1. Getting Involved in the Psychology Major

2. 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

3. Student organizations

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

5. 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

6. 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

7. Applied settings

8. 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)

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. research

14. 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

15. 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 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

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

17. 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!

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

19. 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!

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

21. 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

22. 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

23. 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

24. 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

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