Top 30 Master in Applied Psychology Online Degree Programs

An online masters in applied psychology is a post-graduate degree program based on the fundamental belief that the key to understanding people is the first step toward success in a range of industries and current careers. It is similar to graduate degrees in industrial/organizational psychology. The master’s in applied psychology program is designed to prepare students with bachelor’s degrees in areas such as the social sciences, psychological science, and other humanities-related fields for careers and further education. The main point of focus in this area of study is applied psychology. The applied psychology programs strive to train students on how to apply this area of psychology in order to provide solutions to real-world problems. Areas influenced by the application of psychology include:

• law
• education
• business management
• mental health

The following is a list of the top 30 Masters in Applied Psychology online programs to help you narrow down a list of potential schools as you pursue career paths in this challenging yet exciting field.

Methodology

We developed this ranking list for the purpose of identifying the top online applied psychology masters degrees based on several factors. In order to narrow down hundreds of potential schools, we conducted a search for the term “Master’s in Applied Psychology degree online” using the College Navigator Tool. Then, we took the initial pool of 40 schools and narrowed down our list based to the top 30 institutions based on the methodology ranking criteria as outlined below.

Average Cost of Graduate Attendance

One of the first things students look for in a potential school is the cost of tuition. When analyzing tuition rates, it is easy to automatically assume that the cheapest school is the best, That is not always the case. In some instances, paying a little more in terms of tuition means a much better quality education and, ultimately, a better student experience and job prospects down the road. Using information taken from the College Navigator Tool as well as each school’s website, we were able to obtain tuition information and assign points based on the average cost of graduate attendance.

Points:
Under $20,000: 3 points
$20,001 to $24,999: 2 points
$25,000+: 1 point

College Ranking

Schools that have earned recognition from a national body devoted to reviewing universities and colleges are typically held in higher regard than those that have not been ranked and thus earn additional points. For the purpose of this list, we used data compiled from U.S. News & World Report as this organization is dedicated to ranking regional and national schools as well as top public schools and specific graduate degree programs in psychology.

Points:
U.S. News & World Report: Best Regional University, Best Value School, and Top Public School Ranking
Top 50: 3 points
Top 100: 2 points
Top 150: 1 point

U.S. News & World Report: Best National University, Graduate Psychology Program:
Top 50: 5 points
Top 100: 3 points
Top 150: 2 points
Top 200: 1 point

Accreditation

Accreditation indicates that a school meets or exceeds high standards of quality set by accrediting agencies across the country. Therefore, it is important to consider schools that have earned regional accreditation when pursuing a master of applied psychology. In addition, some institutions offer program-specific accreditation and thus earn additional points for the purpose of this ranking.

Points:
American Psychological Association: 3 points
Regional accreditation: 2 points

Ranking Master’s in Applied Psychology 

30. Saybrook University

Oakland, California

Points: 3
Program Website

Saybrook University was founded in 1971. It offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. The MA in psychology program embraces humanistic psychology. Specifically, the school offers a Master of Arts in Psychology degree with a concentration in conscious, spirituality, and integrative health. This master in applied psychology program takes a holistic approach to understanding transcultural, cultural, and individual perspectives to wellness. The curriculum, though not intended as preparation for licensure, focuses on the study of integrative approaches to stress management and healing, including:

• Native American medicine
• traditional Chinese medicine
• shamanism
• East Indian medicine

Graduates may find work in:

• consulting
• education
• conflict resolution
• spiritual counseling
• pastoral care
• peace work
• healthcare consulting

Degree Options:
M.A. Psychology: Conscious, Spirituality, and Integrative Health Specialization

Average Program Cost: $32,760

U.S. News & World Report Ranking: N/A

Accreditations:
WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

29. Albizu University Miami

Miami, Florida

Points: 3
Program Website

Albizu University is located in Miami, Florida. It offers an online applied psychology degree. It also offers more than 30 graduate degrees, including doctoral programs, and undergraduate degrees in fields such as:

• psychology
• criminal justice
• speech
• education
• human services

Students may pursue the online M.S. in Industrial and Organizational (I/O) Psychology program and graduate with practical training in the areas of:

• organizational development
• performance measurement
• training and development
• selection and placement
• quality of work-life

Throughout the curriculum, students are prepared to be culturally competent I/O practitioners who apply and develop scientific knowledge to solve problems in the workplace. Students must complete 42 academic credits as well as six applied research/capstone project credits and maintain a grade-point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Degree Options:
Master of Science (M.S.) in Industrial & Organizational Psychology

Average Program Cost: $26,040

U.S. News & World Report Ranking: N/A

Accreditations:
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

28. Baker College

Flint, Michigan

Points: 3
Program Website

Baker College was founded in 1911. It focuses on academic programs in fields that experience high growth rates. This ensures that students obtain a relevant education. The school has a reputation of updating its academic mission to reflect social and economic change. The online master’s degree in industrial and organizational psychology program is designed for aspiring human resource professionals and delivers academic credentials that help students prepare for success in:

• human resource management
• organizational development
• employee training initiatives

The program does not prepare students for licensure but instead teaches them how to leverage psychological principles, methods, and theories to help organizations, teams, and individual workers.

Degree Options:
Master of Science in Industrial/Organizational Psychology

Average Program Cost: $25,020

U.S. News & World Report Ranking: N/A

Accreditations:
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

27. Franklin University

Columbus, Ohio

Points: 4
Program Website

Franklin University offers a top masters of applied psychology degree. It was founded in 1902 for the purpose of serving adult students. Franklin University now operates more than 25 sites throughout the Midwest and offers a significant number of online courses for distance learners. Franklin offers an online M.S. in Business Psychology that equips students to:

• resolve demanding managerial issues
• motivate behavior
• leverage the latest neuroscience and psychological research for on-the-job success

Students complete 36 semester hours in areas such as:

• human resources
• marketing
• behavioral economics and neurofinance
• managerial psychology
• organizational coaching
• individual and organizational intelligence
• introduction to business psychology

Degree Options:
M.S. in Business Psychology

Average Program Cost: $24,120

U.S. News & World Report Ranking: N/A

Accreditations:
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

26. Golden Gate University

San Francisco, California

Points: 4
Program Website

Golden Gate University was founded in 1901. It specializes in educating professionals through its schools of:

• accounting
• taxation
• business
• law

The online M.A. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology equips graduates to spearhead a number of initiatives such as:

• conducting marketing research
• evaluating internal problems
• identifying and improving company training
• increasing productivity by improving employee relations

Students complete a total of 42 units, including nine units in elective courses and 33 units in required courses focusing on topics such as:

• diversity in organizations
• organizational change
• executive coaching theory and practice
• group dynamics in organizations
• organizational development
• assessment
• intervention

Degree Options:
Master of Arts in Industrial-Organizational Psychology

Average Program Cost: $22,050

U.S. News & World Report Ranking: N/A

Accreditations:
WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

25. Touro University Worldwide

New York City, New York

Points: 5
Program Website

Touro University Worldwide offers a best applied psychology masters. It was founded in 1971 by Bernard Lander. Touro University Worldwide is the distance learning component of the Touro College and University System that educates more than 18,000 students across 30 schools in four countries. Students pursuing the online M.A. in Industrial & Organizational Psychology degree will learn how to help companies understand the link between profitability and happy, productive employees. The 36-semester-credit curriculum provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to deal with issues such as:

• lack of teamwork
• ineffective processes
• low productivity
• low morale

Students can choose from concentrations in:

• occupational health psychology
• human resource management
• coaching
• consulting

A capstone course is required for graduation.

Degree Options:
Master of Arts in Industrial & Organizational Psychology

Average Program Cost: $18,000

U.S. News & World Report Ranking: N/A

Accreditations:
WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

24. Adler University

Chicago, Illinois

Points: 5
Program Website

Adler University was named for pioneering psychologist Alfred Adler. It specializes in Adlerian psychology, which is a branch focused on individual empowerment as a vehicle for social change. It offers a top master applied psychology degree. The school’s online M.A. in Applied Psychology program educates students in the application of Adlerian principles to real-world, complex issues in the private sector and government. The applied psychology program arms graduates with successful, advanced techniques for socially responsible problem-solving. Students may choose from four emphases:

• child and adolescent development
• crisis management
• gender and sexuality studies
• health and wellness

All applied psychology program students must complete a thesis or capstone that tackles an emerging or current social justice problem in the field.

