Psychology Department Fall 2018/2019 Catalog Year Greetings from the Psychology Undergraduate Chair, Dr. Erin Murdoch! 2 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Welcome to the Psychology Department at George Mason University! We are thrilled that you are interested in the field of Psychology and we look forward to helping you reach your academic goals and watching you grow through your studies. During orientation we will be going through the fundamental components that make up our department. This packet provides some of that same information, but it also sheds light on a few different career options that you can prepare for as an undergraduate student. A psychology degree opens the doors to a variety of options and this packet is designed to help you start thinking about which path is best for you. For updates on job postings, opportunities in the field of psychology and more career spotlight postings, please take a look at our blog at: http://gmupsyc.weebly.com/
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Psychology Department Fall 2018/2019 Catalog Year Psychology - Bachelor of Arts Degree Course 1 University-Wide General Education Requirements a. Written Communication Classes ENGL 101 (or ENGL 100) & ENGL 302 b. Oral Communication COMM 100 or 101 c. Quantitative Reasoning (1) MATH 106, 108, 110, 111, 113, 115, 125, STAT/IT 250 d. Literature See list of approved courses at GMU website. e. Fine Arts See list of approved courses at GMU website. f. Social Science Western Civilization: HIST100 or HIST125 or PSYC 100, 211 or 231 g. Natural Science BIOL103 & BIOL104 h. Global Understanding See list of approved courses at GMU website. i. Information Technology See list of approved courses at GMU website. j. Synthesis 2 See list of approved courses at GMU website. College-level Requirements a. Proficiency in Foreign Language Test out or complete language through intermediate level b. Philsophy or Religious Studies Any course from PHIL or RELI c. Social Sciences ANTH, ECON, GEOG, GOVT, or SOCI d. Non-Western Culture See list of approved courses at GMU website 3 Psychology Requirements a PSYC100 (Introductory Psychology)** b PSYC211 or 2 of PSYC313,314,415 (Developmental Psychology) c PSYC231 (Social Psychology)** d PSYC300 (Statistics) e PSYC301 (Research Methods) f PSYC317 (Cognitive Psychology) g Applied Psyc 1 (any 1 of 320, 325, 333, 340, 379, 381, 427, 430) h Second, Applied Psyc 1 (any 1 of 320, 325, 333, 340, 379, 381, 427, 430) i PSYC372 (Physiological Psychology) j Professional Development (any 1 of 327, 427, 399, 491, 492) k PSYC electives (max of 6 D credits may be applied) **May be counted toward University-wide General Education 4 General Electives Additional coursework necessary to earn 120 TOTAL Credits applicable to degree, w/ at least 45 UPPER LEVEL Credits (Max of 12 D Credits) Total Credits 3 3 37 cred. 3 3 3 4 4 3 3 (4) 3 (4) 3 3 3 - 5 4 4 3 3 (4) 3 (4) 3 3 0 - 2 3 9 - 21 cred. 0-12 3 3 4 3 1 3 3 A C or Better 3 3 3 4 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Fall 2018-Current Catalog U.L. # Credits 29-30 cred. 3 OR (4) Credits Shared Grade Needed 3 C or Better A A A C- or Better C- or Better C- or Better C- or Better C- or Better C- or Better C- or Better C- or Better C- or Better C- or Better
Psychology Department Fall 2018/2019 Catalog Year Psychology - Bachelor of Science Degree Course 1 University-Wide General Education Requirements a Oral Communication COMM 100 or 101 b Written Communication/Composition Classes ENGL 101 (or ENGL 100) & ENGL 302 c Information Technology See list of approved courses at GMU website. d Quantitative Reasoning (1) MATH 110, 111, 113, 115, 125 / STAT 250, 350 e Fine Arts See list of approved courses at GMU website. f Global Understanding See list of approved courses at GMU website. g Literature See list of approved courses at GMU website. h Natural Science BIOL 103 & BIOL 106/107 (or BIOL 104) i Social/Behavioral Science (Any 1) PSYC 100, 211 or 231 j Western Civilization/World History HIST 100 or HIST 125 k Synthesis See list of approved courses at GMU website. 