PSYCHOLOGY ADVISING GUIDE
Fall and Winter Registration Appointments are from April 2 – April 12.
Advising Tips & Links
Becoming a Psychology Major or Minor
Section Descriptions for PSY299, Research Seminar
Seminar Descriptions for PSY3xx Specialized Courses
Senior Seminar Descriptions for PSY4xx Capstone Courses
Fall 2024 Lab Recruitment
Summer 2025 Courses
1. IMPORTANT ADVISING TIPS
Are you unsure about the requirements for the major? This website has an outline of all the major requirements.
If you are a dual/double major, you have different College Core requirements. Check the College Core website for more details.
If you are interested in learning more about a specialization, check out this website to see each specialization’s requirements.
Interested in research? Check out the ELOPsy pages on the website to learn about different research opportunities within the department. There are separate pages for collaborative research (labs), internships (including information on internships held by previous students), learning assistantships, independent study/research, and senior honors thesis.
Interested in an Internship, Independent Study, or Course Overload? See the HSS website for forms and applications.
The psychology department houses several clubs you can join! If you are interested in joining Psych Club, email psychclb@tcnj.edu for more info! Or, you can join the Psychology Student Advisory Board. For more information on the Advisory Board, email Kristy McCadden at mccaddek@tcnj.edu.
The department hosts and promotes various events throughout the semester! All students are welcome to attend! Check the department calendar for a listing of the events. Note that events are added throughout the semester.
Remember to register for the Psychology 4-Year Advising Sequence
- Double majors and dual majors ARE required to complete the advising sequence.
- *Internal transfer students do not need to complete PSY 96. Enroll in the appropriate advising course based on class standing at the time of admission to the Department.
- *External transfer students should consult with their advisor to determine which advising courses to take.
2. BECOMING A PSYCHOLOGY MAJOR OR MINOR
Applications are accepted in the beginning of Fall and Spring semesters. The minimum requirements are an overall GPA of 2.0 and completion of PSY 101 with a C- or higher grade.
How to apply: Read all the instructions and complete the Psychology Major Application found on the Psychology Department website under “Becoming a Psychology Major”.
Psychology Minor: You can fill out a minor form at any time during the semester. Note: Minors must be declared prior to the last semester before you graduate. Click here for instructions on applying for a minor.
3. PSY 299 SECTION DESCRIPTIONS
Fall 2024 Research Seminar Courses
| Course Number | Title | Class Meeting Day | Time | Instructor Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSY 299-01 | RESEARCH SEMINAR - Memory | MR | 12:30PM-1:50PM | Bireta, Tamra |
| PSY 299-02 | RESEARCH SEMINAR - Contexts of Development | TF | 9:30AM-10:50AM | Chung, He Len |
| PSY 299-03 | RESEARCH SEMINAR - Improving Psychological Science | TF | 2:00PM-3:20PM | Crawford, Jarret |
| PSY 299-04 | RESEARCH SEMINAR - Developmental | TF | 11:00AM - 12:20PM | Graham, James |
| PSY 299-05 | RESEARCH SEMINAR - Intergroup Relations | MR | 9:30AM-10:50AM | Wiley, Shaun |
| PSY 299-06 | RESEARCH SEMINAR- Clinical Assessment | MR | 2:00PM-3:20PM | Wong, Jane |
PSY 299-01 Memory
In this course, we will attempt to replicate a memory study. We will work as a group to collect and analyze data. Student will get experience with experimental methods used to investigate memory.
DESIGN: Experimental
ANALYSIS: Quantitative
PROJECT STYLE: Group data collection
TOPIC SELECTION: Instructor selects (but there might be student input)
DATA SOURCE: PIPER
SPECIALIZATION FIT: Most relevant to Cognitive
PSY 299-02 Contexts of Development
Contexts of development (e.g., families, peers, schools, communities) can shape how we think, feel, and act. In this course, students will work in teams to develop and conduct research that examines how contextual factors contribute to our well-being. Each student will build on knowledge from PSY 121 and 203 and write an individually produced, full-length APA-formatted report of the project.
DESIGN: Correlational
ANALYSIS: Quantitative
PROJECT STYLE: Group project, individual research writing
TOPIC SELECTION: Faculty-directed with student input
DATA SOURCE: Archival data
SPECIALIZATION FIT: Counseling & Clinical and Developmental, but open to all.
PSY 299-03 Improving Psychological Science
Psychology Core Course. Students use scientific methods to address psychological questions in a subdiscipline of psychology. Students develop research questions, design (qualitative and quantitative) research methodologies, collect and analyze data, and write research reports in American Psychological Association format.
DESIGN: correlational and/or experimental (various projects, so possibility of various designs)
ANALYSIS: quantitative
PROJECT STYLE: group project
TOPIC SELECTION: student-chosen, with faculty direction
DATA SOURCE: TCNJ, online, and archival
SPECIALIZATION FIT: social; cognitive
PSY 299-04 Developmental
This research seminar focuses on conducting assessments and evaluations for school and community programs. Students will gain basic knowledge and develop the skills necessary to produce valid and usable evaluations of children’s social and emotional development. Students will work in groups on faculty-directed topics and actively collect data from various participants (i.e., stakeholders, staff, teachers, and parents) or analyze archival data from child participants. Students will review research and statistical knowledge gained in PSY 121 and 203, and design, carry out and write a full-length APA-formatted report.
