Other Opportunities for Psychology Majors
Research Experience
If you are interested in pursuing a career in psychology, it is vital to gain research experience. Furthermore, most graduate schools are interested in students who have more than an average amount of laboratory experience. There are a number of ways for you to obtain this type of experience.
First, you may enroll in one of the research tutorials offered by the Department. Second, consult with a faculty member; they frequently need help with their own research and you can become involved with them more directly. Third, search for research internships in the D.C.area. As the department receives notice of research opportunities and internships, information is sent via e-mail to all Psychology Majors and Minors. If you find that you are missing from this distribution list, please send an email to psychology@georgetown.edu.
Teaching Assistantships
Teaching assistants must be highly qualified, advanced students. Faculty members usually choose their teaching assistants from among the very best students who have previously taken the course for which the assistantship is available. Inform your professor if you are interested!
Taking Courses at Other Universities in the D.C. Metropolitan area and United States
A large number of courses are available through other universities in the area, otherwise known as the Consortium. A list of schools in the Consortium is available via the Registrar's website.
Psychology courses taken in the Consortium (or on other campuses around the country) must be approved in advance by a Dean of the College, your advisor, and one of the Directors of the Undergraduate Program, Professors W. Gerrod Parrott and James T. Lamiell.
Applying to Other Professional Training Programs
Many Psychology Majors and Minors wish to pursue professional training in areas other than psychology. These often include medicine, law, education, business, and many others. For general advice, come to the Psychology Main Office (306 White Gravenor Hall) to pick up the current handbook entitled, "Advice for Applying to Graduate Schools."
In addition to the normal degree requirements of a psychology major, some students wish to enroll in the Pre-Medicine program. This includes courses in Introductory Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Calculus, and Elementary Physics. If you wish to apply to medical school, it is important that you consult with a Dean of the College and Professor Fathali Moghaddam. As a pre-med major it is recommended to ask Professor Moghaddam to serve as your faculty advisor as he is a member of the Pre-Medicine Recommendation Committee.
Study Abroad
Each year, students can take advantage of foreign study programs by spending a semester or year abroad. There are a great many educational opportunities connected with these programs, but you must get written permission from your advisor. Study abroad provides a valuable and unforgettable educational experience. Speak with your advisor, or Dean of the College, as soon as you begin to think about foreign study. Remember that before you go abroad, your program must have written approval by a Dean of the College and your advisor.
The Georgetown Chapter of Psi Chi
In the spring of 1973, Georgetown established a chapter of Psi Chi, the National Honor Society which recognizes academic excellence and achievement in psychology. Admission to the Georgetown chapter follows the guidelines established by the national office of Psi Chi. Students who wish to be considered for admission to Psi Chi may obtain application forms from psichi.org.
Upon the beginning of the spring semester, decisions are made based on Psi Chi national guidelines, and an induction ceremony is held in the spring. For more information on Georgetown's chapter of Psi Chi please visit the Psi Chi section or contact Professor Rachel Barr.
Psychology Colloquium Series
The Department of Psychology sponsors lectures by outstanding scholars on matters of interest to psychologists. All colloquia are open to the public and you are encouraged to attend these lectures as often as possible. Announcements are posted monthly on the department home page.
Psychology Students Association
The Psychology Students Association is a group aimed at helping students to become more involved and aware of the those matters involving psychology outside the classroom. PSA organizes several events per semester, including film viewings, discussions, and invited speakers who work in the field.
