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 15-40 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: http://suny.buffalostate.edu/programs and

discuss with your advisor

• 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