Miami University

What you'll study

The programme provides a foundation in core areas of psychology alongside opportunities for applied experience and specialised electives. Early courses cover Introduction to Psychology, Research Methods, and Statistics for the Social Sciences. Core subject areas usually include:

• Biological and cognitive psychology: brain and behaviour, sensation and perception, learning and memory.
• Developmental psychology: lifespan development from infancy through older adulthood.
• Social and personality psychology: social cognition, group processes and individual differences.
• Clinical and abnormal psychology: psychopathology, assessment principles and introductory interventions.
• Research and quantitative methods: experimental design, statistical analysis, psychometrics and use of research software.
• Applied/population areas: health psychology, industrial-organisational topics, educational psychology and community mental health.

Students typically complete laboratory courses and are encouraged to participate in faculty-led research projects, capstone experiences such as an honours thesis or senior seminar, and practicum placements in community or campus agencies to gain supervised applied experience.

Entry requirements

Applicants must meet Miami University's general undergraduate admission standards. Typical qualifications include a secondary school diploma or recognised equivalent and competitive academic achievement in secondary courses. Preparation in mathematics (including statistics or precalculus) and science is recommended because of the quantitative and experimental emphasis of the major.

US applicants will submit high school transcripts and standard application materials; transfer applicants submit college transcripts. International applicants present documented academic equivalence and any required English-language proficiency evidence. Departments may recommend or require an interview, placement tests, or evidence of prior coursework for some pathways into advanced psychology classes.

Career prospects

A bachelor’s in psychology opens multiple career directions. Many graduates enter the workforce in roles such as research assistant, case manager, human resources specialist, behavioural technician, programme coordinator, or roles in marketing and market research where understanding human behaviour and data analysis are advantageous.

For clinical, counselling, school psychology, or licensed psychologist roles, graduates commonly pursue graduate study (master’s, PsyD or PhD). Other common postgraduate pathways include social work, public health, higher education, occupational therapy and business-related postgraduate qualifications.

Why study at Miami University

Miami University emphasises high-impact undergraduate teaching combined with opportunities for mentored research and experiential learning. Psychology undergraduates benefit from accessible faculty, a range of active research labs, and structures that support honours research and independent projects.

The university’s strong liberal‑arts framework and campus partnerships with regional hospitals, schools and community agencies provide practical placement options and networking for internships. Small seminar-style courses in upper years and a focus on quantitative skills prepare graduates for employment and competitive postgraduate programmes.