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- Is this rumor true? Do I have to take a Zoology course in order to become a psychology major?
- If I can't find a place in Psych 210 may I substitute a different statistics course?
- I have completed all the breadth requirements and almost all the major requirements, what should I do?
- Can I still major in psychology if I am in a different school such as education or business?
- I am going to medical school. Should I major in a "hard core" science?
- So, is it easier to get into psych grad school than medical school?
- Since I am majoring in psych am I a BA or a BS degree candidate?
- I have just transferred. I usually take 16-18 credits. Shall I do that here my first semester?
- How can I find out what I really want to do with my major?
- I want to wait a year or two before I go to grad school. Is that okay… But what about the GRE's and letters of rec if I am waiting?
- What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a clinical psychologist?
- My friends and my parents ask what can I do with a BA/BS in psychology?
- My friends and my parents ask what can I do with a BA/BS in psychology?
- Psych grad school, Ph.D. research - what if I don't want any of that?
- What is Psi Chi?
- What is, and how do I get, Honors in the Major?
Q - Is this rumor true? Do I have to take a Zoology course in order to become a psychology major?
A- This is true. If you began as a freshman Fall of 1997 or later. A student must complete Zoology 101/102 or 151/152, or Biocore with a "C" or better before he/she is able to declare the Psychology major.
Q- If I can't find a place in Psych 210 may I substitute a different statistics course?
A- Acceptable substitutes are Stat 371, Soc. 359 or 360, or Business 303. Remember you must still have 29-31 credits in the Psychology Department.
This means that if you chose to take a statistics course outside of the Psychology Department you will have to take at least one elective psychology course in addition to the regular psychology requirements.
Q- I have completed all the breadth requirements and almost all the major requirements, what should I do?
A- It is important to form your undergraduate career on a path. This means take electives in an area that guides you to a career path. If you’re interested in Human Resources take a couple Business courses. If you’re interested in working with children take courses in HDFS, Ed Psych, and Social Work. If you’re interested in Law take courses in politics, criminology, sociology. Some students will double major, or chose to add a certificate to their Psychology major-this may or may not be a good option for you-see the Undergraduate Advisor to discuss this further. Also be aware that there are some restrictions on taking courses outside of Letters and Science-not all courses will count for graduation. Check out your DARS report to be sure that you are on track for a timely graduation.
Q- Can I still major in psychology if I am in a different school such as education or business?
A- Yes, but when you declare the major it requires an extra "authorization" from that school. This department has students from every other school who are completing an outside L&S psychology major. The School of Education offers a psychology minor that is only two courses short of the major. Check with your advisor at your home college for the process to declare the psychology major.
Q- I am going to medical school. Should I major in a "hard core" science?
A- Not necessarily. The majority of medical schools would like you to be more broadly prepared since you have to take the sciences anyway. Psychology is an ideal major, but English, music - what is your passion? This department has many pre-meds. The important piece of this is that you must stay on the pre-med track as you are completing your degree requirements. This means taking Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Calculus, Biology (typically 151-152), and Physics. The Letters and Science Advising Center has a Pre-Med Advisor-be sure to be in contact with her during your sophomore/junior years.
Q- So, is it easier to get into psych grad school than medical school?
A- Sorry, no. In some ways it is more difficult counting the odds. Grad programs take many fewer people and your interests in research or your professional goals need to dovetail with those of your major professor.
Q- Since I am majoring in psych am I a BA or a BS degree candidate?
A- The choice is yours. Majors are about 60% (BA). If you can handle the additional math (two upper level Math Courses are required for the BS) with good grades it may be a plus to go with the BS, depending on your field of study. The same goes for a couple of semesters of chemistry. But it all boils down to the direction you are taking within the field. Different degrees are better for different people.
Q- I have just transferred. I usually take 16-18 credits. Shall I do that here my first semester?
A- Definitely not, especially if you are coming from a smaller campus. There are many adjustments to be made. Classes are large, students are competitive and life moves at a fast pace. Wait to see what you can handle.
Q- How can I find out what I really want to do with my major?
A- Try some volunteer work. There are many, many groups and agencies in Dane County. Go to the Morgridge Center in the Red Gym for lists and agency descriptions. If you find something you like, stick with it. Try not to flit around unless you discover an experience is a negative one. Consistency can be beneficial when you go to apply for jobs. You may also want to make an appointment with the Exploration Center, located in Ingraham Hall or Career Services, located in the Middleton Building to explore some of your options.
Q- I want to wait a year or two before I go to grad school. Is that okay… But what about the GRE's and letters of rec if I am waiting?
A- Of course. You may make a better decision, gain more experience and get a break before you need to be completely devoted to commitment of grad school. If you choose to go this route it is important to gain relevant experience in your field and you may want to consider obtaining letters of recommendation before you leave. The Letters and Science Career Services Center has a Letters of Recommendation File service available for a small fee that may be useful so faculty can write your letters while they still know you! Also, you may want to try to prepare for and take the GRE's while exam taking is still part of your life - within a semester of graduation. The scores are good for 3 years. It is important to do well on the GRE’s and have strong letters of recommendation…so let yourself be as prepared as possible to make a successful application when the time comes.
Q- What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a clinical psychologist?
A- Becoming a psychiatrist requires completion of medical school with an internship and a residency. You can be licensed to prescribe drugs. Clinical psychologists have spent approx 6 years earning a Ph.D., done an internship and are trained to do research. Both professions deal with a gamut of mental health problems and practice in a variety of settings.
Q- My friends and my parents ask what can I do with a BA/BS in psychology?
A- Actually, a lot. You won't be a licensed professional or a college professor. You can work as a para-professional in a variety of educational and treatment facilities. Corporations and businesses will value your statistics and research background for management training, retailing and marketing jobs. The Careers for Psychology Students will be coming soon-check it out once it’s up and running! You may also want to make an appointment with the Exploration Center, located in Ingraham Hall or Career Services, located in the Middleton Building to explore some of your options.
Q- Psych grad school, Ph.D. research - what if I don't want any of that?
A- That depends on your goals. If you want to "help people" allied fields like Counseling, Social, Work, etc. are happy with psych major applicants. The same is true of law schools and business schools if those professions are appealing to you.
Q- What is Psi Chi?
A- Psi Chi is a National Honorary Society in Psychology. This is a great experience for undergrads to be able to show employers and grad schools that you can achieve academically. Psi Chi can also help connect students to the Psychology Department. Check out the Psi Chi portion of the website for more information.
Q- What is, and how do I get, Honors in the Major?
A- Honors in the Major is designed to help students connect with faculty and have a strong academic/research focus during their undergraduate programs. This is separate from Letters and Science’s Honors Program, and students who are in the Honors program and not are invited to apply to Honors in the Major. It is important to start on this track as soon as possible as there is a timeline for some of the requirements. Check out the Honors in the Major Handout for more information.
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