At a glance: Psychology

Did you know? Faculty-fostered student research has appeared in a variety of publications including Journal of Offender Rehabilitiation, The Journal of Psychology and the Behavioral Sciences, International Review of Modern Sociology, Readings in Deviant Behavior, Mental Health Issues in the Criminal Justice System, and The College Student Journal.

Psychology Features:
Sleep Study

As the scientific study of all aspects of behavior, the broad discipline of psychology spans both the social and natural sciences, and it provides a solid base for a variety of academic and professional fields. The major is designed to provide our students with a foundation in the core areas of the discipline. Majors study the biological, cognitive, developmental and social contributions psychology has made to understanding human activity, both normal and abnormal. Visit our department's web site.

Degrees offered

Psychology majors earn a bachelor of arts degree. A concentration is required in either behavioral neuroscience or clinical and counseling psychology. A minor in psychology is available.

Distinctive features

As part of their psychology major experience, many students in the department have translated the knowledge gained through coursework to everyday life by putting their skills into action through various internship and research opportunities.
ONU’s unique location, within 20 miles of three county seats, provides students with the opportunity to work within virtually any kind of social or mental health setting, serving rural, suburban or urban populations.
The department consists of a group of professors with diverse backgrounds and specializations in the area of psychology.
Research opportunities come from working side-by-side with psychology faculty in the areas of cognitive, counseling, developmental and learning psychology.

Facilities

The department facilities in Hill Memorial Building offer:

Two multimedia classrooms equipped with SMART Board technology
Human research laboratories include two observation/research cubicles, each equipped with one-way mirrors, intercoms and PCs connected to both the departmental LAN and the University network
A 22-station social sciences computer laboratory provides dedicated access to a state-of-the-art electronic classroom

Student organizations

Psi Chi – national honor society in psychology, Psi Sigma – the psychology and sociology student club

Program outcomes

The mental health emphasis focuses on the clinical/counseling area of psychology and introduces students to the etiology, course, treatment and prevention of psychological disorders and maladjustments. These professionals work in a variety of settings depending on their interest and level of training. Typical settings include academic sites, medical and mental health service units and private practices.

The experimental psychology emphasis focuses on the various areas of psychology outside the clinical realm and introduces students to psychology as a science. Students learn the mechanics behind conducting psychological research and analyzing the research done by others. They also develop an appreciation for the applied value of psychological research. Experimental psychologists typically work in academia, consulting firms, private industries and government agencies.

Graduate schools

Arizona State University, Ball State University, Bowling Green State University, Case Western Reserve University, Michigan State University, Morehead State University, Pepperdine University, Southern Illinois University, The Chicago Medical School, The Ohio State University, University of Akron, University of California in Pennsylvania, University of Dayton
University of Georgia, University of Indianapolis, University of Michigan, University of Toledo, Washington University, Wright State University

Career opportunities

The major’s emphasis on wide-ranging, flexible skills, such as problem-solving, adaptability to changing situations, the ability to work collaboratively and interpersonal relationship skills, gives a bachelor’s degree in psychology broad appeal for many employers. Entry-level positions in business, mental health/social services, academics and research facilities are often sought by psychology majors. Recent findings from the American Psychological Association’s research office indicate that most majors who do not go on to graduate school often find entry-level jobs in everything from education and social services to business, governments and health care immediately after graduation.

In addition, many of our graduates continue their education in psychology by pursuing advanced degrees at both the master’s and doctoral level in clinical psychology, counseling psychology, various areas of experimental psychology, social work, education, law and business. An advanced degree in psychology opens up a wider range of higher-paying jobs in academia, therapeutic settings, research institutions and health care settings.

In the spotlight

U.S. News & World Report ranks Ohio Northern No. 2 among more than 300 Midwest baccalaureate colleges in America’s Best Colleges (2010).
ONU’s College of Engineering is ranked as one of the nation’s top 50 undergraduate engineering schools in U.S. News & World Report, America’s Best Colleges (2010).
Listed in Princeton Review’s The Best 371 Colleges 2010 Edition.
One of the top 200 programs in the nation for creative students in Creative Colleges: A Guide for Student Actors, Artists, Dancers, Musicians and Writers.
Among the top 100 private four-year colleges and small universities in Peterson’s Competitive College Guide (2010).
Named in Colleges of Distinction (2010), a guide profiling America’s most distinguished teaching-centered colleges and universities.