Psychology Degree in Ohio - Best Programs for 2025

What is Psychology?

Interested in becoming a psychologist in Ohio? Psychology is a popular major, especially for those pursuing careers in community service or mental health. Psychology programs vary, but students generally study human behavior, including cognitive, emotional, and social processes. These programs teach observation, interpretation, and research methods to understand how people interact with others and their environment, ultimately aiming to improve the field through their findings.

Psychology is the study of the human mind and behavior, a field that emerged in the late 19th century. It is divided into two main branches: clinical psychology, which focuses on diagnosing and treating mental disorders, and experimental psychology, which scientifically studies human behavior.

Psychologists use methods like experiments, case studies, surveys, and observations to explore the mind and behavior. They often collaborate with experts in fields like medicine, psychiatry, and neuroscience to deepen their understanding of the brain. The goal is to enhance our understanding of ourselves and others, promoting happier, healthier lives.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, psychologist employment is projected to grow by 7% nationwide from 2023 to 2033, which is about average for all occupations, with approximately 14,000 job openings annually. Other community and social service fields may see slightly faster growth. The demand for psychological services in schools, hospitals, mental health centers, and social service agencies is expected to drive this growth. Additionally, the aging population will require more professionals to address mental and physical health changes.

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Top Ranked Campus & Online Psychology Programs in Ohio

1

Ohio State University

Score: 85.83

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,859
- Out-of-State:$38,365
Net Price: $19,582
Acceptance Rate: 53%
Retention Rate: 93%

Graduation Rate: 88%
Total Enrollment: 60,540
Undergrad Students: 46,123
Graduate Students: 14,417
Grads Salary: $77,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

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2

Case Western Reserve University

Score: 85.58

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $64,671
- Out-of-State:$64,671
Net Price: $38,279
Acceptance Rate: 27%
Retention Rate: 93%

Graduation Rate: 86%
Total Enrollment: 12,201
Undergrad Students: 6,017
Graduate Students: 6,184
Grads Salary: $84,000
Student-to-faculty: 9:1

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3

Denison University

Score: 81.51

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $64,000
- Out-of-State:$64,000
Net Price: $38,267
Acceptance Rate: 22%
Retention Rate: 90%

Graduation Rate: 85%
Total Enrollment: 2,416
Undergrad Students: 2,416
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $76,000
Student-to-faculty: 9:1

4

Miami University-Oxford

Score: 79.98

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $17,809
- Out-of-State:$40,025
Net Price: $23,031
Acceptance Rate: 88%
Retention Rate: 89%

Graduation Rate: 81%
Total Enrollment: 19,107
Undergrad Students: 16,864
Graduate Students: 2,243
Grads Salary: $76,000
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

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5

University of Dayton

Score: 79.55

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $47,600
- Out-of-State:$47,600
Net Price: $30,590
Acceptance Rate: 74%
Retention Rate: 88%

Graduation Rate: 81%
Total Enrollment: 11,674
Undergrad Students: 8,416
Graduate Students: 3,258
Grads Salary: $79,000
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

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6

Kenyon College

Score: 78.95

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $69,330
- Out-of-State:$69,330
Net Price: $43,044
Acceptance Rate: 34%
Retention Rate: 88%

Graduation Rate: 87%
Total Enrollment: 1,885
Undergrad Students: 1,885
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $75,000
Student-to-faculty: 9:1

7

Oberlin College

Score: 77.87

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $64,646
- Out-of-State:$64,646
Net Price: $46,462
Acceptance Rate: 35%
Retention Rate: 87%

Graduation Rate: 83%
Total Enrollment: 2,992
Undergrad Students: 2,986
Graduate Students: 6
Grads Salary: $78,000
Student-to-faculty: 9:1

8

Ohio Northern University

Score: 77.64

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $37,800
- Out-of-State:$37,800
Net Price: $27,398
Acceptance Rate: 54%
Retention Rate: 80%

Graduation Rate: 72%
Total Enrollment: 3,015
Undergrad Students: 2,569
Graduate Students: 446
Grads Salary: $76,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

9

University of Cincinnati

Score: 76.6

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,570
- Out-of-State:$30,582
Net Price: $20,149
Acceptance Rate: 86%
Retention Rate: 86%

