Undergraduate Study in Psychology
Welcome to the the Undergraduate Psychology Site at CSUF!
This document and the Abbreviated Undergraduate Handbook serve as the best on-line source of information availiable about seeking the BA degree in psychology at CSUF. Please scan the document below to find important links and Frequently Asked Questions about advisement, working and going to school, and grad checks.
General Goals of the Program
Psychology is a science that has as its central theme the study of behavior. Psychology involves studying about how we interact with one another and our environment. Psychology is practical; it is concerned with improving the quality of life. In order to achieve these ends psychologists work in a broad range of research and applied settings. The psychology major is designed to provide each student with a comprehensive overview of the major fields of psychology and methods used in psychological research. The major is also designed to assist the student in selecting elective courses which can form a concentration in an area of the student's interest. These specialty areas might include clinical/community, social, developmental/child, industrial/organizational, learning/cognitive and physiological psychology. The major provides a basis for careers in a variety of psychology related occupations including mental health agencies, hospitals, teaching, business and public organizations. The major also prepares students for graduate training in fields such as clinical psychology; marriage, family and child counseling; teaching; social work; law; business and management and public administration.
Links
The CSUF on-line catalog. Follow this link to
find course descriptions and prerequisites,
and program and admission requirements
Looking
for more detailed information pertaining to the application process?
Use this link to reach the CSUF application site.
Use
this link to see the abbreviated Undergraduate
Student Handbook.
Frequently Asked Questions With Replies from
Current Faculty Advisors
Q: What do I do after completion of Psy 101--Introductory Psychology (with a 'C' or better)?
A: Use the following links if you are:Please come and see us!
Do not hesitate to make an apointment with a faculty advisor (rm. H-525B; 278-3102).Refer to "Undergraduate Advisement Coordinators" on the appended undergraduate page for additional information...
Q: What is a 'Grad Check'
A: A form that list all the requirements for graduation, and the student's standing in relation to those requirements. It is a form that one needs to apply for following the completion of 93 units of coursework. The grad check form will tell you how many more units you need, how many general ed. courses still are required, and how many more psychology courses are still required in order to graduate the following semester
Q: How do I get a grad check?
A: You initiate the grad check with an application form available in Langsdorf Hall (LH-108; requires a fee). Several weeks later you will receive in the mail a partially completed grad check form. As soon as possible, make an appointment with a faculty advisor in the psychology advisement office (rm. H-525B; 278-3102), and bring the partially completed grad check form to the appointment. Your faculty advisor will help you complete the grad check form. You will then turn in the completed form at Langsdorf Hall (LH-108). This form must be turned in by the last day of the semester before the semester you plan to graduate. You have now completed the grad check process. Please refer to the following FAQ...
Q: Can I go through the graduation ceremony in June even though I will still have to finish up more units?
A: Yes, you can go through the June graduation as long as you will be completing those remaining units in summer school. If you plan to complete those remaining units the next Fall semester, you must then plan to go through the next June ceremony the following year.
Q: Where do I go for advice on classes to take in psychology?
A: 525B! Sign up with a faculty advisor ASAP. A sign-up sheet is posted outside the door of 525B). Please dial 278-3102 to speak to, or sign up to speak with, a faculty advisor.
Please note that faculty advisement hours are less frequent during Summer and intersession (January). No hours are available during Spring and Fall recess, and finals week typically.
Q: Will courses I took at the community college I attended transfer to CSUF?
A: Please contact the psychology department office (rm. H-830M; ph. 278-3514), for more information. Faculty advisors are also availiable to make an appointment to discuss details (see above).
Q: Can I complete the BA in psychology at night?
A: Yes, you can. The university defines "night" classes as those beginning at 4pm or later. There are fewer choices for classes offered at night than there are during the day, but by carefully watching your schedule you can complete the BA in psychology (even with fewer courses offered).
Refer to "Evening degree program in psychology" on the appended undergraduate page for additional information...
Q: How many classes should I take if I'm also working?
A: Many CSUF undergraduates do have to work while going to school in order to support themselves. This is less than an ideal situation in terms of school work, but is a reality! Often times, students entering the university for the first time, either from high school or community college, underestimate the amount of time required to do well in their classes at CSUF. Unfortunately, many students take too many units and/or have too many hours at their job, and end up with low grades as a result (please refer to the appended table listing- Hours at work / recommended number of units). In addition, students often do not have time to take advantage of other opportunities offered within the psychology department including: research, membership in various student organizations, planning graduate-level work, and opportunities important in defining a future career. Hopefully you will quickly reach an advantageous balance between work and school.
Refer to "Working and going to school" on the appended undergraduate page for additional information...
Q: How can I enhance my training in psychology?
A: Students can take Psy. 498--Directed Lab Research, or Psy. 499--Independent Study, both of which allow a student to do research with a professor in the psychology department.
Be sure to reference the faculty research interest listing found in the psychology department office. Students should plan an appointment with a professor whose research and teaching interests match their own to discuss the possibility of taking Psy. 498/499 units with that professor.
Psy. 495--Field Placement in Psychology also provides hands-on experience with applied aspects of psychology and associated settings (including clinical, Industrial/Organizational, developmental, and gerontological work settings).
Q: How do I choose electives in my major or decide on a career path?
A: Talking with faculty advisors is very helpful.
rm. H-525B; ph. 278-3102
Faculty advisors are more than happy to help you decide on future study and career plans
Q: What are course prerequisites?
A: Many courses can only be taken following completion of other classes. These prior classes that must be completed first are known as course prerequisites. Course prerequisites are not found in the Class Schedule listings. The only place to find prerequisites are in the Undergraduate Student Handbook, or in the University Catalog. You should already have a CSUF catalog, but if not, they're available in the CSUF bookstore. Please buy one and read it! You will need to plan ahead by taking earlier the prerequisite courses you need to complete in order to take later the 300 or 400-level courses you are interested in.
Q: I am an undergraduate seeking information about grad training in psychology (schools and programs). Where can I find this information?
A: Either make an appointment with a faculty advisor (see above), or reference the APA Gradute Study in Psychology, available to read in the psychology department office. You may also purchase the this guidebook from the Titan bookstore.
Many graduate training links are available on the CSUF Psychology resources page, check it out...
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