James Madison University Who are we Myths There

James Madison University

Who are we?

Myths ● There are no jobs for undergraduate psychology majors. ● You can only get a job as a “counselor” if you graduate with a degree in psychology. ● Graduate school is the only way to succeed in psychology. ● If you want to attend graduate school, you should have a double major and/or several minors.

Facts ● Psychology majors vary in jobs. Majors often decide what types of jobs to look for based on their professional interest. “Psychology” jobs generally require a graduate degree. ● There are many options after your undergraduate degree in psychology: Ameri. Corps, research opportunities, internships, jobs (human resources, mediator, etc. ) ● To get into graduate school you do not need to double major/minor.

James Madison University - college of health & behavioral studies ● ● ● TA positions Introductory Field Work & Field Placement Art for Memory Enhancement Research opportunities Study Abroad Opportunities

Research Opportunities ● Animal lab (Rats, mice, & pigeons) ● Memory and cognition ● Altruism ● Social ● Development

Rat Lab & Memory/Cognition Lab • It isn’t all scary! The animals are safe and well cared for! • Determining why we yawn – based on temperature & not the amount of Oxygen that goes to the brain! • Work with leading researchers in the field! ***Dr. Melanie Shoup-Knox developed her own probe for measuring temperature in the brain! • In the Memory/Cognition lab, we study how a specific type of False Memory (Phantom Recollection) can influence your memory! • Your mind can influence you without you even knowing!

Study Abroad! ● Anywhere in the world

Psychology in the Community Fast for food and Our Community Place Summer Practicum with local shelter

Clubs Psi-Chi PSO Active minds To Write Love on Her Arms Psych Club

Fields in Psychology Clinical ● Focuses on treating patients with mental health disorders through a variety of therapeutic approaches. Counseling ● Focuses on helping individuals with everyday concerns and issues, such as anxiety and depression. Forensic ● Involves applying psychology to the field of criminal investigation and the law. Industrial/Organizational ● Helps to assess and improve psychology of the workplace.

Fields of Psychology Continued Neuropsychology/Neuroscience ● Studies the brain and how it relates to psychological processes and behaviors. School ● They evaluate students to optimize learning throughout the school setting. Academia ● Teach courses in psychology throughout the undergraduate and graduate levels. In addition, they also have the ability to conduct their own research studies.

Graduation Prepare with the. After help of CAP and Recruit-a-duke! Graduate school ● Master’s degree (2 -3 years) ● Education Specialist (3 -4 years) ● Doctorate degree (5 -7 years) Internships Research Take a year “on!” Employment ● Ameri. Corps: Teach for America, City Year ● Human Resources ● Mediation

Future Plans?

Statements from students and faculty Beth Burleson: “I love JMU because it has rapidly become my home away from home. It is here that I am able to pursue my passions inside and outside the classroom. JMU is a thriving environment filled with opportunities to grow and develop as a person. At JMU I have been able to find my own place within the Psychology Department where I am able to serve as a Peer Advisor and a Research Assistant! Outside the classroom there are so many outstanding organizations that are easy to get involved with! JMU is one big community but that community is filled with clubs, academics, sports, service trips, study abroad and so much more! While academics are taken very seriously at JMU, there is more to JMU than just what happens in the classroom!” Meg Mischinski "The psychology department at JMU provides its students with such valuable opportunities that most students don't get a chance to experience until the graduate level. I have had the opportunity to participate in research labs about treating mental disorders and I am helping a professor who is writing a book about how positive psychology applies to travel! I am also currently doing my field placement with the Batterers Intervention Program, a court-ordered group counseling service for firsttime domestic abusers to prevent future violence. One of my favorite things about the department is that the faculty are so approachable and helpful, they definitely have their students' best interests in mind. "

Statement from students and faculty continued Professor Kimberly D. R. Du. Vall “The JMU Department of Psychology is unique in many ways. One is the amount of opportunities that are allowed to undergraduates, such as research, practicums, internships, and independent studies, just to name a few. JMU Psychology majors have the chance to become engaged in real experiences that go beyond the classroom. What an awesome experience!”

Tips for First Years Get Involved Meet Your Professors Don’t Be Scared to Meet People in Your Class! Try New Things Explore

Tips for Transfer Students! Don’t feel that you’re missing out Get involved! Take advantage of your resources! Be friends with your TOPA : ) Reach out to the people in your TOPA group Perks of living on/off campus

Questions? ?