Author: Keitha Kasel

Department of Psychology

Psychology Handbook

http://psychology.msu.edu

College of Social Science
Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences
Michigan State University

2021-2022

WELCOME TO PSYCHOLOGY!
Welcome to the Department of Psychology at Michigan State University! Psychology is one of the largest majors on campus and has many exciting opportunities that are available to you. From our number of courses, to our experiential-learning activities, you should leave MSU with a very comprehensive degree!
This handbook is intended for students who have declared Psychology as their major during the 2021–2022 academic year. As a new student majoring in Psychology, you will need to understand and learn the requirements for your degree as well as the resources available to you on our campus. We hope that this handbook will help you navigate these requirements and available resources.
In addition to this handbook, you should utilize the Psychology and University websites. The Psychology Department website, http://psychology.msu.edu/, contains valuable information that will help you select PSY courses, careers, areas of interest to investigate, graduate schools, workshops, and fulfill degree requirements. The University website, http://msu.edu/, will offer you calendars, MSU News, course descriptions, people search, schedule builder, and much more.
The official guide for degree requirements can be found in the Academic Programs Catalog or at http://reg.msu.edu/AcademicPrograms/.
We are here to help you in any way! We hope to see you at least once a semester. Don’t miss out on advice and guidance for course selection and your career!
The Psychology Advisors and Staff

Undergraduate Psychology Advising Office
Michigan State University
Psychology Building, Room 100
316 Physics Rd.
East Lansing, Michigan 48824-1116
517-353-0753
Phone: (517) 353-7271 Fax: (517) 355–5139

ADVISING
Advising in the Psychology Department is done in many different formats. We offer appointment (in-person and via Zoom), drop-in advising (in-person and via Zoom), and various forms of group advising. Our appointments are scheduled on-line at https://student.msu.edu/
Drop-ins are available Monday – Friday from 1:00pm – 3:00pm during the academic year. In-person advising takes place in the Undergraduate Psychology Advising Office in Room 100 Psychology Building. Group advising takes place through seminars, workshops, and other events that you will have the option to participate in throughout the year. Notification of these events will be done through newsletters, emails, and on the online news and events page of the Psychology Department Undergraduate website.
*More information about the Student Information System and help scheduling an appointment, please visit SIS Help | Student Information System | Michigan State University (msu.edu)
Please see a Psychology advisor to discuss or review:
BA or BS in Psychology, Additional Majors, Second Degrees, or Minors
Adding, dropping, or changing a major or degree
Planning course schedules
Opportunities: independent studies, internships, practicums, volunteering, employment, awards, scholarships, study abroad, and more…
Progress in meeting requirements and potential graduation date
Graduate or professional school planning
Other academic and/or career needs
Advisors:
Sarah Handspike, Director of Advising and
Undergraduate Services: meadsara@msu.edu
Lindsay Spitzley, Assistant Director of Advising and Undergraduate Services: spitzlin@msu.edu
Rachael Zaborowski, Academic Advisor and Coordinator of First Year Experience: zaborach@msu.edu
Office Staff:
Audra Jeffrey: jeffre22@msu.edu
Kim Brown: brown826@msu.edu

PSYCHOLOGY OFFICE RESOURCES
There are reference materials, books that may be borrowed, handouts, free publications, and postings managed by the Advising Office in Room 100 Psychology Building that are available to you and provide information about:
Career Options
Graduate Programs
Independent Study Opportunities
Additional Majors/Minors
PSI CHI National Honor Society
Psychology Club
Psychology Service and Intern Fair
Psychology-Related Job Postings
Scholarships
Service-Learning Opportunities
Education Abroad Information
Volunteer Opportunities
…..and more

E-MAIL
Due to the nature and quantity of e-mails that we receive, we encourage you to meet with us face-to-face when you are looking for detailed information. We welcome e-mails that are simple in nature. For general questions, please e-mail the Psychology advisors at psyugrad@msu.edu.

