Advising
Hello and welcome to the Psychology Advising page!
We are responsible for providing academic advising for studies in psychology, and would be happy to meet with you. We will help you to find information concerning your degree, and will assist you with any other academic problems you may be encountering.
Whether you are new to Psychology or you have been here for several years, contact our main office or one of our advisors for an advising appointment. Advising appointments can be scheduled either in person, via email at psychology@oregonstate.edu, or via telephone at 541-737-2311.
Please note: When you drop by, call, or email, mention three appointment times that would work for you. This will expedite the process and allow for more convenient access to advisors.
What's a "peer advisor"?
Peer advisors are available to answer a variety of questions about the psychology major, registration and required classes at OSU, but usually not transfer credit questions. They are experienced upperclassmen excited to give new students an inside look at the psychology major that will strengthen your experience at OSU. Located in Moreland Hall room 108, peer advisors are available throughout the day and can be seen by appointment scheduled by phone (541-737-2311) or at the front desk of the Psychology Department in 204C Moreland Hall. You can also drop by room 108 and a peer advisor may be available without appointment too.
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Advising (but were afraid to ask):
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Michael Crowley, PhD |
Rachel Dilts, PhD |
It is best to schedule an appointment early on in the term. One way to remember when to schedule an appointment is to call on or around the following days:
Halloween (Oct. 31st)
Valentine's Day (Feb. 14th)
May Day (May 1st)
All other OSU requirements for Psychology majors are listed on the other side of the green sheet. These include the University Baccalaureate Core (Bacc Core), the Liberal Arts Core (CLA), and your choice of either the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) requirements. You need one course from each box in the Bacc Core & CLA Core. Circle courses as you successfully complete them; Underline courses you are currently enrolled in; and mark * courses you intend to take in the future and write the term and year next to them
You also need to pass 180 total credit hours, 60 of which must be upper division (300 level or above). Psychology majors choosing to earn a B.S. have 122 credits of required coursework and those choosing a B.A. have 139. This leaves a significant number of elective credits needed for graduation.
Following the recommended sequence for Psychology coursework listed at the bottom of the page is the best way to complete requirements for the major. Completing coursework for the University Bacc Core during your first two years lays a good foundation for the rest of your education, and gives you more freedom of choice later on. This is particularly true because many students change majors at some point.
Choices for completing the statistics requirementThe first 4 credits of statistics can be satisfied by taking either ST 351, or both ST 201 & ST 211. The primary difference between these is that ST 211 is only offered as a 1 Credit, self-paced, workbook course. This means you go through a workbook taking tests whenever you feel ready. There are no class meetings, only scheduled Lab times when you can go and ask questions or take tests. ST 201 can be taken either as a self-paced, workbook course or as a regular classroom course. Examine whether you have the self-discipline and comfort level with math necessary to complete a self-paced course before choosing ST 201 & 211. Everyone takes Statistics 352, a regular classroom course, to satisfy the second 4 Credits.
It is recommended you complete the Bacc Core Math requirement before taking statistics. Most people find it easiest to take the statistics courses in consecutive terms. ST 351 is not usually offered in Spring. ST 352 is not usually offered in Fall. Both are often offered in Summer.Your GAP number is set as your date of birth in six digits. You are asked to make up a different GAP the first time you register online. Your PIN is a six digit number assigned to you and changes every academic year or, possbily, when you change majors. New PINs become available in the Spring right before registration for the following Fall term. I can look up your PIN online during an advising appointment or Drop-In time or if you send me an e-mail request and include your student ID number. The quickest way to get your new PIN is to bring your student ID to the Psychology Department Office. You can also get your PIN by e-mailing the Psychology Department Office at psychology@oregonstate.edu. You must include your student ID number in the e-mail.
The purpose of Course Prerequisites and Course Restrictions is to keep students from taking courses for which they are not adequately prepared.
A prerequisite course is one that the department sees as a stepping stone to another, higher level, course. Prerequisites provide students with the appropriate background for understanding material for the higher level course. For example, students must complete PSY 350: Lifespan Development, before taking 400 level developmental courses.
Course Restrictions in Psychology are either courses reserved for Psychology Majors only (such as PSY 301: Research Methods) or those that require a particular academic status, e.g., 300 level courses require sophomore standing.
Generally, our courses fill with students who have met the criteria for enrollment. If you believe you have acquired the equivalent knowledge from some other courses or some other way, you may request an exception for meeting prerequisites from the course instructor.
Courses close for registration when they have reached maximum enrollment.
Exceptions from course restrictions and registration for closed courses require the instructor's signature on the appropriate form.
Instructors may choose to add a student even if the course is closed if there are compelling reasons to do so and there are enough seats in the classroom.