Degree Options:
Master of Arts in Applied Psychology

Average Program Cost: $14,962

U.S. News & World Report Ranking: N/A

Accreditations:
Higher Learning Commission

23. National Louis University

Chicago, Illinois

Points: 5
Program Website

National Louis University was founded in 1886. It has played a historic role in education when it helped establish the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and the National Kindergarten Movement. The school operates campuses near Chicago as well as in Florida and Poland. National Louis offers on-campus and online degrees, including advanced degrees in applied behavior analysis (ABA). Students can choose from a master’s or post-master’s Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in ABA. Throughout the MS in applied behavior analysis program, students learn the fundamental underpinnings of behavioral learning theory while receiving training in core practitioner skills such as:

• staff training and management strategies
• design of behavior reduction programming and skill acquisition
• assessment techniques

Degree Options:
Ed.S. or MS in Applied Behavior Analysis

Average Program Cost: $13,812

U.S. News & World Report Ranking: N/A

Accreditations:
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

22. California Southern University

Irvine, California

Points: 5
Program Website

California Southern University offers fully online degree programs in a specific set of academic disciplines including:

• law
• nursing
• criminal justice
• business
• psychology

It offers a best masters applied psychology degree. The school’s M.S. in Psychology program with a concentration in industrial-organizational psychology is designed for students with dual interests in business and psychology. Students supplement core courses with 15 elective credit hours in areas such as:

• Myers-Briggs type testing
• interpersonal conflict in the workplace
• education and mental health
• consulting in business, education, and mental health

Students utilize CalSouthern’s online learning platform and benefit from access to the school’s online library.

Degree Options:
MS Concentration in Industrial and Organizational Psychology

Average Program Cost: $10,395

U.S. News & World Report Ranking: N/A

Accreditations:
WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

21. Bellevue University

Bellevue, Nebraska

Points: 5
Program Website

Bellevue University offers a top masters in applied psychology degree. It was established in 1966. Bellevue University in Bellevue, Nebraska has focused on providing educational outreach and adult education from the outset. More than 80 percent of Bellevue graduates are 25 years of age or older, enrolling in undergraduate and graduate degree programs alike. Graduates of Bellevue’s online M.S. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology program will be well-equipped to bring a mindful, strategic approach to talent management and performance, personnel selection and successful planning, employee engagement, and human resource development. Students enrolled in this master’s degree program complete 36 credit hours of major requirements in areas such as:

• statistical methods
• organizational development
• social psychology
• applied research methods

Degree Options:
Master of Science degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology

Average Program Cost: $10,350

U.S. News & World Report Ranking: N/A

Accreditations:
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

20. Adler Graduate School

Minnetonka, Minnesota

Points: 5
Program Website

Adler Graduate School is located in Minnetonka, Minnesota. It is a non-profit educational institution that offers graduate degrees in areas of emphasis such as:

• counseling
• marriage and family therapy
• psychology
• Adlerian studies

The 35-credit online M.A. in Applied Adlerian Psychology is designed to foster skills that facilitate fulfilling, healthy relationships for communities, organizations, and people. The curriculum focuses on the individual psychology of Alfred Adler, teaching skills that help to bring about organizational and individual well-being. Students enrolled in this program must complete the curriculum as well as a master’s portfolio in order to complete the degree.

Degree Options:
Master of Arts in Applied Adlerian Psychology

Average Program Cost: $10,325

U.S. News & World Report Ranking: N/A

Accreditations:
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

19. Grand Canyon University

Phoenix, Arizona

Points: 5
Program Website

Are you interested in either human factors psychology or a Baptist Christian worldview? Or both? If so, you are in luck. Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona was chartered in 1949. It combines high standards of academic excellence and research with a Baptist Christian worldview. The online 36-credit M.S. in Psychology features a concentration in human factors psychology that explores the relationship, response, and interaction formed between human and machine. Course topics include:

• ethical issues in psychology
• statistics
• human factor principles and theories
• human perspective and approach toward designing hardware and software
• cognitive, cultural, and social psychology

Graduates are prepared to work as a consultant or employee in a variety of settings such as private, technology-driven companies, universities, all branches of the military, and the government.