Graduation Rate: 72%
Total Enrollment: 41,155
Undergrad Students: 29,663
Graduate Students: 11,492
Grads Salary: $74,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

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10

The College of Wooster

Score: 76.4

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $59,550
- Out-of-State:$59,550
Net Price: $28,976
Acceptance Rate: 56%
Retention Rate: 83%

Graduation Rate: 74%
Total Enrollment: 1,967
Undergrad Students: 1,967
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $72,000
Student-to-faculty: 11:1

11

Franciscan University of Steubenville

Score: 75.71

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $32,630
- Out-of-State:$32,630
Net Price: $25,310
Acceptance Rate: 67%
Retention Rate: 86%

Graduation Rate: 76%
Total Enrollment: 3,656
Undergrad Students: 2,785
Graduate Students: 871
Grads Salary: $70,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

12

Cedarville University

Score: 75.5

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $36,078
- Out-of-State:$36,078
Net Price: $25,462
Acceptance Rate: 65%
Retention Rate: 86%

Graduation Rate: 75%
Total Enrollment: 4,960
Undergrad Students: 4,533
Graduate Students: 427
Grads Salary: $70,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

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13

The University of Findlay

Score: 75.23

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $39,646
- Out-of-State:$39,646
Net Price: $24,069
Acceptance Rate: 86%
Retention Rate: 75%

Graduation Rate: 65%
Total Enrollment: 4,869
Undergrad Students: 3,795
Graduate Students: 1,074
Grads Salary: $78,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

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14

Capital University

Score: 75.16

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $41,788
- Out-of-State:$41,788
Net Price: $24,439
Acceptance Rate: 72%
Retention Rate: 78%

Graduation Rate: 61%
Total Enrollment: 2,617
Undergrad Students: 1,938
Graduate Students: 679
Grads Salary: $76,000
Student-to-faculty: 9:1

15

Ohio Wesleyan University

Score: 74.87

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $52,357
- Out-of-State:$52,357
Net Price: $27,311
Acceptance Rate: 52%
Retention Rate: 82%

Graduation Rate: 66%
Total Enrollment: 1,410
Undergrad Students: 1,410
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $72,000
Student-to-faculty: 11:1

16

Xavier University

Score: 74.66

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $48,125
- Out-of-State:$48,125
Net Price: $31,619
Acceptance Rate: 85%
Retention Rate: 84%

Graduation Rate: 74%
Total Enrollment: 6,114
Undergrad Students: 4,852
Graduate Students: 1,262
Grads Salary: $74,000
Student-to-faculty: 11:1

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17

Union Institute & University

Score: 73.64

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,330
- Out-of-State:$14,330
Net Price: $28,463
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 100%

Graduation Rate: 50%
Total Enrollment: 787
Undergrad Students: 481
Graduate Students: 306
Grads Salary: $80,000
Student-to-faculty: 6:1

18

John Carroll University

Score: 73.49

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $49,100
- Out-of-State:$49,100
Net Price: $30,496
Acceptance Rate: 82%
Retention Rate: 86%

Graduation Rate: 78%
Total Enrollment: 2,922
Undergrad Students: 2,417
Graduate Students: 505
Grads Salary: $69,000
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

19

Ohio University

Score: 73.35

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,746
- Out-of-State:$24,114
Net Price: $20,207
Acceptance Rate: 87%
Retention Rate: 79%

Graduation Rate: 65%
Total Enrollment: 24,145
Undergrad Students: 18,113
Graduate Students: 6,032
Grads Salary: $73,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

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20

Baldwin Wallace University

Score: 72.97

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $37,938
- Out-of-State:$37,938
Net Price: $28,705
Acceptance Rate: 77%
Retention Rate: 82%

Graduation Rate: 65%
Total Enrollment: 3,220
Undergrad Students: 2,744
Graduate Students: 476
Grads Salary: $72,000
Student-to-faculty: 9:1

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21

Lake Erie College

Score: 72.24

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $36,032
- Out-of-State:$36,032
Net Price: $22,678
Acceptance Rate: 54%
Retention Rate: 66%

Graduation Rate: 42%
Total Enrollment: 906
Undergrad Students: 738
Graduate Students: 168
Grads Salary: $81,000
Student-to-faculty: 11:1

22

Otterbein University

Score: 71.91

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $34,899
- Out-of-State:$34,899
Net Price: $22,661
Acceptance Rate: 84%
Retention Rate: 79%

