Your Psychology Degree
What is Psychology?
According to the American Psychological Association:
“[Psychologists] study the intersection of two critical relationships: one between brain function and behavior, and
another between the environment and behavior. As scientists, psychologists follow scientific methods, using careful
observation, experimentation and analysis…are innovators, evolving new approaches from established knowledge to
meet the changing needs of people, organizations, and societies. They develop theories and test them through their
research…Psychologists traditionally study both normal and abnormal functioning and treat individuals with mental and
emotional problems. They also concentrate on behaviors that affect the mental and emotional health and mental
functioning of healthy human beings.”
Information from the American Psychological Association (May 31, 2012). Careers in Psychology. Retrieved from
http://www.apa.org/careers/resources/guides/careers.aspx
Some of the Subfields in Psychology
Clinical Psychologists
Clinical psychologists assess and treat mental, emotional and behavioral disorders. These range from short-term crises, such as
difficulties resulting from adolescent conflicts, to more severe, chronic conditions, such as schizophrenia. Some clinical
psychologists treat specific problems exclusively, such as phobias or clinical depression. Others focus on specific populations —
for instance, youths; families or couples; ethnic minority groups; gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals; or older
people. They also consult with physicians on physical problems that have underlying psychological causes.
Counseling Psychologists
Counseling psychologists help people recognize their strengths and resources to cope with everyday problems and serious
adversity. They do counseling/psychotherapy, teaching and scientific research with individuals of all ages, families and
organizations (e.g., schools, hospitals, businesses). Counseling psychologists help people understand and take action on career
and work problems, they pay attention to how problems and people differ across the lifespan, and they have great respect for
the influence of differences among people (such as race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability status) on
psychological well-being. They believe that behavior is affected by many things,
including qualities of the individual (e.g., psychological, physical, or spiritual factors)
and factors in the person’s environment (e.g., family, society and cultural groups).
Information from the American Psychological Association
(May 31, 2012). Careers in Psychology. Retrieved from
http://www.apa.org/careers/resources/guides/careers.aspx
Developmental Psychologists
Developmental psychologists study the psychological development of the human being that takes place throughout life.
Until recently, the primary focus was on childhood and adolescence, the most formative years. But as life expectancy in this
country approaches 80 years, developmental psychologists are becoming increasingly interested in aging, especially in
researching and developing ways to help older people stay as independent as possible.
Engineering Psychologists
Engineering psychologists conduct research on how people work best with machines. For example, how can a computer be
designed to prevent fatigue and eye strain in people? What arrangement of an assembly line makes production most
efficient? What is a reasonable workload? Most engineering psychologists work in industry, but some are employed by the
government, particularly the Department of Defense. They are often known as human factors specialists
Forensic Psychologists
Forensic psychologists apply psychological principles to legal issues. Their expertise is often essential within the judicial
system. They can, for example, help a judge decide which parent should have custody of a child or evaluate a defendant’s
mental competence to stand trial. Forensic psychologists also conduct research on jury behavior or eyewitness testimony.
Some forensic psychologists are trained in both psychology and the law.
Information from the American Psychological Association
(May 31, 2012). Careers in Psychology. Retrieved from
http://www.apa.org/careers/resources/guides/careers.aspx
Industrial/Organizational Psychologists
Industrial/organizational (I/O) psychologists apply psychological principles and research methods to the workplace in the
interest of improving productivity, health and the quality of work life. Many serve as human resources specialists, helping
organizations with staffing, training and employee development. They may provide employers with testing and other valid
selection procedures in their hiring and promotion processes. Others work as management consultants in such areas as
strategic planning, quality management and coping with organizational change.
Neuropsychologists (and Behavioral Neuropsychologists)
Neuropsychologists (and behavioral neuropsychologists) explore the relationships between brain systems and behavior. For
example, behavioral neuropsychologists may study the way the brain creates and stores memories, or how various diseases
and injuries of the brain affect emotion, perception and behavior. They design tasks to study normal brain functions with
imaging techniques such as positron emission tomography (PET), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)
and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Clinical neuropsychologists also assess and treat people. And with the
dramatic increase in the number of survivors of traumatic brain injury, neuropsychologists are working with health care
teams to help brain-injured people resume productive lives.
