Organizational psychology is the scientific study of human behavior in organizations and the workplace. This specific psychology addresses workplace issues at the individual and organizational level in an effort to improve the well-being and performance of people and the organizations that employ them. Psychology is one of the top five most popular majors in the United States, and organizational psychology, sometimes referred to as industrial-organizational (I-O) psychology, is a branch that is quickly growing. This specialization can offer a rewarding career for those looking to obtain a master’s degree.
A master’s in organizational psychology will expose students to potential activities and improvements they may implement on the job, including workforce planning, employee selection, and leader development. Organizational psychologists may also study job attitudes and job motivation, implement work teams, improve diversity and inclusion, and facilitate organizational change. Careers can be found throughout academia, consulting businesses, the government, and other industries. A master’s in organizational psychology will help students gain more relevant experience and will give them a leg up in the field. Gaining this master’s could lead to a job with a median salary of around $120,000.
Most of the programs prefer their students to already have a background in psychology or in a similar field. It may be easier to get into a master’s program with an undergraduate in psychology. Finding the right college or university can be difficult. We can help you find the best college for a master’s in organizational psychology.
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Missouri State University | Springfield, Missouri |
| 2 | Minnesota State University | Mankato, Minnesota |
| 3 | Bellevue University | Bellevue, Nebraska |
| 4 | Kansas State University | Manhattan, Kansas |
| 5 | Missouri University of Science and Technology | Rolla, Missouri |
Here are the Top 30 Schools for Masters in Organizational Psychology
Missouri State University
Missouri State University is a midsized college, established in 1905. The school currently has 23,697 students enrolled at the Springfield campus. The school has well-priced tuition and has a 56% graduation rate. The organizational psychology track is intended to help you gain skills and knowledge in the area. The faculty focus on application of principles of psychology and research methods.
School Overview
Minnesota State University
Minnesota State University, or MSU or MNSU, is a small school, currently sitting at 14,325 students. MNSU has several notable programs including its Doctor of Psychology program. The organizational psychology program trains students on application of psychological principles in a collaborative and high engagement setting. The program also has an on-campus clinic that provides psychology services to students.
School Overview
Bellevue University
Bellevue University is a Nebraska university with a student population of nearly 12,000 students. This school is fairly young, being established in 1966. This school has focused on catering to working adults and the majority of the students are over the age of 25. The organizational psychology program will help its students in HR development, employee engagement and other skills to bring into their career after graduation.
School Overview
Kansas State University
Kansas State University is a small to midsize university sitting at 21,719 students. This public university has its main campus in Manhattan, Kansas, and has been around for 157 years, established in 1863. The organizational psychology emphasis in this master’s program focuses on application of concepts and behavioral science methodologies.
School Overview
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Missouri University of Science and Technology, aka Missouri S&T, is a small college in the small town Rolla. The program focuses on the application of psychological science used to enhance performance within an organization. The program also helps students develop skills to help them manage HR and apply research.
School Overview
University of New Haven
University of New Haven (UNH) is a private university with its main campus in West Haven, Connecticut. The graduate campus is in Orange, Connecticut. The school was established in 1920 as New Haven College. This school has a small population of only 6,793 students. The program teaches students to work individually and in groups. It also provides internship and thesis research opportunities.
School Overview
Roosevelt University
Roosevelt University is a private university with four locations in Illinois including Chicago and Peoria. This specific master’s program is located at the Chicago location. The program allows students to receive a Master’s and an MBA at the same time. Because of its downtown Chicago location, there are many opportunities for internships and jobs. The program also offers many opportunities for applied projects.
School Overview
Sacred Heart University
Sacred Heart University (SHU) is a private catholic university in Fairfield, Connecticut. The school was established in 1963. The program will help students develop knowledge and skills to become an effective psychologist. Students will also be able to engage in research and learn to apply it appropriately.
School Overview
University of Hartford
University of Hartford, or UHart, is a private university in West Hartford, Connecticut. The university was established 63 years ago in 1957. The school has a midsized campus with 6,773 students. This program provides the opportunity to improve skills in research design, data collection, communication and facilitation. Their program provides training and internship opportunities for students.
School Overview
Colorado State University
Colorado State University, or CSU, is a research university in Fort Collins, Colorado. The university was established 150 years ago in 1870 as Colorado Agricultural College. The school currently has around 33,400 students. The program has a core focus on quantitative analysis to prepare students to conduct research and analyze data.
