PSYCHOLOGY MAJORS HOME PAGE

 

 

PSYCHOLOGY CLUB

 

 

PURPOSE:

To formally organize psychology majors at Northeast in order for them to have the opportunity to experience academic and professional relationships and share information regarding: 1) undergraduate education in psychology 2) the career outlook for psychology, 3) individual and group interests in the field, 4) transfer credit to the four-year college and university,  5) planning and preparing for graduate or professional school,  6) planning and preparing for a career in psychology, and 7) other current research and professional issues relevant to the discipline of psychology.

 

 

REGULAR MEETINGS:

Regular meetings are every Second Thursday of the month at 10:50 (Activity Period) in Patterson Hall Room 206.  We meet in the following months:

FALL SEMESTER: September, October, November

SPRING SEMESTER: January, February, March, April

 

NOTE: If information is needed regarding joining the Psychology Club or the status of your application to join, please contact Dr. Billingsley at: Office Phone: 662-720-7345; Office Extension: 7345; Office Location: Patterson Hall Room 219 or E-mail: cbillin@nemcc.edu

 


 

PSYCHOLOGY CLUB MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

 

 

PURPOSE STATEMENT:

The purpose of the Psychology Club is to formally organize psychology majors at

Northeast in order for them to have the opportunity to experience academic and

professional relationships, activities,  and information regarding: 1) undergraduate

education in psychology 2) the career outlook for psychology, 3) individual and group

interests in the field, 4) transfer credit to the four-year colleges and universities, 

5) planning and preparing for graduate or professional school and career,  6) community

service activity, 7) research opportunities, and 8) issues relevant to the discipline of psychology.

 

Please fill out the following application (PLEASE PRINT) in order to join the Psychology Club

 

DATE:_____________________

 

NAME:___________________________________

 

ADDRESS: Local_______________________           Permanent_____________________

                              _______________________                          _____________________

 

PHONE:  Day_______________________                 Evening____________________

 

E-MAIL:_______________________________________

 

CURRENT MAJOR:_________________________

 

YEAR STATUS: (circle one)    Freshman         Sophomore

 

COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY OF TRANSFER:_______________________________

 

OTHER CLUB/ORGANIZATION/ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIPS:

 

________________________________________________________________

 

________________________________________________________________

 

ACADEMIC & PROFESSIONAL INTERESTS (Neuroscience, Clinical Psychology, etc.)

 

_____________________________________________________________________

 

LEISURE INTERESTS:__________________________________________________

 

 

ANY OTHER INFORMATION YOU WOULD LIKE TO PROVIDE:

______________________________________________________________________

 

NOTE: If further information is needed regarding your application please contact Dr. Billingsley at: Office Phone: 662-720-7345; Office Extension: 7345; Office Location: Patterson Hall Room 219 or E-mail: cbillin@nemcc.edu

 

Revised: September 7, 2006

 


CONSTITUTION OF THE NORTHEAST PSYCHOLOGY CLUB

 

Northeast Mississippi Community College

Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Patterson Hall, Cunningham Blvd.

Booneville, MS  38829

 

 

Article I

Name

 

Section 1:       The name of this student organization will be the Psychology Club (PC).

 

Article II

Purpose

 

Section 1:       The purpose of the Psychology Club is to formally organize psychology majors at Northeast in order for them to have the opportunity to experience academic and professional relationships, activities,  and information regarding: 1) undergraduate education in psychology 2) the career outlook for psychology, 3) individual and group interests in the field, 4) transfer credit to the four-year colleges and universities,  5) planning and preparing for graduate or professional school and career,  6) community service activity, 7) research opportunities, and 8) issues relevant to the discipline of psychology.

 

Article III

Membership

 

Section 1:       Membership in the PC will be open to students who are enrolled full time or part time in the college and are majoring, minoring, or interested in psychology or mental health as a career field.

 

Section 2:       The organization requires each member to conduct oneself with integrity, with respect for the civil rights of others, with tolerance for diversity, and orderly; whether it is during an organizational function or in any situation outside of organizational functions.

 

Section 3:       Membership in the organization shall not be restricted on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, or physical handicap.

 

Section 4:       Membership in the organization shall not be restricted on the basis of college G.P.A. or psychology coursework G.P.A.  However, Officers of the Psychology Club must have a cumulative G.P.A. of 2.5 with a minimum of 24 hours coursework completed.