DESIGN: Correlational
ANALYSIS: Mixed-Methods (Quantitative and qualitative)
PROJECT STYLE: Group project
TOPIC SELECTION: Faculty-directed topics
DATA SOURCE: Non-TCNJ sample and Archival
SPECIALIZATION FIT: Developmental, Social, Industrial/Organizational
PSY 299-05 Intergroup Relations
In this section, we will conduct experimental social psychological research on how people respond to discrimination and inequality. Students will work in groups on faculty-directed topics and will conduct quantitative analyses of data collected online and through PIPER. Other relevant specializations include I/O and C&C.
DESIGN: Experimental
ANALYSIS: Quantitative
PROJECT STYLE: Group project
TOPIC SELECTION: Faculty-directed, with student in-put
DATA SOURCE: PIPER and online
SPECIALIZATION FIT: Social, Clinical & Counseling
PSY 299-06 Clinical Assessment
In this course, we will attempt to further elucidate the relationship between anxiety, depression, and hopelessness in the context of the post-COVID-19 pandemic years. We will review the available literature pre- and post-pandemic and work as a group to collect and analyze data. Each student will build on knowledge from PSY 121 and 203 and write an individually produced APA-formatted report of the project.
DESIGN: Correlational
ANALYSIS: Quantitative
PROJECT STYLE: Group data collection and analyses; individual research writing
TOPIC SELECTION: Faculty-directed with student input
DATA SOURCE: PIPER
SPECIALIZATION FIT: Counseling and Clinical, but open to all.
4. SPECIALIZED SEMINAR DESCRIPTIONS
Specialized and 300-Level Courses
| Course Number | Title | Class Meeting Day | Time | Instructor Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSY 323-01 | SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY | T | 6:00PM-8:50PM | Dockins, Janae |
| PSY 338-01 | SPORT PSYCHOLOGY | W | 5:30PM - 8:20PM | Schweighardt,Sherry |
| PSY 339-01 | PERSONALITY DISORDERS | W | 5:30PM - 8:20PM | Zamel, Pamela |
| PSY 339-02 | PERSONALITY DISORDERS | R | 5:30PM - 8:20PM | Zamel, Pamela |
| PSY 342-01 | CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY | MR | 9:30AM - 10:50AM | Ruddy, Betsy |
| PSY 350-01 | PSYCHOLOGY OF WOMEN | T | 6:00PM-8:50PM | Fogg, Melissa |
| PSY 350-02 | PSYCHOLOGY OF WOMEN | M | 5:30PM - 8:20PM | Gervasi-Lambing, Michelle |
| PSY 355-01 | SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY OF POWER, OPPRESSION, & PRIVILEGE | MR | 2:00PM-3:20PM | Donnay, Sandra |
| PSY 355-01 | SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY OF POWER, OPPRESSION, & PRIVILEGE | MR | 3:30PM-4:50PM | Lambing,Michelle |
| PSY 357-01 | MEN & MASCULINITIES | W | 5:30PM - 8:20PM | Gall, Zachary |
| PSY 365-01 | CONSUMER BEHAVIOR | Business School | ||
| PSY 365-01 | CONSUMER BEHAVIOR | Business School | ||
| PSY 373-01 | CLINICAL & COUNSELING: FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY | W | 5:30PM-8:20PM | Parkes-Williams, Kesha |
| PSY 376-01 | ANIMAL COGNITION | T | 5:30PM-8:20PM | D'Amore, Drew |
PSY 323 School Psychology
This course will provide an overview of school psychology. School psychology involves using
psychological principles to assist students with disabilities in public school settings. Topics
include, but are not limited to: the various roles/functions of a school psychologist, the historical
evolution of school psychology, legal and ethical considerations, the use of assessment to
identify students with disabilities, the use of counseling techniques for mental health concerns at
school, monitoring interventions for struggling students, and current controversies affecting the
work of school psychologists.
PSY 338 Sport Psychology
The purpose of this course is to understand the psychological components of sport and exercise
in order to become a more effective competitor and/or to become more consistent in one’s
exercise program. In addition, the course will address the psychosocial aspects (e.g., group
cohesion, gender and racial differences, team vs. individual sports) and the health aspects of
sport and exercise (e.g., burnout, recuperating from injuries, athletes with asthma or diabetes,
etc.). Each student will work with an athlete or an individual who exercises to enhance the
mental aspect of their performance.