Degree Options:
Master of Science in Psychology With an Emphasis in Human Factors Psychology

Average Program Cost: $15,965

U.S. News & World Report Ranking: N/A

Accreditations:
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

18. William James College

Newton, Massachusetts

Points: 6
Program Website

Formerly the Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology, William James College is a graduate college of psychology that enrolls nearly 700 students across 17 graduate academic degrees each year. Students pursuing the accelerated 11-month M.A. in Organizational Psychology can earn their degree entirely online or in combination with weekends on-campus. The 30-credit program provides a sound theoretical foundation integrated with a strong emphasis on practical applications, and students engage deeply in learning how to address organizational challenges through:

• evaluations
• interventions
• diagnostic models
• assessments

The curriculum also includes psychological theories of systems-, group-, and individual-level behavior using real-world case studies and other applied projects.

Degree Options:
Master of Arts in Organizational Psychology

Average Program Cost: $31,130

U.S. News & World Report Ranking: N/A

Accreditations:
American Psychological Association (APA)
New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)

17. Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester, New Hampshire

Points: 6
Program Website

Southern New Hampshire University was founded in 1932. It has established itself as one of the most flexible institutions of higher learning in the Northeast region. It offered its first fully online program in 1995. One of the country’s earliest adopters of emerging distance learning technologies, SNHU offers an online 36-credit M.S. in Psychology degree with a concentration in industrial-organizational psychology that offers a foundation of collaboration and communication, reflectivity, empathy, and an appreciation for diverse perspectives. Students enrolled in this applied psychology program learn to apply psychology theories, findings, and research methods in real-world organizational contexts, studying areas such as:

• leadership
• consulting
• motivation
• ethical practices
• cognitive processes
• social psychology
• theories of personality

Degree Options:
Master of Science in Psychology With a Concentration in Industrial-Organizational Psychology

Average Program Cost: $22,572

U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#112 (tie) in Regional Universities North

Accreditations:
New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)

16. Nova Southeastern University

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Points: 6
Program Website

Nova Southeaster University operates 18 schools and colleges and offers more than 150 programs of on-campus and online study. Nova sits on a 315-acre campus in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Students may pursue an online M.S. in Counseling with a concentration in applied behavior analysis (ABA). This 51-credit-hour counseling psychology program is innovative in that it is designed for working professionals entering or involved in the field of applied behavior analysis. The counseling psychology program focuses on developing clinicians informed by science. This master’s degree program features classes taught by faculty members who are active researchers and clinicians in the field. The faculty members who are offering instruction are an important part of this applied psychology master’s degree program and will prepare students for careers or further education. Faculty members at this accredited college in the psychology department prepare students for future graduate courses in graduate school to enter doctoral programs in applied psychology by building their foundation knowledge, data analysis skills, and practical problem solving skills.The concentration and its curriculum meet the eligibility requirements for licensure set forth by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).

Degree Options:
M.S. in Counseling

Average Program Cost: $19,252

U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#191 (tie) in National Universities

Accreditations:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

15. Tiffin University

Tiffin, Ohio

Points: 6
Program Website

Tiffin University was founded in 1888 and offers undergraduate and graduate online and on-campus programs at its main campus in Tiffin, Ohio as well as at locations across the state and at the University of Bucharest in Romania. The school’s online M.S. in Psychology offers students the opportunity to gain a graduate-level, broad education in the areas of psychology such as:

• neuropsychology
• social psychology
• developmental psychology
• cognitive psychology

The program is focused on the experimental and scientific aspects of the field more so than the clinical or counseling psychology aspects.