HONORS COLLEGE
Members of the Honors College who have questions regarding course scheduling, career planning and graduate school preparations can be seen in the Undergraduate Advising Center, Room 100 Psychology Building.
Honors students should also meet with the Psychology Honors Faculty member prior to their junior year to discuss the optional Honors Thesis. Psychology Honors information can be found on the Psychology Department Undergraduate website.
Psychology Department Honors Faculty:
Dr. Susan Ravizza, ravizzas@msu.edu
For questions regarding admission to the Honors College as a freshman, please direct your questions to the Honors College at http://honorscollege.msu.edu/.
Dr. Brent Donnellan: L – Z, donnel59@msu.edu

FRAMEWORK FOR PSYCHOLOGY DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
To ensure that you receive an appropriately broad and well-balanced education at MSU, psychology majors must satisfy the requirements of three separate units that represent three administrative levels: the University, the College of Social Science, and the Department of Psychology. You must meet the graduation requirements of each unit. In addition, you will need to choose elective coursework to achieve the minimum number of 120 credits for a degree. You must complete 30 of your total credits at the 300 or 400 level. An illustration of the degree framework is shown below.

PSYCHOLOGY DEGREE CREDIT DISTRIBUTION

Psychology Degree Credit Distribution

University (34 credits)
WRA, Integrative Studies, Math

Electives (37 BA-22 BS credits)

Psychology (31 credits)

College (18 BA-33 BS credits)

Of the 120 credits required, 30 credits need to be at the 300 or 400 level.

CComplete a minimum of 120 credits (123 if you take MTH 1825).

Complete a minimum of 120 credits.

The following is a brief summary of University requirements; however, the
Academic Programs catalog http://reg.msu.edu/AcademicPrograms/
is the official source for University policy.
Complete a minimum of 120 credits with a 2.0 or better cumulative MSU GPA.
Achieve a 2.0 or better Psychology cumulative GPA at MSU.
Complete a minimum of 30 credits at MSU with a minimum of 27 credits on
the East Lansing campus after junior status.
Earn a minimum of 20 credits while in the major.
Courses used to satisfy specific degree requirements may not be taken for CR/NC .
No more than 10 of a student’s last 30 credits may be transferred in. PRIOR APPROVAL IS REQUIRED.
A maximum of 60 credits can be accepted from a community college.
Note: Before taking a course at another institution, you should clearly understand the
MSU Policy on transferability of courses. For more detailed information, please go to
http://transfer.msu.edu/ and consult with your academic advisor.

UNIVERSITY REQUIRMENTS
.

WRITING REQUIREMENT—The Tier I writing requirement is fulfilled by successful completion of WRA 101 or 195H. The Tier II portion of your writing requirement is fulfilled by the completion of a designated 300-400 level course in your major. These course titles are followed by a “W”.

MATHEMATICS REQUIREMENT—Complete one of the following:*
Complete two of the following courses:
Mathematics 101, 102 or 103*
2. Complete both of the following:
a. Mathematics 103 (MTH 103A and MTH 103B together equal MTH 103) and
b. One of the following courses: Mathematics 114, 124, 132, 152H, or 201; or Statistics and Probability 200 or 201. Students who place into any course in 2.b via the Mathematics Placement Exam need only complete the course in 2.b in order to fulfill the University Mathematics requirement.
Complete one of the following:
Mathematics 116
*The psychology major requires college algebra (MTH 103) or algebra placement waiver.

INTEGRATIVE STUDIES REQUIREMENT—The Integrative Studies requirement includes the completion of coursework in the Arts & Humanities, the Social Sciences, and the Biological and Physical Sciences.
Integrative Studies in Arts and Humanities—8 credits
IAH 201-210
IAH 211+
Integrative Studies in Social Science—8 credits
ISS 2XX
ISS 3XX
Integrative Studies in Biological and Physical Sciences—8 credits
ISB 2XX
ISP 2XX
2 Credits of ISB/ISP Lab
Psychology majors pursuing the B.S. Degree may choose to complete the University Alternative Science Track (see page 9 for details).

Diversity Requirement—Must include at least two courses in National, International , and Diversity from the following combinations: N&I; N&D; or I&D. The letter will be found after the IAH/ISS course title.

