Ohio Wesleyan University

What you'll study

The Psychology programme at Ohio Wesleyan provides a broad foundation in the scientific study of behaviour, cognition and emotion while emphasising skill development in research, data analysis and applied practice. The four-year curriculum typically combines:

• Introductory and foundational courses – introductory psychology and survey courses that introduce major theoretical perspectives.
• Core domains – modules in developmental, social, cognitive, biological/neuropsychology, personality and abnormal psychology.
• Research methods and quantitative training – courses in research design, statistics for the behavioural sciences, and laboratory methods that prepare students to conduct and interpret empirical research.
• Laboratory and practicum experience – supervised lab classes and applied practica or community placements that develop practical assessment, intervention and ethical skills.
• Electives and special topics – options often include health psychology, forensic psychology, perception, learning, psychopharmacology, counselling techniques, and cognitive neuroscience depending on faculty offerings.
• Capstone requirement – a senior seminar or an independent honours-style thesis that requires students to plan, execute and present an original research project under faculty supervision.

Students may combine the psychology major with minors or double majors across the liberal arts, and the programme encourages study abroad, community-based learning and internships to broaden applied experience.

Entry requirements

Applicants need a secondary school completion recognised by Ohio Wesleyan University and should present a competitive academic record. Typical admissions expectations include:

• Evidence of strong academic performance in high-school subjects, especially in mathematics and the sciences where available.
• A completed application including a personal statement; letters of recommendation are encouraged to describe academic potential and interpersonal skills.
• Standardised test submission policies may be flexible; consult the university for current guidance on optional testing.
• International applicants should demonstrate English proficiency through recognised tests unless exempt by prior study in English.

Transfer students should submit college transcripts and may be able to receive credit for prior coursework (including AP or IB examinations) that aligns with department requirements. Specific placement into statistics or advanced courses may be determined by prior coursework and departmental assessment.

Career prospects

Graduates with a psychology degree from Ohio Wesleyan pursue a wide range of career paths. Common directions include:

• Human services and social support roles (case management, community outreach, behavioural health technician)
• Clinical and counselling psychology – many graduates continue to master's or doctoral study to qualify for licenced practice
• Research and academic careers – positions as research assistants or progression to graduate study in psychology, neuroscience, or related fields
• Business and industry roles – human resources, organisational development, market research, user experience and consumer behaviour analysis
• Education and school-based services – roles in educational support, school psychology (often requiring additional qualification) and teaching
• Public policy and non-profit sectors – programme evaluation, advocacy, casework and programme coordination

The programme’s emphasis on research methods, communication and ethical practice equips graduates with transferrable skills valued by employers, and the university’s career services and internship opportunities help students connect classroom learning with workplace experience.

Why study at Ohio Wesleyan University

Ohio Wesleyan offers psychology within a residential liberal-arts environment that prioritises close faculty-student mentorship and undergraduate research. Key advantages include:

• Faculty-led research opportunities – students frequently work alongside faculty on empirical projects and can pursue independent senior theses.
• Small classes and personalised advising – seminar-style courses and accessible faculty support help students develop strong analytical and writing skills.
• Experiential learning – practicum placements, internships and community partnerships provide hands-on experience in applied settings.
• Interdisciplinary breadth – as a liberal-arts institution, Ohio Wesleyan encourages connections with biology, neuroscience, sociology, education and philosophy to broaden perspectives.
• Career and graduate preparation – the programme’s methodological focus and the university’s career resources support students preparing for employment or advanced study in psychology and related professions.

Together, these features make Ohio Wesleyan’s psychology programme well suited to students seeking rigorous scientific training in psychology alongside the breadth and flexibility of a liberal-arts education.