Getting the Most from Your Psychology Major

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

Psychology Student Organizations Psychology Students Interested in Community Outreach (PSICO) –Open to all students interested in community service –Raise money to sponsor families during the holidays –Advisor: Dr. DiPirro

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

Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Open to all students interested in Human Resources Informational and social opportunities Advisor: Dr. Delprino

Individualized Experiences First-hand experience in research or applied settings Benefits –Learn what psychology is really like –Gain valuable experience for jobs or graduate school –Get to know faculty members –Have fun!

Research Opportunities – Non-Credit Psychology Club Research Team Research assistant with a professor Participant in Psychology studies

Research Opportunities for Academic Credit Independent Study (PSY 495) –Conduct research with a faculty member –One semester Honors Thesis (PSY 496 & 498) –Conduct more in-depth research with a faculty committee –Senior year, GPA requirements

Applied Experiences Volunteer-Service Learning –Courses with hour community service requirement Field Internship (PSY 488) –Work 150 hours (12 hours / week) in community setting + weekly class –Junior or senior year, GPA requirements Teaching Internship (PSY 488) –Assist a faculty member with a class (e.g., lead review sessions)

Adding a Minor In-depth knowledge in a second area Additional credential Generally 18 credits (6 classes) See list: and discuss with your advisorhttp://suny.buffalostate.edu/programs STRONGLY ENCOURAGED WITH REDUCTION IN INTELLECTUAL FOUNDATIONS CREDITS!!

Disciplinary Minors Like “mini-majors” Relevant minors include: –Anthropology –Criminal Justice –Biology –Political Science –Sociology

Interdisciplinary Minors Classes on a common theme from different departments Relevant minors include: –Women & Gender Studies –African & African American Studies –Environmental Studies –Creativity / Leadership Studies –Art Therapy –Aging –Legal Studies

Life After Graduation: Preparing for Graduate School

Graduate School in Psychology Many careers in Psychology require a Masters degree or Ph.D. Very competitive! Start planning from day one!

Becoming a Competitive Graduate School Applicant Grades: High as possible –>3.0 for MA, >3.5 for Ph.D Solid course preparation –Exceed minimum requirements Research!!! Internships Relevant job or volunteer work Department involvement