Psychology Department

Psychology

Specialized study in psychology within the context of the broader goals of a liberal arts education.

The psychology program at Eastern Oregon University promotes an understanding of behavior, provides an understanding of the foundations of psychology as a scientific discipline, integrates the influence of psychology on contemporary thought, and promotes skills in scientific research. An undergraduate degree in psychology prepares students for entry into graduate and professional schools and prepares students for entry-level positions in the helping professions.

Students receiving a degree will have:

  • A basic understanding of the core branches of psychology, which include – learning; development; cognitive; sensation and perception; emotion; motivation; biological bases of behavior; abnormal behavior; and evolution of behavior.
  • The ability to read and discuss primary research in psychology.
  • The ability to design and carry out a research project.
  • Developed skills in scientific writing.
  • The ability to prepare a professional presentation of research.
  • The ability to understand and evaluate research models and statistics.
  • General computer literacy
  • Knowledge in selected specialized areas of the discipline.

Applied vs. Experimental


To ensure successful admission to graduate programs in psychology, students should work closely with a faculty adviser to select coursework that meets EOU’s major requirements and prepares them for their intended careers. For those interested in experimental psychology, it is essential to have a robust undergraduate background in various subdisciplines and psychological research, including foundational courses, advanced topics, statistics, and a capstone project.

For students aiming for applied psychology careers, such as counseling or social work, graduate programs often follow the scientist-practitioner model, valuing both scientific research and practical application. A strong undergraduate preparation in psychology, comprehensive learning across subdisciplines, and practical experience in the community (e.g., practicum) are crucial for acceptance into Masters programs in counseling and clinical psychology.

Online Psychology Degree


Plan your Psychology degree program early in your undergraduate career. The Psychology Program follows a course sequence model. General Psychology (PSY 201 & PSY 202), Writing in Psychology (PSY 222), and Introduction to Laboratory Methods (PSY 223) should be taken during your first year at EOU. Writing in Psychology (PSY 222) should be completed either before or concurrently with your first 300-level psychology core knowledge elective course. After completing those courses, PSY 303, Statistics & Experimental Design (STAT 327), and one other 300-level Psychology elective, you should submit an Admit to Program form for approval.

Please contact Dr. Timmermann for any advising questions specifically related to the online Psychology program.

Contact: Prof. DeAnna Timmermann, dtimmerm@eou.edu, 541-962-3679.

How to get started


EOU Admissions Office
Email: admissions@eou.edu
Phone: 800-452-8639

“I love the flexibility of EOU’s online program. Doing school work online allows me to keep a full time job, which means farther down the road I will have less debt. It’s a great trade-off.”

Mikayla Baird
Psychology
Milton-Freewater, Ore.

Get Involved

Psychology Club

Join the psychology club and get involved with a community of students working hard to excel in academics and leverage experiential learning on campus and beyond.

Student Research

Research experience is a key aspect of preparation for graduate school and for many careers in psychology. Here is some information on different types of research experience opportunities for students, and some information on the capstone research experience for both on-campus and online students.