Experiential Learning Requirement
All students within the College of Social Science must complete an experiential learning requirement. The experiential learning requirement may be satisfied either within or outside the requirements of the major. The requirement may be met by completing a 3 or 4-credit experiential learning course, approved by the College of Social Science Committee on Curriculum and Academic Policy or its designee. A list of approved courses is maintained by the College of Social Science on their website. Many students complete this requirement by successfully completing a study abroad, a study away, an internship or by conducting research with a faculty member. Please consult the CSS website for specific lists and details: https://socialscience.msu.edu/undergraduate/current-students/curriculum.html
INTERDISCIPLINARY MINOR REQUIREMENT
Complete a minimum of 15 credits in one Interdisciplinary Minor from a list of minors approved by the College of Social Science Committee on Curriculum and Academic Policy. Examples of Minors approved for this requirement include: African Studies; Asian Studies; Cognitive Science; The City: Environment, Design and Society; Law, Justice, and Public Policy; Leadership of Organizations; Human Behavior and Social Services; Youth and Society; Environment and Health; International Development. A list of approved minors is maintained by the College of Social Science on their website. Minor requirements can have some duplication between major and minor, but not more than two courses. If you wish to add one of the College of Social Science minors, please meet with a psychology advisor. Please consult the CSS website for specific lists and details: https://socialscience.msu.edu/undergraduate/current-students/curriculum.html
Complete the following mathematics requirement, which will satisfy the university mathematics requirement or the department STEM requirement, but not both:
A. One of the following courses or placement waiver:
MTH 103 College Algebra
MTH 103B College Algebra II
MTH 116 College Algebra and Trigonometry
B. One of the following courses:
LB 118 Calculus I
MTH 124 Survey of Calculus I
MTH 132 Calculus I
MTH 152H Honors Calculus I

COLLEGE OF SOCIAL SCIENCE
REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL STUDENTS

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, MATHEMATICS (STEM) REQUIREMENTS FOR PSYCHOLOGY BACHELOR OF SCIENCE

PSY BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (STEM) REQUIREMENT CONTINUED

Complete the following Natural Science requirement. These courses may satisfy the university alternative track science requirement or the departmental STEM requirement, but not both.
A. One of the following courses:
BS 161 Cell and Molecular Biology
BS 181H Honors Cell and Molecular Biology
LB 144 Biology I: Organismal Biology
B. One of the following courses:
CEM 141 General Chemistry
CEM 151 General and Descriptive Chemistry
CEM 181H Honors Chemistry I
LB 171 Principles of Chemistry I

Complete a minimum of 15 credits in STEM courses from the list below. Note: The College of Social Science requires only 12 credits for a BS degree, but the Department of Psychology requires 15.

ANTR 350
ANTR 355
BLD 204
BMB 200
BS 161
BS 162
BS 171
BS 172
BS 181H
BS 182H
BS 191H
BS 192H
CEM 141
CEM 142
CEM 143
CEM 151
CEM 152
CEM 161
CEM 162
CEM 181H
CEM 182H
CEM 185H
CEM 251
CEM 252
CEM 255
CMSE 201
CMSE 202

CSD 213
CSE 102
CSE 231
CSE 232
EPI 390
HNF 150
HNF 310
HNF 385
IBIO 313
IBIO 320
IBIO 328
IBIO 341
IBIO 365
KIN 216
KIN 217
KIN 330
LB 117
LB 118
LB 119
LB 144
LB 145
LB 155
LB 171
LB 171L
LB 172
LB 172L
LB 270

MTH 114
MTH 116
MTH 124
MTH 126
MTH 132
MTH 133
MTH 152H
MTH 153H
MTH 234
MMG 141
MMG 201
MMG 301
MMG 302
NEU 300
NEU 301
NEU 302
PHM 211
PHM 350
PSL 250
PSL 310
STT 180
STT 200
STT 201
STT 231
STT 421
STT 422

Complete a minimum of 31 credits in Psychology with a minimum 2.0 PSY GPA.
Required: PSY 101 Introductory Psychology
PSY 295 Data Analysis in Psychological Research
PSY 395 Design and Measurement in Psychological Research
Choose one: PSY 200 Cognitive Psychology
PSY 209 Brain and Behavior
Choose two: PSY 235 Social Psychology
PSY 236 Personality Psychology
PSY 238 Developmental Psychology: Lifespan
PSY 244 Developmental Psychology: Infancy Through Childhood
PSY 255 Industrial and Organizational Psychology
PSY 270 Community Psychology
PSY 280 Abnormal Psychology
Choose one: PSY 401 Expertise and Skill (W)
PSY 409 Psychobiology of Behavioral Development (W)
PSY 410 Neurobiology of Learning and Memory (W)
PSY 411 Hormones and Behavior (W)
PSY 413 Lab in Behavioral Neuroscience (W)
PSY 424 Child and Family Psychopathology (W)
PSY 444 Developmental Psychology: Adolescence Through Youth (W)
PSY 455 Advanced Topics in Organizational Psychology (W)
PSY 493* Issues in Psychology( W)
(W) indicates a Tier II Writing course.
Required: Elective courses in Psychology to reach 31 credits. The elective courses in Psychology can come from additional courses taken in the above categories, Independent Study-PSY 490 & 491, Practicum-PSY 371/372, Internship-PSY 382 (prior approval is required for these courses; see pgs. 14 &15) or from the list of classes below:
PSY 301 Cognitive Neuroscience
PSY 302 Sensation and Perception PSY/NEU 310 Psychology and Biology Of Human Sexuality
PSY 316 Children’s Exposure to Domestic Violence: Promoting Resiliency
PSY 317 Sexual Assault: Context, Interventions and Prevention
PSY 318 Gender-Based Violence Across the Lifespan
PSY 320 Health Psychology
PSY 333 The Neurobiology of Food Intake and Overeating
PSY 339 Psychology of Women
PSY 342 Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination
PSY/LIN 463 Introduction to Cognitive Science
PSY 492 Advanced Topics in Psychology
*PSY 493 expanded descriptions and prerequisites are available on the psychology undergraduate website and from the course listing on https://student.msu.edu/. Each section of PSY 493 covers a different topic. Students should read descriptions of 400 level writing courses. Most of these courses do have prerequisites and are offered in varying semesters.

DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY REQUIREMENTS
Complete a minimum of 31 credits in Psychology with a minimum 2.0 PSY GPA.
Required: PSY 101 Introductory Psychology
PSY 295 Data Analysis in Psychological Research
PSY 395 Design and Measurement in Psychological Research
Choose one: PSY 200 Cognitive Psychology
PSY 209 Brain and Behavior
Choose two: PSY 235 Social Psychology
PSY 236 Personality Psychology
PSY 244 Developmental Psychology: Infancy Through Childhood
PSY 255 Industrial and Organizational Psychology
PSY 270 Community Psychology
PSY 280 Abnormal Psychology
Choose one: PSY 401 Expertise and Skill (W)
PSY 402 Sensation and Perception (W)
PSY 405 History of Modern Psychology (W)
PSY 409 Psychobiology of Behavioral Development (W)
PSY 410 Neurobiology of Learning and Memory (W)
PSY 411 Hormones and Behavior (W)
PSY 413 Lab in Behavioral Neuroscience (W)
PSY 424 Child and Family Psychopathology (W)
PSY 440 Attitudes and Social Cognition (W)
PSY 444 Developmental Psychology: Adolescence Through Youth (W)
PSY 455 Advanced Topics in Organizational Psychology (W)
PSY 475 Personality Theories (W)
PSY 493* Issues in Psychology( W)
(W) indicates a Tier II Writing course.
Required: Elective courses in Psychology to reach 31 credits. The elective courses in Psychology can come from Independent Study-PSY 490 & 491, Practicum-PSY 371/372, Internship-PSY 382 (prior approval is
required for these courses; see pgs. 14 & 15) or elective classes:
PSY 301 Cognitive Neuroscience PSY/NEU 310 Psychology and Biology Of Human Sexuality
PSY 312 Introduction to Clinical Psychology
PSY 316 Children’s Exposure to Domestic Violence: Promoting Resiliency
PSY 317 Sexual Assault: Context, Interventions and Prevention
PSY 320 Health Psychology
PSY 333 The Neurobiology of Food Intake and Overeating
PSY 339 Psychology of Women
PSY 342 Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination
PSY/LIN 463 Introduction to Cognitive Science
PSY 492 Special Topics in Psychology
You may also select additional courses from the above categories.
*PSY 493 expanded descriptions and prerequisites are available on the psychology undergraduate website and from the course listing on http://schedule.msu.edu/. Each section of PSY 493 covers a different topic. Students should read descriptions of 400 level writing courses. Most of these courses do have prerequisites and are offered in varying semesters.

