We view our students as part of a scholarly community. Many of our classes are hands-on – you may be out in the community teaching adults stress-management skills, collecting data in the laboratory, or working with children in the local schools. Recognition of and appreciation for diversity and cultural issues are important dimensions of our teaching and practice.
Psi Chi Honor Society
The Department of Psychology has a chapter of Psi Chi, the national honor society in psychology.
- Membership
Membership is awarded to qualified women and men studying psychology. Membership in Psi Chi is for life, and the $35 national registration fee is the only payment to the national organization, which does not charge annual dues.
- About Psi Chi
Psi Chi was founded in 1929 for the purposes of encouraging and maintaining excellence in scholarship and advancing the science of psychology. Psi Chi is a member of the Association of American University Honor Societies and is an affiliate of the American Psychological Association (APA) and the American Psychological Society (APS).
- Recognition
Psi Chi provides national recognition for academic excellence in psychology, an honor which can be noted on employment applications, vitae, and resumes. Also, as part of lifetime membership, members receive membership certificates and cards and are eligible to wear honor cords at graduation.
- Awards and Grants
Psi Chi bestows 95 research awards each year and awards numerous grants of up to $1,500 for undergraduate research projects.
- How Do I Join?
To join, please contact the Otterbein psychology department.
Student Research
Often students go beyond their course work and engage in research projects or internships that give them practical experience in an area of their interest. Our students go to conferences around the country where they present their work. Research experience is crucial for any type of graduate program, and it also provides invaluable skills that are desired by employers. The Psychology Department has among the highest levels of participation in the university’s Honors and Distinction programs.
Departmental Honors & Awards
- Benua Foundation Award for Academic Excellence
Given annually to a senior majoring in psychology who gives evidence of superior scholarship and who makes a significant contribution to the vitality and direction of the department.
- Stephen Karsko Memorial Award
Given annually to psychology majors who, in commitment to the total University community, display openness and curiosity and who demonstrate definite leadership skills.
- Felipe Martinez Humanitarian Award
Given annually to a senior majoring in psychology who displays a general humanitarian emphasis both in philosophy and in action, a strong commitment to personal growth and value-education, and an exemplary attitude toward the liberal arts.
- The Joan Niewarsoski Jaschke Memorial Award
Awarded alternately between the departments of Psychology and English to a student(s) enrolled in the Continuing Studies Program who demonstrates excellence and leadership in the areas of psychology or literature.
Faculty Achievements
Read reviews for two psychology professors’ books below:
- Memory Perceived: Recalling the Holocaust by Robert Kraft
- The Good Psychologist by Noam Shpancer