If you want to pursue a path that lets you make a meaningful difference in people’s lives and positively impact your community, a degree in psychology may be the right choice for you. Whether you’re just starting your educational journey or you already have an undergraduate degree and want to deepen your expertise, this STEPS guide has you covered. Explore the different psychology degrees available, discover what careers they can lead to, and browse our list of Ohio’s best online psychology programs.Best Online Psychology Degree Programs in Ohio (OH)
Psychology Associate Degrees in Ohio
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 you’ve completed during an associate program can be applied toward a bachelor’s degree.
Sinclair Community College
Sinclair Community College’s psychology associate degree program teaches the basics of human behavior so students develop the reasoning and problem-solving skills needed to interpret the meaning and causes of different types of behavior. The curriculum also emphasizes human communication, so you can gain an understanding of how verbal and nonverbal communication impacts relationships. Students learn the ethical standards that professionals in the field are expected to adhere to in their daily work.
Duration: 24 months
Mode: Online
Cost: $146.03 per credit
Curriculum:
- General Psychology
- Lifespan Human Development
- Abnormal Psychology
- Personality Psychology
- Psychology of Gender
- Social Psychology
- African American Psychology
Psychology Bachelor’s Degrees in Ohio
A bachelor’s degree in psychology from 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 can also open the door to earning advanced degrees.
Ursuline College
Ursuline College offers a psychology bachelor’s degree program that focuses on the theory and practice of psychology. This approach focuses on the psychological principles of the field, so students become well-versed in how principles are applied in real-world settings. In addition, you can choose to concentrate on industrial organizational psychology, with coursework on the principles of management, human resources, labor relations, and organizational behavior. You will also learn how to be an effective leader, a skill you can use in any future career.
Duration: 48 months
Mode: Online
Cost: $1,308 per credit
Curriculum:
- Behavioral Statistics
- Research Methods
- Abnormal Psychology
- Psychological Tests
- Personality Theory
- Cognitive Therapy
Psychology Master’s Degrees in Ohio
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. A master’s degree can lead to more advanced job opportunities in child and family services, social services, human resources, and market research.
Tiffin University
The psychology master’s degree program offered by Tiffin University offers an advanced understanding of social, developmental, and cognitive psychology. Additionally, the curriculum has a strong focus on research, so you’re equipped to perform studies related to human behavior and thought. As a result, since coursework does not emphasize counseling and clinical psychology, it’s important to keep in mind that this program is not designed for those who want to earn a license to practice psychology in Ohio. You will gain the expertise needed to drive the psychology field forward through research which can influence how clinicians work.
Duration: 18 months
Mode: Online
Cost: $630 per credit
Curriculum:
- Developmental Psychology
- Advanced Theories of Personality
- Psychopathology
- Research Design and Analysis
PhD, PsyD, and Graduate Certificates in Ohio
Earning a doctoral degree in psychology opens doors that a master’s degree cannot. Completing a PsyD program in Ohio prepares you to work in a wide range of clinical settings and focuses more on clinical practice and less on research. A PhD in psychology is a highly specialized, research-heavy degree that 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 academic positions at universities, research jobs at government agencies or private companies, or clinical jobs in hospitals or private practices. Also, a graduate certificate expands your knowledge in a particular concentration and can prepare you for a PhD or PsyD program.
Wright State University
Wright State University’s PsyD degree program, accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA), is designed to train students on professional practice. Upon completion, you will be qualified to earn a license or certification from the Ohio Board of Psychology. Coursework builds key competencies that clinical practitioners need, including assessment, supervision, intervention, and consultation skills. In addition, you will learn the values psychology professionals are required to follow.
Duration: 60 months
Mode: On campus
Cost: $680 per hour in-state; $1,145 per hour out-of-state
Curriculum:
- Psychopathology
- Psychometrics
- History and Systems of Psychology
- Professional Ethics
- Integrative Psychotherapy
- Chemical Dependency
- Psychopharmacology
- Health Psychology
- Play Therapy
- Forensic Assessment
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FAQs From Ohio Psychology Students
Is there financial aid available to psychology students?
