Why study Psychology?

Psychology is the scientific study of the behavior of animals and humans. Psychology majors develop strong research and analytical skills while exploring all phases of human life. They study behavior of individuals and groups, both the well-adjusted and the dysfunctional. Students of psychology are interested in conducting research to discover patterns of human behavior, as well as in applying psychological principles and techniques to solving social and individual problems.

Career Possibilities

A BS in psychology can be a pre-professional degree, leading to graduate study in psychology or other fields. The master's degree is generally the minimum professional degree for licensing or certification of psychologists who work in education, business, hospitals, clinics, prisons and private practice.

The strong critical thinking skills, along with the abilities to research, write and understand human behavior, developed in the bachelor of science degree are highly valued in a wide range of positions in industry, business, law and social services.

Career possibilities (some of which will require completion of graduate programs) include:

• Human resources
• Program evaluation
• Marketing research
• Data analysis
• Casework
• Clinical, research or school psychology
• College or university professor
• Mental health work
• Research psychology

Minoring in Psychology

The minor in psychology requires a total of 18 credit hours. Students must complete the sequence of Introduction to Psychology, PSYC1001, for 3 credits. In addition, students must complete 15 credits of coursework in psychology at the 2000 level or above.

Major Maps

• Guide: Psychology (BS) Curriculum

UC Advantages and Special Opportunities

Students in the UC College of Arts and Sciences enjoy many benefits afforded through study at a research-intensive institution ranked among the nation's top 25 public research universities. UC's urban, Tristate location offers exciting opportunities for global education, research and service learning, while its student-centered focus includes an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, a nationally recognized Center for Exploratory Studies and a highly successful First Year Experience program that teaches critical skills for first-year students and provides connections with important campus resources.

Special Programs

Honors Program
Qualified majors are automatically invited to participate in an honors program culminating in independent research. The department supports fieldwork and internships, as well as opportunities in research and teaching assisting. Students can also become involved in Psi Chi, the National Psychology Honor Society.

Admission Requirements

Freshmen applicants, please visit the Admission Requirements page for more information.

Transferring to UC Requirements

Admission to A&S is generally available for any off-campus student who was admissible directly from high school and has a cumulative 2.0 GPA and a 2.0 in the most recent institution.

Students who were not admissible directly from high school must have:

• 24 semester (36 quarter) hours earned
• at least a cumulative 2.0 GPA and a 2.0 at most recent institution

University transfer scholarships are available to those who meet specific requirements and ANY admitted A&S transfer student might qualify for an A&S transfer scholarship. Deadlines and eligibility criteria are online via the previous links.

For any inquiries please contact us at artsci@ucmail.uc.edu.

For more information, visit the Transfer and Transition Advising Center. 

Transfer students should apply using our transfer student online application. 

Transfer Articulation Agreements & Pathways 

UC has developed clear pathways (articulation agreements) between select associate degrees at partner institutions and compatible bachelor’s degrees at UC. Each pathway includes a Transfer Degree Map that offers a semester-by-semester course comparison to assist with your transfer planning.

The following institutions have Transfer Degree Maps for this major:

• Sinclair Community College 

Changing Majors within UC Requirements

Admission to A&S is generally available for University of Cincinnati students enrolled in other colleges if they were admissible directly from high school, have a cumulative 2.0 GPA and a 2.0 in their most recent UC college.

Graduation Requirements

To graduate from the UC College of Arts and Sciences, students must:

• Earn at least 120 credits. This can include transfer credit, AP credit and free electives, but does not include preparatory coursework. Students who have met all other degree requirements must continue earning credit until the total number of their earned hours comes to at least 120.
• Attain a 2.0 grade point average for all courses taken at the University of Cincinnati.
• Be in good academic standing, that is, not on either academic probation or disciplinary probation or suspension.
• Complete the residency requirement by earning at least 30 credits after matriculating into the university.
• Complete all of the requirements of at least one major (see major requirements above).
• Complete the College Core Requirements.
• Submit an application for graduation to the registrar's office by their posted deadline.

Application Deadlines

While midyear admission is possible, fall semester is generally the best time to enter the college, since many course sequences begin in that semester. Applicants to the UC College of Arts and Sciences who are enrolled or who were previously enrolled as degree-seeking students in A&S or in other UC colleges should apply for admission directly to A&S (in French West, 2nd Floor). All other applicants who wish to earn an undergraduate degree from A&S should apply through the Office of Admissions (3rd Floor, University Pavilion).

Accreditation