Hopefully we can answer your question here!
Who is my Faculty Advisor?
Your Faculty Advisor is listed in degree works, which can be accessed through NEST. If you do not have an advisor, please request one here. Remember to be proactive and meet with your faculty advisor as early as possible and before registration to ensure timely assistance
How should I select my advisor?
Select a Faculty Advisor who matches your academic interests (e.g., clinical, developmental, experimental) and your availability (e.g., day, evening).
What should I do if my advisor does not get back to me?
If you email your Faculty Advisor and do not hear back from them, feel free to contact one of the CHSS Professional Advisors. If difficulties continue, please contact Ms. Vélez, Student Success Coordinator or Dr. Fuentes, Professor and Coordinator of Undergraduate Advising in the Psychology Department.
What do I call my faculty advisor?
Most Faculty Advisors prefer to be called by their formal title — “Doctor” or “Professor.”
What courses do I need to graduate?
The major requirements can be found here. All your academic requirements are listed in your audit in degree works. To learn more about degree works and other academic resources, please visit this page and the CHSS Advising and Registration resource page. Transfer students, please view this recording and this site for helpful guidance. If you have completed all your requirements, you may still need to take free electives to complete the minimum 120-credit requirement. If there is a discrepancy in your degree audit, please alert your advisor.
Do I need to earn a specific grade in my psychology courses for them to count toward my major?
Yes, students have to earn a C- or higher for courses to count toward the major. If a D+, D, or D- is earned, the courses will fulfill free electives, but not major electives. If an F is earned in a course, no credit is granted for the course. You will need to retake the required major courses and earn a C- or higher.
Can I take PSYC 203, PSYC 220 and PSYC 301 at the same time?
No, these courses need to be taken as soon as possible and in this order: 203, 220, and 301.
Where do I get my PIN to register for classes?
If you require a PIN, you must meet with your advisor to secure your PIN. Only certain students need a PIN to register.
How do I remove a “hold” from my account?
A “hold” is removed by the office that issued the hold (e.g., Health Center, Financial Aid).
Do I need to apply for graduation?
Yes, please visit Red Hawk Central to learn more about the graduation application process.
How do I declare or change my major or minor?
To declare or change your major and/or minor, visit Red Hawk Central.
Do I need a minor?
MSU offers several minors and students are encouraged to consider a minor, as it is a nice way to pursue an area of interest and further distinguish yourself from other students. You can search for minors on the MSU website and then declare the minor through NEST.
Can I have a permit for a closed course or a course that has a prerequisite?
To request a course permit, please complete this form, while you are signed into your MSU email account. Completing the form does not guarantee a spot in the requested course(s). Students are encouraged to continue monitoring courses and to register for available seats, since a permit may not be possible. Alternatively, you can request to be added to the waitlist, when a course is closed.
How do I take the foreign language placement test?
To learn more about the foreign language policy, please visit here.
How do I grieve a grade?
The grade grievance procedure can be found here.
How do I secure teaching certification?
All inquiries about the teaching certification programs at MSU can be directed to the Teacher Education Program. To explore the teacher educations programs offered, please see go to this page.
What is a CV?
CV stands for Curriculum vitae and is basically a summary of your academic and professional credential and activities. The American Psychological Association has some helpful tips on developing your CV.
Where can I find internships in psychology? What is the Co-Op program?
Many students have free electives and are encouraged to consider gaining experiences that will make them more marketable to employers or graduate school programs. To learn more about how to secure a credit-bearing internship, please visit the Center for Career Services or the College’s career development resources. Students can use their COOP’s PCOM 391 credits to fulfill Advanced Elective I and II major credits. Other opportunities are posted on the psychology major listserv, so please check your email regularly.
How can I gain experience in a research lab?
Many psychology faculty direct research labs and involve students in their research projects. Consider reaching out to faculty via email and inquiring about research assistantships and their application process. Remember to keep your communication professional, as if you were applying for a job.
How can I learn more about a specific field or topic in psychology?
To learn more about our faculty’s areas of specialty, please see our website or visit APA’s website to explore the many specialties in psychology.
Are there any resources for wellbeing and self-care?
Yes, we encourage our majors to promote their wellbeing and engage in self-care. Some resources include CAPS, verywellmind, TAO, and APA.