Psych 112 - Careers in Psychology
Course Description
In this course, you will explore the many career options available to psychology majors and the schooling these careers require. You will also obtain critical information necessary for you to be successful in your major and to prepare for employment or graduate school acceptance. You will investigate and complete a research paper specific to your career choice and learn about the value of participating in student organizations, internships, and scientific research. You will learn how to build a competitive resume or vita, personal statement, cover letter, and complete graduate school applications. You will also participate in a mock placement interview.
In this course, we will:
1. Explore career opportunities in psychology.
2. Provide study and test taking strategies.
3. Develop a program of studies that will prepare you for the work force or advanced training.
4. Explain the various levels of training and schooling (i.e.,baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate) needed for most careers in psychology.
5. Explain how to maximize the chances of being accepted into a competitive graduate school program in psychology.
6. Participate in career development testing in the career center.
7. Participate in practice graduate entrance exams.
8. Develop job application materials (vita/resume, cover letter, biographical sketch, statements of purpose, strengths/weakness, etc.).
9. Expose you to the interview process.
Course Schedule
This course has been designed to follow a weekly schedule in which students complete one lesson per week. You are expected to complete all of the learning activities for each lesson in the order they are listed. Also, you should complete each lesson in order and not skip ahead without finishing a lesson. For example, you should complete all the learning activities in Lesson 01 before beginning any learning activities in Lesson 02. The instructor may shift the order of completion for some assignments and may even extend the deadlines on a few assignments if circumstances warrant.
Due dates and times for all assignments may be found by accessing the Calendar tool in I-Learn. All activity directions will have information on when an assignment or assessment opens and closes (due date and time). These due dates and times listed in the activity directions are based on Mountain Standard Time in the United States of America, and are set up to aligned with the due dates and times of students on campus at BYU-Idaho. If you are in a different time zone, you may see some adjustments for your own time zone in the I-Learn Calendar. If you have any questions about when an assignment is due, you should contact your instructor.
The deans of the colleges at BYU-Idaho have determined that the average amount of study time that students should invest each week per credit hour is 3 to 4 hours. So, for a 1-credit class, the deans expect students to spend on average between 3 and 4 hours of total study time. For this course, on average, it will take students approximately 3 hours of study time to complete all the learning activities for each lesson. This is the amount of time that you should expect to put in to this class each week if you want to get a passing (C) grade. Students working towards an A or B grade will usually need to put in more than 4 hours a week studying. Consequently, in order to keep up with the assignments and learn the most from this class, you should make sure that you schedule regular study sessions. Also, be aware that with this course there is no time off for holidays that might occur during the week. Consequently, you should make sure to arrange your study schedule so that any holiday activities do not keep you from completing learning activities by the posted due dates and times.
Required Materials
You must purchase the following required textbook:
Compare prices for your textbooks through the University Store Price Comparison site. They will show you all of the options from the University Store plus several online options to help you find the best price.
Title: The Psychology Major: Career Options and Strategies for Success, 5th Edition
Author: R. Eric Landrum and Stephen F. Davis ISBN: 978-0205829651
Directions for purchasing this book may be found in an activity in Lesson 01. Please note that you will begin reading the textbook during Lesson 01, so you should purchase the required text as soon as possible.
Since this is an online course, it is your responsibility to obtain access to a computer with internet capabilities. (The higher speed you have for your internet access, the easier the course will be for you to complete.) It is also your responsibility to make sure you have the word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software required to complete your assignments.
