Bachelor of Psychology at The Ohio State University
Study Psychology at The Ohio State University, a Bachelor degree offered on the Columbus campus in United States of America. This Full Time program is delivered on campus in English and takes approximately 4 years to complete. Students benefit from a structured learning experience designed to build both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The next intake is scheduled for August 24, 2027.
About Bachelor of Psychology
Psychology
Degree: BS, BA
Campus: Columbus, Lima, Marion, Mansfield, Newark
College: Arts and Sciences
Psychology is the study of the biological, cognitive, emotional and social processes related to human and animal behavior. Using scientific methods to study, explain and predict behavior, psychologists explore such questions as how the brain learns and stores information; what triggers our biological rhythms, aggression and personality characteristics; how human relationships develop; what leads to judgment and decision making; how society deals with mental illness and behavioral disorders; and the psychological impact of activities such as work and sports.
Get started
Upon admission to the university, students can declare a major in psychology within the College of Arts and Sciences. Students may choose to pursue either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science.
Curriculum
The psychology major consists of 36 credit hours of psychology courses and a prerequisite course, Introduction to Psychology.
Course work for the psychology major includes:
- Data Analysis in Psychology
- Research Methods in Psychology
- A core course from each of four areas: brain and behavior, cognitive psychology, clinical and development psychology, and social psychology
In addition, students must take at least two advanced courses.
Students completing a BS degree must also take Quantitative and Statistical Methods in Psychology, and an advanced research course (Cognitive Psychology Laboratory or Social Psychology Laboratory).
Internship
Students may participate in community-based internship experiences at settings such as Suicide Prevention Services, Sexual Assault Response Network of Central Ohio, Northwest Counseling Services, the American Red Cross, Goodwill of Columbus, COSI, the Student Wellness Center and Northwestern Mutual Financial Services.
Honors and Scholars
The Department of Psychology offers unique and challenging opportunities for Honors students. There are over 10 psychology Honors courses at both introductory and advanced levels. Students also may choose to design and implement their own research project via the Honors thesis track.
Many psychology majors are also involved in Ohio State’s Scholars programs, and students in the Health Sciences Scholars, Mount Leadership Society, Dunn Sport and Wellness Scholars, and International Affairs Scholars programs often choose psychology as a major.
Research
Students can become involved in faculty research labs as early as their freshman year. Psychology faculty and graduate students offer over 50 research opportunities for interested students. Each year, 600–700 students earn course credit for research experience through the Undergraduate Research in Psychology course. Students may present a poster of their research at the annual Psychology Research Colloquium, the Denman Research Forum, or can travel to a regional, national or international conference.
The department’s faculty are among the top researchers in areas such as stereotyping and prejudice, stress and breast cancer recovery, language development, Alzheimer’s, and schizophrenia.
Student organizations
Students interested in psychology are encouraged to join student organizations as they are a great way to meet other students in psychology and offer service and leadership opportunities. There are many student organizations with a connection to psychology. Below is a sampling, but check out the Office of Student Life's activities website for a full list of all student organizations.
- Black Students in Psychology
- Chinese Psychology Student Association at Ohio State
- Positive Psychology Club
- Psi Chi: The National Honor Society in Psychology
- Psychology Club
Possible careers
A strong liberal arts education with a major in psychology will prepare students for entry into many career fields and graduate/professional programs. The following are some of the fields that graduates with bachelor’s degrees in psychology have entered: administration and management, business and industry, casework, child care, employment interviewing, gerontology, health services, marketing and public relations, personnel, probation and parole, psychiatric assistant, research or laboratory assistant, sales, preschool teaching, and technical writing.
Close to 60 percent of psychology graduates pursue postgraduate education in a wide variety of fields, including psychology, counseling, social work, education, student affairs, law, medicine, human resources, nursing, public health, occupational and physical therapy, city and regional planning, and public policy. For more information on our alumni, check out our Alumni Survey results.
Postgraduate areas of study specific to psychology include clinical, child clinical, cognitive, community, comparative, counseling, developmental, educational, environmental, experimental, forensic, gerontology, health, industrial/organizational, neuropsychology/psychobiology, psychometrics, quantitative, rehabilitation and social psychology. Students who earn advanced degrees in psychology have many career opportunities. Most psychologists are found in academic settings, independent practice, hospitals, clinics or other human services settings, and in business or government.
Requirements and Admission Criteria for Bachelor of Psychology at The Ohio State University
Entry Requirements
Criteria of our holistic review, in no particular order.
