Our team of advisors is here for you. Advisors are available by appointment through Navigate. Peer advisors are available for drop in advising. Mon-Fri in Tobin 501.
We offer three different ways to connect with us in advising.
- Email at @email
Drop-In Advising: Tobin Room 501 Monday - Friday
- You can come to Tobin Hall Room 501.
Appointment-Based Advising
- Advising appointments are available through Navigate Appointments will be either in-person in Tobin Hall and remote via Zoom.
- Students can log in to Navigate and choose your appointment reason.
Whenever a faculty staff advisor is on duty, you are always welcome to see us for whatever question you may have. We are happy to help!
Our peer advisors can answer lots of questions:
- Major requirements.
- Questions about classes.
- How to use SPIRE and understand your ARR.
- Questions about gen ed requirements and classes.
- CNS requirements (foreign language requirement or course requirements for the BS in psych).
- Opportunities in the major - being a TA or a research assistant (RA), questions about internships or study abroad.
- Peer advisors may refer you to a faculty/staff advisor or another office for detailed questions.
We strongly encourage you to check in with an advisor periodically to check your progress and to determine that you are taking the appropriate courses. You should see a faculty/staff advisor if you:
- Have questions about your ARR.
- Need a course from another school approved (provide the course description).
- Need courses pre-approved for study abroad or domestic exchange (provide the course descriptions).
- Are nearing graduation and want to check your degree progress.
- Have an academic advisor hold on your SPIRE account.
- Need information for the academic dean (if you have been on probation or you have been at UMass for more than 10 semesters).
- Need advice about an internship, post graduation plans, or anything else.
- Have trouble registering for a class even though you have a pre-req.
- Have any other questions, ANYTIME!
Visit CNS advising
- If you are pursuing a BA in psychology and have questions about the foreign language requirement. CNS advising will determine if your high school language meets this requirement.
- For issues with probation, academic discipline, or dean's holds (e.g., 10 semester holds).
- The academic dean's office handles petitions for late adds or late drops from classes, requests to repeat a class more than once, or requests to take more than 19 credits per semester. These are initiated online at: https://www.umass.edu/natural-sciences/advising/petitions-and-forms
Because of federal privacy laws (FERPA), advisors can only speak to students about academic records. If you would like for your parents or other individuals you designate to have access to your academic record, then you must complete the academic information release form available at the advising office; you can email advising at psyadvising@umass.edu to receive an electronic copy. That form must be on file at the advising office before we can speak to anyone other than the student about academic information.
Contact your first year advisor listed in SPIRE.
Click HERE for information on tours.
Go to: undergraduate-requirements
Advancing Diversity in Research and Practice Program (ADRAP)
The Advancing Diversity in Research and Practice program’s mission is to promote diversity in the field of psychology by increasing the diversity of the next generation of researchers and practitioners in psychology, and by fostering interest in research and practice with diverse populations.
Developmental Disabilities and Human Services Program (DDHS)
The department has partnered with the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS) to offer a letter of specialization in Developmental Disabilities and Human Services (DDHS). The DDHS specialization offers undergraduates across disciplines the opportunity to obtain the skills needed for careers in the disability and broader human services field.
There are significant differences between Double Major and Dual Degree.
Please review the following for requirements relevant to psychology majors. Always check in with your department advisors for every major you intent to complete for guidance.
Double Major Requirements
This option requires you to declare one major as your primary and the other as your secondary.
Psychology as Primary Major
- Earn 120 credits
- Complete CNS requirements: BA with foreign language requirement or BS with 60 CNS credit requirement
- Complete the Integrative Experience Requirement for Psychology: Psych 494PI and a Psych 391* seminar
- Complete all departmental requirements including Jr. Writing: Psych 337
- Earn one diploma that lists psychology only
- Primary and secondary majors will appear on your transcript
Psychology as Secondary Major
- Earn 120 credits
- Complete College Level Requirements for Primary Major
- Complete the Integrative Experience Requirement for Primary Major
- Complete all departmental requirements except Jr. Writing
- Junior Writing taken in primary major
- Earn 1 diploma that lists your primary major only, not psychology
- Primary and secondary majors will appear on your transcript
Dual Degree Requirements for Psychology
The dual degree requirements will not appear in SPIRE until after your grades are finalized in your last semester. You will need to track these requirements yourself. Make sure to check in with BOTH departments in advance to ensure you are on track.
