of a master's degree in industrial/organizational psychology will depend on a few things, namely, what school you choose, how many credits you need, and what financial aid (including grants and scholarships) you qualify for.

There are a handful of schools in the U.S. that offer online I/O master's degrees for $500 per credit or less. However, several schools charge over $1,000 per credit for graduate degree programs.

Cheapest Online Master's in I/O Psychology Programs

Graduate school can be expensive, but many institutions strive to offer affordable tuition. Below, we've highlighted some of the most affordable online industrial/organizational psychology master's programs.

1. Southeast Missouri State University

Southeast Missouri State University is a public institution in Cape Girardeau, MO. It offers a 42-credit online MA in industrial/organizational psychology.

This program equips students with skills to solve real-world organizational challenges using evidence-based practices. Students can choose a track in original research or an internship.

• Estimated tuition cost: $395 per credit
• Financial aid: SEMO accepts aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. Angelo State University

At Angelo State University, students can earn an online MS in organizational psychology and human resources. Students in this degree develop their human resource and consulting skills by focusing on the study of psychological principles in the workplace.

Angelo State, a public university, is located in San Angelo, TX. Its I/O degree includes coursework on topics like organizational development, performance management, and human resources management. The degree requires 30 credits.

• Estimated tuition cost: $417,16 per credit (in-state); $827.16 per credit (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Angelo State accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources. It also offers institutional aid.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

3. City University of New York School of Professional Studies

The City University of New York (CUNY) School of Professional Studies offers an MA in psychology with a specialization in industrial/organizational psychology online. CUNY SPS is a public institution in New York City.

The program requires 36 credits and includes foundational psychology courses on topics like psychopathology and research methods. The specialization covers topics like recruitment, training, performance management, quality of work life, and organizational development.

• Estimated tuition cost: $470 per credit (in-state); $565 per credit (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: CUNY SPS accepts FAFSA and private aid and offers institutional aid programs.
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

4. Louisiana Tech University

The online MA in industrial/organizational psychology at Louisiana Tech University is designed to prepare students to work in roles that apply behavioral science to organizational settings. It includes courses on psychological research, training, and leadership development.

Louisiana Tech, located in Ruston, LA, is a public research institution. It requires 33 credits, including an internship, for this I/O program.

• Estimated tuition cost: $475 per credit
• Financial aid: Louisiana Tech offers institutional aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private organizations.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. Touro University Worldwide

Touro University is a private, nonprofit Jewish institution. The school is based in New York City, but its Worldwide campus, which offers online programs, is based in California. One online program it offers is a master's in industrial/organizational psychology.

This 36-credit degree teaches graduate students how to critically evaluate organizational success. Concentrations are available in coaching and consulting, human resource management, and occupational health psychology.

• Estimated tuition cost: $500 per credit
• Financial aid: Touro accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid.
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WASCUC)

6. Austin Peay State University

Students at Austin Peay State University can earn a degree in industrial/organizational psychology online. This program requires 34 credits and trains students in the application of psychological principles to work environments.

APSU, located in Clarksville, TN, is a public university. It allows students to choose whether they want to conclude the program with a thesis project or a comprehensive exam.

• Estimated tuition cost: $512 per credit (in-state); $800 per credit (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: APSU accepts aid through FAFSA as well as private sources. It also offers institutional aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. Baker College

Baker College offers a 33-credit online master's degree in industrial/organizational psychology. Baker is a private, nonprofit school in Owosso, MI.

This graduate degree teaches students how principles of psychology can be utilized for organizational success. Students learn how to use psychological theories, methods, and principles to help individual workers, teams, and entire organizations..

• Estimated tuition cost: $600 per credit
• Financial aid: Baker College accepts FAFSA and private aid and offers institutional student aid options.
• Accreditation: HLC

8. Arizona State University

The online psychology degree at Arizona State University offers a concentration in industrial/organizational psychology. The program covers the principles of workplace motivation, characteristics of effective leadership, and assessment procedures across work environments.

ASU, located in Tempe, AZ, is a public research university. Its I/O program requires 30 credit hours, including courses on research methods, organizational development, and conflict resolution.

• Estimated tuition cost: $605 per credit
• Financial aid: ASU offers institutional aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private organizations.
• Accreditation: HLC

9. Eastern Kentucky University

Eastern Kentucky University is a public institution in Richmond, KY. It offers an online MS in industrial/organizational psychology.

This 36-credit curriculum provides the critical skills needed to assess the behavior of individuals in businesses and develop strategies for performance and productivity improvement within organizations. EKU also offers free textbooks to students in this master's-level program.

• Estimated tuition cost: $649 per credit
• Financial aid: EKU accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

10. Southern New Hampshire University

Through Southern New Hampshire University, students can earn a master's in psychology with a concentration in industrial/organizational psychology online. They'll develop in-depth knowledge of organizational practices and learn how to identify and fulfill training and development needs.

SNHU, a private, nonprofit institution, is based in Manchester, NH. It requires 36 credits for this program, and courses cover topics like employee motivation, management consulting, and leadership development.

• Estimated tuition cost: $659 per credit
• Financial aid: SNHU accepts FAFSA and private student aid. It also offers institutional aid.
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

How We Rank Schools

To choose the top industrial/organizational psychology graduate programs for this list, we focused on:

• Accreditation: All schools on this list are regionally accredited.
• Affordability: Every program costs less than $700 for in-state students, and many don't have additional out-of-state tuition.
• Program reputation: All institutions are nonprofit and offer high-quality graduate studies for working professionals.

What To Expect From an Online Master's in I/O Psychology Degree

Master's degrees in industrial-organizational psychology usually require 30 to 36 credit hours. Most full-time students can finish these programs in one to two years.

Your industrial/organizational psychology program will likely cover topics such as:

• conflict resolution
• human behavior
• human resource management
• leadership development
• performance management
• organizational development
• psychology research methods

Your program may require a thesis project, in which you conduct research on a certain topic. You may also need to participate in internships, practicum, or some other kind of hands-on experience.

FAQs About the Top I/O Psychology Graduate Programs Online

Graduate school can be exciting but daunting. We've answered some frequently asked questions about industrial/organizational psychology graduate programs to help you better understand your options.

Is an I/O Psychology Master's Degree Worth It?

For many students, a master's in industrial/organizational psychology is worth it. These degrees can help you develop your social science competencies and reach your career goals.

What Can I Do With a Master's Degree in I/O Psychology?

Many career opportunities are available to those with a master's in industrial-organizational psychology, including:

• human resources manager
• leadership development specialist
• management consultant
• organizational development manager
• talent acquisition specialist
• training and development manager
• workplace diversity and inclusion program director

Can You Work in HR With a Psychology Degree?

You can absolutely work in HR with a psychology degree. In fact, human resources is a common career field for those who study industrial-organizational psychology.

Is There a Demand for Organizational Psychologists?

There's a decent demand for industrial/organizational psychologists in the U.S. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that jobs for I-O psychologists will increase by 6% over the next decade.

What's the Difference Between a Master's and PhD in I/O Psychology?

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees are terminal research degrees that take several years to complete. Someone earning a PhD is likely more interested in conducting research or working in academia than pursuing hands-on careers.

Discover Online Psychology Degrees

Start your path toward a career in industrial/organizational psychology by exploring the programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to get more information on admission requirements, enrollment, and financial aid.