Dear PSYC Terp,

Whether you're a psychology major or a UMD student taking your first course from our program, I'm pleased to introduce myself and tell you a little bit about the Office of Undergraduate Studies. I received by B.A. in psychology from Denison University, a small school in Ohio, and was lucky enough to do some great research with chimpanzees at The Ohio State Chimpanzee Center. After graduating I spent three years as a dolphin trainer at the University of Hawaii's Kewalo Basin Marine Mammal Lab in Honolulu and then came to the University of Maryland for a Ph.D. in Social Psychology. I graduated in 2008, spent some time teaching and working as a Research Psychologist for the Federal Government before returning to campus full time as the Department of Psychology's Director of Undergraduate Studies.

My advice to all students is to embrace the idea that we do not have to know exactly what we're going to do later in life. Time, experience and passion will steer our lives, and even when we are sure we know it ends up changing down the road. What is important, however, is that we do the things that give us the options down that road.

I'm working with the Department's faculty, staff and students to advance the undergraduate training program and ensure that you have the opportunity to develop into a competitive applicant in whatever academic or career path you ultimately choose. As you will find, most careers for "psychologists" require a Masters (MA or MS) or Doctorate (Ph.D. or PsyD.), though a degree in psychology can provide you with a strong general background for a wide variety of entry-level positions. Either way, if you're willing to invest the time and effort in yourself, you'll have all the options you need when you graduate.

Generally speaking you'll need to come out of college with four things:

Above-Average Performance - Recruiters and admission officials will be looking for evidence that you are capable of performing at least as well as the applicants you're competing against. Often your G.P.A. and test scores are used as a first-round of cuts to screen out those that were not willing or able to commit themselves to their performance. That doesn't mean that a couple of lower grades will keep you from pursuing your interests, but remember that even from your Freshman year your academic performance will soon be a measure of your qualifications. Simply getting it done won't cut it... everyone looks for the excellence in you.

Research Experience - Whether or not you think graduate school is in your future, it never hurts to have option later on. I myself took three years off working with dolphins before I realized that my passion was teaching. Had I not gained some valuable research experience early on at Denison University, I would have not had the opportunity to work with chimps, and then the dolphins, and I would never have been competitive for a doctorate in Psychology from the University of Maryland. 

Professional Experience - Many students gain professional experience through internship positions in virtually every field of psychology. You don't need to do an internship for course credit, the experience itself is something that makes you stand out in a pile of resumes and a series of interviews. Plus, these kinds of professional experiences can help you get a sense of what you want to do (and what you don't want to do) and earn #4... 

Letters of Recommendations - A strong letter of recommendation can ultimately make or break any application. So what makes a letter strong? Ask yourself, what can the author say about your performance and behavior that is evidence of your potential? Earning an "A" in a course just says you learned the material, so what evidence can a reference offer to convince the reader you are even more qualified than those with better G.P.A.s or higher test scores? Strong letters are specific and details, and that means that you're going to have to take advantage of opportunities to work more closely with faculty, employers and organizations if you expect a strong letter.  See http://ter.ps/recletter for information on requesting a letter.

Psychology, in my mind, is and incredibly fascinating and relevant field to study, and the possibilities are endless. That said, it is important to understand that academia is in fact part of the "real world." A degree in psychology is not something that you receive for your time here, it is something you earn by demonstrating what you've learned about the science of thought and behavior. Much like in any "real" job, you're outcomes and options will depend on your choices, and you'll be expected to be aware of your responsibilities and satisfy them. Saying "I didn't know I had to pay taxes every year" doesn't work on the IRS, so "I didn't know it was due" won't work if you fail to complete an assignment or register for graduation. Whether it's a course syllabus or degree requirements, be sure that you understand what is expected and get your questions answered ahead of time.

I'm excited to say that the University of Maryland and the Department of Psychology have a tremendous number of opportunities for you, and I encourage you to take advantage of everything we offer. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to schedule an appointment with one of our academic advisors. Best of luck to you in your studies, and know that I very much look forward to handing degrees at graduation to all those who earn one from our program.

Sincerely,