- About the Department
   - Undergraduate Studies
       Majors
        General Psychology
        BioPsychology
        Psych/Criminal Justice
        Personnel/Industrial Relations
        Brain & Mind Studies Program

Undergraduate Studies

Welcome to our undergraduate program

First Things First: A definition of Psychology (from the web site of the American Psychological Association)

”Psychology is the study of the mind and behavior. The discipline embraces all aspects of the human experience — from the functions of the brain to the actions of nations, from child development to care for the aged. In every conceivable setting from scientific research centers to mental health care services, ‘the understanding of behavior’ is the enterprise of psychologists.”

Our undergraduate major was designed according to the recommendations of the APA. As a major, you are introduced to the foundations of psychology as well as many approaches and applications of psychological research and theory.
All Psychology majors (and personnel and industrial relations majors as well) must receive a “C” or better in 3 foundational courses; psychology 274 and 275, statistical methods in psychology and psychology 381, a 6 credit laboratory course in experimental psychology.

While there are several required courses and required areas, you have a good deal of opportunity to explore your own interests. Along with the general major, you can choose a criminal justice option, a bio-psychology option or two other related majors (personnel and industrial relations or brain and mind). Each of these options and related majors  require coursework outside of the Psychology department. Psychology majors are allowed to take up to 9 credits of approved coursework outside of the department that can be credited towards the major.

All students majoring in Psychology must be enrolled in the McMicken College of Arts and Sciences. If you are transferring to the University of Cincinnati from another University or College you will need to have your prior course work evaluated by both the College and the Psychology department. There are grade requirements and a limit on the number of transfer credits allowed to be credited towards the requirements for the Psychology major.
For transferring students, students not yet declared as a major, and majors we suggest you come see an undergraduate advisor (429E Dyer Hall, 556-5579).  429 Dyer Hall is also the main office of the Psychology department where you can find printed material, department administrators, faculty mail boxes and someone to help you.

The Psychology department awards its own honors in Psychology. The three requirements are a minimum grade point average in Psychology, taking the honors seminar, and completing a senior thesis.

Since 1959 the Psychology department has supported  a chapter of the national honorary society in Psychology, Psi Chi.
As part of your major, you can take advantage of experiences beyond formal courses. We offer teaching and research assistantship as well as internships and fieldwork practica.
In order to assist you in planning your course work, future course schedules are made available as we submit them to the registrar. Course offerings do change from year to year and new course opportunities become available.