PSY 339 Personality Disorders
This seminar provides a comprehensive overview of DSM-V personality disorders. The
symptoms and impacts associated with each of the ten disorders are reviewed, as well as current
research pertaining to their potential causes. Effective intervention strategies for each disorder
are identified. A contextual approach to mental health and illness is encouraged throughout the
seminar. Individual-and group- level variables are upheld as integral parts of the diagnostic
equation. Students are encouraged to develop an awareness of the socio-cultural realities
impacting diagnostic criteria, as well as clinician biases in the diagnostic process. This course is
most appropriate for advanced undergraduate students in psychology who are interested in
furthering their knowledge and skills in clinical assessment and intervention.
PSY 342 Clinical Psychopharmacology
Explores how psychological disorders are influenced by neurotransmitters, hormones, and neurotrophic factors, and by interventions that increase or decrease these chemicals. Clinical disorders will include: depression, anxiety disorders, anorexia/bulimia nervosa, attention deficits, dementia, and schizophrenia. Both intended effects and side effects of drugs will be studied, as well as individual differences in effects (due to genes/environments).
PSY 350 Psychology of Women
Examines the psychology of women in light of biological, social, and cultural influences. A
variety of psychological theories and research findings will be explored to study the development
and behavior of women in various social contexts.
PSY 355 Psychology of Power, Oppression, and Privilege
Psychology of Power, Oppression, and Privilege is designed to be a specialized course for the
Social Specialization within the Psychology major. This course provides an in-depth coverage of
psychology topics, including stereotyping, prejudice and privilege, discrimination and advantage,
intergroup relations, attributions, social influence, personal self-esteem and collective self-esteem.
In addition, this course provides further opportunities for students to develop their writing,
speaking, and presentation skills.
PSY 357 Men & Masculinities
This course will explore the psychological and social development of boys and men, as well as the construct of masculinity. Topics explored will include how masculinity is formed and performed and the effects
of masculinity on health, work/academics, and interaction. Course readings will cover both development
and effects and assignments will create opportunities for students to explore this construct both academically and experientially.
PSY 365 Consumer Behavior
Students will learn to apply basic social science principles and theories to an understanding of
the behavior of consumers. Basic psychological principles (e.g., learning, memory, perception,
attitudes, and motivation) as well as sociological and anthropological concepts (e.g.,
demographics, group dynamics, cultural influences) are explored and then examined in relation
to consumption processes and activities used by marketers and public policy actors to influence
consumer behavior. Cross listed with MKT 365.
PSY 373 Counseling and Clinical Seminar
The seminar will provide students with the opportunity for in-depth study of a specific topic
within counseling and clinical psychology. The topic (e.g., Cognitive Behavior Therapy,
Introduction to The Helping Professions) will vary across semesters. Students may repeat the
seminar as topics change.
PSY 376 Animal Cognition
The seminar will provide students opportunities for in-depth study of specific topics within
psychology that cut across specializations. The topic will vary across semesters. Students may
repeat the seminar as topics change.
5. SENIOR SEMINAR DESCRIPTIONS
400-Level Courses
| Course Number | Title | Class Meeting Day | Time | Instructor Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSY 419-01 | HISTORY & SYSTEMS OF PSYCHOLOGY | R | 5:30PM - 8:20PM | Hart, Johnathan |
| PSY 470-01 | SENIOR SEMINAR: WHAT BABIES KNOW | TF | 11:00AM-12:20PM | Stahl, Aimee |
PSY 419-01 History of Psychology Senior Seminar
This course will consider how psychology’s goals, methods, and beliefs have evolved throughout its history. As a senior experience, this course will allow students to integrate experiences from various areas of the discipline, to analyze and evaluate psychology’s past and to make recommendations for its future.
PSY 470-01 Senior Seminar: What Babies Know
The field of infant cognition has revealed that infants have remarkably sophisticated knowledge about objects, quantities, language, and the social world. This course will explore the methods and findings of each research area; throughout the course students will engage in group discussions, reflective writing assignments, and class presentations. Students will write an individual paper that connects the origins of knowledge to a topic of their choice in the field of Psychology.
6. RESEARCH LAB INFORMATION
Fall 2024 Research Lab Recruitment
| Lab | Professor | Special Notes/Request |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol Lab | Dr. Martinetti | |
| Cognitive Development Lab | Dr. Stahl | |
| Emotion Lab | Dr. Kim | |
| ERP Lab | Dr. Leynes | Not recruiting for Fall 2024! Accepting applications for Spring 2025 ONLY. |
| Identity Develop Across the African Diaspora (IDAD) | Dr. Onyewuenyi | |
| Memory Lab | Dr. Bireta | |
| Replicat Lab (former Political Psychology Lab) | Dr. Crawford | |
| REACH Lab | Dr. Chung | |
| Reactivity Lab | Dr. Herres | |
| Sexual Health and Reproductive Education Lab | Dr. Barnack-Tavlaris | |
| Social Emotional Learning and Development Lab (SELD) | Dr. Graham |
7. WINTER TERM COURSES
Winter 2025 Courses
| Course Number | Title | Class Meeting Day | Time | Instructor Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSY 101 | GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY | Online | N/A | Bireta, Tamra |
Happy Spring Registration!
