2018-2019
Psychology
College of Humanities and Sciences
Concentration(s):
Urban psychology, applied psychology, life science
Program description
The Bachelor of Science in Psychology curriculum reflects the discipline’s major functions — scientific research, teaching, acting as a healing profession and raising philosophical questions about the assumptions, values and ideals of human beings and their societies, which reflects psychology’s origin in philosophy. Through a core set of requirements the student systematically develops understanding and skill in scientific methods of inquiry, focusing on the human mind and behavior. To fulfill the degree requirements, students may pursue the standard curriculum by selecting courses from four content areas that introduce students to the healing and philosophical sides of psychology and provide a broad understanding of the field as a whole; or the student may apply to one of several more focused concentrations that draw upon the special strengths of the VCU Department of Psychology.
Career opportunities
Some students may choose to study psychology because they enjoy the subject and wish to pursue careers requiring "any major." In this scenario, it is critical to develop desirable skills through internships, part-time or summer jobs, or volunteer experiences. Some skills valued most by employers include: communication, interpersonal, leadership, teamwork, and computer skills. Other students may major in psychology because they want to work in a related field. Many entry-level helping positions are available, however the amount of direct client contact is limited for those who only have a bachelor's degree. Students may wish to pursue graduate education in psychology, social work, counseling, college student personnel, or other related fields to increase opportunities and earning potential.
Change of major requirements
None
Bachelor-level job titles
- Adult learning and instruction
- Community health worker
- Human resources specialist
- Market research analyst or marketing specialist
- Public relations specialist
- Recreational therapist
- Recruiter
- Sales representative
- Social and human services assistant
- Social science research assistant
- Training and development specialist
Degree requirements in Bulletin
Plan of study in Bulletin
Requirements
Highest level of math required
- STAT 210
Science required
- 1-2 additional science courses
Foreign language requirements
- Yes
Additional tuition/fees
- No
GPA requirements (to progress/graduate in the major)
- 2.5 cumulative and major GPA
Contact information
Department name:
Department of Psychology
Building/room location:
806 West Franklin Street
Phone:
(804) 828-1193
Email:
psyugrad@vcu.edu
Campus (where 75% of courses are taken):
Monroe Park
Major map
Explore
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
- Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor each semester to discuss tutoring, course electives, and degree progression.
- Complete PSYC 101 and STAT 210 with a grade of “C” or above in each course.
- Complete BIOL 101 and BIOZ 101.
- Attend Ready, Set, Go – Sophomore Transition Experience.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
- Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond, including its museums, parks, festivals, and cultural events!
- Apply to live in the ASPiRE, Globe, INNOVATE, or LEAD Living & Learning Programs.
- Get involved with VCU Student Government or one of over 450 clubs and organizations.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
- Learn about your study abroad options by visiting a study abroad fair and attending a First Advising Session in the Global Education Office.
- Review the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (OMSA) website for programs, events, and resources.
- Attend VCU’s annual Intercultural Festival.
- Join a living-learning program such as VCU Globe.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers and job titles in field of study.
- Complete Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists to learn about opportunities.
- Build a LinkedIn profile with Career Services.
- Review weekly PSYUGRAD eBlasts for opportunities to gain relevant experience.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
- Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with academic or career advisor.
- Explore Career Pathways on VCU Career Services’ website.
- Practice independent living skills (such as money management, self-care, time management, and personal responsibility).
Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
- Meet with PSYUGRAD advisor and explore minors, certificates, and skills-based value added courses.
- Begin/Complete the PSYC 214 and 317 sequence with a grade of “C” or above in each course.
- Review weekly PSYUGRAD eBlasts for opportunities.
- Talk to your professors about research interests, picking future classes in your major, and strategies for success in your degree program.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
- Take service-learning classes or volunteer to address a social issue (ConnectVA & HandsOnRVA).
- Join one of the department’s student organizations. Ask your PSYUGRAD advisor!
- Attend at least two or three public talks or other events advertised by the department.
- Explore peer leadership opportunities or apply for I-LEAD Connect, or Alternative Spring Break.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
- Attend Diversity Scholars in Research Week.
- Get to know other VCU students from all over the world at a monthly Global Café.
- Join a cultural organization.
- Consider short-term, semester and year long Study Abroad opportunities.
- Attend OMSA Social Justice Conference.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Create a draft of your resume and go to drop-ins at VCU Career Services to have it reviewed. Your career counselor is available weekly at PSYUGRAD - see weekly eBlast for day and hours.
- Attend Career & Internship Fairs and career events throughout the year to explore your interests.
- Attend fall and spring PSYC 494 Research Fairs.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
- Conduct numerous informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of career interest.
- Using LinkedIn, connect to at least 10 people. Check out the VCU alumni page in My Network.
- Consider who you would like to have serve as professional and academic references for future letters of recommendation.
- Attend fall and spring panels about life after the BS in Psychology.
Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
- Meet with PSYUGRAD Advising each semester. Discuss taking PSYC 494 Research Internship and PSYC 493 Fieldwork.
- Complete the PSYC 214 and 317 sequence with a grade of “C” or above in each course.
- Students considering graduate school should discuss research projects with faculty.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
- Create and complete a community-engaged research project.
- Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood associations, city council, or state legislative sessions.
- Attend at least two or three public talks or other events advertised by the department.
- Attend a Wellness Resource Center program.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
- Review weekly PSYUGRAD eBlasts for opportunities to build cultural competence.
- Attend presentations and conferences pertinent to intercultural dialogue, history and issues.
- Take on a leadership role in a cultural organization.
- Apply for a Fulbright or international fellowship program through National Scholarship Office.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Review weekly PSYUGRAD eBlasts for opportunities to gain relevant experience.
- Attend fall and spring PSYC 494 Research Fairs.
- Identify at least three career options within your field of interest that you may want to pursue.
- Meet with a career adviser to discuss your career direction and create an action plan.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
- Based on career goals, talk to PSYUGRAD career/academic advisor or a faculty member about whether graduate school or a job fits your career goals.
- Join job listserv sites that provide access to job postings in desired fields. Revisit gap analysis assessment and continue adjusting strategic career plan with Career Services.
Excel
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
- Meet with PSYUGRAD advising a semester before your anticipated graduation to ensure all graduation requirements will be met.
- Complete the major capstone course, PSYC 451.
- Meet with PSYUGRAD Advising each semester.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
- Consider jobs in the nonprofit sector.
- Consider applying for a year-long service opportunity after graduation through programs like VCU AmeriCorps, Literacy Lab, Peace Corps, Fulbright Student Scholars, Teach for America and City Year.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
- Review weekly PSYUGRAD eBlasts for opportunities to build cultural competence.
- Consider becoming a diversity ambassador with the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs.
- Present at the Diversity Scholars in Research Week.
- Attend at least two or three public talks or other events advertised by the department.
- Attend OMSA Tunnel of Oppression.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Review weekly PSYUGRAD eBlasts for opportunities to gain relevant experience.
- Attend the fall PSYC 494 Research Fair.
- Gain practical experience related to your career goal through internships, externships and skill building.
- Expand your network and remember that you can network anywhere.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
- Complete necessary exams, applications, or self-marketing activities for next steps beyond graduation.
- Research prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
- Have your personal statement or cover letter reviewed, and do a mock interview at VCU Career Services.
2018-2019
Psychology
College of Humanities and Sciences
Concentration(s):
Urban psychology, applied psychology, life science | Pre-graduate school | Addiction studies | No concentration
| MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING | GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY | DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY | EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS | PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE | ||
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| Explore | Year 1 |
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| Experience | Year 2 |
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| Excel | Year 4 |
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