| Academics |
Enroll in CHSS 100 or 101 if you're a new student or choose CHSS 300 if you're a transfer student. These 1-credit courses are essential for a successful transition to George Mason University.
Prioritize Mason Core Foundation and Exploration categories. Take Introduction to Psychology (PSYC 100) and/or one of the Foundational Courses: Social Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, or a Developmental Psychology course.
Meet with your academic advisor each semester to discuss course schedules (September & February).
Review AP, IB, Dual Enrollment, and transfer credits with your academic advisor to avoid losing credits.
BS Majors: Start the required Biology sequence: BIOL 102, 103/ 105 OR 103/105 and 213. BIOL 102 and 103/105 count towards Mason Core Natural Science, and BIOL 213 counts towards many pre-health requirements.
BA Majors: Take foreign language placement test, obtain a heritage language waiver, or register for language classes to meet intermediate proficiency.
Interested in graduate school? Prepare early:
Maintain high overall GPA. Meet with Learning Services for academic success support, workshops, tutoring, and academic coaching.
Foster connections with faculty research mentors and professors.
PhD programs:
Join a research lab as early as possible to begin building research experience.
Other graduate programs:
Schar School’s Patriot Pre-Law Program
Health Professions Advising
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Review the concentration opportunities to guide psych course selection and specialization. Students can choose up to two concentrations.
Enroll in Advanced Composition to meet degree requirements with a minimum grade of C, or submit a portfolio and take an exam to apply for an ENGH 302 waiver. Completing ENGH 302 before the Psychology Writing Intensive courses (PSYC 301, 304, and 309) will support your success in these courses.
Get prepared for your post-undergraduate career: Enroll in Psychology – College to Career (PSYC 399) as an option to fulfill the Professional Development requirement.
Have a psychology-related internship? Enroll in Psychology in the Community (PSYC 327), gaining course credit for your internship experience and as an option to fulfill the Professional Development requirement.
Conduct an original research project with faculty through the three semester Psychology Honors program - apply in the fall of year 3.
Explore the prerequisites for the Bachelors to Accelerated Masters (BAM) program in Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience (CBN).
Interested in behavioral health? Explore requirements for the Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP).
Enroll in the QMHP-Trainee course for comprehensive preparation for individuals seeking registration as QMHP-T (PSYC 461 – soon to be PSYC 393)
Enroll in the Emotional Support Line (PSYC 412) and/or the Internship in Clinical Psychology (PSYC 461 – soon to be PSYC 430) courses for bachelor-level volunteer or employment opportunities.
Discuss recommendation letters with your faculty network (need 2 – 3) to prepare for graduate school applications in year 4.
Continue gaining research experience. Aim for experience in more than one area or on more than one project.
Connect with the Office of Student Creative Activities and Research (OSCAR) for research funding and support opportunities
Discuss publication plans - abstracts, posters, primary data articles, review papers - with your faculty mentor.
Discuss individual fellowship opportunities and prepare application, gaining experience in idea organization, experimental design, strategic communication, and the creation of funding-worthy research proposals.
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Verify graduation status with an academic advisor.
Apply for graduation!
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| Career and Professional Prep |
Visit What Can I Do with This Major? to explore common career paths and employers for psychology majors.
Enhance your professional presence by creating a LinkedIn profile and connecting with alumni and employer representatives from your major.
Activate your Handshake profile to explore and opt-in to industry email lists to start learning the vernacular of different industries.
Talk with faculty members and graduate students during office hours to gain insights into their career paths and their undergraduate experience.
Complete the Clifton Strengths Assessment to learn about your strengths and unique qualities – sign up for a coaching session for further understanding and strength development.
Become an Undergraduate Student Affiliate Member of the American Psychological Association (APA) or the Association for Psychological Science (APS) for access to career resources. Note that both associations are located in Washington, D.C.!
Join the Society for Neuroscience (SfN) DC Metro Chapter for local opportunities.
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Attend the Career Fair and Internship Week events to explore internship opportunities and connect with industry professionals who can guide your career path.
Optimize your Handshake and LinkedIn profiles to showcase skills from your Psychology coursework and experiences. Follow employers on Handshake to stay informed about opportunities and industry trends.
Schedule a meeting with University Career Services to refine your internship goals and start exploring graduate program options, including the Bachelors to Accelerated Masters (BAM) pathway.
Review your personal statement or cover with your career advisor.
Continue engaging with faculty and staff members during office hours and building your academic network to support your undergraduate (and post-undergraduate) journey.
Become a Student Strengths Coach to gain experience in coaching peers in understanding and applying their strengths assessment.
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Attend the Career Fair to secure job opportunities and network with employers as you prepare to launch your career after graduation.
Strengthen your career readiness by expanding your LinkedIn network with professionals aligned with your goals. Update your Handshake and LinkedIn profiles with new experiences and advanced coursework in Psychology to highlight your growth and readiness.
Schedule a meeting with University Career Services to refine your grad school plans and career/job search strategy.
Provide recommenders with necessary details (school, program, due date, etc.) for recommendation letter submission to accompany graduate school applications
Finalize statement of purpose, resume and/or CV by November of your year 4 to include in upcoming graduate school applications.
Strategize appropriate local and national conferences with your faculty mentor, in addition to presenting at the CHSS Undergraduate Research Symposium
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| Experiences |
Follow the GMU Psychology Instagram to keep up with departmental news and events.
Join the Mason Psychology Club to connect with psychology-minded students across Mason.
Attend a Psi Chi (International Honor Society in Psychology) meeting to enhance department involvement and meet fellow majors. Read more about prereqs to join.
Attend CHSS LinkUp to learn about career pathways and possibilities for your degree by connecting with Psychology alumni.
Experience research as a participant – gain a deeper understanding of psychological research by participating in a research study (required for PSYC 100, 300, and 301).
Attend seminars held by the department’s research groups (upcoming seminars announced via Instagram and on the whiteboard outside of David King Hall 2086):
Applied Developmental Psychology (ADP)
Clinical Psychology
Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience (CBN)
Human Factors and Applied Cognition (HFAC)
Industrial/ Organizational (I/O)
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Contribute to cutting-edge research by getting involved in a research lab. This opportunity will strengthen your BS or BA and add a strong line to your resume or CV (critical for students interested in PhD programs – see graduate school section in Academics).
Connect with the Office of Student Creative Activities and Research (OSCAR) for research funding and support opportunities
Become an officer and take on a leadership role in The Mason Psychology Club or Psi Chi (or another student org).
Attend CHSS LinkUp to enhance your career prospects by connecting with experienced Psychology alumni—start building valuable connections as you explore internships and job opportunities.
Become a learning assistant for PSYC 100 or 300 and hone your strategic communication skills by supporting peers in learning course material. Connect with your instructor for information.
Broaden your cultural competency and global citizen status by participating in a psychology study abroad program through the Global Education Office.
Continue exploring opportunities within your concentration.
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Submit an abstract for the CHSS Undergraduate Research Symposium to present your research.
Discuss additional research presentation opportunities with your faculty advisor.
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