Is a Master's in Industrial Organizational Psychology Worth It?

If you're an aspiring psychology graduate student, the benefits of online education can greatly enhance your academic journey, especially in applied fields of study like industrial organizational psychology, also called I-O Psychology or I-O Psych. The surge in popularity of online learning opens up a world of opportunities, especially for those seeking an educational model that fits their lifestyle and career aspirations. But you may be wondering if an online master’s in I-O psychology is worth it.

Exploring the Rich Benefits of Online Learning for Grad Students

This graduate degree may be particularly suitable for an online learning format. In this article, we’ll explore the rich benefits of online learning for psychology grad students, delve into what this graduate degree in psychology is, its benefits, and attempt to answer the question about whether an online master’s in I-O psychology is worth it for you, or is the right path for your goals.

Understanding Online Learning

Online learning has gained significant popularity in recent years, with a 2021 Digital Learning Pulse survey* showing that students want online learning options post-pandemic.

Students and faculty members reported that their attitudes toward online learning had significantly improved: "A majority of students, 57 percent, said they felt more positive about online learning now than before the pandemic, and the majority would like to take some fully online courses in the future."

One of the key advantages of online learning for industrial organizational psychology master’s students is the flexibility it offers. According to a report by the Online Learning Consortium, 78% of students who took online courses cited flexibility as a major factor in their decision to enroll. This flexibility allows students to access course materials, lectures, and assignments at their own convenience, making it easier to balance their studies with work or family commitments.

78% of students who took online courses cited flexibility as a major factor in their decision to enroll.

— Online Learning Consortium

Additionally, online learning provides opportunities for increased interaction with instructors and fellow students. A study conducted by the University of Illinois found that students who participated in online discussions and collaborated on group projects reported higher levels of engagement and satisfaction with their courses.

This increased interaction through online forums, virtual class discussion rooms, and over Zoom can be particularly beneficial as it allows for the exchange of ideas and multiple perspectives which expands your learning experience.

What Is a Master’s in Industrial Organizational Psychology (I-O Psychology)?

Bellevue University offers an online Master of Science in Industrial and Organizational Psychology.

A Master’s in Industrial Organizational Psychology (often shortened to I-O psychology or IO psych) is an applied psychology graduate degree that blends psychology and business practices to better understand human behavior in the workplace. I-O Psych focuses on studying how people interact within organizations and how to apply that knowledge to improve performance, employee satisfaction, and business outcomes. This advanced degree bridges the gap between psychological theory and practical workplace application—making it highly valuable in today's data-driven and people-centric business world.

Understanding Online Learning and the Online Psychology Master’s

The university's online platform provides students with access to all course materials, lectures, videos and assignments, as well as other online platforms on which to interact with instructors and fellow students. You'll enjoy the benefits of networking opportunities with professionals in the community and a flexible online schedule so that you can make your degree work alongside your busy life.

The Industrial Organizational (I/O) psychology faculty blends experience in business and the public sector with organizational development and leadership principles to give students a real-world, inclusive perspective on organizations and problem solving.

Amanda Menin, a student in Bellevue University's Industrial and Organizational Psychology master's program landed a Virtual Student Federal Service internship for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). This is what she had to say:

I took this internship because it will allow me to get relevant experience in the I/O discipline with a federal agency. The internship is long-term…and virtual, which will allow me to get heavy into the work while maintaining work-school-life balance.

– Amanda Menin, MS in Industrial Organizational Psychology

The flexibility inherent in online learning is a game-changer for I/O psychology grad students. With the ability to craft your study schedule around work or family commitments, you can seamlessly integrate your academic pursuits with real-world responsibilities.

Flexibility and Diversity: Key Benefits of Online Education

This flexibility is especially crucial for those venturing into applied psychology fields, where practical experience is invaluable. Moreover, the online format fosters a diverse and inclusive learning environment, connecting students from various backgrounds and experiences. This diversity enriches discussions, broadens perspectives, and enhances the application of psychological theories to real-world scenarios.

Key Benefits of an Online Master’s in I-O Psychology

An Engaging Virtual Classroom Experience

Online learning platforms offer more than just flexibility—they also facilitate robust interaction among students and instructors. An engaging virtual classroom environment is one of the significant benefits of online learning. Through online discussions, collaborative projects, and virtual group work, psychology grad students engage deeply with course material and exchange insights with peers.

This interactive approach not only enhances understanding but also mirrors the collaborative nature of applied psychology work environments. By actively participating in online forums and group projects, students gain practical experience in teamwork, communication, and problem-solving—essential skills for success in applied psychology careers. Additionally, grad students get the opportunity to connect with fellow students from around the world, which can open doors to potential collaborations and future career prospects.

Melinda Sorenson, another MS I-O graduate, said, "This program opened me up to the world of how wellbeing is integrated with organizational development, workplace culture, and the way that it is structured. The encouragement [from faculty] to obtain mentors and to contact local leaders and organizations…paired with the University's reputation, opened doors to learn even more."