Graduation Rate: 69%
Total Enrollment: 2,458
Undergrad Students: 2,173
Graduate Students: 285
Grads Salary: $66,000
Student-to-faculty: 12:1

23

University of Toledo

Score: 71.88

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,377
- Out-of-State:$21,737
Net Price: $17,654
Acceptance Rate: 92%
Retention Rate: 75%

Graduation Rate: 55%
Total Enrollment: 15,545
Undergrad Students: 11,965
Graduate Students: 3,580
Grads Salary: $75,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

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24

Bowling Green State University

Score: 71.72

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,081
- Out-of-State:$22,070
Net Price: $20,485
Acceptance Rate: 79%
Retention Rate: 77%

Graduation Rate: 61%
Total Enrollment: 16,920
Undergrad Students: 13,853
Graduate Students: 3,067
Grads Salary: $71,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

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25

Marietta College

Score: 71.43

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $38,974
- Out-of-State:$38,974
Net Price: $22,895
Acceptance Rate: 83%
Retention Rate: 64%

Graduation Rate: 50%
Total Enrollment: 1,198
Undergrad Students: 1,109
Graduate Students: 89
Grads Salary: $78,000
Student-to-faculty: 9:1

Online Psychology Education in Ohio

Educational services, healthcare, and social assistance is the fourth largest industry in Ohio, accounting for $65.2 billion in revenue each year. As of May 2023, there were 1,350 clinical and counseling psychologists and 1,840 school psychologists employed in the state. These professionals made annual mean wages of $108,690 and $92,240, respectively - well above Ohio’s annual mean wage of $53,170. Additionally, there were 78,290 community and social service professionals working in the state with an annual mean wage of $59,890.

Most colleges and universities offer psychology degrees, making it easy to find programs. Online learning provides flexible scheduling for those with internet access. For students planning to work in Ohio, attending a local institution can be beneficial. Ohio schools have a better understanding of the state's job market and often build relationships with local companies, helping students secure internships and improving job prospects for alumni.

Earning a psychology degree opens the door to various careers, including roles in counseling and psychology. Professionals use their knowledge to identify and address issues like mental illness and conduct research. Many also collaborate with scientists on impactful societal studies.

Find Your Online Psychology Program

There are several types of psychologists, including applied, research, and mental health psychologists. Mental health psychologists work with those experiencing mental distress, applied psychologists use principles to solve real-world problems, and research psychologists conduct studies to advance knowledge in the field. Each requires distinct skills.

Psychologists may conduct studies on behavior and brain function, develop treatment plans, observe individuals in surveys, and write research papers. They often supervise interns and other professionals, especially during required internships and practicums for state licensure.

Counselors focus on helping people lead healthier, happier lives. Depending on their degree, they may work as social workers, therapists, or HR specialists, assisting with social, emotional, and mental health issues. Responsibilities vary by patient demographics and facility needs.

Ohio offers many colleges with psychology degrees at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels, as well as professional certificates. The required degree depends on the desired profession. For social work, an associate degree may be enough, while licensure as a psychologist requires a doctoral degree. Always research education requirements before choosing a program.

Read the UniversityHQ psychology resources and scholarships guide

Online Associates (AS)

Associate degrees in psychology typically require 60 credit hours and take about two years for full-time students to complete. Part-time students may take longer. Programs usually include general liberal arts courses along with psychology-specific instruction, covering topics such as child psychology, social psychology, abnormal psychology, psychology of aging, and counseling.

It's important to realize that graduates at this level will not qualify for Ohio state licensure as professional psychologists. In fact, this type of degree is generally insufficient to obtain many jobs related psychology, especially in competitive job markets. The most common employment outcomes include entry-level jobs as psychiatric technicians and aids or social and human services assistants.

Associate degrees in psychology often serve as a foundation for further studies, with many graduates transferring credits to bachelor’s programs. Most schools accept 60-90 credits from accredited institutions, allowing students to enter as juniors and complete their bachelor’s in about two more years.