- Earn 150 credits
- Complete College Requirements for Both Majors; for Psychology you must complete the CNS requirements: either the BA or BS requirements
- Complete major requirements for both majors
- Complete Psychology Jr. Writing: Psych 337, if primary major only
- Complete Integrative Experience: Psych 494PI and Psych 391* seminar, if primary major only
- Complete Dual Degree Request form in your final semester
- Earn 2 diplomas, one for each of your majors
Answer:
Declaring the Minor
Prior to graduation submit an online Declaration of Minor form.
The Psychology minor can be declared after all your psychology course grades are finalized or when you are enrolled in your last semester.
The minor will not appear on your SPIRE transcript until all courses have been successfully completed and graded. Once you’re graded for your final course, you can find your minor posted on your unofficial transcript or under student services center on SPIRE. The minor must be declared prior to graduation.
Psychology minor requirements
- Students who wish to pursue a minor in psychology need to complete 5 courses (a minimum of 3-credits per course) totaling at least 15 graded credits in psychology.
- The psychology minor does not have specific course requirements, but prerequisites will not be waived for minors
- Psych 100 is a prerequisite for all psychology courses
- AP Psych credit cannot replace one of the 5 courses required for the minor
- AP credit for Psych 100 satisfies the prerequisite but it will not count toward the minor, students with Psych 100 AP credit can enroll in 5 classes above Psych 100 to complete the minor
- Check SPIRE for course restrictions; restrictions will not be lifted for minors
- All courses counted toward the minor must have a grade of C or better.
- Practicum courses (Psych 398) will not count towards the minor
- At least 9 of the 15 credits for the minor must be taken at UMass Amherst or through UMass Amherst Univ+ courses. This means that at least 3 of the 5 courses must be UMass Amherst courses.
- No requirements for the minor may be taken pass/fail.
- Courses used towards the psychology minor may be used for other graduation requirements, such as gen eds.
- Seniors completing courses for the minor during their last semester will see the minor posted on their final UMass transcript.
- Minors do not appear on your UMass diploma
APPLICATION OF COURSES TOWARDS MULTIPLE CREDENTIALS No more than two courses used to fulfill the requirements of any one credential may be applied towards the fulfillment of another credential, wherein “credential” is defined as an academic degree program (major), minor, or certificate. One course may only be applied to two credentials.
Link: https://www.umass.edu/registrar/documents/application-courses-toward-multiple-credentials
To learn more about Departmental HONORS please visit our website
The Departmental Honors program is intended for the serious psychology student who seeks challenging course work and research training, along with the opportunity for individual mentoring by a faculty member. For more information about the program, please check out these Thesis Guidelines, or these Poster Guidelines if you are presenting your research at a conference or workshop. If you have additional questions, please look through these FAQs before meeting with one of the advisors listed below. Learn about our Departmental Honors Alumni.
Departmental Honors Faculty Advisors
- Dr. Erik Cheries, Tobin 538, echeries@psych.umass.edu
- Dr. Mariana Pereira, Tobin pereiram@psych.umass.edu
- Dr. Joonkoo Park, Tobin 414, joonkoo@umass.edu
- Dr. Rebecca Spencer, rspencer@psych.umass.edu
- Dr. Jeff Starns, Tobin starns@umass.edu
- Dr. Lori Astheimer, Tobin 537 lastheimer@psych.umass.edu
Admission requirements:
- To participate in Departmental Honors, students must apply to Commonwealth Honors College specifically for Psychology Departmental Honors.
- Students must meet with the Departmental Honors Coordinator to discuss requirements and departmental opportunities.
- Students will be informed about Departmental Honors admissions decisions directly from Commonwealth Honors College.
