Industrial/Organizational Psychology is the study of human behavior within the work environment. It follows the basic premise of Clinical Psychology which incorporates both “academic” or research mission and “applied” or practical perspective. A Bachelor’s in Industrial/Organizational Psychology exposes students to the science of human behavior, and how it responds to various organizations and businesses. It follows an in-depth and multidisciplinary approach towards human resources, business, management, and psychology.
I/O psychologists take leadership roles in research, with a specific focus on understanding diverse behaviors at work. Ranked #2 in Best Science Jobs in a recent article by U.S. News and World Report, industrial psychologists also make one of the highest incomes in the field. Working as an industrial psychologist, according to the article, is less stressful than most jobs, allows for a better than average work/life balance, and earns a 10 out of 10 for the job market.
Online institutions offering organizational psychology concentrations provide flexible coursework to accommodate working professionals. The online degree programs follow the same rigorous curriculum as that of on-campus I/O programs. Upon graduating with a bachelor’s degree in organizational psychology, one is qualified to join the prestigious Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Inc. (SIOP). These top online schools for studying industrial-organizational psychology grant aspiring psychologists a flexible and affordable beginning to their career.
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- Best Online Schools for Bachelor’s of Industrial-Organizational (I.O. Psy.) Psychology Degree Programs
- Frequently Asked Questions
Are you interested in a career in Psychology? If so, check this out: 30 Highest Paying Jobs in Psychology, Psychology Degree and Career Guide and the Best Concentrations in Psychology
Are you ready to earn a Master’s degree? Look at this: 14 Best Online Schools for Master’s in Industrial-Organizational Psychology or the 9 Best Online Schools for Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
Best Online Schools for Bachelor’s of Industrial-Organizational (I.O. Psy.) Psychology Degree Programs
METHODOLOGY: The 9 best schools for online Bachelor’s in Industrial/Organizational Psychology programs on this list prepare students for future careers in the field.
This ranking was researched and composed according to the following factors:
- Offers a wide array of the foundational study of psychology and its effects on the workplace,
- Gains valuable experience through hands-on internships,
- Instructed by industry professionals with small class sizes,
- Promotes scientific research through design, data analysis, and evaluation in I/O Psychology,
- Ease of Transfer Course Credits into a Master’s degree program,
- Proper accreditation
- Positive degree outcomes and job placement,
- 100% online or Hybrid formats offered for convenience,
- Positive reviews from students and academic journals,
- Financial Assistance.
OnlineSchoolsCenter.com chose not to list the schools in any specific order in compiling this list but instead chose to highlight the 9 Best Online Schools for Bachelor of Industrial-Organizational Psychology degree programs, all of which have their own uniqueness and strengths.
For a deeper understanding, please see our Methodology page for more information.
WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY IN ST. LOUIS
Online BS in Industrial and Organizational Psychology
Program Standouts:
Washington University in St. Louis’ online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Industrial and Organizational Psychology program is designed for students who are planning to establish a career in general management, human resources, and organizational behavior. It adopts a comprehensive curriculum that focuses on the behavioral aspects of hiring, training, managing, and supervising the key Human Resources segment of any organization. Students attend online classes in Psychology, Psychological Statistics, Social Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Psychological Tests and Measurements, Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Organizational Psychology, Applied Psychology of Learning: Training in Industry, and Introduction to Group Dynamics, among others.
Campus Location: St. Louis, Missouri
Accreditation: Washington University in St. Louis has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Retention Rate: 97.0%
Acceptance Rate: 16%
Admission Requirements:
- Six units of transferrable credit (college-level) from an accredited institution
- Proof of High School completion
- GED scores, if applicable
- A minimum GPA of 2.7
Sample Courses:
- Cognition in Children
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Reading
- Language
- Language Acquisition
- Lifespan Development
- Experimental Psychopathology
- Personality and Individual Differences
Degree Outcomes:
The university’s Department of Psychology in Arts and Sciences produces graduates who excel in the field. They get career opportunities in various areas, including general management, human resource management, and organizational behavior.