Members of CSU’s last three graduating classes were hired by 4,500 unique employers in 49 states, 53 countries, and attended more than 200 graduate schools. Furthermore, 3 out of 4 graduates are employed in a field related to their major and 84% of graduates secured employment or continuing education within 6 months of graduation. Learn about the CSU Effect here.
School Overview
Salem State University
Salem State University is a public university located in Salem, Massachusetts, but was originally established as Salem Normal School in 1854. The school currently has around 7,700 students. The program is based around guidelines developed by the Society for Industrial/Organizational Psychology. Their program also includes a customized internship that provides real-world experience. The program is primarily in person with some online offerings.
School Overview
Adler University
Adler University is a private university with two campuses, the main campus in Chicago and another campus in British Columbia. The school was named after Alfred Adler, the founder of Adlerian psychology sometimes called individual psychology. The program trains students on the study of how people shape the business world and how businesses shape people. Their coursework and community engagement project helps students build their resume to ensure success in employment after graduation.
School Overview
Montclair State University
Montclair State University is a public research university in Montclair, New Jersey with parts of the campus extending into Little Falls, New Jersey. The university has around 21,000 students and a large campus. The program combines theory and practice to ensure students will succeed in the job market.
School Overview
Elmhurst University
Elmhurst University is a private liberal arts college located in Elmhurst, Illinois. The school currently has around 3,400 students. Their program will teach students how to design and implement organizational interventions, complete projects, and develop necessary skills. The program will also help students build their network.
School Overview
University of Nebraska Omaha
University of Nebraska-Omaha, or UNO, is a public research university located in Omaha Nebraska. The program focuses on expertise and experience in research and applied settings. They provide opportunities for research and field experiences.
School Overview
Seattle Pacific University
Seattle Pacific University, or SPU, is a private university located in Seattle, Washington. The school has about 3,500 students. Their program focuses on developing a strong research foundations for meeting real world problems and contains a variety of electives. A final project and portfolio will be completed in the final year of the program.
School Overview
University at Albany – State University of New York
University at Albany is a public university in Albany, New York. The school has around 17,544 students. Its M.A. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology has coursework focused on enhancing employee well-being and performance in organizational settings. Students will learn how to scientifically implement and evaluate human resource systems, such as selection, training, and performance evaluation. In addition, they will learn how to evaluate and promote employee motivation, decision-making, work-life balance, diversity, and justice. The program requires students to complete the practicum (internship, study abroad, or field experience) to help students gain applied experience.
School Overview
University of Minnesota
University of Minnesota is a public university located in Minneapolis. The school has over 50,000 students. This program has had a reputation as one of the top three organizational psychology programs in the US. Their program is designed to train students in all areas of organizational psychology and immerse their students in research. Students are also given the opportunity to gain experience in a summer internship.
School Overview
William James College
William James College is a private college in Newton, Massachusetts. The school is fairly small with less than 800 students. This is a very interactive program that intends to provide a foundation based on the emphasis of practical applications. The program provides opportunity for skill building and experience.
School Overview
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
The Chicago School is a private school in Chicago, Illinois, and other locations including Richardson, Texas. The school has around 1,307 students. They offer an MA in Industrial and Organizational Psychology (MAIO) program that focuses on providing a strong foundation for its students. The program also trains students on a variety of topics within the field.
School Overview
University of Central Florida
University of Central Florida is a public university located in Orlando, Florida. The school has almost 70,000 students. The program focuses on applying psychological principles to organizations. The program shows students issues of importance to society.
School Overview
New York University
New York University is a private university in New York, New York. The school has around 59,000 students. This program teaches students how to create winning solutions for companies by bringing an approach anchored in research methodology.
School Overview
Teachers College at Columbia University
Teachers College Columbia University is a private university in New York, New York. The school has about 5,000 students. The program focuses on teaching students critical thinking on problems people and organizations have and how to implement solutions to those problems.
School Overview
Whether looking to begin your college search or if you are trying to confirm your choice of school, any of these schools is a great place to look into. Each college in this list has a great program and provides an amazing student experience.
These top 23 schools were ranked based on accessibility, affordability, graduation rates and academic quality. We’ve created an algorithm to create a personalized list to properly rank these schools. For more information on how we rank schools, visit our methodology page.
Any schools listed here are invited to ask for information to be changed if the information listed needs correcting. If your school isn’t on this least but should be, contact us. We continue to look for the best schools and provide that information to prospective students. Anyone is invited to contact us with questions.