2 Psychology Requirements a PSYC100** (Introductory Psychology) b PSYC211** or 2 of PSYC313,314,415 (Developmental Psychology) c PSYC231** (Social Psychology) d PSYC300 (Statistics) e PSYC301 (Research Methods) f One of PSYC 304, 309, 320, 373 (different than the course used to fulfill Technical Writing requirement) g PSYC317 (Cognitive Psychology) h Applied Psychology 1 (any 1 of 320, 325, 333, 340, 379, 381, 427, 430) i Applied Psychology 2 (any 1 of 320, 325, 333, 340, 379, 381, 427, 430) j PSYC372 (Physiological Psychology) k Professional Development (any 1 of 327, 399, 427, 491, 492) l PSYC electives (No more than 6 credits of D may be applied toward PSYC elective credits.) **May be counted toward University-wide General Education 3 Psychology Supporting Requirements a Technical Writing Any one of ENGL388, PSYC304, PSYC309, PSYC320 b Natural Science Any 2 additional natural science courses e Humanities Any 1 course from PHIL, RELI, ARTH, AVT, MUSI, DANC, THR g Quantitative Reasoning Any2 courses from STAT 250, 350, MATH 110, 111, 108, 113, 114 i Social/Behavioral Science Any 2 courses from ANTH, SOCI, ECON, GEOG, GOVT, HIST k Social Science/Humanities Any 2 courses from ANTH, SOCI, ECON, GEOG, GOVT, HIST, PHIL, RELI, ARTH, AVT, DANC, MUSI, THR 4 General Electives Additional coursework necessary to earn 120 TOTAL cedits applicable to degree, w/ at least 45 UPPER LEVEL credits (Max of 12 D Credits) GRAND TOTAL (I + II + III + IV): 6 - 8 3 6 6 3 A B 27 - 28 Cred. 3 (4) 3 3 8 (4, 4) 3 4 B C- or Better 3 3 3 3 3 OR (4) 3 3 A 3 C or Better # Credits 39-40 cred. U.L. Credits Shared 5 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Fall 2018-Current Catalog Grade Needed 39 Cred. 3 3 3 4 4 1 - 4 3 3 (4) 3 (4) 3 3 1 - 6 B B B 4 4 1 - 4 3 3 (4) 3 (4) 3 3 1 - 6 C- or Better C- or Better C- or Better C- or Better C- or Better C- or Better C- or Better C- or Better C- or Better C- or Better C- or Better C- or Better
Psychology Department Fall 2018/2019 Catalog Year 6 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ CONCENTRATIONS IN PSYCHOLOGY Work and Organizational Psychology Develop knowledge on topics such as leadership, workplace stress, motivation and group/team effectiveness, among others. Students will learn the foundations of work/organizational psychology including important theoretical aspects of the field. Educational Psychology Understand classroom processes with courses focusing specifically on principles of teaching and learning. Students in this concentration are able to develop strengths in quantitative research methods and school-based research methods. Developmental Psychology Understand children’s development from theoretical and practical standpoints, including typical development as well as developmental disabilities and non-optimal development. Students learn concepts that apply across the lifespan, but coursework emphasizes early childhood through adolescence. Forensic Psychology Study the intersection between psychology and criminal justice with special focus on the criminal justice system, the psychological experiences of victims, psychological science in the courtroom and psychological factors of criminal behavior. Human Factors and Applied Cognition Gain an understanding of a field that matches the technology of user interfaces to human capabilities. We study human-computer interaction, design, usability, human performance assessment, accident investigation, safety and more. Health Psychology Study psychological factors that influence overall health and well-being, including factors that can impact both physical and psychological health. Learn the roles of cognitive processes, health beliefs and behaviors, emotions, psychosocial circumstances and personality traits. Clinical Psychology Focus on how psychologists assess and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Prepare for a career in clinical or counseling psychology by gaining in-depth knowledge of normal development, psychological disorders, psychological theories, and treatment techniques. Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience Study psychological factors that focus on laboratory experience in cognitive and behavioral neuroscience and more in-depth courses of interest that will broaden the students’ knowledge in understanding brain and behavior.