LEARN MORE ABOUT WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY AT ST. LOUIS’ ONLINE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN I/O PSYCHOLOGY DEGREE
SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE UNIVERSITY
Online BBA in Industrial-Organizational Psychology
Program Standouts:
An online Bachelor’s in Business Administration with a concentration in Industrial-Organizational Psychology is an ideal program for students who are pursuing a managerial career in any business field. Southern New Hampshire University offers this online program with the mindset of improving productivity among employees. The School of Business runs a core program for graduates to obtain the competencies required for career success. The120-credit courses include classes in Introduction to Psychology, Social Psychology, Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, and Cross-cultural Psychology.
Campus Location: Hooksett, New Hampshire
Accreditation: Southern New Hampshire University is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
Retention Rate: 68%
Acceptance Rate: 78%
Admission Requirements:
- Full application
- Transcript Release Form from schools previously attended
- Electronic Attestation Form evidencing that you are a high school graduate GED score
Sample Courses:
- Social Psychology
- Industrial/Organizational Psychology
- Cognitive Psychology
- Cross-cultural Psychology
Degree Outcomes:
The curriculum is a perfect mix of business and psychology. Students develop skills in solving individual, group, and organizational problems. Graduates create a significant positive influence on organizational change and development.
LEARN MORE ABOUT SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE BBA IN INDUSTRIAL-ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY
POST UNIVERSITY
Online Bachelor of Psychology with I/O Track
Program Standouts:
Post University has over 15,000 online learners seek admission with its online Bachelors in Psychology degree among the most sought-after programs. Students taking the Industrial/Organizational Psychology track take classes in Social Psychology, Drug Use Behaviors, and Multicultural Psychology. A total of 120 credit hours should be completed to earn this online degree.
Campus Location: Waterbury, Connecticut
Accreditation: Post University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education and licensed by the state of Connecticut through the Office of Higher Education.
Retention Rate: 39.0%
Acceptance Rate: 63.5%
Admission Requirements:
- Completed admission form
- Proof of high school graduation, or equivalent
- Admission interview
- Personal statement, when required
- Final High Scholl transcript
Sample Courses:
- Human Development, Education, and Health
- Social Psychology
- Drug Use Behaviors
- Multicultural Psychology
Degree Outcomes:
After degree completion, graduates gain a solid foundation in the core theories of psychology as well as key sub-fields. The online program prepares degree holders for fulfilling jobs in the field of psychology and business. Graduates land jobs as group home workers, mental health technicians or paraprofessionals, human resource managers, and case managers. Post University puts a premium on higher education, so graduates are encouraged to take further studies such as a master’s or a doctorate to advance their careers.
LEARN MORE ABOUT POST UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN PSYCHOLOGY
KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY
Online Bachelor of Industrial-Organizational Psychology
Program Standouts:
Kansas State University offers a broad-based online Psychology program, providing a strong foundation in the study of psychology for adult learners who could use the flexibility of online classes. KSU’s Department of Psychological Sciences offers the Industrial/Organizational Psychology as a specialization that explores the complexities of thoughts and behaviors. Students may also focus on research. The major can be completed after gaining a little more than 30 credit hours. The department allows students to take an optional double major, minor, and dual degree opportunities.
Campus Location: Manhattan, Kansas
Accreditation: Kansas State University has been granted accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Retention Rate: 84.0%
Acceptance Rate: 94.1%
Admission Requirements:
- A minimum 3.0 GPA in junior and senior years of High School
- GRE test scores, earning a minimum of 10th percentile in three main areas
- For ESL students, TOEFL scores
Sample Courses:
- Behavioral Neuroscience
- Cognitive
- Social/Personality
- Clinical
- Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Degree Outcomes:
A degree in Psychology is the top choice for students who are eyeing a career in research, human services, therapy, or any technical field that requires an undergraduate degree. Students who specialize in Industrial/Organizational Psychology emerge as experts in the application of psychology principles to work, employees, and organizations.
