Orientation Packet

Psychology Department Fall 2018 Catalog Year_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Greetings from the Psychology Undergraduate Chair, Dr. Erin Murdoch!Welcome to the Psychology Department at George Mason University! Weare thrilled that you are interested in the field of Psychology and we lookforward 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 undergraduatestudent. A psychology degree opens the doors to a variety of options andthis packet is designed to help you start thinking about which path is best for you. For updates on job postings, opportunities in the field ofpsychology and more career spotlight postings, please take a look at our blog at: http://gmupsyc.weebly.com/ 2

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Psychology Department Fall 2018 Catalog Year _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Psychology - Bachelor of Arts Degree Fall 2018-Current Catalog Course # Credits U.L. Credits Shared Grade Needed1 University-Wide General Education Requirements - cred. a. Written Communication Classes or 3 OR (4) 3 A C or Better ENGL (or ENGL ) & ENGL 3 3 C or Better 3 b. Oral Communication 3 COMM or 3 3 c. Quantitative Reasoning 4 ( ) MATH , , , , , , , STAT/IT 3 1 d. Literature 3 See list of approved courses at GMU website. 9 - 21 cred. e. Fine Arts See list of approved courses at GMU website. 0-12 3 f. Social Science 3 Western Civilization: HIST or HIST or PSYC , 3 g. Natural Science BIOL & BIOL h. Global Understanding See list of approved courses at GMU website. i. Information Technology See list of approved courses at GMU website. j. Synthesis See list of approved courses at GMU website.2 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 website3 Psychology Requirements cred. A C- or Better A C- or Better a PSYC (Introductory Psychology)** 3 A C- or Better b PSYC or of PSYC , , (Developmental Psychology) 3 C- or Better c PSYC (Social Psychology)** 3 4 C- or Better d PSYC (Statistics) 4 4 C- or Better e PSYC (Research Methods) 4 3 C- or Better f PSYC (Cognitive Psychology) 3 3 (4) C- or Better g Applied Psyc (any of , , , , , , ) 3 (4) 3 (4) C- or Better h Second, Applied Psyc (any of , , , , , , ) 3 (4) 3 C- or Better i PSYC (Physiological Psychology) 3 3 j Professional Development (any of , , , , , ) 3 0-2 k PSYC electives (max of D credits may be applied) 3-5 **May be counted toward University-wide General Education4 General Electives Additional coursework necessary to earn TOTAL Credits applicable to degree, w/ at least UPPER LEVEL Credits (Max of D Credits) Total Credits 4

Psychology Department Fall 2018 Catalog Year _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Psychology - Bachelor of Science Degree Fall 2018-Current Catalog Course # Credits U.L. Credits Shared Grade Needed1 University-Wide General Education Requirements 39-40 cred. a Oral Communication COMM or 3 3 OR (4) b Written Communication/Composition Classes 3 ENGL (or ENGL ) & ENGL 3 3 C or Better 3 3 C- or Better c Information Technology 3 3 See list of approved courses at GMU website. 8 (4, 4) 3 d Quantitative Reasoning 4 3 ( ) MATH , , , , / STAT , A B 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 & BIOL / (or BIOL ) i Social/Behavioral Science (Any ) PSYC , or j Western Civilization/World History HIST or HIST k Synthesis See list of approved courses at GMU website.2 Psychology Requirements 39 Cred. 4 B C- or Better a 3 4 B C- or Better b PSYC ** (Introductory Psychology) 3 B C- or Better c PSYC ** or of PSYC , , (Developmental Psychology) 3 1-4 C- or Better d PSYC ** (Social Psychology) 4 A C- or Better e PSYC (Statistics) 4 3 B C- or Better f PSYC (Research Methods) 3 (4) C- or Better One of PSYC , , , (different than 1-4 3 (4) C- or Better g the course used to fulfill Technical Writing requirement) 3 C- or Better h PSYC (Cognitive Psychology) 3 C- or Better i Applied Psychology (any of , , , , , , ) 3 (4) 3 C- or Better j Applied Psychology (any of , , , , , , ) 3 (4) 1-6 C- or Better k PSYC (Physiological Psychology) l Professional Development (any of , , , , , ) 3 5 PSYC electives (No more than credits of D may be 3 applied toward PSYC elective credits.) 1-6 **May be counted toward University-wide General Education 27 - 28 Cred.3 Psychology Supporting Requirements a 3 (4) b Technical Writing e Any one of ENGL , PSYC , PSYC , PSYC 6-8 g i Natural Science 3 k Any additional natural science courses 6 Humanities Any course from PHIL, RELI, ARTH, AVT, MUSI, DANC, THR 6 Quantitative Reasoning 3 Any courses from STAT , , MATH , , , , Social/Behavioral Science Any courses from ANTH, SOCI, ECON, GEOG, GOVT, HIST Social Science/Humanities Any courses from ANTH, SOCI, ECON, GEOG, GOVT, HIST, PHIL, RELI, ARTH, AVT, DANC, MUSI, THR4 General Electives Additional coursework necessary to earn TOTAL cedits applicable to degree, w/ at least 45 UPPER LEVEL credits (Max of D Credits) GRAND TOTAL (I + II + III + IV):