GENERAL ELECTIVES
General Electives are any courses that do not meet a specific course requirement. This is your chance to explore and expand your knowledge in other areas of interest. Psychology majors usually have 22-37 credits of General Electives depending on the degree selected. These courses count toward the 120 minimum credits required for graduation. Elective courses taken at the 300+ level, also satisfy the upper level requirement. Excess credits from University, College, or PSY requirements are also considered General Electives. When completing electives, you can take a diversity of courses from all different disciplines. If you would rather have them more focused, you may choose to complete a minor, additional major, or second degree.
Some of the more popular departments Psychology majors select electives from are:
ADV Advertising
CEP Counseling, Educational Psychology and Special Education
COM Communication
EAD Educational Administration
FW Fisheries and Wildlife
HB Hospitality Business
HDFS Human Develop and Family Studies
IDES Interior Design
JRN Journalism
KIN Kinesiology
MI Media and Information
SOC Sociology
SW Social Work
TE Teacher Education
MINORS
MSU has several minors as an option for students to enhance their academic record. If you are interested, a list of current available minors can be found on the Registrar’s Office website https://reg.msu.edu/AcademicPrograms/Programs.aspx?PType=MNUN.
Completed minors are listed on your final transcript. Some areas are: Dance, Health Promotion, Languages, and Entrepreneurship. These minors can be taken in addition to the CSS required minor.
ADDITIONAL MAJOR
Another option available to psychology majors is completing an additional major in another discipline. An additional major is noted on your final transcript. Most disciplines offer an additional major, though the requirements for each can be very different. Most additional majors range between 30-60 credits. You should contact the academic advisor in the discipline you are interested in for more information and to sign up.
SECOND DEGREE
Second degrees are available for students wanting two diplomas. The University requires students pursuing a second degree to do a minimum of 30 credits beyond their first degree. Department and college requirements are usually required to be completed. A second degree can be added by meeting with an advisor in the area of interest.

PSYCHOLOGY BA vs. PSYCHOLOGY BS
Students can choose to pursue a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Psychology. When choosing a degree, students should always start with what they are most interested in. If you have always been good at science and math, and you like it, you will most likely complete the Bachelor of Science in Psychology. If you have always been a successful writer, like the humanities, and enjoy learning about people and cultures, you will probably want to pursue the Bachelor of Arts. It seems easy, but many students fall somewhere in the middle.
Many students ask which is better for jobs and graduate school. There is not one good answer for everyone. The answer depends on how well you would do in each of the areas. Some students think that the B.S. is the only way to graduate school, but if you can only get low grades in those courses, you may significantly hurt your chances for admission. If your future graduate program does not require or recommend those courses, you could have just lowered your GPA for no reason.
Most graduate programs want a diversity of courses. They also want students to show that they can do well in challenging courses. This can be done through either the B.A. or the B.S. degree in Psychology. It is most important to do well in the most challenging courses that you can handle. It is also important to look ahead to see what courses are recommended by the graduate programs you are pursuing. If the programs you are looking into are more scientific in nature, you will probably want the courses in the B.S. degree.
The best way to determine which degree is best for you is by meeting with a Psychology advisor.
The best way to determine which deree is best for you is by meeting with a Psyychology advis

CHANGING BA OR BS STATUS
Psychology students who would like to change their degree status from Bachelor of Arts (BA) to Bachelor of Science (BS) or from BS to BA should meet with a Psychology advisor to determine the impact of the change. The Psychology advisor can submit a request to the College of Social Science to have this changed.
NOTE: Check STUINFO within two weeks to verify that the degree change has gone through as requested.

PSYCHOLOGY Undergraduate News
and Social Media
Website
The Psychology Undergraduate website should be your go to site for important details regarding your psychology degree, advising information, opportunities to get involved, campus resources, career planning, honors program, sona research participation and course syllabi. We recommend bookmarking this page for easy access to helpful and important information. Take some time to explore the website to become familiar with the opportunities that you have as an undergraduate student in psychology. There are many opportunities to get involved in research, internship programs and study abroad/study away. This page also has easy access to scheduling advising appointments, updated walk-in hours schedule and an archive of monthly newsletters.
PSY Undergraduate Website: https://psychology.msu.edu/undergraduates/index.html
Social Media
The Psychology Undergraduate office manages a Facebook and Twitter page to keep students updated on news and events in the department. Use the account details below to like and follow us so that you never miss an opportunity!
Facebook: MSU Psychology Undergrad
Twitter: MSU PSY UGRAD @MSU_PSYUGRAD
Newsletter
We send out a PSY Newsletter to all PSY students twice a month, typically on the 1st and 15th of each month. This is a great place for you to stay up to date with advising drop-in hours, experiential learning opportunities, events from our department and across campus. The newsletter comes to your MSU email address; make sure that the PSY advisors emails are not going to your junk box! We try to be conscious of the number of emails that you receive daily; the newsletter is our way of sending you important announcements and opportunities without overloading your inbox. Please read the newsletter to take full advantage of the opportunities available to you!

