Your Psychology Degree

1. Your Psychology Degree

2. What is Psychology? According to the American Psychological Association: “[Psychologists] study the intersection of two critical relationships: one between brain function and behavior, and another between the environment and behavior. As scientists, psychologists follow scientific methods, using careful observation, experimentation and analysis…are innovators, evolving new approaches from established knowledge to meet the changing needs of people, organizations, and societies. They develop theories and test them through their research…Psychologists traditionally study both normal and abnormal functioning and treat individuals with mental and emotional problems. They also concentrate on behaviors that affect the mental and emotional health and mental functioning of healthy human beings.” Information from the American Psychological Association (May 31, 2012). Careers in Psychology. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/careers/resources/guides/careers.aspx

3. Some of the Subfields in Psychology Clinical Psychologists Clinical psychologists assess and treat mental, emotional and behavioral disorders. These range from short-term crises, such as difficulties resulting from adolescent conflicts, to more severe, chronic conditions, such as schizophrenia. Some clinical psychologists treat specific problems exclusively, such as phobias or clinical depression. Others focus on specific populations — for instance, youths; families or couples; ethnic minority groups; gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals; or older people. They also consult with physicians on physical problems that have underlying psychological causes. Counseling Psychologists Counseling psychologists help people recognize their strengths and resources to cope with everyday problems and serious adversity. They do counseling/psychotherapy, teaching and scientific research with individuals of all ages, families and organizations (e.g., schools, hospitals, businesses). Counseling psychologists help people understand and take action on career and work problems, they pay attention to how problems and people differ across the lifespan, and they have great respect for the influence of differences among people (such as race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability status) on psychological well-being. They believe that behavior is affected by many things, including qualities of the individual (e.g., psychological, physical, or spiritual factors) and factors in the person’s environment (e.g., family, society and cultural groups). Information from the American Psychological Association (May 31, 2012). Careers in Psychology. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/careers/resources/guides/careers.aspx

4. Developmental Psychologists Developmental psychologists study the psychological development of the human being that takes place throughout life. Until recently, the primary focus was on childhood and adolescence, the most formative years. But as life expectancy in this country approaches 80 years, developmental psychologists are becoming increasingly interested in aging, especially in researching and developing ways to help older people stay as independent as possible. Engineering Psychologists Engineering psychologists conduct research on how people work best with machines. For example, how can a computer be designed to prevent fatigue and eye strain in people? What arrangement of an assembly line makes production most efficient? What is a reasonable workload? Most engineering psychologists work in industry, but some are employed by the government, particularly the Department of Defense. They are often known as human factors specialists Forensic Psychologists Forensic psychologists apply psychological principles to legal issues. Their expertise is often essential within the judicial system. They can, for example, help a judge decide which parent should have custody of a child or evaluate a defendant’s mental competence to stand trial. Forensic psychologists also conduct research on jury behavior or eyewitness testimony. Some forensic psychologists are trained in both psychology and the law. Information from the American Psychological Association (May 31, 2012). Careers in Psychology. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/careers/resources/guides/careers.aspx

5. Industrial/Organizational Psychologists Industrial/organizational (I/O) psychologists apply psychological principles and research methods to the workplace in the interest of improving productivity, health and the quality of work life. Many serve as human resources specialists, helping organizations with staffing, training and employee development. They may provide employers with testing and other valid selection procedures in their hiring and promotion processes. Others work as management consultants in such areas as strategic planning, quality management and coping with organizational change. Neuropsychologists (and Behavioral Neuropsychologists) Neuropsychologists (and behavioral neuropsychologists) explore the relationships between brain systems and behavior. For example, behavioral neuropsychologists may study the way the brain creates and stores memories, or how various diseases and injuries of the brain affect emotion, perception and behavior. They design tasks to study normal brain functions with imaging techniques such as positron emission tomography (PET), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Clinical neuropsychologists also assess and treat people. And with the dramatic increase in the number of survivors of traumatic brain injury, neuropsychologists are working with health care teams to help brain-injured people resume productive lives. Information from the American Psychological Association (May 31, 2012). Careers in Psychology. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/careers/resources/guides/careers.aspx