Course requirements:
Whether completing Commonwealth Honors College’s scholar requirements or not, receiving Psychology Departmental Honors requires:
- 1 PSYCH honors course 300-level or higher with a minimum grade of B
- 1 PSYCH honors course 300-level or higher with a minimum grade of B+
- PSYCH 499Y “Honors Research” with a grade of B or better (research supervisor must be a PBS faculty member)
- PSYCH 499T “Honors Thesis” with a grade of B or better (chair of committee must be a PBS faculty member)
Answer:
Visit our Requirements link on the PBS website for more information
undergraduate requirements
Students can major in psychology in two different ways, earning either BA or BS, with additional concentrations and specializations available to suit your interests.
Bachelor of Arts (BA) for students taking a foreign language.
Bachelor of Science (BS) for students interested in extra psychology classes.
- Bachelor of Science (BS) in General Psychology: Provides a broad exploration of psychology
- Bachelor of Science (BS) Neuroscience Track: Provides an exploration of the brain sciences.
Specialized Programs The department also offers additional specializations including Honors, Diversity, Disabilities, and Modeling. Click to view our specialized programs.
Psychology minor requirements:
- Students who wish to pursue a minor in psychology need to complete 5 classes totaling at least 15 graded credits in psychology.
- All courses counted toward the minor must have a grade of C or better (no exceptions).
- Practicum courses (Psych 398) are not counted toward the minor.
- At least 9 of the 15 credits for the minor must be taken at UMass Amherst or UMass Amherst Continuing and Professional Education.
- AP Psych credit may not be used toward the minor.
- No requirements for the minor may be taken pass/fail.
- More information on declaring the minor.
Visit this link for information on declaring either general psychology or the neuroscience track
How to declare the psychology major
Declaring the Major
You must come to the Psychology Advising Center in Tobin 501 during specific hours designated to sign in to the major; please see the hours posted below. Please bring the following items with you:
- Transcript. Please have a copy of your transcript and your academic requirements report (ARR) and highlight all psychology courses on your transcript.
- When you meet with an advisor, you will complete the declaration of major form.
Please do not wait until your registration period for an upcoming semester to declare your major; classes fill quickly and you will not be allowed to register until your major is officially changed.
Unsure about Whether you Want to Declare? Visit Us in Drop-In Advising
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You can join us for same day advising. We offer drop-in advising Monday - Friday 10:00-3:00 in Tobin Hall Room 501
Ready to Declare? Appointments can be made via Navigate
Declaring the Neuroscience Track
In addition to declaring the BS in Psych as your major, you must sign in with one of the Neuroscience advisors (and you must have a 3.0 GPA).
You can find more information at each of these links.
- General information: RAs TAs internships and independent studies
- RA opportunities: ra-ta-internships-independent-study/research-assistantships-available
- TA opportunities: ra-ta-internships-independent-study/teaching-assistantships-available
- Internships: ras-tas-internships-independent-studies/internship-possibilities
Research Assistantships
- See a current listing of available psychology research assistantships.
- Most students begin their exploration of research by participating in the ongoing research of a faculty member or graduate student.
- Course credit is pass/fail.
- To register for research credit, arrange an RA with a researcher and then submit the RA 398B contract.
- Students may also participate in research in a more advanced and independent role through Independent Study Opportunities, see below.
Independent Studies
- Advanced students who wish to pursue study of a subject outside the context of a class can do that by arranging independent readings or independent research with a faculty sponsor.
- Independent Readings in Psychology (Psych 396A) allows students to engage in scholarly research on a specific topic. The student must work with a faculty sponsor and develop a detailed plan of study together with the sponsor. The particular readings along with the nature of the paper that will be the culmination of the project should be detailed in the plan of study.
To register for independent readings, secure a faculty sponsor and fill out the Psych 396A contract together.
- Independent Study – Research (Psych 496A) allows students to engage in research in a psychology laboratory. This letter-graded research experience is generally appropriate for students who have prior research experience and who are ready to embark upon research that is relatively independent (a full study or a portion of a more extensive project). Students must find a lab to work in and a faculty sponsor. Together with the faculty sponsor, a plan of study is developed that describes the nature of the research, which includes information about the research report that will be submitted at the conclusion of semester.
