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
