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Psychology Undergraduate Advising

Your Degree. Your Path. Your Future.

Academic advising is more than choosing classes for next semester. It is an opportunity to think intentionally about your education, explore possibilities, and make decisions that support your academic, personal, and professional goals.

As a Psychology major, you have many opportunities to shape your degree around your interests and aspirations. Your advisor is here to help you understand your requirements, explore options, and make informed decisions along the way.

Prepare for Advising and Registration

Before registering for classes, take some time to review your academic progress and think about your plans for the upcoming semester.

1. Look out for an email from your Academic Advisor

Each semester, students should meet with their advisor to review their course selection for the upcoming semester. Most advisors initiate the process by sending an email with instructions about the registration process. The name of your advisor can be found in COIN.

2. Review your Advisement Report

Your Advisement Report (in COIN) is a great place to start. It provides an overview of:

  • Courses you have completed
  • Requirements you still need to fulfill
  • Your progress toward graduation

Review your report carefully before selecting courses. If something does not make sense, reach out to your academic advisor for assistance.

3. Complete Your Pre-Registration Form

  • The advising process may include recommendations, questions, or suggestions from your advisor to help ensure that you are making progress toward your degree. Most advisors send an online pre-registration form to their advisees, asking them to list the courses they plan to take. If you don’t receive one, you should contact your advisor. 
  • After students submit their pre-registration form and the advisor reviews/approves it, the advisor removes the advising hold. Then, on or after their enrollment date, they can enroll in their courses via COIN.
  • Tracking sheets are also available to help you pick your courses (please email your academic advisor to request tracking sheets). 
  • Students who feel confident about their academic plans may not need an individual advising appointment. However, meeting with your advisor is always an option. If you have questions, are unsure about your choices, or simply want to discuss your goals, your advisor is here to help.
  • Students are also encouraged to talk to their advisor about non-academic issues such as career planning and extra-curricular opportunities, or just to say hello.

4. Know Your Registration Date

  • Planning ahead can make registration much less stressful. Check COIN for your specific registration date and time. Classes can fill quickly, so it is a good idea to:
    • Review course offerings in advance
    • Identify alternative courses
    • Add potential courses to your shopping cart before registration opens

Explore Your Degree Options 

Understanding Your Degree Requirements

The UMass Dartmouth catalog is the official document for all requirements.

Overall graduation requirements:

  • Earning a total of 120 credits
  • Earning at least 30 credits from upper-level courses (300 and above)
  • Earning at least 30 credits at UMassD (45 for those matriculated before Fall 2023)
  • An overall GPA of at least 2.0
  • Psychology GPA of at least 2.5 in psychology courses that count for the major
  • Fulfilling University Studies requirements
  • Fulfilling College of Arts and Sciences requirements
  • FulfillingPsychology Major (BA or BS) requirements

As you think about your courses, please review the Degree Map. The order of the courses that fulfill US and College requirements may differ between semesters. Please be sure to review pre-requisites for courses in COIN.

Psychology Department’s Academic Standards

  • PSY majors must earn grades no lower than a C- in their PSY courses. If students earn a grade lower than a C-, they will have to retake the course.
  • Students cannot take a course for a third time without permission. The request must be made by submitting this form.
  • Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 in the major, starting when they have completed 9 credits in PSY (or 6 credits, if they are a transfer student).
  • Students who do not meet the GPA requirement are placed on departmental probation. After 2 semesters on probation, students may be asked to leave the major.

BA or BS in Psychology?

Psychology majors may choose between a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree. Understanding how these requirements fit together is an important part of planning your academic path. The BA may be a good fit for students interested in exploring Psychology within a broader liberal arts education. The BS places additional emphasis on scientific and research skills and may be particularly appealing to students who are interested in medical or other health professions. Learn more about the BA and BS degrees in Psychology

Not sure which degree is right for you?

You do not need to make this decision alone. Your advisor can help you think about how the BA or BS might fit with your interests and future goals.

Build Your Experience 

Your college degree is more than a list of courses. Think of your undergraduate education as an opportunity to build knowledge, skills, experiences, and relationships that will help you grow professionally and personally. Explore the opportunities available to you and think intentionally about how each experience can contribute to your future.

Interested in Clinical Psychology?

  • Students interested in careers in social services, counseling, or mental health may want to consider the Psychology Department's Counseling Sequence.
  • The sequence begins during the second semester of the junior year and provides focused coursework relevant to counseling and helping professions.

Should I Add a Minor?

  • A Psychology degree can become even more valuable when paired with another area of study that provides complementary knowledge and skills. Depending on your interests and career goals, you may want to explore areas such as: Aging & Health, Marketing, Human Resources, Sociology, Biology, Education, and Public Health. A minor is not required, but it can be an excellent way to explore another interest or develop additional skills. Explore Undergraduate Programs and Minors

Interested in Research?

Interested in Working in the Community?

  • The Community Companions Program provides students with a unique service-learning experience. Students are matched with community mental health agencies or organizations, allowing them to gain hands-on experience while earning academic credit. Students can earn between 1 and 6 credits, and schedules are generally flexible.

Honors Program

  • The UMass Dartmouth Honors College is part of the statewide Commonwealth Honors Scholars Program and is open to students from all majors. Students who graduate from the Honors College receive special recognition on their academic transcripts, diplomas, and Honors Convocation. You may be eligible if you have: 60 or fewer total university credits and A GPA of 3.5 or higher. Learn more about the Honors Program

Thinking About Graduate School?

  • UMass Dartmouth offers a Combined BA/MS Degree in Psychology. This fast-track program enables qualified UMass Dartmouth BA or BS degree students in Psychology to complete both the BA/BS and the MS in Psychology in less than the typical 6 years. If graduate school is part of your future plans, this may be an opportunity worth exploring.

Get Involved!

Your education happens both inside and outside the classroom. Getting involved can help you:

  • Explore career interests
  • Gain practical experience
  • Develop professional skills
  • Build relationships with faculty and peers
  • Strengthen your resume
  • Create a network of mentors and colleagues

The Psychology Department offers several opportunities for students to get involved:

  • Psi Chi: Join the International Honor Society in Psychology and connect with other high-achieving Psychology students. 
  • Psychology Club: Connect with other Psychology students and participate in events and activities. 
  • Active Minds: Get involved in conversations and initiatives focused on mental health awareness and advocacy. 

Take the next step toward your future at UMass Dartmouth

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