Psychology

Cynthia McPherson Frantz, Professor of Psychology and Environmental Studies; chair

Sebiha Balci, Visiting Assistant Professor of Psychology
Nancy E. Darling, Professor of Psychology
Patricia Ann deWinstanley, Professor of Psychology
Danielle Godon-Decoteau, Assistant Professor of Psychology
Ledina Imami, Assistant Professor of Psychology
Manasi Jayakumar, Assistant Professor of Psychology
Clinton Merck, Lecturer of Psychology
Peter D. Naegele, Psychology Research Technician
Stacey J. Sinwald, Visiting Assistant Professor of Psychology
Rebecca Totton, Assistant Professor of Psychology
Sara C. Verosky, Associate Professor of Psychology
Travis M. Wilson, Associate Professor of Psychology
Christine S. Wu, Assistant Professor of Psychology

Visit the department web page for up-to-date information on department faculty, visiting lecturers, and special events.

Psychology is the scientific study of human relationships, behavior, thought, and emotion. Its subject matter includes biological, cognitive, cultural, developmental, and social perspectives on normal and abnormal behavior. The Department of Psychology at Oberlin College aims to prepare students for careers in health sciences, business, data science, and the helping professions, as well as for graduate work in psychology, education, law, statistics, health sciences, business, and other areas in which knowledge of psychology and strong analytical skills are relevant.

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Departmental Policies

Advanced Placement Credit

The following score(s) will correspond to credit for the following course(s), fulfilling corresponding prerequisite requirements (if applicable) and counting toward total credits needed for graduation:

AP Psychology, 4 or 5 → PSYC 100 (one full course)
IB HL Psychology, 6 or 7 → PSYC 100 (one full course)

Note: Transfer credit received for PSYC 100 may count toward the psychology major.

Transfer of Credit for Content Taught by the Department

All transfer credit must be approved by the department chair. Students who may wish to transfer credit for psychology courses taken at other institutions should contact the department chair.

Majors, Minors, and Integrative Concentrations

Psychology Major

Curriculum

Independent Work

A variety of opportunities for students to pursue independent work is available at all levels in the curriculum. Both laboratory and non-laboratory research courses are available at junior, senior, and honors levels. Registration for independent work courses requires prior approval of the proposed work by the staff member who will supervise it.