Information from the American Psychological Association
(May 31, 2012). Careers in Psychology. Retrieved from
http://www.apa.org/careers/resources/guides/careers.aspx
School Psychologists
School psychologists are engaged in the delivery of comprehensive psychological services to children, adolescents and
families in schools and other applied settings. They assess and counsel students, consult with parents and school staff, and
conduct behavioral interventions when appropriate. Most school districts employ psychologists full time.
Social Psychologists
Social psychologists study how a person’s mental life and behavior are shaped by interactions with other people. They are
interested in all aspects of interpersonal relationships, including both individual and group influences, and seek ways to
improve such interactions. For example, their research helps us understand how people form attitudes toward others and,
when these are harmful — as in the case of prejudice — provides insight into ways to change them.
Social psychologists are found in a variety of settings, from academic institutions (where they teach and conduct research),
to advertising agencies (where they study consumer attitudes and preferences), to businesses and government agencies
(where they help with a variety of problems in organization and management).
Information from the American Psychological Association
(May 31, 2012). Careers in Psychology. Retrieved from
http://www.apa.org/careers/resources/guides/careers.aspx
What can You do with a “Degree” in Psychology?
Bachelor’s Degree
Areas: Psychology, Social Services, Business, Health, Government,
Law/Justice
Related Career Titles:
Case Management
Program Coordinator
Behavior Analyst
Counselor Aide
Events Coordinator
Hotel Management
Human Resources Recruiter
Staff Training and Development
Activity Director
Congressional Aide
College Admissions Officer
Management Trainee
Research Assistant
Juvenile Probation Officer
Rehabilitation Advisor
Program Manager
Information from: UNF Career Services
What can You do with a “Degree” in Psychology?
Master’s Degree
Areas: Business, Education, Research, Mental Health, Human and Social
Services, Law/Justice System, Government
Related Career Titles:
Career Counselor (MA+)
Vocational/School/Educational Counselor
Social Scientist/Researcher
Instructor at 2-yr college
Marriage and Family Therapist
Industrial-Organizational Consultant (MA+)
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
Mental Health Counselors (MA+)
Trial Consultants (MA+)
Correctional Mental Health Counselor (MA+)
Information from: UNF Career Services
What can You do with a “Degree” in Psychology?
Doctorate Degree
Areas: Education, Research, Human and Social Services, Mental
Health, Law/Justice System, Military, Business
Related Career Titles:
Professor at 4-yr college
Research Project Director
Private Consultant
Child Psychologist
Counseling Psychologist
Clinical Psychologist
Forensic Psychologist
Psychometric and Quantitative Psychologists
Information from: UNF Career Services
Salary Information for Psychology Majors
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers
(NACE) Fall 2013 Salary Survey average (national) beginning salaries for
graduates with:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology:
$35, 700
Master Degree in Psychology:
$48, 200
Information from: UNF Career Services
Beginning Salaries, Jacksonville Market
Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation, Labor Market Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wages
(Jacksonville MSA (Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau and St. Johns Counties)
http://www.labormarketinfo.com/library/oes.htm
Title
2013 Annual(Entry/Median) Salary
Social & Human Service Assistants (BA)
20,862/26,998
Child, Family, & School Social Worker (BA+)
25,1068/35,027
Health Educator (BA+)
30,306/42,058
Social & Community Service Manager (BA+)
48,630/69,472
Mental Health Counselors (BA/MA)
30,722/38,979
Clinical/Counseling/School Psychologist (MA)
51,896/69,701
Counselors (All other) (MA+)
27,248/34,590
Marriage and Family Therapist (MA+)
31,928/39,000
Social Scientist and Related Workers (MA+)
48,589/69,742
Psychology Teacher, Postsecondary (MA+)
49,686/79,737
Psychologists (All Other) (Ph.D/Psy.D)
54,413/85,675
Information from: UNF Career Services
Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation, Labor Market
Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wages
10 Things You Should Know
1
2
3
4
5
There is a Bachelor of Arts as well as a
Bachelor of Science
You can concentrate your studies on
children
You can earn course credit for being a
part of a research team, or by
completing an internship/practicum
You can be a part of Psi Chi, the
International Honor Society in
Psychology
Your major requires as prerequisites:
Introduction to Psychology, An
additional psychology course, Statistics
and Biology
6
Your Bachelor of Arts degree requires a
Minor
7
Your degree may require you to take
foreign language or foreign culture
courses
8
9
You can speak with a Career Services
Liaison who can assist you in
establishing your career goals
10
Your Psychology Advisor is located in
Building 51, suite 2500
The Psychology Main Office is located
in Building 51, room 3404
The BA vs. BS
What are the differences in the curriculum?
