Psychology Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a Psychology, General major?
The general major is a highly flexible
major and provides students with the opportunity to customize their program of
study. An array of Psychology coursework is available in such areas as: Stress,
Learning and Memory, Studies in Personality, Industrial/Organizational
Psychology, Social Psychology, Childhood and Adolescent, and Developmental
Psychology.
- Will I be a Psychologist upon graduation?
No, to be considered a
psychologist, you typically have to complete a doctoral graduate program. State
licensure boards also participate in defining who can call themselves
psychologists (often restricting this designation for licensed Ph.D. clinical
psychologists).
- What types of careers are associated with this major?
A
degree in psychology can lead in many different directions, even though the
counseling end of psychology may be most well known. Students with a psychology
major go into business settings, academics, research careers, law,
health-related careers and counseling, to name a few. For example, psychology is
an excellent undergraduate pre-professional major that helps prepare students to
enter allied health fields (such as occupational therapy and physical therapy)
where people skills and research skills are necessary. Some of these careers,
such as law and health professions, require additional training.
- If Psychology is a social science why do I have to take math and statistics?
Psychology is both a science and an applied field. Because the various areas of
psychology share roots in science, the core required classes focus on statistics
and research methods courses.
A. PSY 211 - Psychological Statistics: This course
is recommended in the second semester of freshmen year or in your sophomore
year. A grade of "C" or better is required to take PSY 285 (see below).
B. PSY
285 - Research Methods: This lecture and lab course introduces you to many of
the concepts related to scientific research in the field of psychology. A grade
of "C" or better is required in 285 to take PSY 385 (see below). It is
recommended that you take this course in your sophomore or first semester junior
year.
C. PSY 385 - Applied Research Methods: This lecture and lab course builds
upon the principles introduced in PSY 285. It is designed to be a 'capstone'
experience for psychology majors and you will conduct your own research study as
part of the course. It is recommended that you take this course in your junior
or senior year.
- Which electives should I take?
Since the core courses provide
a broad interdisciplinary background of skills and knowledge, the elective
portion of the program will provide you with the opportunity to specialize in
target populations or methods of intervention.
- What organizations are
available to a Psychology major?
The Psychology Department sponsors Psi Chi and
American Psychological Society Student Caucus (APSSC) organizations. You are
strongly encouraged to get involved in these organizations. Psi Chi is part of
the national psychology honorary organization associated with American
Psychological Association. You must have completed 3 semesters and 9 credits in
Psychology major with at least a 3.00 GPA in Psychology. Leadership in Psi Chi
is very valuable. Psi Chi works to sponsor various events and speakers, helps
sponsor community events and departmental activities. Additional information
about Psi Chi can be found at their web site,
http://www.chsbs.cmich.edu/psichi,
and can be reached via e-mail at psichi@cmich.edu. APSSC is part of the
American Psychological Society's student caucuses. Some of the caucus activities
include (1) a student research competition, (2) travel funds for attending the
APS annual convention, (3) a local conference matching-funds program, (4)
chapter recruitment, (5) an e-mail system for students (APSSCnet), and (6) a
mentorship program. APSSC is a service organization founded to act as a forum
for graduate and undergraduate student issues, as a voice for students in APS
policy decisions, and as a national networking and information resource. The
society’s local chapter maintains a website,
http://www.chsbs.cmich.edu/apssc
and can be reached via e-mail at
apssccmu@gmail.com. Leadership here is also
very valuable.
- What graduate school opportunities are available?
CMU has a
number of graduate programs you can check out to get a better idea about
curriculum and training, job opportunities, and admission requirements. We offer
graduate programs in School Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Experimental
Psychology, and Industrial/Organizational Psychology. Visit CMU's Psychology Department Web site for more information.
- Where can I find out
more about the field of Psychology?
American Psychological Association
Where Is This Offered?
View Tuition & Fees