Article IV

Appointment of Officers

 

Section 1:       The Offices for administration of this organization shall be a President, Vice-President, and Secretary.

 

Section 2:       The appointment of Officers shall take place by the PC Advisor at the first official organizational meeting in the Fall of each new academic year.  The appointments are primarily based on the criteria of one’s previous psychology club activity/participation and interests displayed over the previous year.

 

Section 3:       The terms of all Offices shall be for one year.  An officer may serve two terms, but not more than two, in the same office or a different office.

 

Section 4:       Any current member of the organization that is a psychology major and has completed a minimum of 24 hours of coursework with a cumulative G.P.A of 2.5 is eligible for holding an office.

 

Section 5:       If an office is vacated, for any reason, during a term, then club advisor(s) shall make an appointment to fill the vacated position for the remainder of that term. 

 

Article V

Duties/Responsibilities of Officers

 

Section 1:       President:  It shall be the duty of the President to preside at all official meetings of the organization.  It shall be the duty of the President to provide leadership for the organization by developing and implementing goals, objectives, strategies, and methods for planning and directing organizational activity, analyzing organizational problems, and communicating organizational decisions.  More specifically, but not limited to, the President will participate and appoint Committee Chairs to enhance and maintain the Beacon Newspaper Psych Column, Club Bulletin Board, Web Pages, Video/DVD Archives, Fundraisers, and Guest Speaker Events.

 

Section 2:       Vice-President:  It shall be the duty of the Vice-President to support and assist with the leadership, planning, decision-making, and procedural functions of the President.  In the absence of the President, he/she shall assume the office of the President and perform these duties with the full authority of the office.

 

Section 3:       Secretary:  It shall be the duty of the Secretary to record and maintain organizational documents (minutes, member applications, membership directory).  It shall be the duty of this Officer to develop objectives and strategies for recruiting members, enhancing the club’s public image and awareness, such as, media and other electronic and hard copy publications involving club activities and events. 



Article VI

Organization Advisors

 

Section 1:       The advisors of this organization shall be full-time psychology faculty members.

 

Section 2:       The advisor’s responsibilities are to provide support and direction to the organizational officers and members by approving and facilitating opportunities and experiences that enhance the member’s educational, career, professional, community and academic development.

 

Section 3:       The advisors shall be present at all organizational meetings.

 

Section 4:       The proposals and activities of this organization shall be subject to the approval of the organization advisors.

 

Article VI

Meetings and Proceedings

 

Section 1:       Regular official meetings of this organization shall be conducted on dates that are approved by the advisors, officers, and members.  Meeting dates will be announced by e-mail and campus flyers at least one week in advance to the scheduled date.

 

Section 2:       All meetings shall be open meetings.

 

Section 3:       Standard Parliamentary Rules of Procedure shall be adopted to govern the process of meetings.

 

Article VII

Ratification

 

Section 1:       These constitutional bylaws shall become effective immediately upon the acceptance by the Advisor(s).

 

Article VIII

Amendment

 

Section 1:       The constitutional bylaws may be amended by the Advisor(s) or by a two-thirds vote of at least 60% of the total membership.

 

Latest Revision: September 7, 2006

By: Collin Billingsley, Ph.D., Advisor

 



PSYCHOLOGY MAJORS ORIENTATION TO FIELD

 

 

Revised: July 20, 2005

 

Advisors:

Dr. Collin Billingsley: Office: Patterson Hall RM 219; Phone: 662-720-7345; E-Mail: cbillin@nemcc.edu

                                                Web Address: http://www2.nemcc.edu/SocialScience/collin.htm

Mrs. Liz Ketchum, M.A.: Office: Patterson Hall; Phone: 662-720-7310; E-Mail erketchum@nemcc.edu

 

I. The Discipline of Psychology

 

            A.  Definition of Psychology

 

—The  study of human cognition, emotion, behavioral, biopsychological and psyschosocial functions and the application of psychological principles and methods to understanding and improving human welfare (human health, development, social groups, etc.).

 

B. Major Areas—Work Settings & Functions

 

1.  Academic Psychology—Academic psychologists (professors) work in college/university settings and their typical functions are teaching, basic and/or applied research, and college/community service.

