Undergraduate Psychology

"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." (American Psychological Association)

Psychology informs and is informed by almost every other discipline. While there are several required courses and required areas, majors have a good deal of opportunity to explore their own interests. Within the major, students can focus on research and theory or more on applications. Either way, every Psychology major is provided a strong grounding in research methods, data analysis, and the core areas/theories of psychology so they are able to apply their knowledge to solve real world issues. The major is organized so that students develop analytic, critical thinking, decision making, and presentation skills.

Students first take the Introduction to Psychology course, if they have not already received credit for it through another experience (AP, College Credit Plus, etc.) They are then encouraged to begin taking the year-long sequence in Research methods and Statistics required of all majors. In addition to the methods/analysis courses, students take a core of foundational courses in the main areas of the discipline and then can take more advanced and specialized courses in a wide range of areas. As part of the major, students can take advantage of experiences beyond formal courses. We offer teaching and research assistantships as well as internships and co-ops. Students finish their major with a Research Capstone course in a selected area of interest.

The University of Cincinnati has a chapter of the national honorary society for psychology, Psi Chi as well as a Psychology Club. The officers and faculty advisors of these organizations can offer further assistance about careers paths and extra-curricular training opportunities in the department or in the community.

We offer two degrees at the undergraduate level, the Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Science. We also offer a minor in Psychology.

The BA and BS share the same methods sequence, core courses in psychology, advanced science courses and a capstone. The differences are that for the BS degree students take more advanced science courses, a professional writing course, and additional credits (or another major/minor) in a scientific field outside of Psychology. Students choosing the BA take a required course in interpersonal relations and an additional course applying interpersonal skills to groups/teams or the workplace as well as advanced science courses and a capstone. Both degrees prepare students well to be successful in the workplace or in graduate programs.

The minor in psychology is quite flexible requiring only PSYC1001: Introduction to Psychology and the student’s choice of an additional 15 credit hours in psychology.