Earning a psychology degree can lead to a lifelong career of helping others—whether that’s coaching someone through a significant traumatic experience or simply helping them gain a deeper understanding of themselves.
The country is currently experiencing a surge in mental health illnesses. In fact, nine out of 10 adults believe there’s a mental health crisis in the U.S., according to a recent CNN poll. Several studies identify the opioid epidemic, the COVID-19 pandemic, and social media addictions as contributing factors. Additionally, most Americans diagnosed with a mental health condition are unable to access treatment due to insurance gaps and a workforce shortage within the psychiatric field, according to a 2023 National Public Radio report.
With all of that in mind, it’s easy to see how earning a psychology degree can open doors to well-paying, in-demand jobs in related fields in Ohio. For instance, you can work as a psychologist, a psychiatrist, a sports psychologist, a human resources expert, or a market researcher.
This guide lists the top psychology programs in Ohio. We also offer a breakdown of the various degrees you can earn and provide a closer look at the job market in the state.
Best Psychology Colleges inOhio
Finding the right college or university can be tedious, especially when considering all the factors that make up the best psychology degree programs in Ohio. Affordability, accreditation, and student support top the list for most students.
That’s why we’ve highlighted three schools that check off each item on that list and that offer some of the best psychology programs in Ohio. See who stands out in 2024 — but remember, this is only a quick peek at our full ranking list, which is coming later this year.
Ohio University
Ohio University’s Psychology Department offers a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, a Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Pre-Physical Therapy), and two doctoral programs, along with an online bachelor’s degree program.
All the undergraduate psychologyprograms focus on the scientific aspects of the field and emphasize research through the exchange of expertise, theories, and methods. Students are encouraged to develop collaborative research partnerships with their peers and faculty members. To put their learning into action, many undergraduate psychology students earn course credit working on psychology research projects, which they may have the opportunity to present at professional conferences.
The school also offers career advising and placement through its Psychology Advising and Resource Center, which works to prepare students for graduate programs in psychology.
Graduate students have access to the Ohio University Psychology and Social Work Clinic. This clinical training site offers a range of telehealth services to the community, including individual treatment, family therapy, group therapy, psychological assessments, and more.
Delivery:
- Online
- On-Campus
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Undergraduate Programs:
- BS in Psychology
- BS in Psychology (Pre-Physical Therapy)
Graduate Programs:
- PhD in Clinical Psychology
- PhD in Experimental Psychology
Specialization Options:
- Applied Quantitative Psychology
- Clinical Child Psychology
- Clinical Health Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Cognitive Psychology
- Health Psychology
- Industrial/Organizational Psychology
- Social Psychology
The Ohio State University
The College of Arts and Science’s Department of Psychology offers two types of bachelor’s degrees, as well as a PhD program with nine concentration areas.
The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program requires 36 credits to complete. Students take a core course from each of the following areas: brain and behavior, cognitive psychology, clinical and development psychology, and social psychology. The curriculum also includes at least two advanced courses. Those pursuing a BS in Psychology must also take quantitative and statistical methods in psychology and an advanced lab research course.
Students can take part in faculty research labs as early as their freshman year. Internships are available through the Sexual Assault Response Network of Central Ohio, Suicide Prevention Services, and Northwest Counseling Services, among other organizations.
Student-run organizations include Black Students in Psychology, Chinese Psychology Student Association at The Ohio State University, and the Psychology Club, among others.
Delivery:
- Online
- On-Campus
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Undergraduate Programs:
- BA in Psychology
- BS in Psychology
Graduate Programs:
- PhD in Clinical Psychology
- PhD in Experimental Psychology
- Health Psychology/Behavioral Medicine Graduate Certificate
Specialization Options:
- Behavioral Neuroscience
- Clinical Psychology
- Cognitive Psychology
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Decision Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- Quantitative Psychology
- Social Psychology
Cleveland State University
Psychology students enrolled at Cleveland State University can pursue a BA, MA, or a PhD in psychology with a focus on adult development and aging.
The bachelor’s degree program requires students to complete 120 credit hours, with 46 of those required specifically for the psychology major. Core areas of focus include psychological health, social and personality development, perception and cognition, and neuroscience. Students also learn to apply basic statistical concepts and create and evaluate psychological research designs.
Students enrolled in themaster’s degree program have a choice of four specializations — clinical psychology, industrial-organizational research, psychological science, and school psychology. This psychology master’s degree in Ohio requires 50 credits plus field work and, for
students who intend to pursue a doctorate, a thesis.
The College of Arts and Sciences also offers an accelerated program in which you earn both your BA and MA degrees within five academic years. The program allows for 12 credits of graduate coursework to be applied toward both degrees.
