Top Industrial-Organizational Psychology Master’s Programs 2026
Organizational psychologists are in demand. Discover the best industrial-organizational psychology master’s programs to take the next step in your career.
A master’s degree in industrial-organizational (I-O) psychology can prepare you for a career in one of the highest-paying fields in psychology.
Our guide to the best industrial-organizational psychology programs walks you through everything you need to know regarding program selection and admission. We also introduce you to some of the top I-O psychology master’s programs across the U.S.
Top Programs in Industrial-Organizational Psychology
Fairfield University
- Fairfield, CT
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose Fairfield: Flexible Enrollment Options and Convenient Class Times
We appreciate that Fairfield's MS in organizational psychology offers flexible courses to accommodate working professionals. Most courses follow an evening schedule, meeting once a week for two hours. Several courses offer full-day weekend classes, which meet four to five times per semester. You can enroll on a full-time or part-time basis and apply for entry in the spring, summer, or fall.
The master's program requires 39 credits and includes courses in program evaluation, team processes, and diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. To help you build real-world experience, a fieldwork course offers the opportunity to engage in a consulting project with local organizations in the Tri-State Area.
Other Highlights
- Recent graduates employed by Fairfield University, IBM, and the U.S. Department of Justice
- 41-credit option available for applicants who need prerequisites
- No tuition differential for out-of-state students
Considerations
- $1,005/credit tuition cost
- Average maximum class size of 20 students
- Degree completion required within five years
28%
$20,625
91%
$20,625
- Acceptance Rate
- 33%
- Students Enrolled
- 6,864
- Institution Type
- Private
Louisiana Tech University
- Ruston, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose Louisiana Tech: Lowest Tuition and Fee Rates on This List
The most affordable option in our 2026 ranking is Louisiana Tech's MA in I-O psychology. Tuition and fees for nine credit hours cost in-state students $3,672, and out-of-state students $6,406. This means the 36-credit program will cost you roughly $14,700 to $25,600, which is significantly lower than comparable I-O degrees.
Louisiana Tech I-O students complete six credits of internship experience alongside coursework in organizational behavior, employment law, training and development, and statistical analysis. Twelve credits of open electives enable you to tailor your degree to your professional interests.
Other Highlights
- Courses available on campus and online
- Graduate certificate and Ph.D. in I-O psychology also available
- GRE waived for applicants with a 3.2 GPA in psychology or related field
Considerations
- GRE required for applicants without an undergraduate background in psychology
- On-campus research or teaching assistantships awarded on a competitive basis
- 3.0 GPA required throughout program
21%
$ 5,416
82%
$10,147
- Acceptance Rate
- 91%
- Students Enrolled
- 12,072
- Institution Type
- Public
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga
- Chattanooga, TN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose UTC: Extensive Research, Internship, and Conference Participation Opportunities
If you want to graduate with confidence in your real-world research, presentation, and professional skills, UTC's master's in organizational psychology is a strong choice. Program faculty invite students to participate in their research, and UTC coordinates and hosts the River Cities Industrial and Organizational Psychology Conference each year.
The 45-credit program includes a minimum of five electives, at least 300 hours of internship or practicum experience, and coursework on organizational development, employee performance, and research and statistics. Community partners frequently engage UTC I-O faculty and students in real-world consulting and evaluation projects, either as applied, in-class projects or external engagements.
Other Highlights
- Access to a student-led and faculty-supported professional development group
- Lower in-state tuition compared to other schools on this list ($522/credit)
- Among the longest continually-running I-O master's programs in the nation
Considerations
- Tuition differential for out-of-state students ($984/credit)
- In-person cohort model with one start date per year, in August
- Master's-level thesis or comprehensive exam required to graduate
77%
$ 8,876
74%
$16,940
- Acceptance Rate
- 77%
- Students Enrolled
- 11,380
- Institution Type
- Public
Touro University
- New York, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose Touro: Courses Offered Both On Campus and Online
We chose Touro's master's in organizational psychology because it offers in-person courses on weekday evenings in Midtown Manhattan, synchronously via Zoom, and asynchronously via Canvas. This flexibility is ideal for working professionals and students who prefer a remote or hybrid classroom experience.
You can complete Touro's 36-credit curriculum in four to six semesters, taking courses focused on organization development, social psychology, and theories of leadership. The program culminates in a 240-hour internship at an approved site of your choice. Touro is the only I-O program based in NYC that requires an internship.