Access to a Wide Range of Learning Resources

Online learning opens a wealth of resources that can enrich your academic experience. Bellevue University's online platform offers a vast array of resources, including e-books, 24/7 library access to databases of scholarly articles and research papers and an ask-a-librarian service. You'll have access to online writing and tutoring services as well.

You can also participate in research studies conducted by practitioners in the field, giving you practical experience while contributing to the field of psychology. As a student, it's crucial to stay updated with the latest advancements in psychology, and online learning makes this task easier.

Developing Essential Skills for the Modern Workplace in an Online I-O Psychology Master’s

In today's technology-driven and often remote or hybrid work environment, graduate I-O psych students must hone essential skills to thrive both academically and professionally. Online learning serves as a platform for cultivating these crucial abilities, including self-discipline, goal setting, time management, resilience, virtual collaboration, and self-motivation. With the flexibility of 24/7 access to course materials, students can create a study plan that suits their needs, set realistic goals and manage their time effectively.

In Bellevue University’s Master’s in I-O Psychology curriculum, you’ll cover essential topics, including:

• Job analysis and performance appraisal
• Organizational development
• Personnel selection
• Statistical methods and applied research
• The profession and ethics of I-O psychology

The Bellevue University Master’s in I-O Psychology focuses on applying psychological theories to real workplace challenges. Students work on practical organizational projects in each course. They build a professional network by connecting with I-O experts and complete a practicum to see how classroom knowledge applies on the job.

Other Benefits of Getting an I-O Psychology Master’s

A Master’s in I-O Psychology helps students build skills that employers highly value, such as:

• Explaining complex ideas clearly to different audiences
• Applying psychological knowledge to real business challenges
• Using data analysis tools and software
• Creating and using surveys and measurement tools

The Master’s in I-O Psychology degree prepares graduates to design and lead workplace projects that improve employee performance and organizational success, helping them advance in a wide range of careers.

A Thriving Online Community

One additional benefit of online learning for I/O psychology grad students is the supportive online community it fosters.

Beyond the virtual classroom, online learning cultivates a supportive community that extends beyond geographical boundaries. This networking not only expands students' professional circles but also provides valuable mentorship and career guidance. For those aspiring to work in applied psychology, these connections can lead to internships, job opportunities, and collaborative research projects that bridge the gap between theory and practice.

We have an incredibly diverse group of students with varying professional skills and tenure at organizations all over the country, which makes the peer learning in every course incredibly interesting and allows students to gain insights into experiences and perspectives they might not have considered otherwise.

-- JoDee Goracke, Associate Professor and Program Director of the Master's in I/O Psychology

Online learning offers a plethora of benefits for psychology grad students, particularly those interested in applied fields like industrial organizational psychology.

Demand for graduate psychology programs has exploded because there are many career opportunities in various fields.

-- Dr. Jerome Lewis, Bellevue University Associate Professor of Psychology.

Embrace the opportunities afforded by online learning, and enrich your academic journey and prepare yourself for a successful career in applied psychology.

Financial Considerations for a Master’s in Industrial Organizational Psychology

When considering whether an advanced degree is worth it, you must factor in several things, such as time, cost, education requirements, and personal commitment.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists a wide range of annual salaries for the title of Industrial-Organizational Psychologist (Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023). However, earning potential with a Master’s in Industrial Organizational Psychology varies depending on factors such as industry, location, experience, level of education, and specific job role, and this data is not intended to be reflective or representative of any particular institution’s graduate earnings.

Cost

Costs can vary greatly between schools and are usually measured by cost per credit. It’s important to do some research to guide your decision. Here are some of the facts:

• Cost per credit and other fees are found on the Bellevue University Tuition and Fees page.
• Graduate students are eligible for financial aid and scholarships.
• Military education funding and corporate tuition assistance are other popular ways to fund graduate courses.
• You may be able to transfer in up to 6 graduate credit hours from a previous accredited university. Contact us to learn more about how to have your credits evaluated.

Education Requirements

Beyond the financial costs, educational requirements take your time, effort, and personal commitment. Here’s what you can expect.

Time commitment

Most students complete a master’s degree in 2-3 years, depending on several factors, including how many credits you take per term and how many are required (part-time students will take longer). Bellevue University’s Master’s in I-O Psychology degree requires 36 graduate credit hours.

The Bottom Line: Is an Online Master’s in Industrial Organizational Psychology Right for You?

If you’re driven to understand people, improve workplaces, and make data-informed decisions that help organizations succeed, a Master’s in Industrial Organizational Psychology could be the perfect fit. And with a versatile and practical online learning format in a degree blending psychology and business, you’ll be prepared for careers in HR, consulting, organizational development, and beyond.

Ready to shape the future of work? Explore how a Master’s in I-O Psychology at Bellevue University can help you turn your passion into impact.

* Digital Learning Pulse surveys published in 2021 by Bay View Analytics in partnership with Cengage, the Online Learning Consortium, the WICHE Cooperative for Educational Technologies, the Canadian Digital Learning Research Association and the University Professional and Continuing Education Association, as posted by Inside Higher Ed.com, accessed 07.02.2025.

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