Course Syllabus – PSY 201
Academic & Career Opportunities in Psychology
San Diego State University-IV Campus
Barbara B. Romero, M.S.W.
bromero@mail.sdsu.edu
Office: Student Affairs #112
Fall 2013
Mon. 5:30-6:30pm
Telephone: 768-5509
Psychology majors may sometimes have difficulty making the transition
from college student to Psychology graduate. Some learn, too late, about
the steps needed for success in a given post-baccalaureate career
endeavor to implement them effectively. Many Psychology majors have no
clear career goals beyond the completion of their current semester or
baccalaureate degree (Oles & Cooper, 1983). Information about
Psychology related careers and skills acquired early in the undergraduate
experience are thus crucial to your development as a Psychology major.
Course description: Information about careers in Psychology which
includes identification of career-related strengths and interests and
information regarding post-baccalaureate options in Psychology and
related fields.
Course objectives: This course has the following main objectives: 1) to
increase your knowledge about careers in Psychology 2) to increase your
knowledge about post-baccalaureate educational opportunities 3) to teach
you job search skills.
This course employs traditional lecture format via PowerPoint
presentations, invited guests, written assignments, and exercises.
Material:
(Required)
Landrum, R. E. & Davis, S. F. (2010) The Psychology Major. Career
Options and Strategies for Success. Fourth Edition. Pearson Prentice Hall,
NJ.
*PLEASE NOTE: This syllabus may be subject to change depending on the circumstances.
If changes are made to the syllabus, the instructor will inform the students immediately and
provide them a new updated version of the syllabus. The instructor will also submit any
changes made to Administration.
Assignments and Learning objectives:
Students are required to complete assignments for credit. Students are
encouraged to keep assignments in a portfolio for future reference. During
the course of the semester you will learn about the sub-disciplines of
Psychology and career paths of Psychologists. You will also learn skills and
knowledge that will facilitate your progress toward your educational goals.
Reading Assignments: All reading assignments which include readings
from the textbook and handouts will require a completed Ticket-In form
(found on blackboard). After completing the required reading or handout,
you will write a summary of that reading and/or handout on your Ticket-In
form. Ticket-In forms are due at the beginning of each class session. When
you come to class, please submit your ticket-in forms to the instructor.
Guest Speakers: Guest speaker presentations will be incorporated during
the course of the semester. The course will include a minimum of 3-4 guest
speaker presentations. Students will be notified in advance when a guest
speaker is scheduled to appear.
Policy Regarding Late Assignments: Students are expected to submit all
assignments by the date that the assignment is due. If you are scheduled
to be absent in advance before the next assignment is due you should get
the assignment to the instructor in advance. If there is an emergency or an
extreme circumstance please speak to the instructor as soon as possible to
determine what arrangements can be made.
Attendance: Attendance is mandatory and all students are expected to
attend each class session. The instructor will keep track of attendance.
Attendance is taken into consideration when considering the final grade. If
you come in late, please let me know at the end of class so that I will not
mark you absent.
Cell Phones/Pagers/Text Messages: Please turn off or set cell phones/
pagers to silent/vibrate so that they will not ring/beep during class.
Major Assignments: During the course of the semester students will be
expected to complete two major assignments. These assignments include
a choice between an Information Interview or a Job Shadow and the
Customized Educational Plan (CEP). Please note that the Customized
Educational Plan (CEP) Assignment will be an in-class assignment.
Evaluation method:
The evaluation for all assignments will be broken down as follows:
Attendance/Ticket-IN’s ….50%
Assignments………………50%
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Introduction to Psychology 201
DUE
9/2/13
ASSIGNMENTS
HOLIDAY- NO ASSIGNMENT DUE
9/2/13
LABOR DAY HOLIDAYNO CLASS TODAY
9/9/13
NO ASSIGNMENT DUE
9/9/13
Special Study Courses in Psychology
9/16/13
Read Chapter 1 in text/Ticket-in Due
9/16/13
INFORMATION INTERVIEW OR
JOB SHADOW –DUE 11/25/13
9/23/13
Read Chapter 2 in text/Ticket-in Due
9/23/13
Overview of career paths in
psychology (Academic/research vs.
Hands on/helping profession)
Therapy and helping professions
(Masters level): I/O and applied
9/30/13
Read Chapter 3 in text/Ticket-in Due
9/30/13
Research careers in psychology:
Exploring the PhD in Psychology
(non-clinical)
10/7/13
Read Chapter 4 in text/Ticket-in Due
10/7/13
Clinical & Counseling Psych. PhD
10/14/13
Read MSW and MFT handouts (on
blackboard)
Ticket-in of both handouts due
10/14/13
Jobs for Psychology Majors
10/21/13
Read Clinical Psychology handout
(on blackboard)
Ticket-in of handout due
10/21/13
CV/ résumé and Personal Statement
10/28/13
Read Chapter 5 in text-/Ticket-in Due
10/28/13
Network building/letters of
reference, Personal
Statement/Graduate School
11/4/13
11/4/13
Becoming involved: Service,
volunteering, research experience,
and internships
11/11/13
HOLIDAY- NO ASSIGNMENT DUE
11/11/13
VETERAN’S DAY HOLIDAYNO CLASS TODAY
11/18/13
Read Chapter 7 in text/Ticket-in Due
11/18/13
IN CLASS ASSIGNMENTCustomized Educational Plan (CEP)
11/25/13
INFORMATION INTERVIEW OR
JOB SHADOW IS DUE
11/25/13
INFORMATION INTERVIEW OR
JOB SHADOW IS DUE TODAY
12/2/13
Read Chapter 8 in text/Ticket-in Due
12/2/13
INFORMATIONAL SESSION/
PSYCHOLOGY
12/9/13
LAST DAY OF CLASS!
8/26/13
Read Chapter 6 in text/Ticket-in Due
NO ASSIGNMENT DUE