Undergraduate Psychology Programs
Join one of the best undergraduate psychology programs in Ohio — and the nation — at The University of Akron. Here, you’ll develop a thorough understanding of human behavior and what drives it, the psychology of various ages and populations, research methods and more, all while applying that knowledge through research opportunities and field experiences. From our commitment to experiential learning to our community connections and exceptional faculty, UA has everything you need to rise to the top of your career.
Whether you're a prospective student, current student or just checking us out, if you have any questions please email me directly at jstanley@uakron.edu.
Dr. Jennifer Stanley
Chair of the Dept. of Psychology
CAREERS FOR PSYCHOLOGY MAJORS
Graduates of our psychology programs can work in a wide range of roles and industries, from mental health services to marketing. With a psychology major, minor or certificate, you’ll have critical thinking, research and interpersonal skills that are highly valued across fields. You’ll also be well-equipped to pursue graduate work in psychology or related fields.
Specific careers for psychology majors include:
- Mental health counselor
- Human resources specialist
- Market research analyst
- Behavioral health technician
- Case manager
Major in Psychology
Prepare for a variety of psychology careers or graduate school at UA. Our undergraduate program blends theory with practical experiences to help you build a solid foundation for your career or graduate-level study. Whether you're interested in clinical practice, research or applied psychology, as a psychology major, you’ll develop the expertise and skills you need to excel in your future.
B.A. in Psychology
In the B.A. in Psychology program, you’ll explore various facets of psychology, including experimental psychology, the psychology of diversity, psychological testing and developmental psychology. With numerous opportunities for practical application and hands-on research, you’ll build critical thinking and research skills, ensuring you are well-equipped for a range of careers in psychology.
Specialize Your B.A. in Psychology With a Concentration
Tailor your psychology degree with a concentration that matches your interests and career goals.
Prepare for psychology careers in organizational settings by learning how to apply psychological principles to workplace issues. Coursework includes dynamics of personality, social psychology, and industrial/organizational psychology, with electives such as human resource management and psychology of small group behavior.
Explore the Industrial/Organizational/Business concentration.
Ideal for those interested in clinical practice, this concentration covers developmental psychology, psychology of diversity, and clinical and counseling psychology. You will gain skills in assessment, intervention and therapeutic techniques, preparing you for roles in mental health settings.
Learn to work with individuals of all ages. This concentration explores psychological development across the lifespan, including courses in developmental psychology, biopsychology and cognitive processes. Electives such as psychological disorders of childhood and the psychology of adulthood and aging provide a comprehensive understanding of human development.
Focused on research and scientific inquiry, this concentration equips you for advanced study and research-based careers. The Experimental Psychology concentration includes courses in cognitive processes, experimental psychology, and psychological tests and measurements. You’ll also work on research projects and independent study to further prepare for graduate study or your career.
Why choose UA’s undergraduate psychology programs?
From a top-ranked B.A. in psychology program to research opportunities alongside award-winning faculty , UA stands out among undergraduate psychology programs. Here’s why you should consider a psychology degree or certificate from UA.
Ranked Among the Best Undergraduate Psychology Programs
Study in a program recognized for quality. UA’s B.A. in psychology program was ranked No. 35 in the country by Best Accredited Colleges, making it one of the top psychology programs in Ohio.
A Bachelor’s in Psychology With Built-in Field Experiences
Gain hands-on experience in psychology through a Field Experience Seminar, which integrates academic coursework with practical learning in a public service setting.
Psychology Research Opportunities
Engage in cutting-edge research opportunities with UA faculty.
Learn how to promote diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in various professional environments. This program covers critical topics such as cultural competence, bias reduction and inclusive practices, preparing you to make a meaningful impact in your community and workplace.
Gain specialized training in the psychological aspects of aging. You’ll learn about the unique challenges and opportunities faced by older adults, including cognitive changes, mental health issues and the design of supportive environments. This certificate is ideal for those interested in working with aging populations in various settings, including mental health agencies, assisted living, nonprofits, hospice, home health and others.
Undergraduate Psychology Programs FAQ
Studying psychology can be rewarding in many respects, from personal to professional. Learning psychology provides a deep understanding of human behavior, which is valuable in numerous career paths and interpersonal contexts. It equips you with skills in research, analysis, communication and critical thinking, which are widely applicable and highly sought.
A psychology degree creates numerous career opportunities in fields like mental and behavioral health, education, business, human resources, marketing, advertising, public relations and many others. Psychology majors can go on to become mental health counselors (may require additional study or certification), human resources specialists, market research analysts and case managers. They can also pursue graduate degrees for further opportunities in psychology and related fields.
A DEI certificate enhances your ability to promote inclusive practices and cultural competence in professional settings, making you an asset in countless workplaces, whether mental health care or corporate.
Psychology certificates are available to enrolled students at The University of Akron and working professionals who wish to gain expertise in DEI or gerontology.
UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID
The University of Akron offers various financial aid options to help keep our undergraduate psychology programs affordable, including scholarships, awards and other funding opportunities. The following scholarships are available for undergraduates:
- The Owen C. Bozeman Endowed Scholarship Fund in Psychology
- The Weltzien Endowed Scholarship in Psychology
College-level Scholarships
The Buchtel College of Arts & Sciences (BCAS) is committed to supporting students throughout their education. Scholarships are offered through the college as well as the schools and departments within BCAS.
Affordable Excellence
From scholarships and grants to tuition guarantees and transfer student support, UA offers multiple ways to make earning a degree an affordable reality.