BA
Minor Required
Foreign Language/
Foreign Culture
Required
BS
Minor optional
Foreign Language
Required ONLY if you
did not take, and pass
two years in HighSchool
Research Methods
and Lab courses
require grades of “C”
or better
4cr Experimental
Research Methods and
Lab courses require
grades of “B” or better
15cr Major
Requirements
18cr Major
Requirements
9cr Major Electives
12cr Major Electives
12cr Experimental
Comments
While the BA requires a minor, you can still declare a minor with the BS.
For the BA, students who have successfully completed 2 years of foreign
language in high school have the option of taking foreign culture courses
instead of language. If students have not completed the language in high
school, language will be required at the University level.
For the BS, students who have successfully completed 2 years of foreign
language in high school do not need to take foreign culture or additional
language courses. If students have not completed the language in high
school, language will be required at the University level.
*You must send in to UNF your High-School transcripts.
Due to the increased emphasis of research in the BS program students
must demonstrate a higher grade in the initial research course and lab.
As noted above, the BS places emphasis on research skills which will be
used in the 3 experimental courses required for the degree.
The BA allows you to choose 5 courses from a list on your degree
evaluation. The BS however has those courses broken up into specific
sub-units thus requiring you to take key courses.
Major Electives are 3000/4000 level psychology courses which you elect
to take. Remember that with either the BA or the BS, you can earn course
credit for supervised research, internships and directed studies! **Majors
focused in the child concentration will see that their Major Electives are
clearly outlined to focus their program on child studies.
The BA vs. BS
What are the differences for my future academics?
While many struggle with deciding which degree is best for their
future plans, it is generally considered that the B.S. gives the better
chance of success in graduate school while also building research
skills. This does not however mean that the B.A. decreases your chance
of success. The B.A. offers you more flexibility and is a good option for
students who are focused in Psychology, but also interested in other
areas.
What is the Child Concentration?
All Child Concentration students must take as a part of their major requirements:
CLP4143- Abnormal Psychology & DEP3054- Lifespan Developmental Psychology
Your major electives area is where you concentrate your studies.
SELECT 1 OF THE FOLLOWING: (Prereq: DEP3054)
DEP 4104 Advanced Child Psychology
DEP 4304 Advanced Adolescent Psychology
SELECT 1 FROM THE FOLLOWING:
CLP 4134 Childhood Psychopathology (Prereq: CLP4143)
DEP 4060 Applied Developmental Psychology (Prereq: DEP3054)
SELECT 3 CREDITS FROM THE FOLLOWING:
(Focus of research or practicum must be child or adolescent psychology)
PSY 3911 Supervised Research (Prereq: PSY3214)
PSY 4906 Directed Individual Study (Prereq: 15hrs core in psychology)
PSY 4904 Honors Research (Prereq: Admission to honors, PSY3213 & 1 exp. Course)
PSY 4945 Practicum in Applied Psychology
If you are earning the Bachelor of Science, you will
need to take an additional upper level psychology
course.
