Psychology’s student-to-professor ratio now over 40:1

At a university where the official student to faculty ratio is 25:1, the more than 40:1 ratio of the Oregon State University psychology department is leaving many students out of class and worried for their future.

"You can wind up not taking any psychology classes in a term," said Jon Loetscher, a declared psychology major.

Junior Stephanie Moyle said, "I don't even feel like a psychology major, because it's been so long since a psychology class… I'm concerned that I'm going to have to stay here for five or more years if this continues."

The number of psychology majors passed 700 in the fall, leaving the 10 departmental professors struggling to meet demand.

"It's been going on for years," said John Edwards, associate professor and chair of the psychology department.

Edwards pointed to recent student growth and the major's popularity within the university as the prime causes. "Enrollment increases hit us harder than the smaller majors. When I started here in 1995 we had about 300 majors. It's been accelerating."

The department is not only affected by the new psychology students, but by the entirety of the rising student body at OSU as well. "There are over 30 different degree programs that require one or more of our classes. That's not including Bacc Core," Edwards said. "We have some of the most popular Bacc Core classes."

The major's structure is also a minor cause. "You have to take them all in order, and if the first one isn't there then you have to take an elective. If you can't get into the first one, it can be kind of a waste of a term," Loetscher said regarding the core of the major, many courses of which are also offered as Bacc Core classes.

"At the 200 level we get a lot of pressure from the other students," said Edwards.

This has left a large number of senior psychology students scrambling to fill their degree requirements, which in turn blocks up the classes for the younger students. When asked how she felt about her academic future, Moyle said, "I've considered switching schools very seriously. I'm still considering it. If I can't get into a psychology class next term, I will have to switch."

Even though Edwards admits that he's "probably in the red budget-wise on instruction," he encouraged psychology students to stay with the program. The school has been expanding to meet demand. "A few years ago we were down to six tenure track professors… It's just slower than the students would like, we have to do everything on a year schedule, which isn't ideal for someone registering for winter term."

For now, he advises students in need of psychology credits to stick it out, saying "We've got a full set of summer classes, (and) I'm not a big advocate of on-campus students doing e-campus, but it's a good pressure release."

There is hope, however, for increased on-campus classes. "The dean's been very supportive," Edwards said. "We'll have two new tenure track professors next year."

He maintains confidence that new professors will lighten the load. "I see the light now, but a few years ago I wasn't so sure."

Evan Anderson, staff reporter

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