Psychology Undergraduate Resources

A psychology student sits across the table from a child and takes notes

Psychology focuses on understanding, predicting and solving problems related to human behavior in today’s information-rich world, which makes it one of the most relevant, versatile fields of study. You’ll employ a variety of lenses – including biological, cognitive, developmental, social and personality – to appreciate why people do what they do while building expertise in scientific methods, critical thinking and statistical procedures. Our Psychology students have opportunities to:

  • Conduct research in our laboratories
  • Connect with current students and active alumni networks
  • Earn college credits with cooperative education internships and study abroad opportunities
  • Prepare for fulfilling, versatile careers and graduate studies
  • Receive mentorship from dedicated faculty

Sona: Subject Pool Requirements

Students enrolled in either PSYC 101, 203 or 301 are required to fulfill research participation for the course.  These “credits” for participation are not in addition to the three credits earned for taking the course.  They are credits needed to earn a grade in the course.

Participation in research studies and assignments allow students to experience research first-hand, aiding in learning about psychology.  Most of all, participation is greatly appreciated by the researchers and may lead to findings that are important to others.  This should be something of interest and respect to students who may become researchers somewhere along their academic journeys or careers.

Credits assigned for studies are dependent upon the length of the study.  Duration of the studies is noted on the web-based sign-up along with a description of the studies available and their locations.  Alternative assignments are also worth one credit unless otherwise noted.  Alternative assignments are also available using the web-based sign-up procedure and change frequently throughout the semester.

Students who do not complete the Subject Pool requirement will receive an INCOMPLETE for the class.  Failure to complete the Subject Pool requirement will be seen as failure to complete the class, hence the IN grade. The requirement can be made up in the following semester or session. The IN grade will turn to an F, per the university’s grading policy, so it is best not to let it linger.

Information for students enrolled in a current PSYC 101, 203 or 301 course is found here. Bookmark this site! There is a list of FAQ on it specifically for the Subject Pool.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hopefully we can answer your question here!

Your Faculty Advisor is listed in degree works, which can be accessed through NEST. If you do not have an advisor, please request one. Remember to be proactive and meet with your faculty advisor as early as possible and before registration to ensure timely assistance

Select a Faculty Advisor who matches your academic interests (e.g., clinical, developmental, experimental) and your availability (e.g., day, evening).

If you email your Faculty Advisor and do not hear back from them, feel free to contact one of the CHSS Professional Advisors. If difficulties continue, please contact Ms. Vélez, Student Success Coordinator or Dr. Bixter, Assistant Professor and Associate Chair for Undergraduate Education in the Psychology Department.

Most Faculty Advisors prefer to be called by their formal title — “Doctor” or “Professor.”

You can view the major requirements on our website. All your academic requirements are also listed in your audit in degree works. Our website and the CHSS Advising and Registration resource page have further details about degree works and other academic resources. Transfer students, please view this Virtual Student Transfer Student Orientation recording and this Transfer Student Checklist for helpful guidance. If you have completed all your requirements, you may still need to take free electives to complete the minimum 120-credit requirement. If there is a discrepancy in your degree audit, please alert your advisor.

Yes, students have to earn a C- or higher for courses to count toward the major. If a D+, D, or D- is earned, the courses will fulfill free electives, but not major electives. If an F is earned in a course, no credit is granted for the course. You will need to retake the required major courses and earn a C- or higher.

No, these courses need to be taken as soon as possible and in this order: 203, 220, and 301.

If you require a PIN, you must meet with your advisor to secure your PIN. Only certain students need a PIN to register.

A “hold” is removed by the office that issued the hold (e.g., Health Center, Financial Aid).

Yes, please visit Red Hawk Central to learn more about the graduation application process.

To declare or change your major and/or minor, visit Red Hawk Central.

MSU offers several minors and students are encouraged to consider a minor, as it is a nice way to pursue an area of interest and further distinguish yourself from other students. You can search for minors on the MSU website and then declare the minor through NEST.

Please complete the necessary form to request a course permit while you are signed into your MSU email account. Completing the form does not guarantee a spot in the requested course(s). Students are encouraged to continue monitoring courses and to register for available seats, since a permit may not be possible. Alternatively, you can request to be added to the waitlist, when a course is closed.

Learn more about the foreign language policy.

View the grade grievance procedure.

All inquiries about the teaching certification programs at MSU can be directed to the Teacher Education Program. You can also explore the teacher educations programs offered.

CV stands for Curriculum vitae and is basically a summary of your academic and professional credential and activities. The American Psychological Association has some helpful tips on developing your CV.

Many students have free electives and are encouraged to consider gaining experiences that will make them more marketable to employers or graduate school programs. To learn more about how to secure a credit-bearing internship, please visit the Center for Career Services or the College’s career development resources. Students can use their COOP’s PSYC 391 (formerly PCOM 391) credits to fulfill Advanced Elective major credits. Other opportunities are posted on the psychology major listserv, so please check your email regularly.

Many psychology faculty direct research labs and involve students in their research projects.  Consider reaching out to faculty via email and inquiring about research assistantships and their application process. Remember to keep your communication professional, as if you were applying for a job.

Learn more about our faculty’s areas of specialty on our website or visit APA’s website to explore the many specialties in psychology.

Yes, we encourage our majors to promote their wellbeing and engage in self-care. Some resources include CAPS, verywellmind, TAO, and APA.