LEARN MORE ABOUT KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE IN I/O PSYCHOLOGY
BRANDMAN UNIVERSITY
Online BA in Psychology: Industrial-Organizational Psychology
Program Standouts:
Brandman University is committed to providing quality adult higher education to distance learners. Its online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with an emphasis on Industrial/Organizational is designed for students to apply the principles of the discipline in business settings skillfully. Students learn how to address issues in workforce diversity, training, performance, feedback mechanism, and personnel issues. They are required to complete a minimum of 120-semester units. The curriculum includes a combination of General Education requirements and core courses as specific requirements. It is designed to accommodate transfer students with at least 12 credits from other accredited institutions.
Campus Location: Irvine, California
Accreditation: Brandman University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission.
Retention Rate: 67%
Acceptance Rate: 79%
Admission Requirements:
- A completed formal application
- 12 or more transferable undergraduate credits, or equivalent
- Official transcripts from schools previously attended
- A cumulative 2.0 GPA or higher
Sample Courses:
- Theory and Practice of Leadership
- Psychological Management
- Career Development
- Personnel Psychology
- Organizational Psychology
Degree Outcomes:
The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with the Industrial/Organizational concentration from Brandman University prepares graduates for the highly competitive field. They are equipped with the technical and experiential knowledge that fosters employee productivity and retention which are two of the most critical issues in the workplace.
LEARN MORE ABOUT BRANDMAN UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE BACHELOR OF ARTS IN PSYCHOLOGY: INDUSTRIAL/ORGANIZATIONAL DEGREE PROGRAM
NOTRE DAME COLLEGE
Online BA in Psychology: Social and Organizational Psychology
Program Standouts:
Notre Dame College integrates the Catholic faith into the academic curriculum. The school’s online Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology offers a Social and Organizational concentration. Under the program, students are exposed to various psychological theories, including the role Psychology plays in promoting leadership in the workplace. To qualify for the program, students should have a 2.7 GPA or higher.
Campus Location: South Euclid, Ohio
Accreditation: Notre Dame College is fully accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Retention Rate: 98.0%
Acceptance Rate: 89.5%
Admission Requirements:
- Completed online application
- Official high school transcript
- Official GED certificate, when applicable
- Personal interview with an admissions counselor
Sample Courses:
- Industrial/Organizational Psychology
- Health Psychology
- Forensic and Law Psychology
- Applied Cognition and Human Factors
Degree Outcomes:
Students who complete an online Bachelor’s in Psychology from Notre Dame College are prepared to enter a wide range of employment options. They land productive and fulfilling careers in business, education, law, and criminal justice. By acquiring foundational knowledge of the psychological science behind human behavior, graduates gain a competitive advantage at work.
LEARN MORE ABOUT NOTRE DAME COLLEGE’S ONLINE BACHELOR OF ARTS (BA) IN PSYCHOLOGY MAJOR DEGREE PROGRAM
FLORIDA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Online BA in Psychology: Organizational Psychology
Program Standouts:
An asynchronous Organizational Psychology online program, the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a concentration in Organizational Psychology from Florida Institute of Technology trains students to become effective leaders. It emphasizes conflict management, promoting communication, and managing group dynamics through training, promotion, management, personality, and cognition. Other courses in the program include employment and personality testing, the psychology of leadership, organizational psychology, program development, program evaluation, and industrial and organizational psychology survey.
Campus Location: Melbourne, Florida
Accreditation: Florida Institute of Technology is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) Commission on Colleges.
Retention Rate: 80%
Acceptance Rate: 63.5%
Admission Requirements:
- Official transcript from a regionally accredited or state-approved high school
- SAT or ACT results
- Admission essay
- Letter of recommendation
Sample Courses:
- Business management
- Industrial and organizational psychology
- Law
- Multicultural psychology
Degree Outcomes:
Graduates of the Florida Institute of Technology find gainful occupations right after completing their Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a concentration in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. The degree program prepares students for the intricacies of business, law, management, human resource management, and organizational behavior. With a carefully selected minor, preferably in business, graduates are recruited from the moment they graduate from the program.
