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Q. I think I want to major in Psychology, what courses should I take?
A. Start with Psychology 1106 – Introductory Psychology sometime your first year.
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Q. Which courses can I take to help me decide if I want to major in Psychology?
A. You will need to start with Introductory Psychology. When you take that course you will have an opportunity to explore many of the fields and topics within the field. Try to pay particular attention to which areas interest you most – that will help you to decide on a second course after Introductory Psychology.
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Q. Which courses can I take in the Department if I have chosen another major?
A. You will need to start with Introductory Psychology (PSY 1106) and then choose from a variety of courses based on your interests and the potential connections between your major or minor and psychology. If you plan to major in business you might try Psychology in the Workplace. If you are majoring in Sociology you might look into Social Psychology. If you are majoring in Exercise Science you might think about Health Psychology. If you are considering a career in teaching you might try courses in Child and Adolescent Development or Behavior Modification.
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Q. What kinds of jobs do graduates who majored in Psychology have?
A. Recent graduates have found a variety of interesting and well-paying jobs including work with juvenile offenders, laboratory and research managers, human resources, and teaching. Many graduates have also continued their education in leading graduate programs in experimental psychology, developmental psychology, clinical psychology and organizational psychology.
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Q. What are the volunteer or service learning opportunities in this Department?
A. Many students volunteer with the human service agencies in the local community by helping out with after school or tutoring programs, providing companionship and assistance to individuals with developmental disabilities, or volunteering for crisis hotlines.
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Q. Does this Department sponsor any special programs or internships?
A. One of our most popular programs is a January Term course at a local mental health facility. Students have an opportunity to work directly with patients and gain valuable experience and expertise from doctors and other service providers.
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Students also have opportunities for internships with local human service agencies, schools and businesses.
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Q. Can I major in Psychology and still study abroad?
A. Absolutely! If you plan to study abroad you should try to complete Introductory Psychology, Psychological Methods I and II, and one or two additional courses before you spend your semester off campus. Depending on where you choose to study abroad you are also likely to have an opportunity to take electives in psychology while you are abroad.
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Q. Do I need any special computer equipment for courses in this Department?
A. Not really. You will certainly want to have access to a good word processing program, something like MS PowerPoint, and a spreadsheet program. In addition, psychology majors will learn to use SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) in order to analyze data and conduct research. All of these packages are readily available on campus.
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Q. What are the major requirements?
A. The following courses are required:
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- PSY 1106 Introductory Psychology
- PSY 2201 Psychology of Learning and Animal Lab
- PSY 2211 Abnormal Psychology
- PSY 2223 Psychological Methods I: Measurement and Assessment
- PSY 2224 Psychological Methods II: Research Design and Analysis
- 4 electives in psychology
- 1 capstone course or experience
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Q. How can I major in Psychology and complete a minor in education?
A. The best advice for anyone thinking about a career in primary or secondary education is to consult with your Psychology advisor as soon as you arrive on campus. The best preparation for a teaching career is to acquire a solid major in Psychology and related fields. In many cases, it might be best to complete a Psychology major and then take McDaniel's BEST program for certification in Social Studies.
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Q. What are the minor requirements in Psychology?
A. The following courses are required:
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- PSY 1106
- 4 additional courses in Psychology
- Statistics 2215 (unless both PSY 2223 and 2224 are completed)
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