6. School Psychologists School psychologists are engaged in the delivery of comprehensive psychological services to children, adolescents and families in schools and other applied settings. They assess and counsel students, consult with parents and school staff, and conduct behavioral interventions when appropriate. Most school districts employ psychologists full time. Social Psychologists Social psychologists study how a person’s mental life and behavior are shaped by interactions with other people. They are interested in all aspects of interpersonal relationships, including both individual and group influences, and seek ways to improve such interactions. For example, their research helps us understand how people form attitudes toward others and, when these are harmful — as in the case of prejudice — provides insight into ways to change them. Social psychologists are found in a variety of settings, from academic institutions (where they teach and conduct research), to advertising agencies (where they study consumer attitudes and preferences), to businesses and government agencies (where they help with a variety of problems in organization and management). Information from the American Psychological Association (May 31, 2012). Careers in Psychology. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/careers/resources/guides/careers.aspx

7. What can You do with a “Degree” in Psychology? Bachelor’s Degree Areas: Psychology, Social Services, Business, Health, Government, Law/Justice Related Career Titles: Case Management Activity Director Program Coordinator Congressional Aide Behavior Analyst College Admissions Officer Counselor Aide Management Trainee Events Coordinator Research Assistant Hotel Management Juvenile Probation Officer Human Resources Recruiter Rehabilitation Advisor Staff Training and Development Program Manager Information from: UNF Career Services

8. What can You do with a “Degree” in Psychology? Master’s Degree Areas: Business, Education, Research, Mental Health, Human and Social Services, Law/Justice System, Government Related Career Titles: Career Counselor (MA+) Vocational/School/Educational Counselor Social Scientist/Researcher Instructor at 2-yr college Marriage and Family Therapist Industrial-Organizational Consultant (MA+) Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Mental Health Counselors (MA+) Trial Consultants (MA+) Correctional Mental Health Counselor (MA+) Information from: UNF Career Services

9. What can You do with a “Degree” in Psychology? Doctorate Degree Areas: Education, Research, Human and Social Services, Mental Health, Law/Justice System, Military, Business Related Career Titles: Professor at 4-yr college Research Project Director Private Consultant Child Psychologist Counseling Psychologist Clinical Psychologist Forensic Psychologist Psychometric and Quantitative Psychologists Information from: UNF Career Services

10. Salary Information for Psychology Majors According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Fall 2013 Salary Survey average (national) beginning salaries for graduates with: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology: $35, 700 Master Degree in Psychology: $48, 200 Information from: UNF Career Services

11. Beginning Salaries, Jacksonville Market Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation, Labor Market Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wages (Jacksonville MSA (Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau and St. Johns Counties)http://www.labormarketinfo.com/library/oes.htm Title 2013 Annual(Entry/Median) Salary Social & Human Service Assistants (BA) 20,862/26,998 Child, Family, & School Social Worker (BA+) 25,1068/35,027 Health Educator (BA+) 30,306/42,058 Social & Community Service Manager (BA+) 48,630/69,472 Mental Health Counselors (BA/MA) 30,722/38,979 Clinical/Counseling/School Psychologist (MA) 51,896/69,701 Counselors (All other) (MA+) 27,248/34,590 Marriage and Family Therapist (MA+) 31,928/39,000 Social Scientist and Related Workers (MA+) 48,589/69,742 Psychology Teacher, Postsecondary (MA+) 49,686/79,737 Psychologists (All Other) (Ph.D/Psy.D) 54,413/85,675 Information from: UNF Career Services Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation, Labor Market Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wages

12. 10 Things You Should Know • Your Bachelor of Arts degree requires a Minor There is a Bachelor of Arts as well as a Bachelor of Science • Your degree may require you to take foreign language or foreign culture courses • You can concentrate your studies on children 7 3 4 6 8 9 5 10 2 1 • You can earn course credit for being a part of a research team, or by completing an internship/practicum • You can speak with a Career Services Liaison who can assist you in establishing your career goals • You can be a part of Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology • The Psychology Main Office is located in Building 51, room 3404 • Your major requires as prerequisites: • Introduction to Psychology, An additional psychology course, Statistics and Biology • Your Psychology Advisor is located in Building 51, suite 2500

13. The BA vs. BS What are the differences in the curriculum?

14. The BA vs. BS What are the differences for my future academics? • While many struggle with deciding which degree is best for their future plans, it is generally considered that the B.S. gives the better chance of success in graduate school while also building research skills. This does not however mean that the B.A. decreases your chance of success. The B.A. offers you more flexibility and is a good option for students who are focused in Psychology, but also interested in other areas.

