Psychology

Overview

Psychology at Old Dominion University is appropriate for students wishing to develop research skills and knowledge of general psychology appropriate for pursuing study in a doctoral program in psychology or for those seeking the master's as a terminal degree. The curriculum is designed to provide a strong background in research methods and general psychology so that the student will have a wide range of choices for future professional development.

Learning outcomes

This program is not a clinical or counseling training program, and those holding an MS degree in Psychology as their highest degree cannot be licensed as a clinical psychologist in the Commonwealth of Virginia. However, some courses and research areas are relevant to clinical psychology. Some students who intend to pursue clinical training at the doctoral level enter the MS program in order to increase their overall knowledge of the field of Psychology. These students use their MS degree to strengthen their resumes for application to doctoral programs in clinical psychology.

Graduate students are required to work closely with members of the faculty and to participate in the research and other professional activities that are available within the department. In the area of human experimental psychology, studies are being conducted in industrial/organizational psychology and human factors, personality, social behavior, cognitive processes, developmental, and community psychology. Research topics include friendships, memory development in children, parenting, program evaluation, sex roles, and neuropsychological aspects of vigilance, driving behaviors, simulation, substance use, aging, and coping with chronic illness.