 

2.  Applied Psychology—Applied psychologists work in settings, such as, business, industry, law enforcement, schools/education, private research organizations, counseling agencies, and/or government agencies and their functions are to provide evaluation, applied research, counseling and/or consulting services (typically work with practical problems of adjustment and development for individuals & organizations).

 

3.  Clinical Psychology— Clinical psychologists work in clinical settings e.g., psychiatric hospitals, mental health centers, private practice clinics, or rehabilitation hospitals and their typical functions are direct service provision to patients, such as, evaluation, diagnosis and treatment/management of psychological disorders or conditions.

 

            C.  Degrees in Psychology/Mental Health Fields and Typical Length of Study

 

·         Associate of Arts (A.A.); 2 years total

·         Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.); 4 years total

·         Master of Arts or Sciences (M.A. or M.S.) or Master of Education (M.Ed.); 6 years total

·         Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) (Clinical); 6 years total

·         Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.); 9-10 years total

·         Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.); 9-10 years total

·         Doctor of Education (Ed.D.); 9-10 years total

·         Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) (Psychiatry) 11 years total

 

            D.  Education, Career Opportunities, & Current Income Ranges in Psychology

                       

            —Visit  the American Psychological Association (APA) Web Page on the internet http://www.apa.org

           

—Visit  the psychology department web page at http://www2.nemcc.edu/SocialScience/psychdept.htm for other psychology links and infromation regarding education and career opportunities

 

 


PSYCHOLOGY PROGRAM PLANNING:

UNDERGRADUATE, GRADUATE, & EMPLOYMENT

 

Dr. Collin Billingsley

Division:  Social & Behavioral Sciences

Phone Extension: 7345     Office Phone: 720 – 7345            E-mail: cbillin@nemcc.edu

Webpage Address: http://www2.nemcc.edu/SocialScience/collin.htm

Classroom Number: 206  Office Room Number: 219

 

Revised: February 9, 2007

 

Purpose:

 

The general purpose of this psychology program planning guide is to inform psychology majors of various educational/training areas and strategies that will prepare and enrich his/her experience during his/her freshman, sophomore, junior and senior years of undergraduate work.  Second, the planning and prospective experiences will enhance his/her curriculum vitae/portfolio in preparation for applying for admission to graduate or professional programs in order to obtain an advanced degree in psychology (Masters and/or Doctorate degrees) or to obtain immediate employment with a Bachelors Degree.

 

Planning Areas and Strategies:

 

1. Coursework:

 

            —If you have taken Statistics then be sure to register for a Laboratory in Psychology course at Northeast.  If it is not possible to get the Lab course at Northeast, then be sure to register for it the first semester at the transfer college/university.  If you have not had Statistics, then take it as soon as possible and then the Lab course the following semester.  I STRONGLY RECOMMEND TAKING STATSITICS & LABORATORY IN PSYCHOLOGY (PSY 2113) BEFORE YOU TRANSFER.

            —Most of your junior and senior coursework in psychology will be electives, however, I would recommend taking Abnormal Psychology (Psychopathology), Tests & Measurement, Behavioral Neuroscience (Brain Science), and Learning.  Most Bachelor's degrees require 30 to 33 hours total of psychology.

            —Start thinking about a minor field.  You will need to declare a minor at the college/university of transfer, typically 18-24 hours in another field (such as, Sociology, Biology, Math, Political Science, Anthropology, English, History, Philosophy, Religion, etc.)

 

2. Research Experience:

 

            —Get involved with a professor and/or graduate student's research that has interests in

areas of psychology that is similar to yours.  Go to the college/university website, then to academics, then to the psychology program, then to faculty—read each of the faculty members research interests and current publications (at least read his/her publication abstracts).

            —There may be research coursework that allows you to register for 3 or more hours of college credit, which typically involves working with a particular professor and his/her graduate assistants.  If not, then simply approach the professor or grad student to make him/her aware of your interests and desire to work with him/her, and make sure they are aware that you have interest in being a part in presenting (at conferences, colloquiums, etc.) and publishing the research.  That is, make them aware that you want to be listed as an author on presentations and publications.

            —Use term papers as an opportunity to write a manuscript worthy of presentation or publication, trust me, you will have plenty of opportunities to write papers.  So, why not write it for an A grade and for the purpose of submitting it for presentation and to a professional journal for publication.  Ask your professor to review it and make recommended revisions, and if he/she is interested enough to contribute to the paper, you should mention including him/her as an author when you submit.  You will be required to write APA style anyway, so it will be ready to submit, regarding style requirements.