National Online Rankings - Top 25 associates in psychology

Online Bachelors (BS)

Bachelor’s degrees in psychology typically consist of 120 credit hours of coursework that takes full-time students approximately four years to complete. This degree in psychology is still an undergraduate degree, which means general liberal arts classes are required. Students will also enroll in many major-specific courses such as social psychology, biological psychology, sensation and perception, criminal psychology and behavior, and instruction to addiction theories. Instruction is often a combination of psychology coursework, labs, and electives. Those enrolled may also be given opportunities to select concentrations in related sub-fields.

Some of the most common specialties are:

Behavioral Psychology
Clinical Psychology
Cognitive and Perceptual Psychology
Counseling Psychology
Addiction Counseling
Engineering Psychology
Organizational Psychology
Research / Experimental Psychology
Forensic Psychology

Graduates often possess the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in a wide variety of careers in social service. They cannot, however, qualify to apply for Ohio state licensure as professional psychologists, though they may be able to work as addiction counselors if they have completed the right courses. Those with this type of degree also tend to do well in business and management.

Alternatively, graduates can qualify for enrollment in master’s degree programs. Undergraduate credits will not transfer, but those who meet minimum grade point average (GPA) and Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test scores expectations can apply for graduate school. Notably, many who studied psychology as undergraduates choose to pursue other majors as the graduate level.

National Online Rankings - Top 25 bachelors in psychology

Online Masters (MS)

Online Master’s degrees in psychology generally consist of between 30 and 60 credit hours of coursework that takes full-time students approximately two years to complete. Program specifics vary, but students are no longer required to take general liberal arts education classes. In most cases, classes focus solely on important topics in psychology, such as the cognitive process and personality theories. Other common courses include social psychology, development psychology, evolutionary psychology, research methods, and theories of personality. Instruction also consists of a combination of classroom learning, research, and practical applications, with some programs delving deeper into research, theory, or clinical work than others.

As with bachelor’s degrees in psychology, many colleges and universities offer students opportunities to specialize in certain sub-fields.

Some of the most common options at this level include:

Educational Psychology
Research
Clinical Psychology
Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience
Industrial-Organizational Psychology
School Psychology

This type of degree can lead to many employment opportunities related to psychology and counseling. While graduates can qualify for jobs as school psychologists, the state of Ohio does not offer professional psychologist licensure to individuals with this degree.

National Online Rankings - Top 25 masters in psychology

Online Doctorate (PhD)

Doctoral degrees in psychology generally consist of between 60 to 90 credit hours that take full-time students five to seven years to complete. Many students begin these programs by taking relevant classes in behavioral assessments, professional ethics, research methods, cognitive development, and neuroscience. After satisfying all instructional requirements, enrollees typically conduct independent study. Prior to graduation, students must write and defend dissertations before a board.

Prospective students will need to choose between the doctor of psychology (PsyD) degree and the doctor of philosophy in psychology (PhD) degree. The PsyD degree is best suited for those interested in clinical work, while the PhD tends to be more appropriate for professionals pursuing careers in research.

Graduates will qualify to apply for licensure through the Ohio Board of Psychology. They can also pursue other employment opportunities in research and education. Only those with doctorate degrees are permitted to teach higher education classes at regionally accredited academic institutions.

National online rankings - PhD in clinical psychology

Become a Psychology Professional in Ohio

The first step to becoming a psychology professional in Ohio is identifying your career goals. Different jobs in the field have specific requirements, so knowing your desired profession will help you choose the right degree program and plan your next steps.

To become a licensed psychologist in Ohio, individuals need a doctorate in clinical or counseling psychology. The Ohio Board of Psychology oversees the licensure process, ensuring the safety and well-being of residents receiving psychological services. Professionals can earn credentials as psychologists or school psychologists.

To become a general psychologist in Ohio, candidates must earn a doctoral degree in psychology or school psychology from an accredited institution. This includes completing 1,500 to 2,000 hours of doctoral internships over at least nine months, with a total of 3,600 qualifying supervised training hours. Applicants must pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP), an oral exam on state laws and regulations, and complete background checks.

School psychologists in Ohio must have a master's degree in school psychology from an accredited institution, demonstrate good moral character, and gain four years of full-time experience in educational settings. They must also pass the PRAXIS-II School Psychologist Exam and an oral exam on state laws. This license permits independent practice outside the education system.

Step 1 - Earn a Bachelor’s Degree: Start with a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field. This typically takes four years.

