TABLE OF CONTENTS. About UCM... i. Faculty Biographical Sketches... i. Finding a Faculty Advisor... i. Student Learning Outcomes...

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1 Undergraduate Psychology Major Manual TABLE OF CONTENTS About UCM i Faculty Biographical Sketches i Finding a Faculty Advisor i Student Learning Outcomes Grade Requirements Degrees Offered by the Psychology Department Choosing Between the B.A. and the B.S. in Psychology Bachelor of Science Recommended Course Sequence Bachelor of Arts Recommended Course Sequence Ethical Principles of Psychologists Department of Psychology Resources Neurocognition Laboratory Computer Laboratory Experimental Psychology Laboratory Behavioral Medicine and Biofeedback Laboratory Psychological Assessment Laboratory Virtual Reality Laboratory Required Examinations Tips for Success Opportunities to Present or Publish Student Research Jerome M. Sattler Endowment Research Awards Tuition Awards Scholarships Student Organizations Professional Organizations What Can I Do With an Undergraduate Degree? Special Annual Events/Resources Preparing for Graduate Study

2 Undergraduate Psychology Major Manual Student Learning Outcomes The nine outcomes listed below have been accepted by the department faculty as important for all students with a major in psychology. 1 Knowledge Base Demonstrate and integrate knowledge of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology. 2 Research Methods Understand and apply basic research methods in psychology, including research design, data analysis, and interpretation. 3 Problem Solving Skills Value and use critical and creative thinking, including the scientific method, to address problems related to behavior and mental processes. 4 Application Appropriately apply knowledge and skills acquired in the psychology curriculum to personal, social, and organizational issues. 5 Valuing Value and apply empirical evidence, cope with ambiguity, and behave legally and ethically in research and applied settings. 6 Communicating Understand and apply the language of the science of psychology, through effective speaking, reading and writing. 7 Information Management and Technology Skills Demonstrate the ability to acquire and disseminate information and use computers and other technology for a variety of purposes. 8 Appreciating Diversity Recognize, understand, and respect individual differences and the complexity of sociocultural and international diversity. Demonstrate knowledge about how these factors affect applied and scholarly work. 9 Career Planning Demonstrate knowledge about realistic occupational, career, and advanced educational opportunities appropriate to the discipline and develop a feasible plan to pursue those opportunities. Grade Requirements The Psychology department does not have grade requirements for admission or graduation other than the requirements listed for undergraduate degrees as part of the official undergraduate catalog.

3 About Our Degrees 3 Types of Degrees Offered by the Psychology Department The Psychology Department offers two undergraduate majors a Bachelor of Science degree and a Bachelor of Arts degree, a minor, and a Master of Science degree. The two undergraduate degrees are described in this document. There is a separate manual for the graduate degree available in the Psychology Department office in Lovinger Choosing Between the B.A. and the B.S. The department offers two bachelor s degrees in Psychology: the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and the Bachelor of Science (B.S.). Either degree will provide you with a strong general background in psychological science. Both degree programs require the same 33 semester hour core. The B.S. requires an additional nine hours in Psychology, selected from a restricted list of elective courses. Students electing to pursue the B.A. must satisfy the 3-9 semester hour modern language requirement. Both the B.A. and the B.S. require completion of the 48 semester hour General Education program, and both require a minimum total of 124 semester hours. The B.A. is a good option for students who are interested in Psychology but who are not sure that they would like to pursue Psychology as a profession. The lower number of semester hours required in Psychology allows the student to take more hours in other areas. The completion of the modern language requirement may make students more marketable. The broad education provided by the B.A. would prepare the student to pursue employment in business, education, and many other areas. See What Can I Do With an Undergraduate Degree on page 14. The B.S. is a good choice for students who are interested in pursuing a Psychology-related profession. The extensive training provided by the B.S. is good preparation for students planning on pursuing a graduate degree in Psychology or in related fields. Sample Four-year B.S. and B.A. Degree Program Schedules The sample schedules on pages 4 and 5 show how to efficiently acquire a minimum total of 124 hours in four years. Minor changes may be needed to accommodate each student s unique situation. Many of the required psychology courses are offered during the summer session. Students may wish to incorporate these opportunities into scheduling their four-year plan. Please note that all required courses are offered both fall and spring semester unless otherwise indicated. Because the schedule of elective courses varies each year, it is important to check the schedule of courses for availability.

