Department of Psychology at Illinois State University

Advisement

The philosophy of the Department of Psychology is to require students to be personally responsible for their college education. The department emphasizes students' involvement in planning their academic schedules to maximize opportunities for learning and growth in order to meet graduation requirements and advance career interests. Relevant information for planning coursework is provided in the Undergraduate Catalog, on the department's Undergraduate websites, and in periodic e-mails sent through the psychology undergraduate listserv.

Students are expected to understand the requirements for the Major in Psychology and Illinois State's graduation requirements. Students should review the following websites: Requirements for the Major in Psychology, Model Course Schedules, Cumulative Planning Guide, and the University's General Education Program. The department respects our students' abilities to implement thier own academic plan in order to graduate with a bachelor's degree.

Freshmen are advised through University College, not by the department. Honors students are advised through the Honors Program. After the freshman year, students are not required to meet with any academic advisor.

Undergraduate Advisor

Ms. Raz Steward
Undergraduate Advisor

Psychology majors needing advisement should plan to meet with Ms. Steward.
Contact Ms. Steward by e-mail
438-5293
421 DeGarmo Hall

SPRING 2012 Office Hours
Monday 9-11:00
Tuesday 1:30-3:00
Wednesday 9:00-11:00
Thursday 1:30-3:00
Friday Not Available
All other times by appointment only.

Student Responsibilities

Before meeting with a Psychology advisor, students must:
1. Pick up a current Academic Progress Summary in 107 Moulton Hall or go to iCampus, log in, and click on the Academics tab. Under Academic Progress, click on Progress Toward My Degree, log in with your PIN, and print the information.
2. Review the requirements for the Major in Psychology and graduation requirements in the Undergraduate Catalog.
3. Prepare a written academic plan for review with the Psychology advisor.
4. Make an appointment to see an advisor and bring all of this information with you to your scheduled appointment.

Students who do not complete these three steps will be asked to reschedule their academic appointment until they are fully prepared to discuss their semester schedule and academic plan.

Advisor Responsibilities

Advisors are responsible for assisting students with academic problems and helping students make decisions among available options. Advisors will not tell students what courses they need to take each semester in order to graduate. Specifically, advisors can:

  • Update students' academic record to identify the elective courses that count toward the Major. After their sophomore year, students should ask advisors to update their plan of study, at least annually, to reflect elective courses in students' official academic record.
  • Advise students about enrolling in a course at another college or university. The advisor can verify if the course will meet Illinois State's requirements and if the hours can be transferred to Illinois State.
  • Assist students when they anticipate a disruption in their academic career for any reason.

 

Internship coordinator

Dr. Karen Mark
Internship Coordinator & Coordinator of Clinical-Counseling Psychology Program

Students interested in internships, or pursuing graduate or professional school should meet with Dr. Mark.
Contact Dr. Mark by e-mail
438-8130
423 DeGarmo Hall

SPRING 2012 Office Hours
Monday 10:00-11:30 AM
Wednesday 10:00-11:45 AM
Thursday 10:00-11:45 AM
All other times by appointment only.

PSY 200 Careers in Psychology

Psychology majors are required to take PSY 200 Careers in Psychology. PSY 200 should be taken in the second semester of students' freshman year or during their sophomore year. This course is designed to acquaint students with the requirements of the Major in Psychology. Students will be instructed on how to tailor their plan of study to meet academic and career-preparation goals. This course will also identify which careers are possible with a bachelor's degree in psychology and how to pursue graduate study in psychology. Click on the link to download the syllabus to the computer.

Capstone Experiences for Majors

The Major in Psychology is structured so that students learn basic knowledge and skills in the required and elective courses and then apply what has been learned in a capstone experience before completing graduation requirements. The capstone experiences for psychology majors described on the Capstone Experiences website and are also discussed in PSY 200 Careers in Psychology.

Considering Graduate School

Students are encouraged to review the Considering Graduate School website. This website contains information for students thinking about attending graduate school and how to prepare for graduate school.