Grading
See Calendar for timesThis course is designed to follow a basic weekly pattern. You will complete one lesson per week, and then complete a Self-Assessment and a Lesson Evaluation Quiz (28 total worth 28 points overall). For a list of assignments see the course schedule below:
Course Assignment Schedule
| Wk | Activity | assignment | Points |
| 01 |
2 |
Syllabus Quiz | 5 |
| 5 | Icebreaker | 10 | |
| 7 | Chapter 01 Quiz | 50 | |
| 7 | Chapter 11 Quiz | 50 | |
| 7 | Course Introduction Psychology Survey | 30 | |
| 8 | Self-Assessment Quiz |
1 |
|
| 02 | 2 | Chapter 02 Quiz | 50 |
| 3 | Study Skills Small Group Activity | 100 | |
| 3 | Study Skills Quiz | 50 | |
| 3 | Submit your Plan for Success | 10 | |
| 3 | Create your own Multiple Choice Questions | 30 | |
| 4 | Self-Assessment Quiz | 1 | |
| 03 | 2 | Career Exploration Discussion Board | 100 |
| 2 | Chapter 03 Quiz | 50 | |
| 2 | A Decision Tree for Psychology Students | 10 | |
| 3 |
Take and Interpret your Campbell Interest and Skill Survey Results |
50 | |
| 4 | Self-Assessment Quiz | 1 | |
| 04 | 4 | Self-Assessment Quiz | 1 |
| 05 | 2 | Chapter 09 Quiz | 50 |
| 2 | Chatper 13 Quiz | 50 | |
| 2 | Major and Career Plan Ideas | 100 | |
| 3 | Submit your 4-year Plan | 50 | |
| 4 | Self-Assessment Quiz | ||
| 06 | 2 | Chapter 05 Quiz | 50 |
| 3 | Activity 3 Quiz | 50 | |
| 3 | Career Choice and Education Discussion | 100 | |
| 3 | Self-Assessment Quiz | 1 | |
| Mid-Course Feedback | 1 | ||
| 07 | 2 | Quiz on "Research Internships, and Organizations" | 50 |
| 2 | Chapter 07 Quiz | 50 | |
| Byu-I Connect Quiz | 50 | ||
| 2 | Chapter 08 Quiz | 50 | |
| 6 | Self-Assessment Quiz | 1 | |
| 08 | 2 | Chapter 06 Quiz | 50 |
| 3 | Submit Career Research Assignment | 350 | |
| 4 | Self-Assessment Quiz | 1 | |
| 09 | 3 | Graduate School Discussion Board | 100 |
| 3 | Reading Assignment Quiz | 100 | |
| 4 | Self-Assessment Quiz | 1 | |
| 10 | 2 | Take a Mock GRE exam | 30 |
| 2 | Reading Assignment Quiz | 50 | |
| 3 | Self-Assessment Quiz | 1 | |
| 11 | 2 | Chapter 04 Quiz | 50 |
| 3 | Submit your Vita or Resume | 100 | |
| 4 | Schedule Your Resume Review | 1 | |
| 4 | Schedule Your Mock Interview | 1 | |
| 5 | Self-Assessment | 1 | |
| 12 | 2 | Chapter 12 Quiz | 50 |
| 3 | Submit a Revised Resume | 100 | |
| 4 | Reading Assignment Quiz | 50 | |
| 4 | Mock Interview Quiz | 100 | |
| 5 | Self-Assessment Quiz | 1 | |
| 13 | 2 | Create Your Own Personal Statement | 150 |
| 3 | Create Your Own Cover Letter | 150 | |
| 4 | Resubmit your 4-Year Plan | 50 | |
| 5 | Self-Assessment Quiz | 1 | |
| 14 | 2 | Write a Letter to Future Students | 25 |
| 3 | Self-Assessment Quiz | 1 | |
| Total Points: | 2766 | ||
Due Dates
The following graphic organizer is used throughout the course to help you understand how one assignment meshes with the following assignments. The graphic also indicates that you will have multiple drafts of some assignments. Specifically the Career Research Plan and the 4-Year Plan.
Major Assignment Overviews
Campell Interest and Skill Survey Report
Number of Pages: 2
Line Spacing: double
Font Type: Times New Roman
Font Size: 12pt
Career Research Assignment*
Number of Pages: 5
Line Spacing: double
Font Type: Times New Roman
Font Size: 12pt
*must include bibliography
Vita or Resume
Number of Pages: 1-2
Line Spacing: double
Font Type: Times New Roman
Font Size: 12pt
Personal Statement (2 pages) and Cover Letter (1 page)
Number of Pages: 3
Line Spacing: double
Font Type: Times New Roman
Font Size: 12pt
In assigning final grades for this course, the instructor will use the BYU-Idaho Standard Grade Definition criteria listed below.
A
The grade of “A” represents outstanding understanding, application,and integration of subject material and extensive evidence of original thinking, skillful use of concepts, and ability to analyze and solve complex problems. Demonstrates diligent application of Learning Model principles, including initiative in serving other students.
B
The grade of “B” presents considerable/significant understanding, application, and incorporation of the material, which would prepare a student to be successful in next level courses, graduate school, or employment. The student participates in the Learning Model as applied in the course.
C
The grade of “C” represents sufficient understanding of subject matter. The student demonstrates minimal initiative to be prepared for class. Sequenced courses could be attempted, but mastering new materials might prove challenging. The student participates marginally in the Learning Model.