4 4 Undergraduate Psychology Major Manual Four-year Plan for a B.S. in Psychology Recommended Course Sequence Freshman Psy 1100 General Psychology General Education Requirements Freshman year total hours Sophomore Psy 2110 Research Design & Analysis I (Fall) Psy 2120 Research Design & Analysis II (Spring) Psy 2130 Learning General Education Requirements Free Elective Sophomore year total hours Junior Psy 3130 Physiological Psychology Psy 3220 Lifespan Development Psy 3340 Social Psychology Psy 4440 Abnormal Psychology Course Work in Minor Free Elective Hours Junior year total hours Senior Psy 4310 Theories of Personality Psy 4110 Systems of Psychology (Take in final semester.) Course Work in Minor Free Elective Hours Electives in Psychology (Choose from list below.) Senior year total hours Four-year minimum total Psychology Electives from Which to Choose: Psy 4000 Special Projects in Psychology Psy 4180 Seminar in Psychology Psy 4330 Multicultural Psychology Psy 4500 Intro to Psychological Measurement Psy 4130 Sensation & Perception Psy 4150 Cognitive Psychology Psy 4230 Psychology of Adolescence Psy 4240 Psychology of Aging Psy 4320 Psychology of Women Psy 4600 Industrial Psychology Psy 4730 Cognitive-Behavioral Intervention Psy 4740 Assessment & Intervention with Law Offenders

5 Four-Year Plans for Psychology Majors 5 Four-year Plan for a B.A. in Psychology Recommended Course Sequence Freshman Psy 1100 General Psychology General Education Requirements Modern Language Requirement Freshman year total hours Sophomore Psy 2110 Research Design & Analysis I (Fall) Psy 2120 Research Design & Analysis II (Spring) Psy 2130 Learning General Education Requirements Modern Language Requirement Sophomore year total hours Junior Psy 3130 Physiological Psychology Psy 3220 Lifespan Development Psy 3340 Social Psychology Psy 4440 Abnormal Psychology Course Work in Minor Free Elective Hours General Education Requirements Junior year total hours Senior Psy 4310 Theories of Personality Psy 4110 Systems of Psychology (take in final semester) Course Work in Minor Free Elective Hours Senior year total hours Four-year minimum total Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct The Department includes the Ethical Principles as part of its official policies and procedures. Students should familiarize themselves with the latest version of this document. American Psychological Association (2002). Ethical principles of psychologists and code of conduct. American Psychologist, 57, The full version of the American Psychological Association s (2002) Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct (the Ethics Code ) is available at the following web address:

6 6 Undergraduate Psychology Major Manual Department of Psychology Resources The Department has established a Neurocognition Laboratory, Computer Laboratory, and specialized laboratories for Experimental Psychology, Behavioral Medicine/Biofeedback, and Psychological Assessment. Whenever possible, students are encouraged to participate in faculty research projects, many of which are supported by grant funds. The Department is currently building an extensive library of software packages for the administration, scoring, and interpretation of neuropsychological and personality measures. Neurocognition Laboratory - The lab is fully equipped to measure and analyze a variety of biosignals including brain activity (EEG), eye movements (EOG), heart activity (EKG), and skin conductance (SCR) among others. Equipment also exists to perform comprehensive eye examinations. Recent and current projects in the lab involve examining brain activity as it relates to various memory and emotional processes as well as the effects of visual deficits on cognitive functioning. Please contact Dr. Ament in Lov. 1123, phone 8873, for further information. Computer Laboratory - This resource is intended for use of students and faculty. It provides access to 27 computers that are equipped with the latest versions of major statistical software packages (e.g. SPSS and Statview). The lab can be used for word processing as well as statistical analysis. Experimental Psychology Laboratory - This lab is used for conducting research in a variety of areas in Experimental Psychology, including cognition, perception, psycholinguistics, and social psychology. This includes research designed by students enrolled in the Research Design & Analysis I and II courses as well as individual student projects under faculty supervision, research done for Master s theses, and research designed by faculty with student research assistants collecting data. Behavioral Medicine and Biofeedback Laboratory - This laboratory provides students with the opportunity to conduct basic and applied research related to behavioral assessment and treatment of biomedical disorders (e.g., headache, chronic pain, Parkinson s Disease.) State of the art, eight channel computer-based and stand-alone equipment for biomonitoring and biofeedback of cardiac, electrodermal, electromyographic, and peripheral temperature response modalities is available. Please contact Dr. Lundervold in Lovinger 1124, phone 4836 for additional information. Psychological Assessment Laboratory - This laboratory provides graduate students training and experience with the major psychological and neuropsychological instruments. Numerous computer programs are available to assist students with test scoring and interpretation. A two-way mirror allows for unobtrusive supervision of test administration. Virtual Reality Laboratory - We are the first Psychology Department in the USA to introduce VR to the training of undergraduate students (Graap, 2005). The key feature of VR is the illusion of being a participant in a synthetic environment. In VR, the user interacts with and becomes immersed in a computer-generated environment that simulates real-life. VR is starting to play an important role in clinical psychology. VR environments are being used for pain distraction interventions and the treatment of phobias, eating disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder. In medicine, VR is used in surgical training and the management of side-effects of chemotherapy in cancer patients. Clinical neuropsychologists use VR to enhance their assessment protocols and address limitations of traditional diagnostic methods.

7 Resources 7 Required Examinations Senior Exit Exam The faculty of the Department of Psychology is committed to providing the highest quality education possible. Towards that end, the department requires graduating seniors to be assessed in the knowledge of their discipline using a nationally normed instrument to allow the department to compare the performance of our students with that of students from across the nation. As a senior majoring in psychology, you will be required to complete the Area Concentration Achievement Test (ACAT) exit exam. The ACAT is designed to assess student knowledge in the major subdivisions/fields of psychology, and your score on the test will contribute toward your final grade in the Capstone course. The ACAT consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two and one half hours to complete. Your instructor for the Capstone course will provide you with further detailed information regarding how your score will contribute toward your grade in the course, how to register to take the test, and so on. At this point in time, the important things for you to remember are that your knowledge in psychology will be assessed at a later point in time through a senior exit exam, and that your score on the senior exit exam will influence your final grade in the Capstone course. All scores on the senior exit exam will be sent to the Director of the Office of Assessment and Testing Services who will enter the scores into a secure database. Your instructors will receive a list of those who successfully completed the assessment within the appropriate time frame, along with their scores. Should you have any questions about the senior exit exam, results, or how the information from the tests is to be used, you can contact the Office of Assessment and Testing Services. Senior Exit Interviews As part of the required Capstone course, Systems of Psychology, all seniors are required to complete an Exit Interview. This is part of the Department s assessment and quality improvement program and provides an opportunity for students to candidly evaluate our courses, faculty, and facilities. Students are encouraged to engage in constructive criticism, offer realistic suggestions for improvement, and/or provide positive feedback concerning faculty or programs.

