Jenn Hunt & Stephani Foraker
Dec 24, 2015
Good grades is only the starting point! Important to engage in individualized
experiences & department activities First-hand experience in research or applied
settings Student organizations
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!
Psychology Club Open to all students interested in Psychology Informational & social events, speakers Spring research project Advisor: Dr. Reid
Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology Eligibility standards: High GPAs, credit hours Informational, volunteer, & social events Advisor: Dr. Foraker
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
Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Open to all students interested in Human Resources Advisor: Dr. Delprino
Independent Studies (PSY 495) One semester Work closely with 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
Opportunities to present and publish research
Honors Theses (PSY 496 and 498) Bigger research project - two semesters Work with committee of three 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
Opportunities to present and publish research
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 Apply before registration for next semester
Internship sites include: School psychology in Niagara Falls Schools School counseling at Gateway Longview Work with refugees at Journey's End Work with serious mental illness at Transitional Services, Inc. Inpatient psychological care at Buffalo Psychiatric Center Substance abuse work at Northpointe Council
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
Volunteer-Service Learning Courses Require service connected to course objectives
& community needs 15-40 hours, depending on course Can do in many departments
Volunteer for community organizations related to psychology Flexibility in # of hours Opportunities within
walking distance Opportunities through
Psychology Club, Psi Chi Career Development
Center
Many careers in Psychology require a Masters degree or Ph.D. Clinical, counseling, school Academic researcher Consulting
Very competitive – Need to plan ahead!
UNDERGRADUATE Broad education Well-rounded Class-based
GRADUATE Highly focused Specialist Research/experience-
based with fewer classes
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 Match with program and
mentors Look for specific
experiences in that field
Grades: High as possible >3.0 for MA, >3.5 for Ph.D
Solid course preparation Likely exceed minimum requirements
Research!!! Independent studies, research teams, senior thesis
Applied experiences Internship Related volunteering or work Teaching
Get involved in the department Psychology Club, Psi Chi, PSICOs, SHRM Leadership positions
GREs Need to do well Ongoing preparation: Read! Specific preparation:
Books, courses (e.g., Kaplan)