Shawnee State University

What you'll study

The programme provides core training in major areas of psychology alongside general education requirements and elective options to tailor your degree. Typical topics and course types include:

• Foundations: Introduction to Psychology, History and Systems of Psychology.
• Research and quantitative methods: Research Methods in Psychology, Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences, experimental design and data analysis.
• Core domains: Developmental Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Social Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Personality, and Biological/Physiological Psychology.
• Applied and practicum experiences: practicum or internship placements in community agencies, schools, or healthcare settings; courses in assessment and intervention strategies.
• Capstone and independent study: senior seminar, capstone project or independent research under faculty supervision that integrates theory and applied work.

The degree is structured to balance theoretical coursework, hands-on research, and supervised field experiences so graduates develop transferable skills in assessment, communication, critical thinking and data interpretation.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a high school diploma or equivalent. Shawnee State evaluates applications using academic transcripts and a review of college-preparatory coursework. Standardised test submission policies may vary; consult the admissions office for current guidance. Typical applicants will have completed coursework in English and mathematics; preparatory classes in biology or social studies are helpful. Transfer applicants must provide official college transcripts and a record of completed credit; programme advisers can review transfer equivalencies and placement.

Career prospects

A bachelor’s degree in psychology opens pathways into a range of roles and is also the first step toward graduate or professional training. Common career directions include:

• Human services and social work roles such as case worker, youth services worker or rehabilitation aide.
• Entry-level positions in mental health agencies, community outreach, crisis intervention and residential programmes.
• Education and school support roles, including paraprofessional and behavioural support positions (often combined with additional qualifications).
• Business and organisational roles in human resources, recruitment, training, and customer relations where understanding human behaviour is valued.
• Research assistant positions in behavioural science or healthcare settings; many graduates continue to postgraduate study (master’s or doctoral) for clinical, counselling or research careers.

Graduates typically enhance employability by combining coursework with internships, practicum experience and faculty-mentored research undertaken during the degree.

Why study at Shawnee State University

Shawnee State offers a student-centred environment with relatively small class sizes that support close interaction with faculty and personalised academic advising. The university’s regional connections provide opportunities for practicum and internship placements with local health services, schools and community organisations across southern Ohio. Faculty members are accessible for mentoring on applied projects and undergraduate research, helping students develop practical skills and a competitive portfolio for employment or graduate admission. The institution also emphasises affordability and transfer pathways for students coming from community colleges or other institutions.