Delivery:
- Online
- On-Campus
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Undergraduate Program:
- BA in Psychology
Graduate Programs:
- MA in Psychology
- PhD in Adult Development and Aging
Specialization Options:
- Clinical Psychology
- Industrial-Organizational Research
- Psychological Science
- School Psychology
Top Online Psychology Degree Programs in Ohio
Online programs are a great alternative that can save you time and money. Online classes also provide working professionals with the convenience of completing their coursework whenever or wherever they’d like. Some online programs offer weekly deadlines and asynchronous classes, while others have set class times and varied deadlines.
Here’s a look at some of the best online psychology degree programs in Ohio. Keep in mind this is only a preview of our full rankings list, which we’ll publish soon.
Franklin University
Students applying to an online psychology bachelor’s degree program at Franklin University can transfer up to 94 credits. You can also transfer up to 12 credits into a master’s degree program, 24 credits into a doctorate, and 44 credits into an associate degree. Military experience and training, professional work experience, or industry certifications can gain you credit, as well.
Franklin University also offers low tuition rates that are locked in through graduation. Current tuition is $398 per credit for a bachelor’s program and $670 per credit for a master’s program.
The online psychology degree programs offered include one bachelor’s-level program and two master’s-level programs. The master’s programs are accelerated and can be completed within 12 to 14 months.
Undergraduate Program:
- BS in Psychology
Graduate Programs:
- MS in Business Psychology
- MBA – Business Psychology Specialization
Program Options:
- Fully Online
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Specialization Offered:
- Business Psychology
Tiffin University
Students enrolled at Tiffin University can earn their bachelor’s or master’s degree in psychology entirely online.
The online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program provides a solid foundation for students who want to work as psychologists or in social services. Coursework focuses on three main topics related to psychology, including counseling, crisis intervention, and research methodologies. Students can expect to participate in internships and self-directed studies.
The university also offers a Master of Science in Psychology, which helps students develop practical skills that can be applied to a clinical setting. This online-only psychology degree program in Ohio builds on the bachelor’s program. The program focuses on the theoretical and scientific aspects of psychology. It’s more research-driven and includes classes on statistics, analysis, and theoretical approaches to the field.
Tiffin University also offers a Master of Science in Criminal Justice with a focus on forensic psychology. The curriculum covers both the mindset of criminals and finding a role for psychology within the criminal justice system.
Undergraduate Program:
- BS in Psychology
Graduate Programs:
- MS in Psychology
- MS in Criminal Justice – Forensic Psychology
Program Options:
- Fully Online
- On-Campus
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Specialization Offered:
- Forensic Psychology
Ohio Christian University
Ohio Christian University offers two undergraduate psychology degree programs that can be completed online or on campus — a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology or a Bachelor of Arts in Substance Abuse Counseling.
The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology provides students with a broad foundation of knowledge in the field, all while integrating a biblical worldview. Students gain an understanding of human behavior and mental processes. They’ll know basic psychology terminology, statistical and research methods, physiological psychology, and the history and systems set up within the field. Online courses provide forum discussions and weekly assignment deadlines.
The Bachelor of Arts in Substance Abuse Counseling program is designed to help students meet the minimum hours required to work as licensed dependency counselors in the state. They’re also required to complete 40 hours of chemical dependency training in specific areas. Once they’ve completed the program, graduates can then take the licensure test administered by the state.
Both undergraduates and graduate students can also pursue a chemical dependency counselor assistant certificate.The university doesn’t offer a psychology degree at the master’s or doctorate level.
Undergraduate Programs:
- BA in Psychology
- BA in Substance Abuse Counseling
Graduate Program:
- Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant Certificate
Program Options:
- Fully Online
- On-Campus
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Specialization Offered:
- Substance Abuse Counseling
Types of Psychology DegreesYou Can Earn in Ohio
Ohio offers a variety of high-quality online or on-campus psychology degree programs that can help you reach your career goals, whether you’re just starting out or are looking to advance within the profession. We’ve provided a rundown of the various types of psychology degrees you can obtain and what each degree provides, as well as links to the quality schools that offer them.
Undergraduate Psychology Degrees in Ohio
Associate Degrees in Psychology
An associate degree at a top psychology program in Ohio is a good starting point for those who have no prior postsecondary education. Students enrolled in a two-year college can obtain an associate degree and then transfer to a four-year institution. Typically the credit hours they’ve completed during their associate degree can be applied toward a bachelor’s degree program.
Accredited Ohio Colleges with Associate Degrees in Psychology:
- North Central State College (Online or On-Campus)
- Columbus State Community College (Online or On-Campus)
- Sinclair College (Online or On-Campus)
Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology
A bachelor’s degree in psychology at one of the best programs in Ohio sets the foundation for careers in healthcare, business, and social services. Students learn about the broad range of psychological concepts that explain human thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Obtaining a bachelor’s degree can also open the door to earning advanced degrees.
