The B.S. in Psychology is designed to provide a knowledge base of current methods, content areas, and theories. It seeks to facilitate the development of intellectual skills and characteristics that enhance the student's lifelong personal and career success. The program begins with a general psychology course and includes courses in scientific reasoning in psychology, quantitative methods and experimental design. Additional coursework is selected from a broad range of available courses. Students are encouraged to pursue breadth across the areas of psychology, particularly when planning for advanced study in psychology. The department does, however, identify sets of courses particularly relevant for students interested in health psychology, clinical, industrial/organizational, or human factors (engineering) psychology.
Program Highlights
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Opportunity to participate in psychological research projects
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Opportunities for experiential learning in the form of internships or practicums
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Opportunities to engage in five psychology-related student organizations
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Offers students four particular areas of interest within the Psychology program: Health Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Human Factors Psychology, Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Careers
Check out these ideas from ODU's Center for Career & Leadership Development and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.
Social and Human Service Assistants
Assist in providing client services in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, or social work, including support for families. May assist clients in identifying and obtaining available benefits and social and community services. May assist social workers with developing, organizing, and conducting programs to prevent and resolve problems relevant to substance abuse, human relationships, rehabilitation, or dependent care.
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
Teach courses in psychology, such as child, clinical, and developmental psychology, and psychological counseling. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists
Apply principles of psychology to human resources, administration, management, sales, and marketing problems. Activities may include policy planning; employee testing and selection, training and development; and organizational development and analysis. May work with management to organize the work setting to improve worker productivity.
School Psychologists
Investigate processes of learning and teaching and develop psychological principles and techniques applicable to educational problems.
Requirements
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Complete 6 credits of Written Communication (ENGL 110 + another composition course)
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Complete Psychology 201, Math 102 or 103 (or higher Math), all with a grade of C or better
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Maintain an overall GPA and Psychology GPA of 2.0
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Complete 30 earned credit hours
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Until you complete these requirements, you should be advised by the College of Sciences advising team, located in the Advising Suite in MGB 236. After having completed these requirements, you can declare a Psychology major. To do this, you MUST attend a Declaration Session. See the bulletin board outside MGB 246 for Major Declaration Sessions
Transfer
At ODU, we understand that as a transfer student you have unique needs that require a wide array of campus resources. The Center for Advising Administration and Academic Partnerships aims to create a transfer inclusive culture that supports the successful...
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Cost
Estimated rates for the 2024-25 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.
Ways to Save
Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ODU. For more information visit University Student Financial Aid.
The Sarah E. Armstrong Science Scholarship Endowment
The Sarah E. Armstrong Science Scholarship Endowment was established in 2002 in memory of Sarah E. Armstrong. The recipient must be a full-time student who has been accepted into the College of Sciences and must have an overall cumulative 3.2 grade point average.
The Science Museum of Eastern Virginia Prize
The Science Museum of Eastern Virginia Prize was established by the Science Museum Association of Eastern Virginia in 1998. The award is given to one or more junior students majoring in biology, chemistry, computer science, geology, math, oceanography, physics or psychology. The recipient(s) must have at least a 3.25 grade point average.
*The A. Kenneth Scribner Science Scholarships
*The A. Kenneth Scribner Science Scholarships are made possible by the family of the late Mr. Scribner, former president of Virginia Chemicals, Inc. and a former member of the Old Dominion University Board of Visitors. Established in 1978, the scholarships assist students majoring in science or a science-related field who have demonstrated financial need and show capability and industry in scientific studies. Preference is given to graduates of Hampton Roads public schools. (FAFSA)
Michael Greenspan/ODU Psychology Study Abroad Scholarship
Michael Greenspan/ODU Psychology Study Abroad Scholarship - This award is given each year for a selected Psychology Major to study psychology at one of ODU's partner institutions in the United Kingdom. Students interested in this opportunity should contact the ODU Study Abroad Office.