Psychology Department Fall 2018/2019 Catalog Year Notes Dept 7 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Course # Sect # Days Time CRN 1. _____________________________________________________________ 2. _____________________________________________________________ 3. _____________________________________________________________ 4. _____________________________________________________________ 5. _____________________________________________________________ 6. _____________________________________________________________ 7. _____________________________________________________________
Psychology Department Fall 2018/2019 Catalog Year Run Your Degree Evaluation A Degree Evaluation is a good way to review your progress during your time at GMU. This should be used as a supplement to, but not in place of, regular advising. Run your degree evaluation before your visit with your advisor so you can ask specific questions. 8 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3. Next, click on Student Records. 1. Go to www.patriotweb.gmu.edu and Log in using your Username (Your Email) and your Patriot Pass 4. Click on Degree Evaluation Menu. 2. On the next screen, click on the Student Services tab. 5. Finally, click on Degree Works. Your *Note: It may take up to 24 hours for changes such as adding or dropping a class to be reflected on your degree works. Please bring this in when discussing class schedules with your advisor! Evaluation will come up, and you can check on your progress. Mason English Department Orientation Save Time
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Psychology Department Fall 2018/2019 Catalog Year 13 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Greetings from the Psychology Honors Program Director, Linda Chrosniak! Welcome to the GMU Psychology Department! We are delighted to have you here! The Honors Program is a three-semester program for psychology majors in which you will develop a research project with a faculty mentor. There are many reasons this will benefit you, especially if you are planning to attend graduate school. This process helps to strengthen preparation for graduate school and for the workplace. It will also give you close contact with faculty and graduate students to enhance your educational experience. You will also receive honors recognition on your transcript and diploma when completing the program! Applications are accepted at the end of October each year for admission into the program the following spring semester. Transfer students are certainly eligible and are encouraged to apply. If you are interested in research and enhancing your educational experience at GMU please consider this program!
Psychology Department Fall 2018/2019 Catalog Year 14 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Psychology Honors Program The Honors Program in Psychology is a research-focused program for students interested in conducting an original research project. Fall Semester: Applications accepted every year in the fall semester to begin in the spring. (Completed applications are due the last Friday in October each year). Spring Semester I: (3 credits, counts as upper-level psychology elective): Honors students take HONORS I: introduces overview of opportunities within the field of psychology. The format includes guest speakers (faculty, outside speakers), laboratory visits/experience, interactive discussions and beginning thesis development. Fall Semester II: (3 credits, counts as upper-level psychology elective): Students take HONORS II: emphasis on project and thesis development with the faculty mentor, preparation for graduate school and development of critical thinking. Students also refine presentation skills. Spring Semester III: (3 credits, counts as upper-level psychology elective): Students complete Honors Projects/Theses, with guidance of a three-member faculty committee selected by the student. Why Participate? • Class size of less than 20 students • Interaction with other top students in the department • Opportunity for conducting research with faculty and graduate students • Close contact with full-time faculty members • Mentoring relationship with a faculty advisor • Strengthening of graduate school application • Honors recognition on transcript and diploma Who Can Apply? Psychology majors who have: • Completed at least 50 credit hours prior to entering the program • A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.25, including transfer credits. • A minimum psychology coursework grade point average of 3.4, including transfer credits. • No convictions of honor code violations • Willingness to commit to three consecutive semesters of Honors coursework and completion of the honors thesis project. Director, Psychology Honors Program: Dr. Linda Chrosniak David King Hall room 2045 Where Can Additional Information Be Found? Dr. Linda Chrosniak (703) 993-4139 lchrosni@gmu.edu Visit the Honors Program web page to learn more and download application: http://psychology.gmu.edu/undergraduate/honors/honors-major
