The Department of Psychology has a long history of graduating majors and minors who make a positive impact on the world through their academic pursuits, professional career, and service to their communities.
The psychology major is designed to enhance and diversify the capabilities of all students. It encourages a breadth of knowledge and challenges students to develop a deep understanding of each major subfield. This curricular model has propelled our graduates into into a wide range of professional careers in the private and public sectors. Major requirements: 3 core courses plus 6 elective courses.
Complete five classes in the major subfields of psychology.
Professor DiLillo studies modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease (such as obesity, physical activity, and stress) and health behaviors in college students.
"As gamers and eHarmony couples can attest, if we approach our online interactions the same way we have always approached in-person communication, then it will be “authentic” because what makes a relationship work is the people, not the format." Read Professor Bailey's article, "There's Nothing Virtual About Online Connections."
In 2020, Professor Modica published research on the associations between Instagram use, selfie-activities, appearance-comparison, and body dissatisfaction in adult men.
Professor Henderson is interested in the effects of social power on employee outcomes, and her research explores incivility in the workplace. When she’s not on campus, she can be found playing vintage video games (Super Nintendo Donkey Kong being a favorite).
Chelsea joined the faculty at Ohio Wesleyan University in the fall of 2020. Her dissertation focused on using mouse models to understand the role of neurotensin signaling in mania-like behavior.
Professor Brandt is the Associate Editor for the journal Analysis of Gambling Behavior. His laboratory research investigates human decision-making.
(From left) Dr. Kira Bailey worked with students Lexi Lease '20, Mickey Rice ’20, and Malia Walker '19 to research “The Effects of Video Game Exposure on Cognitive Control.” Lease says, "Experiences like the SSRP matter because they allow students to transition what they have learned in the classroom to actual concrete practices."
Psychology faculty, like Professor Vicki DiLillo seen here working with Ares Harper '19, are committed to excellence in the classroom, and they work closely with students. Psychology faculty Vicki DiLillo and Melanie Henderson are past recipients of the Sherwood Dodge Shankland Award, which recognizes faculty members with high potential as teachers.