Department of Psychology

Welcome to the exciting world of UA Psychology
We are the Psychology Department at The University of Akron; we are a busy, active, and thriving place. We encourage anyone interested in psychology as a major, minor or for graduate studies to visit us. Our faculty are dedicated and provide high quality teaching both in the classroom and one-on-one in our research labs.
Whether you're a prospective student, current student or just checking us out, if you have any questions please email me directly at jstanley@uakron.edu.
About Us
Explore our labs, clinic, and research spaces all in one building where students and faculty collaborate daily.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs blend theory, research, and applied learning for real-world success.
Faculty and Staff
Our faculty are active researchers, dedicated teachers, and mentors who support student success in class and in the lab.
Inside the Department
Learn more about what makes our academic experience exceptional—from undergraduate opportunities to nationally ranked graduate programs and world-class faculty.
- UA’s Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program is ranked No. 35 in the country in 2023 by Best Accredited Colleges. UA is one of two Ohio universities in the top 50.
- UA’s Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program is ranked No. 273 as Best Undergraduate Psychology in 2024 by US News and World Report Rankings.
- You'll have opportunities to work one-on-one with a faculty member and graduate students on an independent research project.
Take courses in advanced research design and statistics. - Get credit and hands-on experience as part of our Field Experience Seminar.
Students in the UA Honors College, participate in special seminars, research experiences, and many other unique and useful academic opportunities.
We have three graduate programs in Psychology. Each has its own particular emphasis, but all three intersect in: joint research efforts, cross-disciplinary curriculum experiences, a unified foundational curriculum in psychology, and to create a shared psychology community.
- Industrial/Organizational Psychology program, offers doctoral and terminal master's degrees, and is one of the older and more established programs in the country. The I/O doctoral program has been rated in the top ten by most available ranking systems including those based purely on research productivity.
- Counseling Psychology doctoral program has one of the best research track records in the country and consistently has among the best pass rates on the national licensure exam (EPPP).
- The Adult Development and Aging (ADA) program focuses on emotions, behaviors, and cognitions of adults and is the only program like it in the state of Ohio.
Our graduate students come from all over the United States and internationally.
Our faculty is a strong and committed group of teachers/scholars who are passionate about their research, their students, and the educational process.
- All UA psychology faculty publish and present papers regularly and are involved in various professional organizations (e.g., APA, SIOP, GSA, APS).
- Most of our faculty review regularly for scholarly journals and many serve on editorial boards and as editors and associate editors of journals.
- Our faculty value high quality teaching in both in the classroom and one-on-one in our research labs.
- UA’s Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program is ranked No. 35 in the country in 2023 by Best Accredited Colleges. UA is one of two Ohio universities in the top 50.
- UA’s Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program is ranked No. 273 as Best Undergraduate Psychology in 2024 by US News and World Report Rankings.
- You'll have opportunities to work one-on-one with a faculty member and graduate students on an independent research project.
Take courses in advanced research design and statistics. - Get credit and hands-on experience as part of our Field Experience Seminar.
Students in the UA Honors College, participate in special seminars, research experiences, and many other unique and useful academic opportunities.
We have three graduate programs in Psychology. Each has its own particular emphasis, but all three intersect in: joint research efforts, cross-disciplinary curriculum experiences, a unified foundational curriculum in psychology, and to create a shared psychology community.
- Industrial/Organizational Psychology program, offers doctoral and terminal master's degrees, and is one of the older and more established programs in the country. The I/O doctoral program has been rated in the top ten by most available ranking systems including those based purely on research productivity.
- Counseling Psychology doctoral program has one of the best research track records in the country and consistently has among the best pass rates on the national licensure exam (EPPP).
- The Adult Development and Aging (ADA) program focuses on emotions, behaviors, and cognitions of adults and is the only program like it in the state of Ohio.
Our graduate students come from all over the United States and internationally.
Our faculty is a strong and committed group of teachers/scholars who are passionate about their research, their students, and the educational process.
- All UA psychology faculty publish and present papers regularly and are involved in various professional organizations (e.g., APA, SIOP, GSA, APS).
- Most of our faculty review regularly for scholarly journals and many serve on editorial boards and as editors and associate editors of journals.
- Our faculty value high quality teaching in both in the classroom and one-on-one in our research labs.
Explore More
Learn more about what PSYC has to offer including research oppertunities, confidnetial counseling, and career and academic and career advising.
Research
Join faculty-led projects or conduct your own. Students at all levels are involved in hands-on psychological research.
Counseling Clinic
Free, confidential mental health services delivered by supervised doctoral students using current interventions and a collaborative care model.
Advising and Careers
Get guidance on course planning, grad school, or career goals through personalized advising and career-focused resources.
Oppertunities to Engage and Support
Discover ways to enrich your experience, connect with peers and alumni, and support future psychology students at UA.
The Department of Psychology offers scholarships and awards created by alumni, faculty, and friends to recognize outstanding students and support their academic journey.
Learn More
Stay connected to the Department of Psychology and make a difference in the lives of future students. Whether you choose to mentor, speak to a class, or make a financial gift, your involvement helps strengthen our programs and expand opportunities for the next generation of psychologists. Visit our giving page to learn more about how to get involved.
Psychology students can get involved outside the classroom through active, student-led organizations. These groups promote academic and professional development, community engagement, and peer support.
Popular options include:
Psi Chi: International Honors Society in Psychology, University of Akron Chapter
The University of Akron Chapter of PSI CHI, the International Honor Society.
Women in Psychology
A student-led organization that empowers women and non-binary students interested in psychology. Open to both undergraduate and graduate students, the group offers opportunities for mentorship, networking, and professional development in a supportive and inclusive community.
Contact Us
Reach out to the Department of Psychology for questions about programs, advising, research opportunities, or getting involved.
Primary Contact: Dr. Jennifer Stanley, Chair, Department of Psychology
Email: jstanley@uakron.edu
Location: College of Arts & Sciences Building, Room 341
Phone: 330-972-7280