The Best Industrial-Organizational Psychology Master’s Programs for 2025

Explore industrial-organizational master’s programs in this degree guide and ranking. Learn what to look for in a program, what to expect, and more.
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Published April 24, 2025

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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.

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Best Industrial-Organizational Psychology Master’s Programs

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.
#1

New York University

  • New York, NY
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

31%

Online Enrollment

Yes

Accreditation

9%

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Graduation Rate
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$37,332

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$37,332

Retention Rate

96%

Students Enrolled

57,335

Institution Type

Private

#2

CUNY Bernard M Baruch College

  • New York, NY
  • 4 year
  • Campus

53%

Online Enrollment

Yes

Accreditation

51%

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Graduation Rate
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,090

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$20,520

Retention Rate

88%

Students Enrolled

19,698

Institution Type

Public

#3

Rice University

  • Houston, TX
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

10%

Online Enrollment

Yes

Accreditation

9%

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Graduation Rate
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$51,634

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$51,634

Retention Rate

98%

Students Enrolled

8,672

Institution Type

Private

#4

University of Central Florida

  • Orlando, FL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

9%

Online Enrollment

Yes

Accreditation

43%

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Graduation Rate
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,916

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,759

Retention Rate

92%

Students Enrolled

68,842

Institution Type

Public

#5

University of Georgia

  • Athens, GA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

20%

Online Enrollment

Yes

Accreditation

37%

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Graduation Rate
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,878

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,186

Retention Rate

95%

Students Enrolled

41,615

Institution Type

Public

#6

DePaul University

  • Chicago, IL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

60%

Online Enrollment

Yes

Accreditation

74%

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Graduation Rate
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$21,719

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,719

Retention Rate

87%

Students Enrolled

21,348

Institution Type

Private

#7

San Jose State University

  • San Jose, CA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

71%

Online Enrollment

Yes

Accreditation

80%

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Graduation Rate
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,176

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,680

Retention Rate

86%

Students Enrolled

36,062

Institution Type

Public

#8

Fairfield University

  • Fairfield, CT
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

21%

Online Enrollment

Yes

Accreditation

45%

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Graduation Rate
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$20,034

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$20,034

Retention Rate

90%

Students Enrolled

6,289

Institution Type

Private

#9

Southern Methodist University

  • Dallas, TX
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

13%

Online Enrollment

Yes

Accreditation

61%

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Graduation Rate
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$31,590

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$31,590

Retention Rate

90%

Students Enrolled

11,842

Institution Type

Private

#10

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

  • Charlotte, NC
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

56%

Online Enrollment

Yes

Accreditation

80%

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Graduation Rate
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$4,337

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$18,482

Retention Rate

84%

Students Enrolled

30,298

Institution Type

Public

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How We Rank Schools

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.