15. What is the Child Concentration? • All Child Concentration students must take as a part of their major requirements: • CLP4143- Abnormal Psychology & DEP3054- Lifespan Developmental Psychology • Your major electives area is where you concentrate your studies. • SELECT 1 OF THE FOLLOWING: (Prereq: DEP3054) • DEP 4104 Advanced Child Psychology • DEP 4304 Advanced Adolescent Psychology • SELECT 1 FROM THE FOLLOWING: • CLP 4134 Childhood Psychopathology (Prereq: CLP4143) • DEP 4060 Applied Developmental Psychology (Prereq: DEP3054) • SELECT 3 CREDITS FROM THE FOLLOWING: • (Focus of research or practicum must be child or adolescent psychology) • PSY 3911 Supervised Research (Prereq: PSY3214) • PSY 4906 Directed Individual Study (Prereq: 15hrs core in psychology) • PSY 4904 Honors Research (Prereq: Admission to honors, PSY3213 & 1 exp. Course) • PSY 4945 Practicum in Applied Psychology • If you are earning the Bachelor of Science, you will need to take an additional upper level psychology course.

16. How to sign up for research/internships A great way to earn course credit while also building up your experience is to be a part of a professor’s research team or to take part in a practicum or internship.

17. What is Psi Chi? • What are the benefits of membership? • The Society publishes Eye on Psi Chi, a quarterly magazine that unites and informs the members, and recognizes their contributions and accomplishments.The quarterly Psi Chi Journal of Undergraduate Research encourages and rewards the scholarly efforts of undergraduate psychology students. This publication provides a valuable learning experience by introducing students to the publishing and review process.All chapters register their inductees at the National Office, which maintains membership records. In Psi Chi's first 75 years, the National Office preserved the records of over 467,000 members. Many of these members moved on to distinguished careers in psychology. Psi Chi is an international honor society whose purpose shall be to encourage, stimulate, and maintain excellence in scholarship of the individual members in all fields, particularly in psychology, and to advance the science of psychology. Where do I apply? You can obtain an application throughout the year from the Psychology Main office or from your Academic Advisor. Information from: http://www.unf.edu/coas/psychology/Psi_Chi_Honor_Society.aspx

18. Interested in Graduate School? What should you do? • I have to take the GRE. Where can I take it? • You can actually take the GRE here at the UNF Testing Center. You want to make sure that you leave enough time for you to prepare for the test when you schedule. You can also take the GRE preparation course which is available through the UNF Continuing Education Department. • https://www.ce.unf.edu/SubGroup.awp?~~TES~Test+Preparation • I need letters of recommendation. How do I get them? • Letters of recommendation can be a great opportunity for you to make an impression on a school. You want to make sure you approach a professor that you have taken at least once, ideally more than once. You should ask to schedule a meeting with the professor(s) at their convenience. • Things you should bring: Information about the program you want to be accepted into, your curriculum vitae, and your personal statement. • What is a curriculum vitae? • A curriculum vitae is a lot like a resume. Only instead of highlighting jobs, you want to highlight your academic accomplishments, research presentations, internships, and any clubs or organizations that you were a part of. Your career services liaison can assist you with assembling it. Always be sure to investigate the school(s) you want to attend. Check their deadlines, requirements and be sure to check their accreditation. I am graduating right before I start Graduate School! What do I do? You can actually obtain a letter of verification. This will help to assure the school that you are set to graduate and to expect your final transcripts. You can get this form from your Academic Advisor. Always check with your potential new institution to make sure a letter of verification will be sufficient.

19. Important Links • Bachelor of Arts: http://www.unf.edu/coas/psychology/Bachelor_of_Arts.aspx • Bachelor of Science: http://www.unf.edu/coas/psychology/Bachelor_of_Science.aspx • College of Arts & Sciences Academic Advising: http://www.unf.edu/coas/advising/ • Career Planning: http://www.unf.edu/coas/psychology/Career_Planning.aspx • Career Services: http://www.unf.edu/careerservices/ • Honors in the Major: http://www.unf.edu/coas/psychology/Honors.aspx • Important Forms: http://www.unf.edu/coas/advising/Forms.aspx • Master of Arts in General Psychology: http://www.unf.edu/coas/psychology/Master_of_Arts_in_General_Psychology.aspx • Psi Chi: http://www.unf.edu/coas/psychology/Psi_Chi_Honor_Society.aspx • Psychology Faculty: http://www.unf.edu/coas/psychology/Faculty.aspx • Research Opportunities: http://www.unf.edu/coas/psychology/Research_Opportunities.aspx