Step 2 - Pursue a Master’s Degree (Optional): Some students opt to earn a master’s degree in psychology, though it’s not required for those pursuing a doctoral degree.

Step 3 - Earn a Doctoral Degree: Complete a doctoral program in psychology (Ph.D. or Psy.D.), which typically takes 5-7 years. This includes coursework, internships, and a dissertation.

Step 4 - Complete a Supervised Internship: As part of your doctoral program, complete an internship that includes supervised clinical hours to gain hands-on experience.

Step 5 - Pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP): Take and pass the EPPP, a national licensing exam for psychologists.

Step 6 - Apply for State Licensure: Submit your application for licensure to the Ohio Board of Psychology, including transcripts, proof of internship, and EPPP results.

Step 7 - Complete Additional State Requirements: Ohio may require additional exams, such as the Jurisprudence Exam, which covers state-specific laws and ethical guidelines.

Step 8 - Start Practicing as a Licensed Psychologist: Once licensed, you can begin working as a psychologist in Ohio. Continuing education is required for license renewal.

Potential Careers for Psychology Graduates

Those who graduate with a psychology degree will qualify for a wide variety of employment opportunities in Ohio. Responsibilities and salaries will vary, but some of the most common related professions available in the state include the following.

Substance Abuse/Addiction Counselor
Substance abuse and addiction counselors provide counseling and support to patients diagnosed with alcohol and/or drug addictions. These professionals create treatment plans, implement therapeutic treatments, offer individual and group counseling, and evaluate patient progress. They are also responsible for maintaining accurate patient documentation. According to PayScale, substance abuse and addiction counselors make an average base salary of $39,950 per year.
Residential Counselor
Residential counselors provide a wide variety of counseling services to residents of live-in patient facilities. These professionals must be able to create treatment plans for many different demographics, including people with disabilities or addictions, as well as troubled youth and the elderly. They may also provide individual and group counseling in order to assist with crucial situations and/or resolve conflicts between residents. According to PayScale, residential counselors make an average base hourly rate of $14.46, or approximately $39,700 per year.
Mental Health Counselor
Mental health counselors diagnose and treat patients suffering from various mental health problems and illnesses. These professionals often utilize a mixture of one-on-one and group counseling sessions to help patients work through and/or resolve diagnosed conditions. They may also specialize in a particular area of care, such as eating disorders, addiction, and young adult development. According to PayScale, mental health counselors make an average base salary of $44,250 per year.
Grief Counselor
Grief counselors help their clients work through the emotions commonly associated with the death of loved ones. These professionals often guide patients through the various stages of grief, providing support and encouraging healthy coping mechanisms. According to PayScale, grief counselors make an average base salary of $46,850 per year.
School/Guidance Counselor
School and guidance counselors offer information and support to high school students as they work towards achieving personal, academic, social, and development goals. These professionals often provide assistance and conflict resolution, as well as parent consultations, interventions, and service referrals. They also spend time assisting students with college preparation. According to PayScale, school counselors make an average base salary of $51,350 per year.
Clinical Social Worker
Clinical social workers provide therapy-based services to clients who need mental and/or emotional support. These professionals are often responsible for communicating with patients, conducting psychosocial evaluations, coordinate care interactions, and negotiating with third party groups. They may work in various settings such as hospitals, mental health clinics, residential nursing facilities, home healthcare companies, or substance abuse treatment centers. According to PayScale, clinical social workers make an average base salary of $57,600 per year.
Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists evaluate patient symptoms, behaviors, and past medical histories to determine whether or not they have mental disorders. They often use various treatments and/or medications in order to provide recovery assistance. These professionals may also consult with and give guidance to other healthcare professionals. According to PayScale, psychiatrists make an average base salary of $215,600 per year.

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How to Become a Psychologist in Ohio

What is Psychology?

Top Ranked Campus & Online Psychology Programs in Ohio

Denison University

Kenyon College

Oberlin College

Ohio Northern University

The College of Wooster

Franciscan University of Steubenville

Capital University

Ohio Wesleyan University

Union Institute & University

John Carroll University

Lake Erie College

Otterbein University

Marietta College

Online Psychology Education in Ohio

Online Associates (AS)

Online Bachelors (BS)

Online Masters (MS)

Online Doctorate (PhD)

Become a Psychology Professional in Ohio

Potential Careers for Psychology Graduates

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