LEARN MORE ABOUT FLORIDA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY’S ONLINE BACHELOR OF ARTS IN PSYCHOLOGY WITH A CONCENTRATION IN INDUSTRIAL/ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY
UNIVERSITY OF THE INCARNATE WORD
Online BS in Psychology: Industrial-Organizational Psychology
Program Standouts:
Since 2000, the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) has provided online education to a vast number of students. The university’s Industrial/Organizational Psychology is designed to ensure that students gain analytical skills through intensive coursework and experiential teaching techniques. The program emphasizes actual field experience, so students practice their learned knowledge and skills in preparation for real-world scenarios. Allowing for a collaborative and interactive instruction fosters synergy and encourages students to develop a strong theoretical and scientific foundation in the field.
Campus Location: San Antonio, Texas
Accreditation: The University of Incarnate Word is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Retention Rate: 76%
Acceptance Rate: 93.9%
Admission Requirements:
- A completed application form
- Holder of High School diploma from an accredited academic institution
- Must be out of high school for at least five years
- Must have an accumulated 2.5 GPA or higher
Sample Courses:
- Social Psychology
- Personality
- Multicultural Issues
- Biology & Behavior
Degree Outcomes:
Under the University of the Incarnate Word’s School of Professional Studies, students are exposed to extensive coursework, covering key subjects that apply to real-world problems. The online curriculum is committed to producing holistic graduates who are efficient, driven, and competent with a targeted goal of bringing positive changes to the organization.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF THE INCARNATE WORD ONLINE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (BS) IN PSYCHOLOGY DEGREE PROGRAM
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I obtain an online Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Organizational (I/O) Psychology? And, is a Bachelor’s degree sufficient in this field?…
The field of industrial-organizational psychology combines several topics. The “industrial” aspect involves the personal qualities and abilities an employee has to do the job. The “organizational” view suggests that an employee who is managing an organization must be familiar with business practices. Psychologists, in this field, strive to bring together an employee with the right position for them, to ensure productivity and a cohesive work environment for all.
Through an online Bachelor of Industrial-Organizational Psychology degree program, you will learn about all of the above and more. As focusing on human behavior in the workplace will be your main concentration, you will also be trained in group dynamics, conflict management, public relations, human resources, and psychometrics, among other topics.
Please keep in mind, within the field of I/O psychology, earning a bachelor’s degree is just a stepping stone. Typically, an online master’s degree or doctoral degree is required to claim to be a psychologist in this field.
Can I find a job in the field of Industrial-Organizational Psychology? Let’s check out a few options…
With an online Bachelor of Industrial-Organizational Psychology degree, most likely, you would only qualify for an entry-level job in I/O psychology as a human resources manager or business manager. Without a master’s degree, you cannot claim the title of “psychologist.” However, a human resources manager can earn upwards of $60,350 to $103,500 per year, depending on experience.
Other occupations such as a business manager, who can use their skills in a wide array of opportunities, typically earn $94,020 or more annually, depending on their experience, type of business, and job location. In addition, you may find an entry-level job as a business consultant or as an assistant to an industrial-organizational psychologist.
Is a license necessary to practice in the field of Industrial-Organizational Psychology? Of course…
If you intend to have an official title, such as a “Psychologist,” your extensive knowledge and skills will be used to serve the public, in any field you choose, right? So, yes, each state will require you to gain licensure per their stipulations… and rules may differ; therefore, you will want to check your state’s regulations before beginning a degree program.
As the online Bachelor of Industrial-Organizational Psychology is a necessary beginning degree, you will be required to earn an online master’s degree, at the very least, and meet some real-world work experience requirements to gain licensure and begin your practice or career in this field.
The American businessman, Harold S. Geneen said, “Every company has two organizational structures: The formal one is written on the charts; the other is the everyday relationship of the men and women in the organization.”