Experiential Learning for credit
An internship or practicum provides an opportunity to explore career possibilities and to develop communication and organizational skills. Many employers expect college graduates to have practical, work-related experience. Learning about the world of work and making contacts in your chosen field are essential tools for landing your first job. Instructor permission is required for these courses. More information and applications can be found on the Undergraduate website under Get Involved.
MSU Adolescent diversion Program, PSY 371/372 (8 cr.)
The MSU Adolescent Diversion Program (https://msuadolescentprograms.wordpress.com/ ) is a two-semester commitment in which the student is trained and then mentors an adolescent involved in the juvenile justice system. This opportunity is offered every semester and the semesters have to be consecutive. Contact Sean Hankins, Director, at 517-355-9519 hankinss@msu.edu.
PRESCHOOL TRAUMA AND LOSS PROJECT, PSY 371/371 (6 cr.)
This course is a two-semester commitment. First semester—learn research, theories and intervention techniques. Second semester—co-lead a 16 session program to help preschoolers cope with trauma and loss. If interested, contact Dr. Bogat at bogat@msu.edu.
PSYCHOLOGY HUMAN SERVICES INTERNSHIP, PSY 381/382 (3-12 cr.)
This course is a two-semester commitment. PSY 381 is in the spring and is a training and theory course. In PSY 382, students apply theory to practice. This internship is offered online in the summer. Internships are required to be in the human services field. This is a great opportunity to learn theories of human behavior, examine social problems, and “engage in strengths-based client centered service delivery”. Application materials are available on the undergraduate website. Contact Lindsay Spitzley spitzlin@msu.edu.
BUSINESS PSYCHOLOGY INTERNSHIP, PSY 382 (3-12 cr.)
In this course, students complete an internship related to Industrial/Organizational Psychology. As a prerequisite for the internship, students are required to complete PSY 255 so they have background knowledge of the factors relevant to improving organizational performance. Additionally, students are required to attend orientation sessions prior to the internship which is completed in the summer. All academic assignments for the course are completed online. Application materials are available online at the Psychology Department website. Contact Lindsay Spitzley spitzlin@msu.edu
GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY INTERNSHIP, PSY 382 (3-12 cr.)
This internship is for students who desire experience in an area related to the field of Psychology. This can be very broad because Psychology touches on many fields, but all areas need to be approved in advance by the department to make sure that they follow in line with the goals of the program. Application materials are available online at the Psychology Department website. Contact Lindsay Spitzley spitzlin@msu.edu
COLLEGE OF SOCIAL SCIENCE INTERNSHIP, SSC 493 (3-12 cr.)
Internships are offered through the College of Social Science in various areas of interest, depending on your career goals. Call 517-353-0780, located in 201 Berkey Hall, http://www.socialscience.msu.edu/students/experiential-learning/credit-your-internship/
STUDY ABROAD
Study abroad is another way to look at the world differently. This can benefit your career, your degree, and in many cases, you personally. When students study abroad they choose to step outside of what they “know” and expose themselves to new thoughts, ideas and cultures. Psychology students are encouraged to go on programs where they can take courses to meet a variety of degree requirements. For more information on programs, search the study abroad database at http://studyabroad.msu.edu/.

RESEARCH WITH FACULTY
Another opportunity for credit is independent study. Independent studies are important for students planning to apply for graduate school. This experience gives students great opportunities to work with faculty and graduate students in the research environment. Research credit can be earned through PSY 490/491 or it can be done as a volunteer.
HOW TO LOCATE PSYCHOLOGY RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
There are opportunities in the Department of Psychology for students to get involved in research in a faculty member’s lab, either as a volunteer or for credit (via PSY 490 or PSY 491). There are a number of ways to identify these opportunities.
View listings on the Psychology website:
Listings are located here on the psychology website: https://psychology.msu.edu/undergraduates/get-involved.html
Contacting faculty to learn of additional independent study opportunities:
You can identify which faculty members are doing research in an area of interest to you. Go to the Psychology undergraduate website http://psychology.msu.edu. Select research areas of interest to identify faculty doing research in a given topic area. Click on each one to learn more about their particular research. For each one that provides a “vita” (extensive resume) link, open the link to learn more about that faculty member’s background, research, and recently published articles.

PSY 490 Special Problems in Psychology (Fall, Spring, Summer)
Description: Students work under the direction of a faculty member on an experimental, theoretical, or applied problem. This is a graded course.
Restrictions: As specified by the faculty member of record. A maximum of 1-8 credits can be taken in a semester with a combined total of 12 credits for the degree. Needs instructor and department approval.
PSY 491 Participation in Psychological Project (Fall, Spring, Summer)
Description: Students participate in a psychological project under direction of a faculty member. This is a pass/no grade (P/N) course.
Restrictions: As specified by the faculty member of record. A maximum of 1-8 credits can be taken in a semester with a combined total of 12 credits for the degree. Needs instructor and department approval.