            —Attend Psychology Conferences where research is being presented.  Such as, Mississippi Psychological Association’s annual conference, or whatever state you are attending college will have an annual state psychology conference.  If possible, attend the American Psychological Association's National Conference, typically in August each year, or the American Psychological Society's National Conference.  This is excellent experience for exchange with other students, professors, and professionals.


3. Clinical Experience:

 

            —If  you have interests in becoming a practitioner, then you should gain some clinical exposure.  That is, experience in a local mental health center, the psychology department's clinic, university counseling center, psychiatric hospital or unit, residential treatment program, etc.  It may be volunteer experience, a clinical practicum course, or you might get lucky and get a paid part-time job, either way, take advantage of the opportunity.  Approach one of the clinical professors in the department in order to get direction on how to obtain this experience—typically experience involves assisting a doctor or therapist with client/patient case management (helping with psychosocial care).

            —Take a COE (Cooperative Education) course for 3 hours credit here at Northeast and get with you advisor to schedule a clinical practicum with a local mental health center, psychiatric hospital, etc—these are very limited and are typically reserved for the sophomore year.  There are typically courses offered in Clinical Psychology also at the University for 3 hours credit that will better inform you of the field of clinical psychology and allow you to get some undergraduate internship experience.
            —Several undergraduate programs are offering practicums or internships for students to get 3 hours of course credit.  This is a great way to get your “foot in the door” of a clinical setting and possibly turn it into a part time job for more experience and some pay.

 

4. Community Service Experience:

 

            —Gain some community service experience by volunteering to help with different community programs (outreach).  Programs, such as, March of Dimes, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Homeless Programs, United Way, Hunger Programs, or with programs that your Church/Synagogue may be administering.  This means voluntarily giving your time, knowledge, and skills to the community.  Go to http://www.volunteermatch.org for a clearinghouse on volunteer opportunities in your area—just enter your zip code.

 

5. Associations and/or Clubs:

 

            —Join the Psychology Club and the national honor society; Psi Beta (2-year colleges) & Psi Chi (4-year colleges)

            —Join the American Psychological Association and/or Association of Psychological Science and/or American Counseling Association, and the state psychological association where you are attending college as a student member/affiliate.

 

6. Letters of Recommendation:

 

            —Get to know three or four professors by taking their classes, doing research with them, and/or as an advisee.  These are the people that need to be able to write you good letters of recommendation for graduate or professional school, or for a job.

            —Typically at least 3 letters of recommendation are required in order to apply to graduate or professional schools.


7. Graduate and Professional Schools/Programs of Psychology & Other Mental Health Fields:

 

            —Start getting information from many different schools during your junior year.

            —There are several Health/Mental Health care fields for practitioners and researchers (psychology is only one of many).  Other fields for practitioners include Master’s degrees in Counseling, Marriage & Family Therapy, Clinical Social Work & School Psychology.  Almost all states in the U.S. offer licensing for psychotherapists at the Masters level and each of the above Masters Programs will offer training for this licensure.   Licensure for Doctorate level practitioners includes programs in Psychology, Psychiatry, and Clinical Psychopharmacology.  Almost all states in the U.S. offer licensing for Doctorate level providers in each of these respective program areas.   Research typically requires a doctorate (Ph.D. usually) in order to conduct basic or applied research.

            —The search and application process to Master's or Doctoral programs is very involved—start early, some programs only admit once per year, typically during February before the upcoming Fall semester, so deadlines may be as early as December of the previous year.

 

8. Resume, or in academia, the Curriculum Vitae (CV):

 

            —Begin writing your CV during your junior year or maybe the summer between your junior and senior year.  Ask a graduate student or professor to see his/her CV for a model of the typical content and how to format a CV.

 

"imagination is more important than knowledge, knowledge is limited, imagination encircles the world."

            —Albert Einstein

 

Developed by:  Collin Billingsley, Ph.D.

Phone: 662-720-7345

E-mail: cbillin@nemcc.edu

 


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Last Modified: 9/13/07
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Comments: Collin Billingsley, Ph.D.: cbillin@nemcc.edu