Psychology Advising

If you are new to our department (freshman, transfer student, change of major) you will either meet with Jeffrey Nelson or Tracy Ackeret, the Social Sciences Academic Advisors. You can schedule an appointment with Jeffrey or Tracy here. 

As a new student in our department, your Academic Advisor will be Jeffrey Nelson for your freshman and sophomore years. After the completion of your second year, you will be assigned to a Faculty Advisor. Your Advisor is able to help you with a variety of issues, such as course scheduling, degree requirements, class registration, graduation, career advising, and can provide information on potential Graduate Schools. To make an appointment with your Advisor, please contact them directly. If your assigned advisor is unavailable, you may contact another advisor for assistance.

Faculty Contact Information and Office Hours:

Plan your curriculum

Meeting regularly with a psychology advisor before each registration period is important to ensure you understand your graduation timeline and are able to successfully complete your major. Keep in mind that the required courses for our major are pre-requisites for the next required course (see graphic below). Students tranferring in or changing their major to psychology without any of these courses should therefore expect AT LEAST five terms to complete the required course progression. Psychology students are required to receive a "C" or better grade in their coursework.

You can find the complete curriculum at the links below:

• Psychology Major
• Psychology Minor
• CORE 2.0

PSYX 490R: Undergraduate Research

• Students have a chance to engage in one of our faculty research labs.
• PSYX 490R Research Consent Form
  • Faculty lab information 

PSYX 495: Field Practicum

• Students find work opportunities within the community for experience and course credit.

• 495 Overview: (Read this before starting the DocuSign, you need to have your placement confirmed before filling out the DocuSign.)This class intends to give you "real-life experience" in a career before graduation. In this class, find your placement and secure the position before the semester begins. Once hired, fill out the DocuSign. For every credit, perform 45-50 hours of work (minimum of 3 and a maximum of 12). If you enroll in 3 credits, you will accumulate 135-150 hours. You will submit a 15-20 page paper at the end of your semester. Completing 12 credits would equate to 600 hours and a 55-60 page paper. Work credits accumulate through direct hours in your placement, journaling time, all research, paper writing time, and any job prep. Placements must be in a human service field. There are more options than you may expect! Examples are provided below.

   Let me know if you have any more questions ([email protected])

• PSYX 495 Field Practicum consent form and information
• 

Helpful Guides

• Frequently Asked Questions
• Add or Drop a Course Process.  Be sure to consider how this might affect your financial aid or graduation.
• Use the Curriculum and Catalog Change Form to declare change of Major or Minor
• Baccalaureate Graduation Application Instructions 
  • Due October 1^st for Spring graduation, submitted preceding Fall semester
  • Due March 1^st for Fall graduation, submitted the preceding Spring semester

Find a Career Path!

• Highest Paying Psychology Careers
• APA Career Guide for Psychology
• What can I do with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology

Graduate Study in Psychology

• Montana State University Ph.D. in Psychological Science
• APA Guide to Graduate Study in Psychology