Department of Psychology
As a psychology student at Otterbein, you will be treated as an individual. You will have numerous opportunities for personal and professional development, working side-by-side with your professors. This is an excellent program for students who want to be involved and engaged in the classroom and beyond.
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B.A.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
The B. A. in Psychology is a broad-based curriculum designed to develop your knowledge base in psychology, enhance your scientific reasoning skills, build your sense of ethically and socially responsible behavior, and strengthen your communication skills to help you gain the academic and practical preparation for a fulfilling career or graduate study.
B.S.
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
The B.S. in Psychology enhances the B.A. degree by incorporating additional seminar, capstone, and research courses to better prepare you for graduate coursework in Master’s and Doctoral level Psychology programs.
Student, Faculty, & Alumni Spotlights
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
My favorite thing about majoring in psychology here at Otterbein is the connection aspect. The major offers so many opportunities to meet new people through classes and events. I have been able to come out of my shell and really get to know myself and those around me. I would advise incoming students to put yourself out there and let yourself been seen! Having a presence and connecting will make all the difference!
Kyla Jenkins ’28
Psychology Major
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
The Psychology department has provided me with ample opportunities to grow both academically and professionally. Thanks to the professional development program, I feel increasingly confident stepping into the workforce after graduation. But what makes the program even more special is the warmth of the “Psych House”. It’s not just a house—it’s a home. The professors connect personally with each student, and their office doors are always open. I am grateful to be welcomed into such a tight-knit, empowering community of scholars and learners.
Aubree Whanger ’28
Psychology and English Double Major with Minor in WGSS
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Psychology at Otterbein is truly special thanks to all of the faculty who go above and beyond to support students’ success. They are always willing to help with just about anything, and you can tell they really care about their students.
Mitchell Patterson ’26
Psychology and Sustainability Studies Double Major with a Minor in Art History and Visual Culture
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
My favorite thing about majoring in Psychology at Otterbein is the faculty. They are personable and insightful, and they always look out for you and set you up for success. We have a wide range of faculty with diverse experiences and backgrounds, and the classes have great content thanks to their specialties. My favorite class is a tie between Research Methods, where we get to design our own studies, and Psychology of Women, where we discuss modern issues and their effects on the psyche of different populations.
Nick Hyatt ’26
Psychology Major
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
One of my favorite things about Otterbein is the ability to work with professors. Getting to know professors is an excellent way to create connections and experience cool opportunities!
Alex Faust ’25
Psychology and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Double Major
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
When I look back on my time at Otterbein, I’m enormously grateful for all the opportunities I’ve been given through my connections with professors and the program. Being accepted into the Early Pathway has allowed me to get a jumpstart on my graduate studies with the benefits of continued support from Otterbein and at reduced cost.
Isabel Elliott ’25
Psychology & Women’s, Gender, & Sexuality Studies Double Major
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
I am so thankful for the journey I have had so far at Otterbein. Engaging in psychological research, studying mental processes, and crafting a senior thesis are just a few experiences that have helped me develop useful skills for my field. Most notably, I was given an opportunity to participate in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Early Pathway Program at Antioch University. By taking these graduate-level classes during my senior year at Otterbein, I am gaining a foundation for a future in mental health counseling. I feel prepared and excited for the academic and professional journey that lies ahead.
Leah Locke ’25
Psychology Major
Otterbein students are almost twice as likely to be admitted to graduate school compared to the national average.
Otterbein Psychology graduates go on to successful careers in fields like Counseling, Education, Forensic Psychology, Business, and Sport Psychology.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
The love and support all my Psych professors have shown me is beyond words. They have supported me at my lowest and highest moments. This is why I chose Otterbein.
Othni Obas ’23
Psychology Major
College and Career Navigator at I Know I Can
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Otterbein truly prepared me to excel, and I don’t say that lightly. I have entered many roles, rooms, and spaces with the confidence that I was genuinely prepared academically, professionally, and socially—more so than usual. Otterbein invested in me, which has inspired me to give back to the University whenever I can and invest the same way into other organizations around me. Otterbein has always been my biggest supporter, and I will always be proud supporter of Otterbein as well.
Tonia Dunson-Dillard ’20
Public Health Education and BA Psychology with Heath Communication minor
Doctorate Student and Student Success Coordinator for New York State’s Empire State University
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
At Otterbein, I was deeply engaged with research across several labs, which ultimately confirmed my passion for research. I worked closely with amazing faculty who pushed and encouraged me. In fact, I even co-authored two research publications!
Amanda Dakermanji ’14
Psychology Major
User Experience Analyst at Epic Games
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Due to smaller class sizes (at Otterbein), there was more individualized attention and it allowed for a richer discussion and more thorough understanding of class material. I benefited from this more personalized experience.
Drew Markley ’14
Psychology Major
Addiction Specialist on Medication Assisted Treatment team at MetroHealth
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
The research experience I received at Otterbein University was simply amazing. … I took a research practicum class, participated in the Honors Program (in which one must conduct an experiment and write a thesis with the help of an advisor), and had a funded research assistantship, which is almost unheard of for undergraduate students.
Michelle Wang ’15
Psychology Major
Research Assistant at Applied Decision Science
| If you’re interested in… | …try a class in: |
| How the mind works > | Cognitive Psychology |
| How to promote mental health > | Psychotherapy |
| How people relate to each other > | Social Psychology |
| How infants and children develop > | Child and Adolescent Development |
| How to conduct psychological tests > | Psychological Assessment |
Department Features & Student Opportunities
Careers & Graduate Studies
Our graduates have had excellent success finding appropriate positions immediately following graduation.
Student Involvement & Awards
We view our students as part of a scholarly community.
Psychology Facilities
Our facilities are designed to drive your personal and professional development and to help you work side-by-side with your professors.
Psychology Department News
Beyond self-help: Professor Noam Shpancer releases book on skills behind psychological health with “Mental Fitness 101”
News - April 23, 2026
By Drakko Harper ’26 Imagine an ideal version of yourself. Usually, the first image that comes to mind is an external marker of success: a stable career, a comfortable home, and strong relationships, all accomplished with ease. Far less do we imagine how this ideal person thinks or how they learned the skills for long-term mental health by confronting fear, uncertainty, and disappointment without collapsing under them. This kind of internal progress is exactly what psychologist Noam Shpancer explores in…
Otterbein’s Chapter of Psi Chi Inducts New Members
News - March 3, 2025
The Department of Psychology at Otterbein University proudly inducted 11 new members to its chapter of Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology. Psi Chi is an international organization of professionals, scientists, faculty, students, and alumni whose mission is to recognize and promote excellence in the science and application of psychology. Students with at least a sophomore standing qualify for membership by achieving a GPA in the top 35% of their class, among other requirements. Current members, new inductees,…
Congratulations to Otterbein Psychology Graduate Recipients of 2024 Alumni Awards
News - November 8, 2024
On Friday, September 20, 2024, Otterbein University celebrated our 2024 Alumni Award recipients during Homecoming & Family Weekend. The psychology department extends a heartfelt congratulations to the following program alumni who were recognized for their accomplishments within their field: Melissa Briggs-Phillips ’95, Otterbein Alumni Award. Amanda Dakermanji ’14, Rising Star Award Otterbein University recognizes individuals across a wide range of professions who have demonstrated excellence in one or more of the following areas: Advancement of intellectual curiosity, either professionally or…Our Institutional Partners