8 8 Undergraduate Psychology Major Manual Tips for Success Attend Every Class It will be hard for you to earn a good grade if you do not attend class. Participate actively in class discussions/exercises. It is also important that you pay careful attention to the course syllabus and to any announcements in class about the course schedule. Spend Time Reading Effectively Read the assigned material before attending class, and then read it again before exams. Before reading the chapter, look at the chapter outline and skim through the chapter, looking at the headings. Then, read the chapter thoroughly. Read a section over again if you do not understand it or found your mind wandering. Try to answer any review questions and do the exercises included in readings. Practice Smart Note Taking Do not try to record everything that is said in class. Try to identify key points and use abbreviations to make note taking easier. Ask questions in class if you are not sure about something, or check with the instructor after class or during office hours. Use Effective Study Techniques Try to organize the material in a way that makes sense to you. Studying will also be most effective if you frequently review the material. Try to spend 5-10 minutes after each class reviewing the notes you took that day. Mark material that you do not understand and ask about it during the next class period (chances are that if you did not understand something, then someone else did not either). Try to guess the kinds of questions that will be on exams and practice quizzing yourself on the material. Try to relate the new material you have learned to something you already know or to examples in your own personal life. This will make the material more interesting and meaningful for you. Interact with the material; try explaining the material you are learning to a friend and/or discuss the material in study groups. Learn to use the language of the course. Prepare for Tests and Use Effective Test-Taking Strategies If you have not studied well, there is no magic way to do well on an exam. If you have studied well, try to relax so that you can take advantage of all your effort in preparing for the exam. If you are really nervous, remind yourself that the exam is not a life-threatening situation and is just one opportunity to demonstrate how well you have learned the information. Read questions and alternatives carefully. Try to identify the answer to multiple-choice questions on your own before looking at the alternatives. Do not just pick an answer that seems familiar; pick the one that is the right answer for that particular question. If you blank out on a question, do not panic; come back to it later and you will probably remember it when you are calmer. Make Use of the Resources That Are Available to You There are a number of services available to assist students with their coursework and with preparing for their lives after college. For instance, through the Department of Academic Enrichment (located in Humphreys 127), you can get assistance with math homework, have someone proofread a paper, or brush up on your study skills. The University Career Services (Union 302) can assist you with preparing a resume (or vitae) and cover letter (or statement of intent for graduate school applications), and can help you to prepare for interviews, learn about the job-market, and so on.

9 Tips for Success 9 Be Familiar with the Policies Stated in Your Student Handbook Cheating on examinations and/or plagiarism of written material are both taken very seriously within the University and consequences of engaging in such behavior can range from being asked to redo an assignment to being expelled from the University. As a student, it is your responsibility to be familiar with this policy, which can be found in your student handbook. Get to Know Your Professors and Make a Good Impression on Them There is much more to learn from your professors than what is taught in the classroom. Through interacting with your professors you might become involved in research projects, learn about special opportunities such as jobs and internships, and learn more about what it is really like to work in the field. Since you will probably be asking some of your professors to be a reference for you at some point in the future, it is important to leave a favorable impression so that they will have good things to say about you when the time comes. You can start by talking with professors after class, demonstrating interest in their subjects, and/or visiting with them during office hours. Get Involved in Research If you are planning on continuing on to graduate school, it is especially important for you to gain research experience. You can do this by assisting faculty with their research projects and/or by developing your own research project under the mentorship of a faculty member. Research experience will help you to develop critical thinking skills and will also show potential employers that you are motivated and willing to work beyond the minimum requirements. Get Work Experience Try to find part-time and/or summer jobs that will allow you to explore potential careers. For instance, you might consider finding a job as a research assistant, camp counselor, residence hall advisor, daycare provider, or human services employee. These experiences will help you to learn more about yourself and will help you identify the careers most likely to be satisfying to you. In addition, prospective employers will be more interested in you as a job candidate as a result of your experience. Get Involved in Extracurricular Activities Extracurricular activities can help you develop skills and gain experience that will enhance your marketability when you graduate. They also allow you to test out potential career paths, network with others, and develop your communication and organizational skills. In addition, volunteer work demonstrates to others (including potential employers) that you are a good citizen. Involvement in extracurricular activities demonstrates your leadership skills, ability to work effectively with others, and your motivation to work beyond what is expected of you. As a psychology major, two excellent places to start getting involved are the Psychology Club and Psi Chi organizations (see page 13). However, remain open to other extracurricular activities outside the Psychology Department as well.