D
The grade of “D” represents poor performance and initiative to learn, understand, and apply course materials. Retaking a course or remediation may be necessary to prepare for additional instruction in this subject matter.
F
The grade of “F” represents failure in the course.
Course Policies
You should read the following course policies and make sure that you understand what these policies mean to you regarding your interactions with the instructor and other students in this course. If you have questions about any of these policies, you should contact your instructor immediately.
Personal Honor
In this class, our interactions with each other should be guided at all times by the following principles of personal honor.
Principles of Personal Honor — “True at all Times”
• Personal honor is integrity in fulfilling commitments,responsibilities, and covenants.
• Personal honor begins with willing obedience and is fully developed when we consistently govern ourselves by true principles.
• Personal honor increases spiritual strength through the ministry of the Holy Ghost.
• Personal honor is central to every aspect of our lives, including the BYU-Idaho experience.
• Personal honor brings us joy and happiness; deepens our desire to love, serve, and lift others; and ultimately helps us to become more like the Savior.
You should make sure that you understand the above principles of personal honor. It is important for all class members to strive tofollow the above principles in our associations with one another.
If you have any questions about how Personal Honor is related to academic honesty or the university’s dress and grooming standards,you may visit the University Standards web page(http://www.byui.edu/StudentHonor/UniversityStandards.htm) to get more information.
Students with Disabilities
BYU-Idaho is committed to providing a working and learning atmosphere which reasonably accommodates qualified persons with disabilities. If you have any disability which may impair your ability to complete this course successfully, please contact the Services for Students with Disabilities Office by phone at 208-496-4283 or via email at taylorr@byui.edu. Reasonable academic accommodations are reviewed for all students who have qualified documented disabilities. Services are coordinated with the student and instructor by this office. If you need assistance or feel you have been unlawfully discriminated on the basis of disability, you may seek resolution through established policy and procedures. Contact the Human Resources Office at 208-496-1700 or via email at humanresources@byui.edu.
Sexual Harassment
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits sex discrimination against any participant in an educational program which receives federal funds, including federal loans and grants. Title IX also covers student-to-student sexual harassment. If you encounter unlawful sexual harassment or gender-based discrimination, please contact the Human Resources Office at 208-496-1700 or via email at humanresources@byui.edu.
Required Registrations:
There are several site registrations and software downloads needed for this course.
• Screencast.com: Allows students to setup a free account and share their Jing screen recordings from this site.
• Jing: Allows students to record their screen (or powerpoint) and then upload their recordings to Screencast.com.
• Campbell Skills and Interests Survey:
This survey costs $12 and is available online from the Academic Discovery Center.
• Kaplin Self-proctored GRE Exam: Students will need to take a practice Graduate Record
Examination http://www.kaptest.com/gre/gre-practice/free-gre-practice-test
• BYU-I Connect: BYU-I Connect is a career networking site available here:http://www.byuiconnect.com/s/1085/07-idaho/idaho-start.aspx?id=4&pgid=61
The site is the university’s alumni connections network and puts students in contact with BYU-Idaho employees and other people throughout the United States who have volunteered to answer students' questions about specific careers.
• Mock Interview: Students can click on the Career Mentor Scheduler under the Services tab of their MyBYU-I account at my.byui.edu Through this link students are able to arrange a time with the ADC where they can hold a mock interview via Skype/Adobe Connect/ or Phone.
• LinkedIn: Students will need to register for a LinkedIn account in order to complete part of an assignment.
Downloading Jing
Students will need to download two pieces of software for this course. Both are available for free, and students will not need the professional versions for this course. The first, Jing, is an interactive video studio which allows students to create movies from their screen and record audio. The free software (not the professional version) is available at the following site:http://www.techsmith.com/jing.html
To download the software, click the link on this page and then select the operating system in use (Mac or Windows) and select the Save File option from the download menu, and continue with the installation. Jing tutorial videos are available at the following site:http://www.techsmith.com/tutorial-jing.html
Using Screencast
Screencast.com allows students to upload their videos online and to send the link of their videos and projects to the teacher and the rest of the class. The free account for this service (once again, not the professional) is available at the following site: http://www.screencast.com/
Once you arrive at this site, enter the necessary information (email,a password for the site, a name to display to viewers, and your country). You will then be sent to your email to verify the address given. For an explanation on how to upload Jing videos ontoScreencast.com and for a list of tutorials offered, see the following link: http://www.techsmith.com/tutorial-jing-embed-content-using-screencastcom.html