Degree Options:
Master of Science in Psychology

Average Program Cost: $18,500

U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#128-#165 in Regional Universities Midwest

Accreditations:
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

14. Liberty University

Lynchburg, Virginia

Points: 6
Program Website

Liberty University is located in Lynchburg, Virginia. It is one of the largest Christian universities worldwide as well as the biggest non-profit institution of higher learning in the country in terms of student enrollment. Liberty offers on-campus and online degree programs including a master’s degree in applied psychology program. Students may complete the 36-credit-hour applied psychology program in one and a half years. They can expect to build upon their foundational knowledge centered on a passion for the world, organizations, and people while developing the skills to better serve them. Through five essential psychology courses, students gain advanced training in:

• statistics
• research methods
• research in the field of psychology

Degree Options:
Master of Arts in Applied Psychology

Average Program Cost: $13,560

U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#230-#301 in National Universities

Accreditations:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

13. University of Hartford

West Hartford, Connecticut

Points: 6
Program Website

University of Hartford sits on a 350-acre campus in West Hartford, Connecticut. It attracts students from 43 countries and 48 states. It provides on-campus and online degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The M.A. in Organizational Psychology is available entirely online. It aims to address the critical leadership skills required to enhance organizational effectiveness. Students receive a theoretical framework in organizational psychology. They receive the opportunity to improve their skills in issues such as:

• organizational
• group
• interpersonal
• facilitation
• communication
• research

The integration of practice and theory prepares graduates to consult, manage, and lead with diverse, dynamic organizations operating in a global environment. Students may complete the program in as few as two years by taking two courses per session.

Degree Options:
Master of Science in Organizational Psychology

Average Program Cost: $10,890

U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#194 (tie) in National Universities

Accreditations:
New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)

12. McNeese State University

Lake Charles, Louisiana

Points: 6
Program Website

Founded as Lake Charles Junior College in 1939, McNeese State University was originally renamed after John McNeese, an early local educator. The school offers an online M.A. in Psychology degree with a concentration in applied behavior analysis that is approved by the Behavior Analysis Certification Board (BACB). Students complete 31 credit hours of ABA concentration classes and 24 credit hours of core psychology classes for a total of 55 credit hours. The program does not require a thesis. Students must participate in an internship prior to graduating. Topics of study include psychopathology, behavioral assessment, physiological psychology, ethics for behavior analysts, and applied research methods.

Degree Options:
Master of Arts in Psychology With a Concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis

Average Program Cost: $8,181

U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#107-#141 in Regional Universities South

Accreditations:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

11. Missouri University of Science and Technology

Rolla, Missouri

Points: 7
Program Website

Founded in 1870 as the Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy, Missouri University of Science and Technology was the first technological learning institution west of the Mississippi River. Most of the 8,800 students at Missouri S&T study mathematics, sciences, business, and engineering. The school offers a 40-credit-hour online M.S. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology that emphasizes the application of psychological science to enhance the well-being and performance of people in organizations. The application of psychological science helps this applied psychology program to stand out. Students are prepared to develop:

• strategies for organizational development
• effective training programs
• assessments of people for selection and placement into jobs
• ways to promote quality of work-life
• measurements of performance

Degree Options:
Master of Science in Industrial-Organizational Psychology

Average Program Cost: $24,000

U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#80 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#157 (tie) in National Universities

Accreditations:
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

10. Lynn University

Boca Raton, Florida

Points: 7
Program Website

Named for Eugene M. and Christine E. Lynn, Lynn University is a private university that was founded in 1962 and located in Boca Raton, Florida. Students pursuing the online M.S. in Psychology degree must complete 37 credits to graduate, including coursework in areas such as leadership and management, industrial-organizational psychology, psychobiology, human growth and development, social psychology, and testing and assessment. Students may choose from either a general track or a specialization in industrial-organizational psychology and take a variety of electives that suit their career options. The program is available entirely online, and students can graduate from the program within one year.

Degree Options:
M.S. in Psychology

Average Program Cost: $12,025

U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#100 (tie) in Regional Universities South

Accreditations:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

9. Angelo State University

San Angelo, Texas

Points: 7
Program Website

Founded in 1928 as San Angelo College, Angelo State University awarded its first graduate degrees in 1969 and its first undergraduate degrees in 1967. Since then, Angelo State now operates the second-largest campus in the Texas Tech University System. The school offers an online graduate program in applied psychology. The master of science in applied psychology is designed to teach students how to use psychology in order to:

• promote democratic principles
• enhance decision-making
• increase prosperity
• improve education
• increase safety
• improve health

The 36-semester-hour master of science in applied psychology program curriculum consists of a thesis option or non-thesis option. Students may complete the master of science degree in applied psychology program within two years.

