Wilberforce University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology through its College of Arts and Sciences. The program includes a required senior thesis and coursework in research methods. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and is the nation’s oldest private historically Black university, located in Wilberforce, Ohio.
Wilberforce University was founded in 1856 near Xenia, Ohio, making it the nation’s oldest private historically Black university. Affiliated with the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the university draws students from across the country and offers more than 20 liberal arts programs, including psychology at the undergraduate level. Students interested in comparing options can also explore undergraduate psychology programs in the Midwest.
Wilberforce University Accreditation Details
Wilberforce University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), a regional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. HLC accreditation confirms that Wilberforce meets established standards for educational quality and continuous institutional improvement. Individual programs may carry additional accreditation from field-specific agencies.
Wilberforce University Application Requirements
First-time undergraduate applicants need a high school GPA of 2.0 or above, official transcripts, and official SAT or ACT scores.
Transfer students with 30 or more credit hours must submit official transcripts from every institution attended and a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0. Transfer applicants with fewer than 30 credit hours must also include high school transcripts.
Graduate applicants must provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, including documentation of a conferred bachelor’s degree, three letters of recommendation, a completed application form, and an autobiographical statement. GMAT or GRE scores may also be required. Applicants whose primary language is not English may need to submit official TOEFL scores. Graduate applications are reviewed on academic performance, career goals, personal characteristics, writing skills, and leadership ability.
Wilberforce University Tuition and Financial Aid
Full-time undergraduate tuition at Wilberforce University is $13,025 per year. Graduate tuition is $8,682 per year.
Financial aid at Wilberforce is determined on an individual basis. More than 95 percent of incoming first-year students receive some form of assistance, including Wilberforce institutional scholarships and grants, federal and state grants, work-study, and federal Direct and Perkins loans. Students apply through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The Financial Aid Office builds individualized aid packages based on family income, household size, and other factors.
Psychology Programs at Wilberforce University
BA in Psychology
The Psychology program at Wilberforce is offered through the College of Arts and Sciences and leads to a Bachelor of Arts degree. The program covers psychological theory and the study of behavior and mental processes, combining classroom instruction with applied learning experiences inside and outside the university.
One distinctive feature of the program is its senior thesis requirement. All psychology majors complete a thesis in their final year — a project equivalent in scope to a master’s-level research paper — and students who finish a semester early may present their work at professional conferences. The program’s research methods coursework builds skills in conducting and interpreting research, preparing students for graduate school or careers you can pursue with a bachelor’s in psychology across public and private sector settings. Faculty members have published research both nationally and internationally.
For current program availability, degree requirements, and application deadlines, contact the Wilberforce University admissions office or visit the university’s website directly.
Compare accredited psychology programs at other institutions using the tool below.