FAQs
Questions about Psychology
What is psychology?
Psychology is the science of behavior and mental processes. The word “science” implies the use of research methods to study psychological phenomena. “Behavior” refers to the outwardly observable acts of an organism. “Mental processes” refer to the functions of the brain, which includes memory, language, perception, and other cognitive processes.
What kinds of specializations exist within psychology?
There are many sub-disciplines within psychology. The major specializations include Clinical Psychology, Social Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Physiological Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis, and Teaching of Psychology. This list is not exhaustive, but is representative of the idea that psychology is concerned with many areas of research and practice. For more information about each of the sub-fields mentioned here and a few others, please visit this Web site:
What is the difference between psychology and counseling?
The differences between these two areas of psychology are largely a function of theoretical orientation to, and training for, therapy. The following link will take you to an article that addresses this difference in detail
http://www.psichi.org/pubs/articles/article_73.asp
Also, you want to visit the Auburn University Psychology Department Web page to read its mission statement:
http://www.auburn.edu/psychology/
and the Counseling Psychology Web page to read its mission statement:
http://education.auburn.edu/academic_departments/coun/aboutccp/missionstatement.html
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a Masters Degree versus and PhD?
A master's degree (MS) is awarded to individuals after completing a one- or a two-year program of study following receipt of a baccalaureate degree. A master's degree may or may not involve completing a thesis. A PhD is awarded to individuals after completing a five-year (or longer) program of study following receipt of a baccalaureate degree or a master's degree. The PhD is a research degree, which means that this degree is awarded only to those individuals who develop considerable empirical skills. Ultimately, the degree you seek depends on your career goals. The following link is a helpful article to read if you are considering graduate school in psychology.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a PhD versus and PsyD?
A fundamental difference between these two degrees is the extent to which research is emphasized. The following article will help you understand the distinction between these two degrees.
Questions about Majoring in Psychology at Auburn University
What can I do with a Bachelor's degree in psychology?
The following URL is a very helpful article for answering this question:
How does advising work in the Psychology Department?
Once you have decided to major in psychology, you are assigned to an advisor based on your last name. Please visit the Psychology Department's advising Web page for more information:
http://www.auburn.edu/academic/college_of_liberal_arts/psychology/ug/advising.htm
What are the requirements for majoring in psychology?
The requirements for a major in psychology are outlined on the following Web page:
http://www.auburn.edu/academic/college_of_liberal_arts/psychology/ug/major/index.htm
If you have questions regarding the major requirements please see your advisor.
Can I minor in Psychology?
The requirements for a minor in psychology are outlined on the following Web page:
http://www.auburn.edu/academic/college_of_liberal_arts/psychology/ug/minor.htm
If you have questions regarding the minor requirements please see your advisor.
Do I need a minor?
No, you do not need a minor in any field to major in psychology. However, depending on your academic or career goals, you may find that a minor may be very helpful in rounding out the knowledge and skills you acquire as an undergraduate.
What is independent study and how do I enroll in this course?
Independent study (PSYCH 4900) is a course in which you work on a research project under the close supervision of, or in collaboration with, a faculty member. Prerequisites for the course include being at least a junior and the getting the approval of the instructor with whom you wish to work. You enroll in the course by seeking out a professor whose research or intellectual interests align with yours and inquiring whether he or she would be willing to work with you in this course.
To learn more about specific faculty and their research orientation and interests go to:
http://media.cla.auburn.edu/psychology/directory/directory/faculty.cfm
Are there specific classes I need if I want to go to graduate school?
The psychology department has established specific “tracks” of courses that are recommended for preparing for graduate school, entering a human services profession, or simply completing a major in psychology with no specific post-baccalaureate plans to attend graduate school or work in psychology. Go to:
http://www.auburn.edu/academic/college_of_liberal_arts/psychology/ug/major/tracks/index.htm
What types of financial aid are available for psychology students at Auburn ?
The financial aid available to psychology students is the same as the aid available to other Auburn University students. Please visit the Auburn Financial Aid office for more information:
http://www.auburn.edu/student_info/student_affairs/finaid/index.html
Are there internships available in Psychology at Auburn ?
Internships in psychology are not typically available to undergraduate students. Internships are more readily available in graduate programs.
What kind of research is going on at Auburn right now?
The psychology faculty members at Auburn are varied in their interests and research programs. For details on current research, please visit the Psychology faculty Web page:
http://media.cla.auburn.edu/psychology/directory/directory/faculty.cfm
Can I get involved with research as an undergraduate?
Yes! Research experience is essential if you are interested in graduate school and the Psychology Department highly recommends active participation in research as a very effective way to enrich your undergraduate learning experience in psychology. To become involved in research, you should first identify a professor in whose work you are interested. Contact the professor and find out what his or her preferences for participation might be. There may be paid research assistant positions available, or you may sign up to work in a lab for credit hours toward your degree (i.e., PsYCH 4900). Alternatively, you may choose to work as a volunteer in a lab. You may learn more about specific faculty research interest by going to:
http://media.cla.auburn.edu/psychology/directory/directory/faculty.cfm
Will a D in Psychology count as a passing grade?
Yes, a D will count towards your degree as a passing grade.
Does the Psychology Department at Auburn accept transfer credit?
Yes, the Psychology Department does accept transfer credit from other institutions of higher learning. However, to earn a degree in psychology from Auburn , transfer students must complete at least 18 hours of psychology while in residence at Auburn .
Is there a Psychology club at Auburn ?
Yes, there is a chapter of the National Honor Society in Psychology (Psi Chi), which is devoted to students who demonstrate academic excellence in their study of psychology. For more information about the Auburn Chapter of Psi Chi, please visit:
and for more information about the National Honor Society in Psychology please visit:
Links:
Career Development Services:
http://www.auburn.edu/academic/provost/undergrad_studies/career/
TigerCub:
http://www.auburn.edu/tigercub/
American Psychological Association:
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Last updated on February 2, 2008