Degree Options:
Applied Psychology Graduate Program

Average Program Cost: $8,572

U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#96-#127 in Regional Universities West

Accreditations:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

8. CUNY School of Professional Studies

Manhattan, New York

The online MA in Psychology offers two degree concentrations.

Points: 8
Program Website

The CUNY School of Professional Studies is a school of the City University of New York (CUNY) that offers online and on-campus bachelor’s and master’s degrees in a number of fields and specialty areas. The M.A. in Psychology online program prepares students for advanced studies and employment opportunities that require an understanding of behavior motivations as well as strong:

• teamwork
• communication
• research skills

Students may choose from two specialization areas:

• developmental psychology
• industrial-organizational (I/O) psychology

Those pursuing the I/O concentration can expect to study human behavior in the workplace and organizations, including areas such as organizational development, quality of work-life, performance management, training, and recruitment.

Degree Options:
Master of Arts in Psychology

Average Program Cost: $16,380

U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#98 (tie) in Psychology

Accreditations:
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

7. Sacred Heart University

Fairfield, Connecticut

Points: 10
Sacred Heart University was founded in 1963 by the Most Reverend Walter W. Curtis, It is a private Roman Catholic university in Fairfield, Connecticut. It is the second-largest Catholic university in New England. Sacred Heart offers a hybrid MS in applied psychology degree. After completing foundation coursework in the M.S. in Applied Psychology program, students are free to choose a concentration in:

• community psychology
• general applied psychology
• industrial-organizational psychology

Because the applied psychology program is research-based and not one that leads to clinical licensure, there is no clinical or counseling psychology component. Students who complete one class at a time may earn the applied psychology degree within two years.

Degree Options:
Master of Science in Applied Psychology

Average Program Cost: $16,720

U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#35 (tie) in Regional Universities North
#64 in Best Value Schools

Accreditations:
New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

6. Eastern Kentucky University

Richmond, Kentucky

Points: 10
Program Website

Located in Richmond, Kentucky, Eastern Kentucky University is a regional comprehensive university that offers more than 40 graduate and undergraduate on-campus and online degrees. The online master’s degree in industrial-organizational psychology provides students with the critical skills they need to assess employee behavior and develop strategies for productivity and performance improvement within organizations. The program consists of 36 credit hours and is available entirely online, and students can anticipate a curriculum that blends professional and academic preparation through topics such as consulting and professional development, performance management, training and development, and organizational psychology.

Degree Options:
Industrial-Organizational Psychology Master’s Degree

Average Program Cost: $10,998

U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#28 in Top Public Schools
#76 (tie) in Regional Universities South

Accreditations:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

5. Austin Peay State University

Clarksville, Tennessee

Points: 10
Program Website

Named after Tennessee governor Austin Peay, Austin Peay State University is a military-friendly school that offers a generous, comprehensive body of student support services that extends to members of the school’s online learning community. The online M.S. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology program consists of 34 credit hours of coursework and follows the scientist-practitioner model of graduate education. Foundation course areas include the foundation of applied psychology, research methods and statistics, and applied measurement, while core courses cover topics such as personnel psychology, organizational psychology, leadership and organizational change, training and development, personnel assessment and selection, and performance management. Students may complete the program within two years.

Degree Options:
Master of Science in Industrial-Organizational Psychology (MSIO)

Average Program Cost: $8,919

U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#34 in Top Public Schools
#85 (tie) in Regional Universities South

Accreditations:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

4. Pepperdine University

Los Angeles, California

Points: 11
Program Website

Located in Los Angeles California on an 830-acre campus overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Pepperdine University is a not-for-profit, private coeducational research university affiliated with the Churches of Christ. Students pursuing the online M.A. in Psychology gain a broad understanding of human behavior through in-person volunteer experiences as well as online classes and coursework. Students complete the 36- to 48-credit-hour program within one to two years, exploring both the science and art of the field as they learn how psychological principles can be used to understand mental and emotional disorders as well as assess personality and intelligence.