Accredited Ohio Colleges with Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology:
- Ursuline College (Online or On-Campus)
- Notre Dame College (Online or On-Campus)
- Walsh University (Online or On-Campus)
Graduate Psychology Degrees in Ohio
Master’s Degrees in Psychology
Earning your master’s degree in psychology helps you gain a better understanding of the subject matter, hones your skills in a particular practice area, and prepares you for a doctoral degree program. Additionally, a master’s degree can lead to more advanced job opportunities in child and family services, social services, human resources, and market research.
Accredited Ohio Colleges with Master’s in Psychology Degrees:
- Union Institute & University (Online or On-Campus)
- The University of Akron (On-Campus)
- Ohio University (Online or On-Campus)
PsyD Programs
Earning a PsyD opens doors that a master’s degree cannot. Completing an online PsyD program in Ohio prepares you to work in a wide range of clinical settings. This type of doctorate degree program focuses more on clinical practice and less on research.
Accredited Ohio Colleges with PsyD Programs:
- Wright State University (Online or On-Campus)
- Xavier University (On-Campus)
Psychology PhD Programs
This type of doctoral degree prepares students for careers in teaching or research. A PhD in psychology is a highly specialized degree that requires a good chunk of time and effort to complete. The program is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the human mind, behavior, and development. Those who earn this type of degree can pursue a variety of careers, including academic positions at universities, research jobs at government agencies or private companies, or clinical jobs in hospitals or private practices.
Accredited Ohio Colleges with PhD Psychology Programs:
- Tiffin University (Online or On-Campus)
- Ohio University (On-Campus)
- The University of Akron (On-Campus)
Graduate Certificates
Earning a graduate certificate expands your knowledge in a particular concentration and prepares you for a PhD or PsyD program. This type of program typically includes four to six graduate-level courses that you can complete in about a year of full-time study.
Accredited Ohio Colleges with Psychology Graduate Certificates:
- University of Cincinnati (Online or On-Campus)
- The Ohio State University (Online or On-Campus)
- Ohio Christian University (Online or On-Campus)
Financial Aid and Scholarships for Psychology Students in Ohio
Don’t let the cost of tuition keep you from investing in your future. While the price tag for your degree at a top psychology program in Ohio may give you second thoughts, a good place to start is bysubmitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, better known as the FAFSA.
Your next step is to look for school-based scholarships. The Ohio State University, for instance, offers an array of scholarships including the Akire Research Award, the Lawson Memorial Fund Scholarship, and Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research scholarships.
Ohio Universityalso provides financial support specific to psychology students. Learn more about the David A. Johnson Undergraduate Research Travel Award, the Margret Appel Honors Research Award, and several other scholarship opportunities.
Local organizations may also offer financial aid. The Foundation for Psychology in Ohio, for example, offers various scholarships including the Inez Beverly Prosser Scholarship for African American psychology students and the Michael Sullivan Diversity Scholarship. The Ohio Women in Psychology Grant funds research, training, and community service projects related to women’s issues.
For more details on how you can fund your psychology degree at a top program in Ohio, visit the STEPS financial aid guide and scholarships guide.
Job Outlook and Earnings Potential for Psychology Grads in Ohio
Psychology is a growing field. This is especially true in Ohio, where state data shows strong job growth within the field of psychology. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the jobs for psychologists are projected to jump 6 percent nationwide. In contrast, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services predicts an increase of 9.5 percent in psychology-related jobs.
Salaries in Ohio track closely to the national average. The national median annual wage for a psychologist is $85,330 as of May 2022. In Ohio, the annual mean wage is $105,710 — higher than the national average.
| Job Growth Rate (2022-2032) | Average Annual Openings (2022-2032) | Annual Mean Wage (2022) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychiatric Aid | 9.5% | 30 | $36,870 |
| Clinical Psychologist | 9.4% | 30 | $105,710 |
| School Psychologist | 8.3% | 20 | $84,610 |
| Psychiatrist | 12.5% | 20 | $239,690 |
Sources: Projections Central,Bureau of Labor Statistics
Ohio Psychology Professional and Student Resources
- Early Career Psychologists of the Ohio Psychological Association
This Facebook group is open to anyone interested in or working in the field of psychology. The public group has 302 members who often post about networking opportunities, job announcements, and psychology-related news. - The Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities
This organization provides education, develops policies, and seeks support for initiatives that expand and improve mental health and substance abuse prevention, treatment, and recovery support services throughout the state. The group works with a variety of governmental agencies and individuals in recovery. - Ohio Board of Psychology
The Ohio Board of Psychology provides examinations and licensing to those who plan on working with patients. Additionally, it investigates complaints and maintains accountability among state psychologists, school psychologists, supervised providers, and licensure applicants. - Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services
This organization oversees 50 county-based boards and hundreds of community agencies that provide addiction and mental health services statewide. It also publishes annual state reports, provides licensure and certification resources, and organizes training workshops. - Ohio Psychological Association
The Ohio Psychological Association is the seventh largest state psychological association in the country. The organization provides educational and professional resources such as live webinars, training workshops, and information on upcoming events and conferences.
