Psychology

Explore what makes people think the way they think and act the way they act.

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
Degree Requirements & Courses

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.

Your degree in psychology will help you develop a broad range of valuable skills: the ability to research efficiently and effectively; to communicate with clarity in speaking and writing; and to understand other people at a deeper level. So even if you don’t choose to pursue a career as a psychologist, you can put your training to work in a variety of fields

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.

See degree requirements and course descriptions in the University Bulletin.