Degree Options:
Master of Arts in Psychology

Average Program Cost: $55,080

U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#39 in Best Value Schools
#46 (tie) in National Universities

Accreditations:
WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

3. Colorado State University

Fort Collins, Colorado

Points: 13
Program Website

Based in Fort Collins, Colorado, Colorado State University is the flagship university of the Colorado State University System, enrolling nearly 34,000 students in on-campus and online undergraduate and graduate programs each year. Students in the online Master’s in Industrial-Organizational Psychology program learn how to use measurement skills and research to solve practical workplace issues. They also develop an understanding of how to apply psychology principles to leadership challenges and human resources within an organization. The curriculum is practitioner-orientated, providing practical skills and knowledge focused on consulting and research.

Degree Options:
Master of Applied Industrial/Organizational Psychology

Average Program Cost: $14,383

U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#70 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#90 in Psychology
#140 (tie) in National Universities
#141 in Best Value Schools

Accreditations:
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. Arizona State University

Phoenix, Arizona

Points: 15
Program Website

Arizona State University offers one of the top applied psychology masters programs. It operates four campuses across the Phoenix metropolitan area as well as four learning centers throughout the state. It is one of the largest public universities in the country by enrollment, educating more than 80,000 undergraduate and graduate students each year. The 36-credit online M.S. in Psychology program in the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences is designed to give students an understanding of empirical research findings and psychological theories as they relate to emotion, cognition, human behavior, and attitudes. Elective courses are offered in several areas, including psychophysiology, behavior analysis, and affective science as well as social, legal, health, developmental, cognitive, and abnormal psychology. Students complete the program with a culminating capstone experience in general psychology.

Degree Options:
Master of Science in Psychology

Average Program Cost: $11,394

U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#39 (tie) in Psychology
#52 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#115 (tie) in National Universities
#119 in Best Value Schools

Accreditations:
Higher Learning Commission

1. University of Southern California

Los Angeles, California

Points: 16
Program Website

Based in Los Angeles, California, the University of Southern California ranks as one of the top leading private research institutions in the world. USC master’s programs attract praise for their quality. The school offers an online 34-unit M.S. in Applied Psychology degree. The applied psychology degree has an excellent reputation among employers and professionals. Through concentrations in consumer psychology and organizational psychology, this 16-month applied psychology master’s program leads to an exciting set of career paths. Current careers include:

• career counseling
• communications
• marketing
• business
• human relations
• advertising

Applied psychology program students are required to complete a practicum consisting of a treatise or an internship.

Degree Options:
Master of Science in Applied Psychology

Average Program Cost: $42,482

U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#22 (tie) in National Universities
#26 in Psychology
#37 in Best Value Schools

Accreditations:
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

Additional Information

What are My Career Options For a Master’s in Applied Psychology Degree?

Applied psychology is the field of study that focuses on using scientific methods to identify solutions to problems caused by asymmetrical human behavior. A master’s degree in applied psychology opens up doors to career paths in a number of settings including:

• business
• manufacturing
• clinics
• hospitals
• treatment centers
• social service agencies

The following are six top fields in which applied psychology can be useful for those who hold a master’s degree:

• Clinical psychology
• Sports psychology
• Forensic psychology
• Health psychology
• Business psychology
• Industrial organizational psychology

How Do Online Master’s Degrees in Applied Psychology Work?

Psychology is one of the most popular majors in the country. Students who have full-time jobs yet who wish to pursue their education may take advantage of online learning opportunities. Online programs are a flexible way to pursue a degree. They offer the same benefits as traditional on-campus programs. Students can:

• take exams
• access course readings and lectures
• communicate with their professors
• submit written assignments when it is convenient for them

Some institutions also allow graduate students to schedule practicum courses and internships at sites close to their homes rather than requiring on-campus visits.

This concludes our ranking of the Top 30 master’s in applied psychology degree online programs. If you are interested in doctoral programs, check out our Ranking Top 30 Most Affordable Doctoral Programs in Psychology.

Are you interested in an undergraduate degree in applied psychology in order to build your foundation knowledge of psychological science? Check out our ranking for bachelor’s in applied psychology: 30 Most Affordable Bachelor’s in Applied Psychology Online You might even be interested in learning more about applied psychology doctoral programs.