Frequently Asked Questions
1. What do I do after completion of Psych 101--Introductory Psychology (with a 'C' or better)?
A: Remember, a number of courses require completion of elementary statistics and research methods courses as well. We urge you to not delay taking these courses along with computer applications.
A: Each prospective graduate must file for graduation. A student is eligible to apply for graduation after accumulating 85 units. Undergraduates must pay the $115 graduation/diploma fee and apply online for a grad check one year (two semesters) in advance of the anticipated graduation term.
A: Apply online via your Titan Online Student Center. You must meet the minimum requirements to apply online. Your Titan Degree Audit will become your official electronic Grad Check, you will not receive a form in the mail. Once you have applied it is required that you make an appointment and see a Psychology Faculty Advisor. The Faculty Advisor must review and approve your TDA for you to be considered a candidate for gradation and for you to participate in commencement. See the University's page for more information.
4. Can I go through the graduation ceremony in May even though I will still have to finish up more units?
A: Yes, you can go through the May graduation as long as you will be completing those remaining units in summer school. If you plan to complete those remaining units the next Fall semester, you must then plan to go through the next May ceremony the following year.
5. Where do I go for advice on classes to take in psychology?
A: H-830J! Make an appointment with a Psychology Advisor ASAP. Please note that advisement hours are less frequent during Summer and Intersession (January). Office hours during finals week are irregular and no hours are available during Spring and Fall breaks.
6. Will courses I took at the community college transfer to CSUF?
A: Most courses will transfer but the exact evaluation of all your courses is done by the Office of Admissions and Records. Some may count toward the lower division requirements of the psychology major, see a psychology advisor at CSUF and bring your community college transcript and/or the evaluation of your units that you received from the CSUF admissions office.
7. Can I complete the BA in psychology at night?
A: Yes, you can. The university defines "night" classes as those beginning at 4pm or later. There are fewer choices for classes offered at night than there are during the day, but by carefully watching your schedule you can complete the BA in psychology (even with fewer courses offered).
8. How many classes should I take if I'm also working?
A: Many students find it necessary to work and go to school. How many units should be taken if you are working? A good estimate would be:
| Hours Worked | Recommended Units |
|---|---|
| 40 | 3 |
| 30 | 6 |
| 20 | 9 |
| 10 | 12 |
| 0 | 15 |
Following the above recommendations will allow sufficient time to study, use the library, meet with faculty, be involved in various department clubs and student organizations, and maximize the chances that your grades will reflect your true potential.
9. How can I enhance my training in psychology?
A: Psych 499--Directed Empirical Research, or Directed Library Research, both of which allow a student to do research with a professor in the psychology department.
Be sure to look at the faculty research listing found in the psychology department office. Students should plan an appointment with a professor whose research and teaching interests match their own to discuss the possibility of taking Psych 499 units with that professor.
Psych 495--Field Placement in Psychology also provides hands-on experience with applied aspects of psychology and associated settings (including clinical, Industrial/Organizational, developmental, and gerontological work settings). This course is required for all psychology majors, for more information see the Internship web site.
10. How do I choose electives in my major or decide on a career path?
A: Talking with advisers is very helpful. Psychology advisers are more than happy to help you decide on future study and career plans. It is especially important to choose elective courses both in psychology and in other departments that will help you meet your goals.
11. What are course prerequisites?
A: Some psychology courses can only be taken after the completion of other classes. These classes that must be completed first are known as course prerequisites. You will need to plan ahead by taking the prerequisite courses earlier in order to take the 300 or 400-level courses you are interested in later. Course prerequisites are not found in the Class Schedule listings. The only place to find prerequisites are in the Psychology Student Handbook, or in the University Catalog. Please buy one and read it!
12. I am an undergraduate seeking information about graduate training in psychology (schools and programs). Where can I find this information?
A: You may make an appointment with an advisor (see above), or take a look at the APA Graduate Study in Psychology book that is available to read in the Advisement and Internship Center. It may be purchase at the Titan Bookstore or directly from the American Psychological Association.