10 10 Undergraduate Psychology Major Manual Opportunities for Presenting and Publishing Student Research Undergraduates have many opportunities to get involved in research. Students can get involved by: Conducting research as part of course requirements in the Research Design and Analysis I and II courses. Volunteering to work with faculty on their research projects. Developing your own research projects. Participating in the McNair program. (Information on this program is available in the Humphreys Building, Room 127.) Participating in the Honors Program. (Information on this program is available in the Kirkpatrick Library, Room 3452.) All research must be done under the supervision of a faculty member. Approval from the Human Subjects Review Committee is required prior to collecting any data from people for research purposes. Students are also encouraged to present their research at conferences and to pursue publication. Faculty members can help students select appropriate venues. There are a number of conferences and publications that accept student research (see below). Grants in support of undergraduate research are administered by the Director of Undergraduate Research. Travel funding is also available for students presenting their research at professional conferences. Contact The Honors College office for information ( , JCKL 1450). The Psychology Department also provides support for student presentations at professional conferences; contact the department chair, Dr. Ryan, in Lovinger 1111 for more information. Examples of Conferences Accepting Student Presentations UCM Undergraduate Research & Creative Accomplishment Symposium This conference is held on campus in the spring of each year and is open to all UCM students. Great Plains Student s Psychology Convention This conference is exclusively for student research. It is held in March with a submission deadline in early February. The location of the conference changes each year, but it is always held in the Midwest region, within driving distance. There is a nominal registration fee and lodging costs are generally low.

11 Research Opportunities 11 Midwestern Psychological Association Annual Meeting This is a major regional conference. Students may submit proposals for the Psi Chi program or for the general program. The submission deadline is in early November and the conference is held early in the following May. The registration fee is nominal but the lodging costs are high, as the conference is held in Chicago every year. Missouri Psychological Association Annual Meeting This conference is held in the spring each year. The location changes from year to year. The registration fee is relatively high. The conference is more focused on clinical issues than on academics. Missouri Academy of Science Research from all fields of science is presented at this conference, with a heavy emphasis on student research. The conference is generally held in April, with the location changing each year. Registration and lodging costs are low. Association for Behavior Analysis Annual Meeting Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback Annual Meeting American Psychological Association American Psychological Society National Academy of Neuropsychology Examples of Undergraduate Research Publications American Journal of Undergraduate Research Psi Chi Journal of Undergraduate Research Journal of Psychological Inquiry Journal of Psychology and the Behavioral Sciences National Undergraduate Research Clearinghouse

12 12 Undergraduate Psychology Major Manual Jerome M. Sattler Endowment Research Awards The Jerome M. Sattler endowment was established in Each year the endowment dispenses the following cash awards for research: Best Undergraduate Presentation at a Recognized Professional Meeting Best Undergraduate Research Project Completed as Part of a Psychology Course Amounts of awards vary from year to year. Please contact the psychology department office professional in Lovinger 1111 for more detailed information about these prestigious awards. Tuition Awards The Department of Psychology will provide eight tuition awards per academic year. The proposed awards are as follows: Three tuition awards for psychology majors who will attain junior status by Fall of the academic year. Each award is $1000 ($500 per semester). Three tuition awards for psychology majors who will attain senior status by Fall of the academic year. Each award is $1000 ($500 per semester). Two graduate tuition awards for UCM seniors who plan on attending the UCM master s degree program in psychology. Each award is $1000 ($500 per semester). Interested students should visit the Psychology Department Office (Lovinger 1111) for further award details and application deadlines. Scholarships Since 1984, the Arthur John Ter Keurst Scholarship in Psychology has been awarded annually at UCM. The award is derived from the earned interest of the money donated to Central Missouri by Mrs. Ruth L. Ter Keurst in memory of her late husband and former Psychology Department faculty member. The amount is determined by the Selection Committee. Guidelines for determining the award are as follows: I. Criteria for Eligibility A. Applicants must be majoring in Psychology and have completed their junior year in the spring prior to the beginning of their senior year. B. Applicants must have a minimum overall undergraduate grade point average of C. Applicants must have a minimum, grade point average of 3.75 in Psychology at UCM. D. Applicants must have completed a minimum of twelve semester hours in Psychology at UCM. E. At the time of the award, the recipient must agree to enroll as a full-time student for two (2) consecutive semesters the following academic year at UCM to work toward the baccalaureate degree.

