BA in Psychology

Nivedita Anjaria, 2020

Nivedita Anjaria

How did you choose your degree program?

I changed my major to psychology after taking PSYC 100 as an elective in my freshman year. I have been interested in psychology since middle school, but only after taking that class did it click that psychology was what I wanted immerse myself in.

How did your academic experiences in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences impact you?

CHSS helped me explore my academic interests through the diverse opportunities presented to us. From academic advisors keeping me on the track to faculty helping me reach my first national research conference, the psychology department is the reason my time at Mason was so rewarding.

What accomplishment(s) during your time at Mason are you most proud of?

Completing the Honors Psychology program after doing a research project, collecting data, and writing and defending my thesis is something I am proud of because it challenged me and helped me grow as a researcher. The experience has prepared me for graduate school in a way nothing else could.

Are there faculty or staff members who made a difference during your Mason career? Please give an example of this impact if possible.

Many faculty supported me during my time at Mason. Drs. Linda Chrosniak, Allison Redlich, and Justin Ramsdell, my faculty committee for my honors project, all took time out of their busy schedules to mentor me and provide help whenever I needed it. They gave me the tools I needed to succeed in Mason and in the future.

What advice would you give to any incoming first years?

Don't be afraid to go for opportunities that push your limits as a student. The most impactful experiences I had during my time at Mason were opportunities that I decided to try for even though I was unsure about them when I first started. If you don't put yourself out there, you'll never know what you could've accomplished.

What are your current career plans following graduation? What are your long-term career goals?

In the next few years, I'm hoping to go to graduate school and earn a PhD in psychology. After that, my career goal is to be a licensed psychologist potentially working in a criminal justice setting.