Yes. A good place to start finding financial aid is to look for school-based scholarships. The Ohio State University and Ohio University offer financial support specific to psychology students.
Local organizations may also offer financial aid. The Ohio Psychological Association, for example, has 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.
Should a psychology degree program be accredited?
Yes. Accreditation means that a program has been vetted for its quality, so you are able to get the education and skills needed to pursue a psychology career. In addition, if you’re interested in a job that requires a license, graduating from an accredited program is necessary. As a result, it’s important to look for programs that have been accredited by the American Psychological Association. If you want to become a school psychologist, look for a program that is accredited by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).
How do I become a licensed psychologist in Ohio?
In order to obtain a psychologist license in Ohio, you should first earn a doctoral degree in psychology or school psychology from an accredited institution. In addition, you’ll be required to participate in 3,600 hours of supervised training, with at least 1,800 completed after you’ve graduated from your doctoral program. The Ohio Board of Psychology also requires candidates to submit their Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) scores and undergo a background check.
Can I choose a psychology specialization in my degree program?
Yes. Generally, you can specialize in a particular area of psychology when you’re in graduate school. In some cases, you may be able to choose a concentration during a bachelor’s degree program. Some of the subsections of psychology you can choose from include forensic, counseling, clinical, school, and abnormal psychology. As you research programs, pay close attention to concentrations being offered and how they align with your professional interests.
Where do psychologists work in Ohio?
Psychologists can find jobs at a number of organizations around the state. Some employers in Ohio that hire psychologists include LifeStance Health, United Schools Network, Akron Children’s Hospital, and Summa Health.
Salary & Career Outlook for Psychology Graduates in Ohio
Area | Occupation | 10th Percentile | 90th Percentile | Median |
---|---|---|---|---|
U.S. | Psychologists | $47,450 | $157,420 | $117,750 |
Ohio | Psychologists | $31,530 | $147,200 | $118,410 |
Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | Psychologists | $35,850 | $133,370 | $116,270 |
Cleveland-Elyria, OH | Psychologists | $27,390 | $136,820 | $118,810 |
Columbus, OH | Psychologists | $59,880 | $133,390 | $119,350 |
Dayton, OH | Psychologists | $85,740 | $157,910 | $124,260 |
Source: Psychologists, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Area | Occupation | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
United States | Psychologists | 56,300 | 59,100 | 2,800 | 5.00% |
Ohio | Psychologists | 1,620 | 1,710 | 90 | 5.60% |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Resources for Psychology Students & Professionals in Ohio
Now that you are familiar with psychology degrees, you may want to learn more. It’s important to continue getting information so you are up to date on the latest developments in the psychology field. The following are some resources to help you stay abreast of developments in psychology and connect with other professionals.
- Early Career Psychologists of the Ohio Psychological Association: This Facebook group is open to anyone interested in or working in the field of psychology. Members of this public group often make posts about networking opportunities, job announcements, and psychology-related news.
- Ohio Board of Psychology: The Ohio Board of Psychology gives 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 with 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 has educational and professional resources such as live webinars, training workshops, and information on upcoming events and conferences.
- 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.
List of the Best Schools for Online Psychology Degrees in Ohio
An ideal program for a busy student’s life likely needs a combination of affordability, accreditation, online learning, and support resources. To take the guesswork out of your research, our data scientists have narrowed down the top school choices for future psychologists. Discover which schools made our list below. You can review our methodology and selection criteria as you consider psychology programs in the state.
Union Institute & University
Cincinnati, Ohio
Private
Kent State University at Kent
Kent, Ohio
Public
Ohio University
Athens, Ohio
Public
Tiffin University
Tiffin, Ohio
Private
Ohio University-Eastern Campus
Saint Clairsville, Ohio
Public
Ohio University-Southern Campus
Ironton, Ohio
Public
Ohio University-Zanesville Campus
Zanesville, Ohio
Public
Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus
Chillicothe, Ohio
Public
Ohio University-Lancaster Campus
Lancaster, Ohio
Public
North Central State College
Mansfield, Ohio
Public
Sinclair Community College
Dayton, Ohio
Public
Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green, Ohio
Public
Notre Dame College
Cleveland, Ohio
Private