13 Awards and Scholarships 13 II. Criteria for Selection of Recipient A. In addition to a record of high scholastic achievement, the applicant must have demonstrated outstanding leadership abilities in campus activities while a student at UCM. B. Applicants must possess high standards of character as evidenced by the statement of applicant s peers, employers, and instructors and show promise of a distinguished career in psychology. III. Procedures for Applying for the Award A. Student must apply for the scholarship on forms available in the department office. B. Student must submit application to the Scholarship Committee, Chair of the Department of Psychology in early April. Check with the department office for the official due date. C. Students must request letters from a minimum of five (5) references including a letter from a UCM student, two UCM faculty or staff members, and a person not directly associated with UCM. Letters are to be mailed directly to the Scholarship Committee, Chair of the Department of Psychology, and be received in early April. Check with the department Office for the official due date. IV. Selection and Announcement of Recipient A. The selection of the recipient will be made by the Departmental Scholarship Committee for the Department of Psychology. B. The award and announcement of the recipient will be made during the Annual Psychology Club Banquet. Student Organizations Psi Chi Students are invited to become members of Psi Chi, the honor society in psychology. This organization promotes educational excellence in the study of psychology. Membership requirements are as follows: (1) Completion of at least three semesters of college credit, (2) Completion of nine semester hours in psychology, (3) Registration for major or minor standing in psychology, (4) Undergraduates who are elected to Psi Chi must rank in the upper 35 percent of their class in general scholarship and have an overall cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 or higher, depending on the GPA cutoff of the upper 35 percent. They must also demonstrate superior scholarship in psychology, earning a minimum GPA in psychology courses of With regard to membership qualifications, Psi Chi accepts the policy of the institution regarding grades, (5) For graduate students, an average grade of B or better in all graduate courses, including psychology, (6) High standards of personal behavior, (7) Twothirds affirmative vote of those present at a regular meeting of the chapter. Drs. Bob Ahlering and David Kreiner are the club advisors. Psychology Club The Psychology Club brings together students who have an interest in psychology and facilitates, maintains, and expands that interest. Membership is open to all students enrolled at the university. Dr. Jon Smith is the club sponsor.

14 14 Undergraduate Psychology Major Manual Professional Organizations Many of the professional organizations in psychology, such as the American Psychological Association, American Psychological Society and the Missouri Psychological Association, are open to student affiliates or student members. Students should contact the Psychology office or their faculty advisors to learn more about student affiliation in professional organizations. The American Psychological Association (APA) and the American Psychological Society (APS) offer students reduced membership rates as well as several benefits. Student members can subscribe to professional journals for discounted prices and will receive several APA publications automatically as part of the membership package. Being a member of APA or APS is an excellent way of keeping informed about current trends in your field. What Can I Do With an Undergraduate Degree in Psychology? The following information was taken from the publication referenced below. The complete publication is available to students from the American Psychological Association. American Psychology Association (2000). Psychology: Scientific problem solvers: Careers for the 21st century. Washington, DC: The American Psychological Association. Nationally, approximately 65,000 students graduate with an undergraduate degree in psychology each year. It is the second most popular college major and yet fewer than 10% of these graduates pursue graduate education in psychology. The remaining 90% go to work in areas of business, industry, government and education. They work as teachers, interviewers, counselors, sales representatives, and a wide range of other occupations where they use their strong critical thinking, research and writing skills. A substantial majority of these graduates report that their jobs are related to their psychology background and that their jobs hold career potential.