Psychology Department Fall 2018/2019 Catalog Year What is Psi Chi? About Our Chapter: Psi Chi is the National Honor Society in Psychology, founded in 1929 for the purposes of encouraging, stimulation, and maintaining excellence in scholarship, and advancing the science of Psychology. Membership is open to graduate and undergraduate students who are making the study of psychology one of their major interests and who met the minimum qualifications. We work together to put on educational and social events each semester to give back to the community and learn more about what the future in psychology studies holds! Advantages of a membership include: • The documents – a membership certificate and card which gives you tangible evidence of membership. • The references provided throughout one’s lifetime (this service alone is worth the investment). • The experience gained by working with Psi Chi is excellent for building up a resume; it is difficult to attain that first managerial and creative experience. • Psi Chi is a springboard for professional growth. Opportunities are made available to the members for promoting their research, receiving national and international recognition, meeting and interacting with leaders in your field of research, and meeting Psi Chi members of other chapters who will also be future leaders. • The US government recognizes our membership as meeting one of the requirements for entrance at the GS-7 level in the federal service. GMU Students interested in joining require: • Completed 12 credit hours in Psychology, 6 of which must me at GMU. • Attained an overall GPA of 3.25 • Attained a Psychology credit hour GPA of 3.40 • A Faculty Sponsor • Currently enrolled graduate students who have been formally admitted to the M.A. or Ph.D. programs are eligible for membership as long as they have maintained a minimum GPA of 3.0 • Organization dues: $65.00, one-time application fee! How do you join? Visit psichi.org to submit an application to the GMU Chapter. Be sure to check us out on GetConnected! Questions? Email: gmupsichi16@gmail.com 15 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Psychology Department Fall 2018/2019 Catalog Year 16 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ WHAT KIND OF CAREER CAN I GET WITH A PSYCHOLOGY DEGREE? Writer Market Researcher Psychiatric Technician Rehabilitation Specialist Probation and Parole Officer Career Counselor Teacher Laboratory Assistant
Psychology Department Fall 2018/2019 Catalog Year 17 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Career Blog The career blog was created to provide students with more information about our department along with resources within the field of psychology. The blog allows students to do the following: • Search for job postings • Connect with alumni/build your network • Learn about our concentrations/minors and how to declare one • Stay up to date with professional development opportunities within the Psychology Department • Submit a blog entry • Schedule an advising appointment We want our students to plan ahead for their future and we believe that this blog can help students get involved and begin gaining useful experience even before graduation. One of the highlights on our blog is our career spotlight section. This section includes a variety of different occupations that students graduating with a B.A./B.S. in psychology can enter into upon graduation. Each post highlights a different job including a brief description of the job and the average salary. Below are some examples of the career spotlight postings that we have done in the past, along with a list of other job opportunities that students may qualify for. For more information and to check out our blog, please visit http://gmupsyc.weebly.com/.
Psychology Department Fall 2018/2019 Catalog Year Career Spotlight Postings 18 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Job Description: • Provide counseling to people involved in challenging situations. • Help Develop plans for recovery and treatment. • Monitor the progress of the client • Possess a deep understanding of human nature and behavior Average Salary: $49,000 Degree Required: Bachelor’s Degree Advertising Agent Job Description: • Provide Conduct Market Research on target audience. • Analyze Data and utilize findings to effectively reach a target audience. • Create product messaging for persuasive advertisements. Average Salary: $49,000 - $70,000 Degree Required: Bachelor’s Degree Teacher Laboratory Assistant Job Description: • Prepare weekly lesson plans to promote growth and learning for all students. • Incorporate a variety of instructional aids, methods, and materials to reach the students at the intellectual, physical, social and emotional levels needed. • Maintain a safe, clean, organized and inviting classroom. Average Salary: $51,000 Degree Required: Bachelor’s Degree* *State Licensure may be required Job Description: • Assists senior researchers with psychology experiments and studies • Prior knowledge of laboratory procedures. • Perform routine lab and equipment maintenance. • Open to working in government agencies, university psychology programs and private business sectors. Average Salary: $32,000 – $37,000 Degree Required: Bachelor’s Degree