How to sign up for research/internships
A great way to earn course credit while also building up your experience is to be a part of a professor’s
research team or to take part in a practicum or internship.
What type
of area are
you
interested
in?
Find your
faculty
liaison.
Schedule
time to
meet with
the
faculty
member.
Make sure your
responsibilities
are clearly
explained.
Obtain a
permission
form from the
Psychology
main office.
Complete
and return
the form to
the
Psychology
Main office.
After your
override is
in place,
you will be
able to
register for
the course.
What is Psi Chi?
Psi Chi is an international honor
society whose purpose shall be to
encourage, stimulate, and maintain
excellence in scholarship of the
individual members in all fields,
particularly in psychology, and to
advance the science of psychology.
Where do I apply?
You can obtain an application
throughout the year from the
Psychology Main office or from
your Academic Advisor.
What are the benefits of membership?
The Society publishes Eye on Psi Chi, a quarterly magazine
that unites and informs the members, and recognizes their
contributions and accomplishments.
The quarterly Psi Chi Journal of Undergraduate Research
encourages and rewards the scholarly efforts of
undergraduate psychology students. This publication provides
a valuable learning experience by introducing students to the
publishing and review process.
All chapters register their inductees at the National Office,
which maintains membership records. In Psi Chi's first 75 years,
the National Office preserved the records of over 467,000
members. Many of these members moved on to distinguished
careers in psychology.
Information from:
http://www.unf.edu/coas/psychology/Psi_Chi_Honor_Society.aspx
Interested in Graduate School?
What should you do?
I have to take the GRE. Where can I take it?
Always be sure to investigate the
school(s) you want to attend. Check
their deadlines, requirements and
be sure to check their accreditation.
I am graduating right before I start
Graduate School! What do I do?
You can actually obtain a letter of
verification. This will help to assure the
school that you are set to graduate and to
expect your final transcripts. You can get this
form from your Academic Advisor. Always
check with your potential new institution to
make sure a letter of verification will be
sufficient.
You can actually take the GRE here at the UNF Testing Center. You want to
make sure that you leave enough time for you to prepare for the test
when you schedule. You can also take the GRE preparation course which
is available through the UNF Continuing Education Department.
https://www.ce.unf.edu/SubGroup.awp?~~TES~Test+Preparation
I need letters of recommendation. How do I get them?
Letters of recommendation can be a great opportunity for you to make
an impression on a school. You want to make sure you approach a
professor that you have taken at least once, ideally more than once. You
should ask to schedule a meeting with the professor(s) at their
convenience.
Things you should bring: Information about the program you want to be
accepted into, your curriculum vitae, and your personal statement.
What is a curriculum vitae?
A curriculum vitae is a lot like a resume. Only instead of highlighting jobs,
you want to highlight your academic accomplishments, research
presentations, internships, and any clubs or organizations that you were a
part of. Your career services liaison can assist you with assembling it.
Important Links
Bachelor of Arts: http://www.unf.edu/coas/psychology/Bachelor_of_Arts.aspx
Bachelor of Science: http://www.unf.edu/coas/psychology/Bachelor_of_Science.aspx
College of Arts & Sciences Academic Advising: http://www.unf.edu/coas/advising/
Career Planning: http://www.unf.edu/coas/psychology/Career_Planning.aspx
Career Services: http://www.unf.edu/careerservices/
Honors in the Major: http://www.unf.edu/coas/psychology/Honors.aspx
Important Forms: http://www.unf.edu/coas/advising/Forms.aspx
Master of Arts in General Psychology:
http://www.unf.edu/coas/psychology/Master_of_Arts_in_General_Psychology.aspx
Psi Chi: http://www.unf.edu/coas/psychology/Psi_Chi_Honor_Society.aspx
Psychology Faculty: http://www.unf.edu/coas/psychology/Faculty.aspx
Research Opportunities: http://www.unf.edu/coas/psychology/Research_Opportunities.aspx