Ohio University

What you'll study

The Department of Psychological Sciences offers a flexible Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Core study covers major domains of psychology—biological, cognitive, developmental, social and clinical psychology—alongside research methods and statistics. Students typically progress from foundational courses (introduction to psychology, basic statistics for behavioural sciences) to intermediate modules (research methods, developmental psychology, abnormal psychology) and advanced seminars.

• Research methods and design, including laboratory and field-based studies
• Statistical analysis for behavioural data and applied data interpretation
• Biological bases of behaviour and cognitive neuroscience
• Developmental, social and personality psychology
• Abnormal psychology and courses on assessment, intervention and ethics
• Electives such as health psychology, industrial/organisational psychology, forensic psychology and human factors
• Capstone options: senior thesis or advanced research project with departmental faculty

Students can choose the BA to emphasise a broader liberal-arts curriculum with a foreign-language component or the BS to emphasise quantitative and laboratory-based training. Practical experience is supported through research assistant roles in faculty labs, practicum placements, internships with community partners, and opportunities to complete an honours project.

Entry requirements

Admission to Ohio University’s undergraduate psychology programme requires a high school diploma or equivalent with strong academic performance. Typical applicants present solid grades across core subjects; coursework in mathematics and natural or social sciences is advantageous. International applicants must demonstrate equivalent secondary qualifications and English language proficiency via recognised tests if their prior instruction was not in English.

• Successful completion of secondary-school studies meeting Ohio University’s general admission criteria
• Recommended preparation: high-school mathematics (algebra, statistics where available), biology or social sciences
• Personal statement and extracurricular evidence of interest in psychology (research, volunteering, relevant employment) strengthen an application
• Transfer students are considered based on college-level coursework and GPA; consult the university for articulation details

Career prospects

Graduates with a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Ohio University enter a range of careers in public, private and non-profit sectors. While many psychology roles—such as clinical psychologist, school psychologist or counselling psychologist—require postgraduate professional training, a bachelor’s degree prepares students for immediate employment and further study.

• Research assistant or lab technician in academic and commercial research settings
• Human resources, recruitment and training roles
• Case management, community support and social services
• Market research, user experience (UX) research and data analysis roles that use behavioural insights
• Education-related roles and graduate pathways into counselling, clinical practice, occupational therapy or school psychology

Many graduates also proceed to master's or doctoral programmes in psychology, counselling, public health, social work or related disciplines; the programme’s emphasis on research methods and a senior research project supports applications to competitive graduate programmes.

Why study at Ohio University

Ohio University’s Department of Psychological Sciences combines a long-standing liberal-arts tradition with active research and community engagement. Students benefit from access to faculty-led research labs, opportunities for close mentorship on honours theses and a variety of practicum and internship placements across the Athens campus and regional partners.

• Options to pursue either a BA or BS to match academic and career goals
• Hands-on research experience in cognitive, developmental, clinical and social psychology laboratories
• Student organisations and honour societies that foster professional development and networking
• Support for postgraduate preparation, including advising for graduate-school applications and experiential learning opportunities

Overall, the programme aims to develop critical thinking, research literacy and practical skills valued by employers and graduate programmes alike.