Other Highlights
- No tuition differential for out-of-state students ($960/credit)
- Welcomes students from any undergraduate field
- Rolling admissions and two start dates per year
Considerations
- Requires an undergraduate prerequisite in statistics
- Recommends undergraduate prerequisites in introductory psychology, research design, and experimental psychology
- Highly competitive admission requires an interview and a spontaneous writing sample
58%
$13,545
86%
$13,545
- Acceptance Rate
- 63%
- Students Enrolled
- 11,953
- Institution Type
- Private
University of Detroit Mercy
- Detroit, MI
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose UDM: Graduate in as Few as 12 Months
You can graduate from UDM's organizational psychology master's in just one academic year by taking four courses in the fall semester, four courses in the winter semester, and three courses during the summer semester. Classes are scheduled in the evening to accommodate student employment and graduate assistantships. Part-time study options are also available.
UDM adheres to professional competencies outlined by the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP), ensuring graduates exit the program with current, industry-standard skills. This 33-credit, accelerated program culminates in a 250-hour internship or practicum, a capstone course, and a comprehensive exam.
Other Highlights
- Southeastern Michigan’s longest-running terminal master’s degree program
- Flexible, online components available in select courses
- Opportunities for research, applied experiences, and client consulting through UDM's Institute for Leadership and Service
Considerations
- More expensive than other programs on this list ($1,894/credit tuition and fees)
- GRE scores encouraged, though not required
- Undergraduate major in psychology or relevant prerequisites required
37%
$22,250
83%
$22,250
- Acceptance Rate
- 76%
- Students Enrolled
- 5,587
- Institution Type
- Private
How We Identified Top Schools and Programs
Our editorial team reviewed each school and program to identify standout characteristics, prioritizing factors like flexibility, affordability, hands-on experience, and relevance of the curriculum to a career in psychology. We assigned each school a superlative category based on its strengths.
Since many psychology programs share similar course offerings and outcomes, our goal is to support your program selection process by highlighting features that matter to you most.
We verified these school and program facts in November 2025.
How to Choose an Industrial-Organizational Psychology Program
Start by narrowing your search to accredited institutions, and then consider factors such as admission requirements, specializations, and cost.
Accreditation
Accreditation recognizes universities that provide a high-quality education. Earning a degree from an accredited school ensures you are eligible for federal financial aid and jobs, licenses, or certifications after graduation. Psychology graduate students should always choose an accredited institution.
Admission Requirements
Many industrial-organizational psychology master’s programs have similar admission requirements, but it’s important to ensure you qualify for the program. Make sure you meet GPA and undergraduate course requirements before applying. Some programs require letters of recommendation and/or standardized test scores while others do not.
Career Relevance
Review the course requirements, faculty, and graduate placements to determine whether a program matches your professional goals. An I-O psychology master’s can lead to career opportunities in human resources, talent acquisition, management consulting, and training and development. When choosing a program, consider whether courses and specializations align with your professional goals.
Flexibility
I-O psychology master’s programs offer a variety of enrollment options. Depending on your preferences, you may want to attend a 100% in-person program or a hybrid option, which combines in-person and online components. If you plan to work while earning your degree, consider seeking out an option that offers part-time study.
Cost and Financial Aid
Loans, grants, and scholarships can help offset the overall cost of your degree. The first step in determining your financial aid eligibility is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Universities and organizations also provide scholarships to qualified students based on need or merit.
How to Apply to an Industrial-Organizational Psychology Program
The process of getting into an industrial-organizational psychology program starts years before you fill out the application. You typically need a bachelor’s degree, letters of recommendation, and standardized test scores before applying. Keep in mind that the application process varies depending on the program, so make sure to review specific requirements carefully.
- Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
Before applying to a master’s program, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree. While most colleges do not offer a bachelor’s in industrial-organizational psychology, earning a psychology degree or a social science field provides a strong foundation for graduate study.
- Step 2: Meet GPA and GRE Requirements
Psychology graduate programs may set a minimum required or recommended GPA. You may also need to meet prerequisite course requirements, such as undergraduate psychology courses. Finally, many psychology programs require GRE scores, which typically expire after five years. More competitive programs often expect higher GPAs and GRE scores from applicants.
- Step 3: Personal Statement
Most programs require a personal statement. This statement should explain your preparation for graduate-level study in psychology and your reasons for pursuing a master’s in industrial-organizational psychology. Including specifics about the program and its faculty can strengthen your argument for an admission offer.
- Step 4: Letters of Recommendation
Industrial-organizational psychology programs often ask for 1-3 letters of recommendation. These letters can come from professors, supervisors, or mentors. Specifically, letter writers should speak to your strengths and ability to succeed at the graduate level. Make sure to ask your letter writers several weeks before the deadline and provide a copy of your personal statement.
- Step 5: Submit Completed Application
Submitting your application is the final step to apply to an industrial-organizational master’s program. Some programs may conduct interviews as part of the admission process. After you submit the application, make sure to submit FAFSA and scholarship applications to help pay for your graduate degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
A master’s in industrial-organizational psychology can prepare you for high-paying, in-demand careers. These psychologists earn a median pay of $109,840 with 6% projected job growth from 2024-2034, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLA).
