Psychology

Psychology at Oglethorpe University

At Oglethorpe University, the psychology major is grounded in scientific research and shaped by close faculty mentorship, hands-on learning and opportunities to apply theory in real-world settings. Students build a strong foundation in research design, statistics and modern psychological theory while learning to ask thoughtful questions, analyze evidence and communicate clearly.

Scientific research is the foundation of the psychology major. Every student conducts at least three research studies during their time at Oglethorpe. The first two studies are collaborative projects conducted in our Psychological Statistics and Research Methods I and II courses, and the third study is an independent project of the student’s own design conducted in Advanced Experimental Psychology.

From internships at Atlanta’s influential research centers and nonprofit organizations, to the campus psychology lab (offering undergraduate research opportunities galore), you’ll have plenty of opportunities to turn theory into practice.

As a psychology student at Oglethorpe:

You’ll learn to understand, apply, and critique empirical methods of research – from controlled experiments in the lab to naturalistic observations.
You’ll practice analyzing your research findings, and communicating them clearly in both speaking and writing.
You’ll even develop posters and presentations for professional conferences.
You’ll explore the major theoretical advances of modern and contemporary psychology, comparing and contrasting the various schools of thought.
You’ll become more observant and more insightful, with greater understanding of the human condition.

“The professors in the psychology department cultivated my development as a critical thinker and scientist. Through their mentorship, I graduated from Oglethorpe with the skills to support me throughout my career in psychology.”

Piper Lashley '24 | Ph.D. student at Emory University Psychology Department

When you graduate, you’ll be a sharper thinker and a stronger communicator, with a deeper understanding of yourself and your fellow human beings – valuable assets in any life you choose to build.

Interested students also have the opportunity to conduct an honors research project, conduct their own studies for credit in directed research classes, and/or work on faculty projects as research assistants.

Clinical/Counseling Track

Students interested in pursuing graduate school and careers in clinical therapy or counseling should consider the Clinical Counseling Track. This program will provide an overview of the field of clinical psychology, with an emphasis on critically examining and comparing various diagnostic and psychotherapeutic approaches.

Hands-on Learning
Career Opportunities

Complete a high-impact internship, choosing from a diverse selection of organizations. Students have interned at adoption agencies, private practices and clinical settings, law firms and law enforcement agencies, and more – a list that includes the Marcus Autism Center, Skyland Trail, PATH Academy, CDC, Desert Hope American Addiction Centers, the Georgia State University Language Research Center, the Georgia Psychological Association, Gwinnett Medical Center, Habitat for Humanity, Heartbound Ministries, H.E.R.O. for Children, Inc., Kate’s Club, Partnership Against Domestic Violence, SisterLove, South Community, Inc., Yerkes Regional Primate Research Center, and Zoo Atlanta.
Our students have served as co-authors on faculty publications in peer-reviewed research journals and have published their own manuscripts in student research journals.
- Stephanie Pedroza ’24, Catie Rooks ’25, Carlos Sandoval ’25, Daniel Wells ’25 presented “A Replication of the Moral Repetition Effect” alongside faculty members Dr. Emily Bailey, Dr. Brooke Bays and Dr. Leah Zinner at the 2025 Southeastern Psychological Association (SEPA).
All students present the results of their studies at OU research conferences (e.g., LASS or PRISM), but also have the opportunity to present their findings at the Southeastern Psychological Association (SEPA) Conference. Each spring, psychology faculty members take 15-20 students to the SEPA conference, which has been held in New Orleans, Orlando, Charleston, and Hilton Head, among other places, to present their research and learn about psychological research being conducted at other universities.
Consider joining Psi Chi, the National Honor Society in Psychology – our Oglethorpe chapter has been going strong since 1985. The outstanding Psi Chi students host a variety of fun and educational events throughout the year.
Our top-notch psychology lab is newly renovated with the latest computer hardware, experimental software, and video technology, offering researchers-in-training everything they need to succeed.

A psychology degree prepares students for a wide range of careers that value research, communication and insight into human behavior. Graduates may pursue roles in counseling-related settings, education, human resources, market research, nonprofit organizations, public service and healthcare support. For students who plan to become licensed psychologists or therapists, the undergraduate major also provides a strong foundation for graduate study.

Our students routinely — and successfully — apply to graduate programs after earning their BS in psychology. Recent graduates are in Ph.D. Programs, master’s programs (e.g., master’s in counseling, master’s in social work), and medical school.
Oglethorpe psychology alumni are making an impact in the psychology field. One is an associate professor of psychology at Berry College; another is an assistant professor at Albion College. Another alum is serving as a child psychologist and fellow at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
Other psychology graduates have found successful careers in advertising, business, education, management, marketing, law, sales, social work, and more.

STEM and Research At Oglethorpe

Q&A

What can you do with a psychology degree from Oglethorpe University?

A psychology degree from Oglethorpe University prepares students for careers in counseling-related settings, education, human resources, market research, nonprofit organizations, public service and healthcare support. It also provides a strong foundation for graduate study in psychology, counseling, therapy or related fields.

Is Oglethorpe’s psychology program research-focused?

Yes. Psychology students at Oglethorpe complete at least three research studies during the major. Students begin with collaborative research projects in Psychological Statistics and Research Methods I and II, then design and complete an independent study in Advanced Experimental Psychology.

Can psychology students at Oglethorpe gain hands-on experience?

Yes. Psychology students can gain hands-on experience through research projects, faculty-led studies, internships in Atlanta, professional conference presentations and work in Oglethorpe’s psychology lab.

Is psychology a good major for graduate school?

Yes. Psychology is a strong undergraduate major for students planning to pursue graduate study in psychology, counseling, therapy or related fields. Oglethorpe’s program builds a foundation in research, statistics, psychological theory and applied learning.

What is the job outlook for psychology majors?

National labor data shows steady demand in fields connected to psychology. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 6% growth for psychologists, 7% growth for market research analysts and 6% growth for human resources specialists from 2024 to 2034.

Why study psychology at Oglethorpe University?

Oglethorpe’s psychology program combines scientific research, close faculty mentorship, hands-on learning and opportunities to apply psychological theory in real-world settings. Students graduate with practical research experience and a strong foundation for careers or graduate study.