Psychology

The Psychology degree at OBU has a long history of academic excellence. Our students score among the top in the nation on standardized tests of psychology field knowledge. Every year we have students present their own research at regional psychology conferences and several of our students have won awards for their research. Plus, at OBU, you can also pursue degrees in forensic psychology and pre-counseling.

Benefits of OBU Psychology Program

With a psychology degree from OBU, you will obtain the knowledge and training required for careers or graduate study in the field of psychology. Within our courses, OBU faculty encourage and facilitate the integration of faith with knowledge and understanding of the field of psychology.

Forensic Psychology

A forensic psychology degree from OBU allows you to combine two distinct areas of interest — the law and the mind. Television shows about criminal justice that have highlighted the exciting features of this fascinating career have drawn more students into these programs nationwide.

The Forensic Psychology program prepares you for careers in evaluating those accused of crimes as well as conducting research and experiments.

Pre-Counseling

The Psychology: Pre-Counseling degree has been tailored specifically for students who know they want to pursue a career in counseling. The degree includes specialized courses in counseling theory and practice not typically found in most undergraduate psychology programs. Furthermore, the degree contains some flexibility of courses to accommodate students with a wide range of counseling interests.

Incredible Education, Affordable Cost.

OBU provides a minimum $10,000 per year scholarship to every incoming first-time freshman and $8,000 to every incoming transfer student. And you could qualify for even more financial aid! Many of our students also receive money through federal Pell grants and OBU Bison Grants.

To get an estimate of what your cost to attend OBU might be, please check out our Net Price Calculator. We think you’ll be pleasantly surprised with how affordable an OBU education really is. Especially considering the incredible academic quality, personal mentor relationships with faculty and staff, and strong Christian commitment you will experience at OBU. You won’t find an experience like this anywhere else!

Program Information

Labs and Resources

Your experience will include a lab-based statistics course where you will conduct an independent research project on a topic of your choice. In the lab you will learn to use relevant statistical software to analyze data and form conclusions.

You will also learn counseling techniques in our Counseling Lab. Simulated counseling sessions occur behind a one-way mirror for the class to observe.

Research

You will have multiple opportunities to engage in research, including conducting research as part of your statistics course. You also will propose an independent research project in the Research Methods course and can carry out additional research projects by enrolling in a Research Practicum or Independent Study.

OBU students were recently recognized by the international psychology honor society, Psi Chi, as having received more Psi Chi Research awards over the past decade than any other school in the Southwest region.

Internships

OBU psychology students have several internship opportunities (we call them practicums). This includes the Shawnee Youth and Family Resource Center, Gateway Drug Rehabilitation Center, Baptist Children’s Home, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, and Harvest Farms equine therapy for disabled children.

Professional Networking Opportunities

As an OBU psychology student you will have the opportunity every year to attend local or regional conferences like the Southwestern Psychological Association conference. Some students go to present their research while others go to learn about current research trends and network with students and faculty from other universities. Some OBU students have been recruited into graduate programs while attending conferences.

Job Opportunities and Outcomes

With a psychology degree from OBU you are not locked-in to someone else’s goals for your future. Some of our psychology graduates enter careers immediately while others choose to go on to earn graduate degrees. OBU students have entered careers at adoption agencies; in community development, consumer research and counseling; as a criminal researcher, family life educator, human resources manager, social worker, teacher; or in law enforcement, among many others.

Program Options

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

World-Class Faculty

OBU faculty are experts in their fields and will be with you every step of the way.

Dr. Bret Roark

Chair, Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Ralph and Marie Barby Professor of Psychology
Professor of Psychology

Become a Future Shaper

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