Psychology Department Fall 2018 Catalog Year_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ CONCENTRATIONS IN PSYCHOLOGYWork and Organizational PsychologyDevelop 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 importanttheoretical aspects of the field.Educational PsychologyUnderstand 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-basedresearch methods.Developmental PsychologyUnderstand children’s development from theoretical and practical standpoints, including typical development aswell as developmental disabilities and non-optimal development. Students learn concepts that apply across thelifespan, but coursework emphasizes early childhood through adolescence.Forensic PsychologyStudy 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 ofcriminal behavior.Human Factors and Applied CognitionGain an understanding of a field that matches the technology of user interfaces to human capabilities. We studyhuman-computer interaction, design, usability, human performance assessment, accident investigation, safety andmore.Health PsychologyStudy psychological factors that influence overall health and well-being, including factors that can impact bothphysical and psychological health. Learn the roles of cognitive processes, health beliefs and behaviors, emotions,psychosocial circumstances and personality traits.Clinical PsychologyFocus on how psychologists assess and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Prepare for a career inclinical or counseling psychology by gaining in-depth knowledge of normal development, psychological disorders,psychological theories, and treatment techniques.Cognitive and Behavioral NeuroscienceStudy psychological factors that focus on laboratory experience in cognitive and behavioral neuroscience andmore in-depth courses of interest that will broaden the students’ knowledge in understanding brain andbehavior. 6

Psychology Department Fall 2018 Catalog Year_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________NotesDept Course # Sect # Days Time CRN1. _____________________________________________________________2. _____________________________________________________________3. _____________________________________________________________4. _____________________________________________________________5. _____________________________________________________________6. _____________________________________________________________7. _____________________________________________________________ 7

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Psychology Department Fall 2018 Catalog Year_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Psychology Honors ProgramThe Honors Program in Psychology is a research-focused program for students interested in conducting anoriginal research project.Fall Semester:Applications accepted every year in the fall semester to begin in the spring. (Completed applications are duethe 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. Theformat includes guest speakers (faculty, outside speakers), laboratory visits/experience, interactivediscussions 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 presentationskills.Spring Semester III: (3 credits, counts as upper-level psychology elective):Students complete Honors Projects/Theses, with guidance of a three-member faculty committee selectedby 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.Where Can Additional Information Be Found?Director, Psychology Honors Program: Dr. Linda ChrosniakDr. Linda Chrosniak (703) 993-4139David King Hall room 2045 [email protected] the Honors Program web page to learn more and download application: http://psychology.gmu.edu/undergraduate/honors/honors-major 9

Psychology Department Fall 2018 Catalog Year_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________What is Psi Chi? About Our Chapter:Psi Chi is the National Honor Society in Psychology, founded in 1929 forthe purposes of encouraging, stimulation, and maintaining excellence in scholarship, and advancing the science of Psychology. Membership isopen to graduate and undergraduate students who are making the study of psychology one of their major interests and who met the minimumqualifications. We work together to put on educational and social eventseach semester to give back to the community and learn more about what the future in psychology studies holds! 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: [email protected] 10

Psychology Department Fall 2018 Catalog Year_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Psi ChiPsi Chi is the National Honor Society in Psychology, founded in 1929 forthe purposes of encouraging, stimulating, 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 meet the minimum qualifications.Advantages of membership include: • The documents -- a membership certificate and card which gives 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 their field, and meeting Psi Chi members of other chapters who also will be future leaders. • The United States government recognizes membership in Psi Chi as meeting one of the requirements for entrance at the GS-7 level in the Federal service.George Mason University students interested in joining Psi Chirequire: • Completed 12 hours in Psychology, 6 of which must be at GMU • Attained an overall GPA of 3.25 • Attained a psychology 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 3.0 GPA. • Organization dues: $65.00 application fee (this is a one time fee only) 11

Psychology Department Fall 2018 Catalog Year_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________WHAT KIND OF CAREER CAN I GET WITH A PSYCHOLOGY DEGREE? Writer Market ResearcherPsychiatric Technician Rehabilitation Specialist Probation and Career Counselor Parole OfficerTeacher Laboratory Assistant 12

Psychology Department Fall 2018 Catalog Year_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Career Blog The career blog was created to provide students with more information about ourdepartment along with resources within the field of psychology. The blog allowsstudents 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 blogcan help students get involved and begin gaining useful experience even beforegraduation. One of the highlights on our blog is our career spotlight section. Thissection includes a variety of different occupations that students graduating with aB.A./B.S. in psychology can enter into upon graduation. Each post highlights a differentjob including a brief description of the job and the average salary. Below are someexamples of the career spotlight postings that we have done in the past, along with alist of other job opportunities that students may qualify for.For more information and to check out our blog, please visithttp://gmupsyc.weebly.com/. 13