- To register for independent study research, secure a faculty sponsor and fill out the Psych 496A contract together.
Teaching Assistantships
- See a current listing of available psychology teaching assistantships.
- Students may earn pass/fail course credit.
- Requirements and expectations differ according to each instructor.
- To register for a teaching assistantship, apply with the instructor.
- Once accepted, submit the teaching assistantship 398A contract.
Internships
- The Department of Psychology strongly encourages students interested in pursuing either jobs or graduate study in the applied areas of psychology (such as Clinical or Counseling Psychology, Psychiatry or Psychiatric Nursing, School or Educational Psychology, Human Resources, Social Work, Applied Behavior Analysis, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Mental Health or Substance Abuse Counseling) to gain practical experience through internships for course credit.
- Students negotiate directly with community sites to arrange to do internships with them. Students may arrange to do internships in any setting that will allow them to engage in activities that advance their intended careers. As a starting point for identifying potential internship sites, students should click on this link: View a list of sites where psychology students have interned in the past. Students should also explore options available through Career Services by going to http://www.umass.edu/careers/internships-co-ops/finding-internship-and-co-op-opportunities.
- After securing an internship position, to receive course credit for it, students should process the internship contracts available in Handshake, found on the Career Services website. The process is also described below. The requirements for earning internship course credit are as follows:
- Receiving a satisfactory end–of–term evaluation from the intern’s on-site direct supervisor;
- Completing 40 hours of work on-site for each credit received;
- Submitting weekly reports to faculty sponsor;
- Submitting an 8–10-page final paper on “What I Learned from My Internship” by the second day of final exams;
- Submitting a completed Internship Site and Supervisor Final Assessment form by the second day of final exams.
- Internships may be taken as either PSY 398 or UMass 298.
PSY 398 is a three-credit course and students with a GPA of 2.5 or better may register for it.
UMass 298 is a variable credit course and and a GPA of 2.0 or better may register for it.
Students may take both PSY 398 and UMass 298 concurrently in a single term, provided they complete the required hours of on-site work for each of the sites. - Internships require faculty sponsors, who review interns’ weekly reports, receive interns’ final papers and final Site Assessments, and handle any issues that arise during the course of the internship. Any member of the UMass faculty may sponsor a PBS student for an internship taken as UMass 298, and any member of the UMass PBS faculty may sponsor a PBS student for an internship taken as PSY 398. Dr. Erik Cheries (@email) serves as the internship liason for PBS students taking both UMass 298 and PSY 398. You may speak to him about questions or concerns regarding the internship process.
Are there special programs I can receive credit for?
SPACE Peer mentoring Program
ADRAP Advancing Diversity in Research in Practice Program; DDHS Developmental Disabilities and Human Services Program; Psychological Modeling Specialization
Psychological Modeling Specialization Program
I am going to study abroad and need courses approved and my ICAF signed.
- Students wishing to study abroad should bring course descriptions and the electronic ICAF form to the advising office for approval.
To request a syllabus or syllabi from the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, from prior semesters, email Jonathan Tominar-Lipari. Include any information that would be helpful such as year, instructor, class title and course number. If you require syllabi from other departments, please contact them directly.
Here are some PBS Student Peer-Advisor General Education Recommendations; you should try to find general education courses that are connected to your career interests and/or of general interest to you.
The courses provided on this link are not endorsements by the faculty and staff, these are student recommendations only.
This is not a comprehensive list, you can find additional courses through a gen-ed search in SPIRE.
- Undergraduate
- Advising
- Requirements
- Ready for Registration?
- Honors and Specialized Programs
- Research Assistants, Teaching Assistants, and Independent Studies
- Internships
- Learning Objectives
- Student Organizations
- Workshops
- Career Information
- Psych Career Fair
- Thinking of Graduate School?
- Declaring the Major
- Declaring the Minor
- SONA and Research Participation
- Scholarships and Awards
- Commencement
- Professional Organizations
- Course Offerings
- FAQ
- Psych New Student Orientation and Transitions (NSOT)
- Spotlight on Alumni