edX Online

Master’s in industrial psychology

Explore opportunities to earn your industrial psychology master's degree online. Research curricula, career paths, admissions requirements, and more.

See programs

Why earn an online master's in industrial-organizational psychology?

Become an industrial-organizational psychologist

A master's degree in I-O psychology can help you enter this specialized field.

Earn higher salaries

Multiple roles available to professionals with a master's degree in industrial psychology can earn six-figure salaries.

Study on a flexible schedule

Digital education formats can provide a level of flexibility that traditional face-to-face learning cannot match.

Browse online psychology programs that cover industrial psychology

Prestigious
An immersive cohort-based learning experience that is designed to optimize learning outcomes and ensure global networking opportunities.
Flexible
Choose your path with a range of completion options and class times.
Equivalent to on-campus
Earn the same degree and complete the same curriculum as on-campus students.

Industrial psychology, also known as industrial-organizational (I-O) psychology, studies the way people behave in workplaces. Learn about this specialized branch of psychology, research career paths, and explore online degree programs.

What jobs can you get with an online master's in industrial-organizational psychology?

Below is a list of potential jobs you can pursue with a master's degree in industrial-organizational psychology, with data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Industrial-organizational psychologist

Responsibilities

Industrial-organizational psychologists apply behavioral science principles to workplaces and other professional environments. They use specialized theoretical models and tools to help their employers or clients optimize workplace productivity, improve employee job satisfaction, and evaluate key performance metrics.

I-O psychologists also create training and development programs to meet specific organizational needs. Some also contribute to market research and competitive intelligence initiatives.

Salary and career outlook

  • Median annual salary (2024): $94,310
  • Career outlook (2024-34): +6%

What can you learn in an online master's in industrial-organizational psychology program?

Online master's in industrial psychology programs generally include about 30-40 credits and require two to four years of study. Completion timelines depend on program structure, intensiveness, and your enrollment status.

Course content typically focuses on core topics, including:

  • Organizational behavior theory and analytics
  • Behavioral, developmental, and educational psychology
  • Professional development and leadership
  • Change management
  • Employee performance evaluation

I-O psychology master's programs aim can help you develop analytical, research design, and research evaluation skills. They also build coaching, management, and interpersonal relations tools.

You may encounter courses such as:

  • Research methods and statistical analysis
  • Organizational structure and development
  • Issues in personnel and organizational psychology
  • Training and development program design
  • Organizational leadership and motivation

Online industrial psychology master's programs typically culminate in a thesis, capstone, or practicum.

Online format

Some schools offer fully online industrial psychology master's programs without in-person requirements. Others complement online coursework with face-to-face components like internships or practicums. These experiences can enrich your learning but involve in-person presence.

It's best to consider these factors when you select your master's program. Schools typically help students secure placements, but you may have limited options if your school is based far from where you live. To avoid confusion and potential problems, reach out directly to your program of choice to clarify these details before you apply.


Frequently asked questions

Can you be an I-O psychologist with a master's degree?

You need a doctorate to obtain a license to practice as a psychologist. However, many I-O psychologist roles do not require you to earn licensure. In these cases, you'll likely need at least a specialized master's degree to qualify.

What is the difference between a master's in HR and I-O psych?

I-O psychologists work behind the scenes to understand why people behave as they do in workplaces and design tools to fill skills and performance gaps. professionals implement these programs at a frontline level. They also typically take on many more administrative duties than I-O psychologists.

Who is most likely to hire an I-O psychologist?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that consulting firms, state and local governments, enterprise management, and postsecondary institutions are the leading employers of industrial and organizational psychologists. I-O psychologists generally work for large organizations with diverse workforces and complex management needs.

Do you need a master's or PhD for I-O psychology?

Entering the I-O psychology field generally requires at least a master's degree. If you want to hold a formal license to practice as a psychologist, you will need a doctoral degree.

How long does it take to get a master's in industrial-organizational psychology?

It depends on your enrollment status. If you study full-time, you could earn your master's degree in two to three years. Part-time students may need up to five years to complete their academic requirements.

Explore psychology programs by disciplines covered