Psychology Department Fall 2018/2019 Catalog Year 19 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Psychiatric Technician Writer Job Description: • Work alongside psychiatric nurses to observe, treat and interact with patients. • Help Develop plans for recovery and treatment. • Deliver hands-on care to people with developmental disabilities or mental health illnesses Average Salary: $35,000 Degree Required: Bachelor’s Degree Job Description: • Open to careers including newspaper and newsroom reporters, advertising copywriters, and technical writers among others. • Produce clear, creative and attention-grabbing content. • Strong Attention to detail and ability to work under tight deadlines. Average Salary: $60,000 Degree Required: Bachelor’s Degree Market Researcher Rehabilitation Specialist Job Description: • Gather relevant data on target audiences • Conduct surveys, interviews and focus groups • Perform statistical analysis on data • Possess an understanding of human nature and behavior and Industrial Organizational Methods Average Salary: $61,000 Degree Required: Bachelor’s Degree Job Description: • Work Alongside people with mental and physical disabilities to help them become self-sufficient. • Assess program participants’ progress and record results. • Open to teaching classes in daily living skills and assist participants with class exercises. Average Salary: $55,000 Degree Required: Bachelor’s Degree
Psychology Department Fall 2018/2019 Catalog Year 20 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Career Counselor Probation and Parole Officer Job Description: • Assist Students and job seekers in discovering their potential. • Help perform and Analyze selfassessments to better understand a person’s strengths and interests • Provide support and offer guidance when addressing career changes Average Salary: $55,200 Degree Required: Bachelor’s Degree Job Description: • Supervise and track the behaviors and activities of convicted individuals. • Coordinate with therapists and other professionals to provide the courts with recommendations. • Ensure that convicted individuals comply with the requirements of their supervised release. Average Salary: $48,000 * *Can vary on state or county you work in Degree Required: Bachelor’s Degree More Careers with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology! • Alumni Director • Benefits Manager • Child Life Specialist • Claims Supervisor • Community Based Counselor • Computer Programmer • Conservation Officer • Database Administrator • Dietitian • Health Care Administrator • Human Resource Advisor • Human Factors Specialist • Information Specialist • Labor Relations Manager • Loan Officer • Personnel Recruiter • Polygraph Examiner • Project Evaluator • Purchasing Agent • Public Relations Specialist • Real Estate Agent • Social Work Assistant • Substance Abuse Counselor • Systems Analyst • Veterans Counselor • Victims Advocate *All salaries here are based off an average for the local area in Fairfax and Washington DC via glassdoor.com. Keep in mind that salaries fluctuate based on region and demand for the position. Along with if you go into private, public, government, or non-profit fields.
Psychology Department Fall 2018/2019 Catalog Year Careers Requiring a Degree Beyond a Bachelor’s in Psychology! • Art Therapist • Child Psychologist • Clinical Psychologist • Cognitive Neuroscientist • College Professor • Forensic Psychologist • Lawyer • Military Chaplin • Neurologist • Pediatrician • Physical Therapist • Psychiatrist • School Psychologist • Speech Pathologist • Pediatrician • Physical Therapist 21 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ For More job prospects for psychology students, please visit: http://www.apa.org/ed/precollege/about/psymajor-guidelines.pdf As a Mason Patriot you will also have access to more career readiness resources such as: • Mason Career Services - Careers.gmu.edu/career-resources o Industry Walk-ins o Interview Readiness o Resume Workshops o Alumni Networking • Mason’s personal job portal and Search Engine for on campus, off campus jobs and research opportunity positions - https://careers.gmu.edu/handshake • Writing Center – writingcenter.gmu.edu • And more!
Psychology Department Fall 2018/2019 Catalog Year 22 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ A Degree in Psychology can take you anywhere and give you the opportunity to work with people and populations you may not have thought of before. Every year, we welcome new students from all over the globe and help them grow into a career they are passionate about. Once their journey is over at Mason, they push through ground breaking research in their new careers. Our Alumni make an impact throughout the world! See the map on the next page to see where you might end up!
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Psychology Department Fall 2018/2019 Catalog Year 24 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Connect with us! /GMUPsychology @GMUPsychology S C H E D U L E A D V I S I N G A P P O I N T M E N T S K E E P U P W I T H N E W S A N D E V E N T S C O N N E C T W I T H F A C U L T Y A N D P E E R S L E A R N MO R E A B O U T O U R P R O G R A M S Department of Psychology David King Hall 2086,MSN 3F5 4400 University Dr., Fairfax, VA, 22030 Phone: (703)-993-1384 or visit us online at: psychology.gmu.edu
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