Successful completion of university preparatory courses
High school performance (class rank or GPA), including participation in accelerated programs like Honors, AP and IB; Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for class rank or GPA
Standardized test score (ACT or SAT); Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for ACT or SAT scores
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.
Ability and desire to contribute to and engage with a diverse campus community
Experiences that demonstrate leadership or engaged involvement (e.g., co-curricular activities, work experiences or military service)
Status as a first-generation university student
Demonstration of outstanding talent in a particular area
High school performance if adversely affected by physical, mental or learning environment factors
Eligibility for and likelihood of benefiting from organized support services at Ohio State
Enrollment in your intended major
Once it is determined that you are admissible, you will be considered for enrollment in the college of your intended major. Read about
English Requirements
- IELTSMin 6.5
- TOEFLMin 79
English Program Requirements
we require evidence of English language proficiency, unless you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.
Tuition and Fee Information for Bachelor of Psychology at The Ohio State University
How to Apply for Bachelor of Psychology at The Ohio State University
How do I submit scores?
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.
Tips for sending scores to Ohio State
Scores must come directly from the testing agency. When you register for the ACT or SAT, indicate that you want your scores sent to Ohio State.
If you already took the test but didn't send your scores to Ohio State, you can order them for a fee. Order in advance to be sure scores reach us by the application deadline.
We must receive standardized test scores by your application deadline (either November 1 or February 1 for autumn semester applicants).
October 2 (SAT) and October 23 (ACT) are your last 2021 test dates if you want your scores to be considered for our November 1 early action deadline. Important! If you plan to test on those dates, you must request that Ohio State receive scores when you register for the test. And please note: If you choose to have your scores considered, you won’t be able to review scores from these dates prior to submitting your application by the November 1 deadline.
Applicants who will have been out of high school for two or more years by their term of enrollment are not required to submit scores.
Is the essay required?
The essay is not required for either the ACT or SAT.
Should I take a standardized test more than once?
Ohio State looks at the highest composite score from a single test date. Taking the test (and having scores sent to us) more than once, while not required, may work to your advantage.
How does Ohio State look at scores?
When considering students for admission or Honors and Scholars selection, we consider the best official composite / combined score from a single test administration. Ohio State does not mix sub-scores from multiple tests.
These items plus the Common Application (STEP 3) make up a complete application. We must receive all items by the deadline to consider your application on time.
Official transcripts
High school transcripts
Request that your high school or secondary school send transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates for coursework from the final four years (grades 9-12) to Ohio State.
How to send your transcripts to Ohio State:
Your high school counselor can upload the transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates using Common App, Naviance or other secure electronic delivery service.
Your high school counselor can email the transcripts to [email protected].
If electronic submission is not possible, please mail your official transcripts to our express mail address.
Faxed transcripts will not be accepted.
Foreign language documents must be translated into English by the issuing institution, an authorized translator or a teacher of the language. Any additional requirements will be posted to your Applicant Center, so be sure to check your application status regularly after you've applied.
Official ACT or SAT scores
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.How do I submit my scores?
We must receive your official ACT or SAT score sent electronically directly from the testing agency. Scores from transcripts will not be considered. Read more about score requirements in STEP 1.
Optional: Recommendation from a teacher or counselor
While not required, your counselor may send a maximum of two letters of recommendation electronically through the Common Application.
If an electronic option isn’t available, your counselor may email your letter(s) to
[email protected]; the letter must include your first and last name and OSU ID number, found on the email we send acknowledging receipt of your application. Letters sent via email are subject to sender verification.
Official proof of English language skills
You must request that your testing agency send official scores electronically to Ohio State demonstrating the English proficiency level outlined below:
TOEFL (internet-based test or internet-based test Home Edition*): 79 or higher
IELTS or IELTS Indicator*: 6.5 or higher
ACT: 21 or higher on the English section
SAT: 27 or higher on the Reading Test
Duolingo*: 105 or higher
You are exempt from this requirement if you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.
Ohio State has an intensive English program for students who wish to improve their language skills called the American Language Program. A separate application is required for this program. Ohio State does not offer conditional admission to students who enroll in the American Language Program.
*To accommodate applicants affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, The Ohio State University will accept Duolingo, the IELTS Indicator and the TOEFL internet-based test Home Edition from any international student applying for spring 2022 or autumn 2022 admission. All Duolingo test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival to campus. TOEFL Home Edition and IELTS Indicator test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival unless they qualify for a TOEFL or IELTS score exemption.
United States of America, Columbus