College Restrictions on Experiential Learning
The total of independent study, practicum, internship, and field experience credits may not exceed 20 credits combined. If you have questions, contact a Psychology Advisor.
A maximum of 12 credits of independent study may be applied toward the degree.
A maximum of 12 credits in internship, field experience, and practicum courses combined may be applied toward the degree. PSY 371/372 and 381 do not count against this limit.

CAREER OPTIONS FOR PSYCHOLOGY GRADUATES
Graduates of our department can compete effectively with other students who have obtained a general/liberal arts education, as well as those who have opted for more specialized curricula. Your performance as a psychology major and your willingness to prepare for a variety of career options will influence your attractiveness to employers and eventual career placement. Preparing for the job market and then building your career takes planning and effort over a long period of time. You should take steps each semester, beginning with your freshman year, toward this end. Strive to incorporate the following into your undergraduate experience from a combination of course selections and other activities: Oral & Written Communication Skills, Teamwork, Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Leadership, Research Methodology, Computer Literacy, and Work Experience. Find data regarding MSU PSY careers at the MSU Destination survey here: https://careernetwork.msu.edu/outcomes/#!Psychology%20(CSS)
CAREER AREAS FOR PSYCHOLOGY GRADUATES
GET INVOLVED
STUDENT GROUPS
The Psychology Club is open to all students interested in the field of psychology. Interested students should come to the regularly scheduled meetings. Check out posted meeting dates at the Psychology Club website http://msupsyclub.weebly.com/. Contact Rachael Zaborowski at zaborach@msu.edu or psyclub@msu.edu.
Membership in PSI CHI, the National Honor Society in Psychology, is by invitation.
Check the showcase outside Room 100 Psychology Building for information. Contact Dr. Jonathan Weaver at weaver71@msu.edu or secretaryofpsichi@gmail.com or check out http://psichi.org/.
VOLUNTEERING
The Center for Community Engaged Learning provides volunteer opportunities in a variety of contexts. Explore volunteer positions and apply online. Contact them at 517-353-4400, stop by Room 345 Student Services Building, or go to:
http://servicelearning.msu.edu/.
STUDENT LIFE
Get involved on campus. Become a leader. Check out over 500 student organizations in Room 101 Student Services Building, http://studentlife.msu.edu/.

GRADUATE SCHOOL
If you have been a high-achieving, conscientious student and are motivated to dedicate yourself to a much higher level of scholarly reading, writing, and research in a specific field, you may be a good candidate for graduate school. You must be able to demonstrate your commitment to academic success by what you have achieved in your undergraduate program. Graduate school is not something you just fall into because you haven’t chosen what to do next with your life or because you are worried about employment opportunities or salary. A graduate degree does not guarantee you a job or a high salary.
Graduate study in psychology consists of advanced training in a specific area. It should be viewed as professional training for a career, not just an extension of undergraduate courses. Consider very carefully why you want to go to graduate school and what your expectations are. You will also need to know which area of psychology you want to pursue.
Competition for admission is intense. Only the most qualified students are admitted. About 38 percent of psychology majors go on to some form of graduate study (MSU Destination Survey, 2016) https://psychology.msu.edu/students/undergrad/career-planning. For a good program, meeting the minimum standards for admission is not usually sufficient; you must do more. For example, the minimum GPA for entering most Ph.D. programs is a 3.2, but students who are actually admitted have a much higher GPA (generally a 3.5 or higher). Some programs place more emphasis on the GPA earned during the junior and senior years. Your undergraduate GPA and coursework, Graduate Record Exam scores http://www.ets.org/gre, letters of reference, research and clinical experiences, and personal statement must show that you will be a successful graduate student.
Due to the breadth and diversity of courses in the psychology degree, students can apply to graduate school within the field of psychology or choose to apply to other related programs. Programs that are very popular that are not within our psychology department are: School Psychology, Social Work, Human Resources and Labor Relations, Counseling, Sport Psychology, Student Affairs, Public Policy and Public Health. Many Psychology majors also choose to go on to professional programs like law and medical school.
Additional information on many of these graduate programs can be found in the Undergraduate Psychology Advising Center, Room 100 Psychology Building, and on our website. Check out our Career Connection flyers in the office to learn more about what is needed for these programs. There are also graduate school books that can be checked out of our lending library.
Meeting with advisors and faculty is imperative for finding out how to apply to graduate school and to decide whether or not it is a good option for your career plans. Understanding how to get there and what it entails takes time and a lot of planning. Don’t wait until it is too late!