Psychology Department Fall 2018 Catalog Year_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Career Spotlight PostingsJob Description: Advertising Agent • Provide counseling to people involved in Job Description: challenging situations. • Help Develop plans for recovery and • Provide Conduct Market Research on treatment. target audience. • Monitor the progress of the client • Possess a deep understanding of human • Analyze Data and utilize findings to nature and behavior effectively reach a target audience.Average Salary: $49,000 • Create product messaging for persuasiveDegree Required: Bachelor’s Degree advertisements. Average Salary: $49,000 - $70,000 Degree Required: Bachelor’s Degree Teacher Laboratory AssistantJob Description: Job Description: • Prepare weekly lesson plans to promote • Assists senior researchers with psychology growth and learning for all students. experiments and studies • Incorporate a variety of instructional aids, • Prior knowledge of laboratory procedures. methods, and materials to reach the students at the intellectual, physical, social • Perform routine lab and equipment and emotional levels needed. maintenance. • Maintain a safe, clean, organized and • Open to working in government agencies, inviting classroom. university psychology programs and private business sectors.Average Salary: $51,000Degree Required: Bachelor’s Degree* Average Salary: $32,000 – $37,000 Degree Required: Bachelor’s Degree*State Licensure may be required 14

Psychology Department Fall 2018 Catalog Year_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Psychiatric Technician WriterJob Description: Job Description: • Work alongside psychiatric nurses to • Open to careers including newspaper and observe, treat and interact with patients. newsroom reporters, advertising copywriters, and technical writers among others. • Help Develop plans for recovery and treatment. • Produce clear, creative and attention-grabbing content. • Deliver hands-on care to people with developmental disabilities or mental health • Strong Attention to detail and ability to work illnesses under tight deadlines.Average Salary: $35,000 Average Salary: $60,000Degree Required: Bachelor’s Degree Degree Required: Bachelor’s Degree Market Researcher Rehabilitation SpecialistJob Description: Job Description: • Gather relevant data on target audiences • Work Alongside people with mental and physical • Conduct surveys, interviews and focus disabilities to help them become self-sufficient. groups • Assess program participants’ progress and record • Perform statistical analysis on data results. • Possess an understanding of human • Open to teaching classes in daily living skills and nature and behavior and Industrial assist participants with class exercises. Organizational Methods Average Salary: $55,000Average Salary: $61,000 Degree Required: Bachelor’s DegreeDegree Required: Bachelor’s Degree 15

Psychology Department Fall 2018 Catalog Year_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Career Counselor Probation and Parole OfficerJob Description: Job Description: • Assist Students and job seekers in • Supervise and track the behaviors and discovering their potential. activities of convicted individuals. • Help perform and Analyze self- • Coordinate with therapists and other assessments to better understand a professionals to provide the courts with person’s strengths and interests recommendations. • Provide support and offer guidance when • Ensure that convicted individuals comply with addressing career changes the requirements of their supervised release.Average Salary: $55,200 Average Salary: $48,000 *Degree Required: Bachelor’s Degree *Can vary on state or county you work in Degree Required: Bachelor’s DegreeMore Careers with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology!• Alumni Director • Human Factors Specialist • Substance Abuse Counselor• Benefits Manager • Information Specialist • Systems Analyst• Child Life Specialist • Labor Relations Manager • Veterans Counselor• Claims Supervisor • Loan Officer • Victims Advocate• Community Based Counselor • Personnel Recruiter• Computer Programmer • Polygraph Examiner *All salaries here are based off an• Conservation Officer• Database Administrator • Project Evaluator average for the local area in Fairfax and• Dietitian• Health Care Administrator • Purchasing Agent Washington DC via glassdoor.com. Keep• Human Resource Advisor in mind that salaries fluctuate based on • Public Relations Specialist region and demand for the position. • Real Estate Agent Along with if you go into private, public, • Social Work Assistant government, or non-profit fields. 16

Psychology Department Fall 2018 Catalog Year_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Careers Requiring a Degree Beyond aBachelor’s in Psychology!• Art Therapist • Lawyer • Psychiatrist• Child Psychologist • Military Chaplin • School Psychologist• Clinical Psychologist • Neurologist • Speech Pathologist• Cognitive Neuroscientist • Pediatrician • Pediatrician• College Professor • Physical Therapist • Physical Therapist• Forensic PsychologistFor More job prospects for psychology students, please visit:http://www.apa.org/ed/precollege/about/psymajor-guidelines.pdfAs a Mason Patriot you will also have access to more career readinessresources 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! 17

Psychology Department Fall 2018 Catalog Year_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ A Degree in Psychology can take you anywhere and give you theopportunity to work with people and populations you may not havethought of before. Every year, we welcome new students from all overthe globe and help them grow into a career they are passionate about.Once their journey is over at Mason, they push through groundbreaking research in their new careers. Our Alumni make an impactthroughout the world! See the map on the next page to see where you might end up! 18

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Psychology Department Fall 2018 Catalog Year_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Connectwith us! /GMUPsychology @GMUPsychologySCHEDULE ADVISING Department of PsychologyAPPOINTMENTS David King Hall 2086,MSN 3F5KEEP UP WITH NEWS 4400 University Dr., Fairfax, VA,AND EVENTSCONNECT WITH 22030FACULTY AND PEERS Phone: (703)-993-1384LEARN MORE ABOUTOUR PROGRAMS or visit us online at: psychology.gmu.edu 20