15 Preparing for the Future 15 Special Annual Events/resources Psychology Banquet The Psychology Banquet is held annually at the close of the spring semester. The department announces scholarships, tuition and research awards, and acknowledges faculty and students for their accomplishments during the year. All psychology students, their guests, and faculty are invited to attend. The event also includes a guest speaker who is typically a prominent psychologist not affiliated with UCM. Welcome Dinner The Department of Psychology sponsors a Welcome Dinner every fall. Students and faculty are invited to socialize and make new friends over dinner provided by the department. A raffle is held to award prizes and memberships in professional organizations and the Psych Club. Please come and join in the fun, make friends, and meet with the faculty. Department Newsletter The Department of Psychology Newsletter, Psych Talk, was created in the Fall of 2004 and is issued twice a year. It keeps students up-to-date on department events, club activities, research projects, and other important topics. Pick up your copy in the department office, Lovinger Psychology Day An annual Psychology Day is held during the fall semester. High school students and their parents meet faculty, current students, attend formal presentations about the major, and receive a hands on tour of the department s laboratory facilities.

16 16 Undergraduate Psychology Major Manual Preparing for Graduate Study Students who are interested in pursuing a graduate degree in Psychology should begin preparing and planning as early as possible. Students are sometimes surprised to find that admission to graduate programs can be very competitive, similar to getting into medical school. Successful applicants build a record over several years of undergraduate work to demonstrate that they have what it takes to succeed in graduate school. Here are some things students can do to improve their chances of being accepted into a high quality graduate program. Work with a mentor. Students should start early to pursue a mentor. Ideally, a student should work with at least two professors with somewhat different interests during the undergraduate years. Maintain a high GPA. See the Tips for Success section of this handbook. Nothing substitutes for hard work and effective study habits. Many graduate programs demand a high cumulative GPA as well as a high GPA in the major. Develop a record of extracurricular activities. For example, get involved in the Psychology Club and Psi Chi, as well as other organizations on campus that are interesting to you. Look for opportunities to volunteer. The Office of Community Engagement can help you locate volunteer opportunities. Join professional organizations such as APS and APA. Read the journals. Get involved in research. (See Opportunities to Present or Publish Student Research on pages ) Do things that will allow faculty members to write good recommendations for you. Get to know your professors by actively participating in class and by visiting them during office hours. Produce excellent work that goes beyond course requirements. Be visible in the department. Provide your resume to faculty when you ask them to write recommendations for you. Be organized when you request recommendations; for example, provide a stamped, addressed envelope for each recommendation. Prepare to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). The Department of Academic Enrichment offers a GRE Preparation Class (AE 1250). Also consider purchasing a practice book. Take the GRE well in advance of application deadlines. The Office of Assessment & Testing can provide information about where and when the GRE is offered.

17 Preparing for Graduate Study 17 Visit the Office of Career Services. They can help you prepare a resume as well as help you identify graduate programs and career opportunities. Do some research on graduate programs. The Psychology Department has a book published by APA, Graduate Study in Psychology, which provides a list of graduate programs. Also investigate websites for specific information about the goals of the programs, admission criteria, faculty, costs, and financial support. If you are interested in a particular program, find out what research the faculty there are doing and read some of it. Write a clear, unique statement of purpose. Have someone proofread it. Mention specific interests you have in each program to which you are applying (e.g., a faculty member there is doing research that has captured your interest). Apply only to programs that match your interests and credentials (e.g., grades, and standardized test scores). Although the information provided in this manual is believed to be accurate, the University of Central Missouri Undergraduate Catalog is the official authority. This manual was completed in November 2003 and revised in December 2006.

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