Eastern Michigan University

What you'll study

The Psychology bachelor’s curriculum builds foundational knowledge in major areas of psychology and emphasises research literacy and applied experience. Typical core subjects include introductory psychology, research methods and statistics, biological bases of behaviour, developmental psychology, social psychology and abnormal psychology. Students also study cognition and learning, personality, and ethical issues in psychology.

Programme structure usually combines required core courses, a suite of methods/statistics classes, and a range of electives that let you specialise or broaden your perspective. Many students select electives in areas such as neuropsychology, health psychology, forensic psychology, or industrial/organisational psychology.

Practical components are a prominent feature. You can expect opportunities for supervised laboratory research with faculty, a practicum or internship in community settings, and a senior capstone or advanced seminar that integrates empirical literature and applied skills. Training emphasises critical thinking, data analysis, communication and ethical practice.

• Core coursework: introductory psychology, research methods, statistics for psychology, biological psychology
• Content courses: developmental, social, cognitive, abnormal, personality
• Applied and elective options: practicum/internship, neuropsychology, health psychology, industrial/organisational psychology
• Capstone: senior seminar, thesis or practicum integration project

Entry requirements

Admission to Eastern Michigan University undergraduate programmes is based on a holistic review of academic preparation. Typical entry expectations include completion of standard secondary-school coursework with strong performance in English and mathematics. Applicants are usually required to submit academic transcripts; first-year applicants may also include a personal statement and letters of recommendation if requested by admissions.

For transfer students, EMU evaluates college transcripts and the relevance of previously completed coursework. Some psychology courses have prerequisites (for example, an introductory psychology course before upper-level electives, and statistics before research methods); check the department’s advising guidance to confirm readiness for specific classes.

Students intending to pursue competitive practicum placements or research assistant roles should demonstrate preparation through coursework, relevant volunteer or work experience, and faculty recommendations.

Career prospects

A bachelor’s degree in psychology from EMU prepares graduates for a range of entry-level roles in human services, business and research support, and lays the groundwork for professional graduate training. Common career paths include:

• Case manager, behavioural health technician or community support worker in social and health services
• Human resources assistant, training and development support, or organisational research roles in business
• Research assistant positions in university, hospital or market research settings
• Police support, victim advocacy or juvenile services roles
• Progression to graduate study in counselling, clinical psychology, school psychology, social work, occupational therapy or related health professions

Graduates often combine the degree with licensure or further study to enter regulated professions (for example clinical or school psychology, counselling and therapy). The programme emphasises skills—data analysis, interpersonal communication, ethical decision-making and report writing—that are transferable across many sectors.

Why study at Eastern Michigan University

Eastern Michigan University offers a psychology programme within a liberal-arts framework that balances theoretical study with applied experience. Students benefit from opportunities to work directly with faculty on research projects, access to lab facilities and a department that supports practicum placements with community partners in the Ann Arbor–Ypsilanti region.

Small to mid-sized class settings allow for closer interaction with instructors and more personalised academic advising. The department has active student organisations and honour society opportunities that foster professional development and networking. EMU’s location provides access to diverse internship placements, healthcare systems and educational settings for hands-on learning.

Whether you aim to enter the workforce after graduation or continue to graduate training, the programme is designed to develop strong methodological competence, ethical awareness and applied skills valued by employers and graduate programmes alike.