Academic Program in Psychology
The psychology department at Oberlin follows a scientific approach that relies on careful measurement, controlled observation, research, and experimentation. This approach will help you achieve a sound understanding of thought, feeling, and behavior in humans and other living things.
Program Requirements
Our experienced faculty members teach and conduct research in developmental psychology, adolescent and family psychology, cognitive psychology and the language of psychology, theoretical and applied social psychology, health and clinical psychology, psychopathology and emotion, memory and attention, and psychology and the arts, among others.
We consider laboratory work essential to the degree and provide an extensive range of lab courses and experiences. We encourage students interested in applied fields of psychology to conduct independent research through winter-term projects, summer internships, or in such practical settings as schools, health care facilities, or social service agencies. These kinds of experiences develop and fine-tune your skills in theory, research design, data analysis, and scientific writing. You also can work alongside a faculty member who shares your research interest.
Graduates who plan an academic career eventually must obtain a doctorate. The program supports other professions for which psychology is relevant and many graduates pursue careers in counseling, therapy, social work, business, education, human resources, and other occupations.