Career Services network
113 Student Services Bldg.
http://careernetwork.msu.edu/
517-355-9510
Center for Community engaged Learning
345 Student Services Bldg.
http://servicelearning.msu.edu/
517-353-4400
Counseling & psychiatric services
3rd Floor, Olin Health Center
http://caps.msu.edu
517-355-8270
Office of Financial Aid
252 Student Services Bldg.
http://finaid.msu.edu/
517-353-5940
Office of the Registrar
150 Administration Bldg.
http://reg.msu.edu/
517-355-3300
Office of Supportive Services
209 Bessey Hall
http://oss.msu.edu
517-353-5210
Office of the Ombudsperson
129 N. Kedzie Hall
http://msu.edu/unit/ombud/
517-353-8830
Pre-Health ResourceS
https://natsci.msu.edu/students/current-students/prehealth/
108 Natural Science Bldg.
517-355-8419
Resource Center for
Persons with Disabilities
120 Bessey Hall
http://rcpd.msu.edu
517-884-7273
Student Advising & Affairs
Neighborhood Engagement Ctr.
https://nssc.msu.edu/
Brody Neighborhood
160 Brody Hall, 517-884-6670
East Neighborhood
C130 Hubbard Hall, 517-884-3501
North/Union Neighborhood
200 Union Building, 517-884-4050
River Trail/McDonel Neighborhood
C101 McDonel Hall, 517-884-4080
South Neighborhood
Holden Hall, 517-884-6680
Department of Student
Life
101 Student Services Bldg.
http://studentlife.msu.edu/
517-355-8286
Testing Office
207 Student Services Bldg.
http://testingoffice.msu.edu/
517-355-8385
THE WRITING CENTER
300 Bessey Hall
http://writing.msu.edu
517-432-3610

STUDENT RESOURCES

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS AND SCHEDULING
Please note that you bear ultimate responsibility for knowing and fulfilling graduation requirements. It is therefore essential that you use all of the University publications available to you. These include the:
Academic Programs: reg.msu.edu/AcademicPrograms for rules and procedures.
Description of Courses: reg.msu.edu/Courses/search.asp for course information and prerequisites.
Schedule of Courses: http://schedule.msu.edu to plan schedules and look up section numbers, and schedule classes.
CAREER INFORMATION:
MSU Handshake: https://msu.joinhandshake.com/login Utilize Handshake to make appointments with career advisors and career peers as well as search for job and internship positions.
O*NET Resource Center: http://onetcenter.org/ for descriptions of careers—nature of the work, salary information, and much more.
Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT): occupationalinfo.org/ for descriptions of numerous occupations.
United Way Volunteer Opportunities anywhere in the USA: https://www.unitedway.org/get-involved/volunteer# You can locate volunteer opportunities in your hometown or nearby that you could possibly do over the summer.
Career Services Network: http://careernetwork.msu.edu/ for MSU career information and services.
College of Social Science Career Consultant:
http://socialscience.msu.edu/about-us/overview/career-services/.
PSYCHOLOGY INFORMATION
¨ MSU Psychology Website: psychology.msu.edu
¨ American Psychological Association: apa.org
Psychopathology Information: psychopathology.org
Industrial/Organizational Psychology: siop.org, aomonline.org/, shrm.org
Community Psychology: scra27.org
Cognitive Psychology: http://www.cognitivesciencesociety.org/
psychological science.org, http://www.psychonomic.org/
Behavioral Neuroscience: isdp.org
Social Psychology: socialpsychology.org, sesp.org

WEB RESOURCES

Watch for: Undergraduate Seminars and Workshops Starting in September

Psychology Club & PSI CHI Meetings:
Watch for E-Mail Announcements & Department Newsletters

WATCH FOR DATES
AND MORE INFORMATION ON THESE UPCOMING PROGRAMS
↓
↓

15th ANNUAL
GRADUATE SCHOOL PRESENTATION DAY
FALL 2021
FALL 2017

15th ANNUAL
SERVICE AND INTERNSHIP FAIR
SPRING 2022

Department of Psychology
Psychology Building, Room 100
316 Physics Road
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824-1116

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