Getting Involved in the Psychology Major

What Does It Take to be a Successful Psych Major? Good grades academic expectations likely higher than 2-yr degree But good grades is only the starting point! First-hand experience is just as critical student organizations applied settings research department activities

Student organizations

Psychology Student Organizations Psychology Club Open to all students interested in Psychology Informational & social events, speakers Spring research project Advisor: Dr. McKay

Psychology Student Organizations Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology Eligibility standards: High GPAs, credit hours Informational, volunteer, & social events Advisor: Dr. Foraker and Dr. Kamper-DeMarco

Psychology Student Organizations Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Open to all students interested in Human Resources Network locally and nationally Advisor: Dr. Delprino Psychology Students Interested in Community Outreach (PSICO) Open to all students interested in community service Raise money to sponsor a charity or cause during the holidays Advisor: Dr. DiPirro

Applied settings

Applied Experiences for Academic Credit Field Internship (PSY 488) Complete 150 hours (12 hours per week) at community setting Weekly internship class At least second-semester junior, at least 2.5 GPA Information session about mid-semester Fill out formal application Need a faculty/professional recommendation Must be approved before registration Internship coordinators: Dr. Norvilitis and Dr. Zborowski (alternating)

Applied Experiences for Academic Credit Internship sites include: school psychology in Niagara Falls Schools school counseling at Gateway Longview work with refugees at Journey's End, International Institute work with serious mental illness at Transitional Services, Inc. inpatient psychological care at Buffalo Psychiatric Center substance abuse work at Northpointe Council Center for Health and Social Research

Applied Experiences for Academic Credit Teaching Internship (PSY 488) Assist a faculty member with a class in which you have excelled Typical duties include leading test review sessions holding office hours helping with grading Statistics (PSY 306) Research Methods (PSY 450W), other 300-level courses

Applied Experiences within Courses Volunteer-Service Learning Courses require service connected to course objectives & community needs 15-40 hours, depending on course can do in many departments (2 courses in PSY) Center for Civic and Community Engagement

Volunteer Applied Experiences Volunteer for community organizations related to psychology flexibility in # of hours opportunities within walking distance Psychology Club, Psi Chi Active Minds chapter Center for Civic and Community Engagement Career Development Center

research

Research Experience for Academic Credit Independent Study (PSY 499) 1 semester work closely with a faculty a member complete a research study no minimum GPA sample topics: Body image in 6th grade students How views of parents affect views of God Gender bias in hiring judgments Factors affecting road rage What gestures reveal about thinking opportunities to present and publish research

Research Experience for Academic Credit Honors Thesis (PSY 496 & 498) bigger research project – 2 semesters work with advisor committee with two other faculty members must have GPAs of 3.5+ in psychology and 3.25+ overall recent topics: Social withdrawal in veterans with PTSD Academic and social adjustment of students with ADHD Prejudice against Canadians Visual cues to language comprehension Consequences of ecstasy use on social and nonsocial behavior opportunities to present and publish research

Volunteer Research Opportunities Psychology Club research team Research Assistant work in faculty lab Research Participant

Why Should I Do This? Learn what psychology is really like Gain valuable experience for jobs or graduate school Get to know faculty members Develop skills & learn about yourself Have fun!

What’s Next? How to Get Into Graduate School or Get a Job

Graduate School in Psychology Many careers in Psychology require a Masters degree or Ph.D. Clinical, counseling, school Academic researcher Consulting Very competitive – Need to plan ahead!

Undergraduate vs. Graduate Education Broad education Well-rounded Class-based GRADUATE Highly focused Specialist Research/experience-based with fewer classes

Admissions Process UNDERGRADUATE large number admitted 100s or 1000s / year flexibility in final interests/major form a good pool general qualifications & experiences GRADUATE small number admitted Ph.D. programs: < 10/year commitment to specific area close match with program and mentors look for specific experiences in that field

Finding a Job Many parallels lots of applications for limited positions need experience as well as grades work independently & as part of a team “soft skills” leadership potential

How to be a Competitive Applicant Grades: as high as possible >3.0 for MA, >3.5 for PhD Solid course preparation Likely exceed minimum requirements Research!!! Independent study, research teams, honors thesis Applied experiences Internship Related volunteering or work Teaching, tutoring

How to be a Competitive Applicant Get involved in the department Psychology Club, Psi Chi, SHRM, PSICOs Leadership positions, club officers GREs Need to do well Ongoing preparation: Read! Specific preparation: books, courses (e.g., Kaplan), Magoosh

Final Message As transfer students, you have less time, so start getting involved right away!