FAQ - Academic Depts

Students who are interested in majoring/minoring in music are welcomed to submit an electronic sample (video) of your performance, but are not required. All auditions for newly admitted students take place during the New Student Orientation Week. For information on live campus auditions, please call the office at 404-270-5476

There are no specific repertory requirements; however we recommend that you select works that represent a variety of styles, periods, and tempos. Vocalists are encouraged to sing in English and at least one other language. Between 10 and 20 minutes would be an appropriate amount of music.

No, ensembles are open to both majors and non-majors by audition. Auditions for the ensembles are conducted at the beginning of each academic year. Similarly, all music classes are open to the entire student body, although some courses carry prerequisites.

The Department of Music offers scholarships to a small number of music majors who meet the criteria of each scholarship. Scholarship awards can range from $1,000 to $10,000 and are not guaranteed each year.

Music scholarships are only for students who intend to major or double-major, and are discontinued if the student drops the music major. For additional information, please call the Department of Music at 404-270-5476, or visit the Department of Music webpage at https:/www.spelman.edu/academics/majors-and-programs/music/.

Our students move on to graduate programs and professional careers in performance, scholarship, composition, music education, music entrepreneurship and other wide-ranging areas of the music and arts industry.

Spelman College offers the Bachelor of Arts in music degree, which offers a broad liberal arts education with a major in music. In addition to core courses in music, students may choose a major concentration in performance, composition, songwriting, music research, music education, or conducting.

Absolutely! Spelman offers both domestic exchange and international study abroad programs. Recently, our students have studied at music programs in countries such as Italy and Spain.

Students are expected to practice a minimum of six (6) hours per week in the Fine Arts Building practice rooms.

Students who are not music majors or minors may also take applied lessons, provided that the instructors are available. Students who fall into this category must adhere to the applied instruction fees set by Spelman College. Non-majors or students studying a secondary instrument are required to perform on Winterfest (Fall Semester) or Springfest (Spring Semester) which occur on the morning of the second day of the Reading Period and are open to family and friends of the performers.

Helene Moone, Office of the Registrar. hmoone@spelman.edu. 404-270-5230

This answer changes year-to-year but typically students go to Morehouse to pursue Drawing courses and students go to Clark Atlanta to pursue Graphic Design and Printmaking.

It is highly recommended that Art Majors minor in Curatorial Studies. This minor acts as the ideal supplement to the Art Major and expands the minor's art historical knowledge and shares applicable insights on curatorial practice within museums, galleries, and community. This minor immerses students in exceptional opportunities facilitated through the AUC Art Collective.

RM 143 in the Fine Arts Building is a two-room studio facility, we call one room the Hard Studio and the other the Soft Studio. The Hard Studio carries wood shop machinery like the mitar saw, table saw, panel saw, drill press, and CNC router. The Soft studio is a mixed use room for print,paper, fiber, clay, and drawing. In order to use the Studios students must complete the Safety Orientation each academic year. Art Majors also have access to The Spelman College Innovation Lab, in The Fine Arts Building, which houses the laser cutter, 3D printers, sewing machines, and more. Studios are accessible during Open Studio, typically there are 15+hrs per week of monitored Open Studio time. Art Majors typically spend at least 8hrs per week in Open Studio. Finally, Spelman has a Small Metals Studio which is available during class time and by appt. with Prof. Holloway.

Yes. The Art Major requires students to engage deeply with contemporary and art historical text, and engage seriously in self-identified artist research. Additionally, Art Majors are asked to write extensively and critically regarding their work and the work of others. Art Majors are required to present their work in critiques and clearly articulate to their peers and faculty the conceptual framework and artist research that informs the work. Also, Art Majors are required to research and present on contemporary artists which inform and act as precedents to their practice.

Yes, Art Majors are required to take 1 course outside of the Art Program from within AVC.

Unlike other major program sequences, the documentary program starts in the first year. A student must take at least Introduction to Documentary Filmmaking in their first year. And preferably, Black Cinema: Contemporary Documentary Filmmakers. If you are a sophomore or above, we welcome you as a minor. Unfortunately, you are not able to take film classes at other institutions for credit to enter the program. Exception made for transfer students.

We don't offer those disciplines. The faculty might personally be able to assist students because of their own practices, but the Department of Art & Visual Culture is only set up for documentary filmmaking. We teach the fundamentals of storytelling; that are transferrable to other mediums. If you are interested in gaming, AR/VR, Spelman has an Innovation Lab that can support this interest. Visit https://www.spelman.edu/about-us/innovation-lab Consider investigating courses and programs through our Atlanta University Center partnerships with Morehouse College and Clark Atlanta University. Morehouse focuses on writing and the business side of entertainment, whereas Clark Atlanta has a robust journalism program and teaches fiction film production. Through the ARCH program students can take classes at participating schools such as Georgia State which has a long standing narrative focused film program and start of the art VR studio. Savannah College of Art and Design in Atlanta teaches animation, television and game design. Lastly, there are student and filmmaking groups around Atlanta that we encourage students to participate in to have experiences outside of documentary and to meet film collaborators.

Yes and yes. Every industry needs and uses video documentation or for storytelling. You might decide to become an independent documentary filmmaker, attend graduate school for filmmaking, or apply for the many jobs working in corporation communications departments, production companies, news and public affairs, public relations, social media, marketing and of course film and television. Students leave the program equipped for entry level jobs in the industry, being an assistant either on productions or for an executive. A student might work at a local news organization as a video journalist. Or the marketing department in social media. Different from the experience of our STEM sisters, there is significantly less recruitment. However, several corporate media diversity programs do recruit our students into their organizations. We have partnerships with several corporations that support students in the program.This is a business based on relationships, Who you know, then What you know. We start in the first semester introducing students to people in the media industry at all levels allowing them to understand the industry, meet future colleagues and mentors during their four years.

Internships are invaluable and the program requires that you have two internships. This requirement allows students to work in an area they want to explore. Media corporations generally consider students at the end of their Sophomore and Junior years, and recent graduates.

Scholarships and Awards students routinely apply: HBCU in LA, Walt Disney United Negro College Fund Scholarship, WarnerMedia Aspiring Content Creator (limited time and Spelman sophomore students only) Black Women in Film Atlanta, Footlocker partnership with United Negro College Fund

Making a film is a creative and business venture. With a film, an idea is taken from conception to completion, resulting in a product that needs to be marketed to be consumed and turn a profit. Students are strongly encouraged to join the Spelman Entrepreneur Club and/or participate in or attend events.

Students have access to at least a dozen networking opportunities each school year from campus speakers, off campus screenings with filmmakers, film festivals, virtual lectures and workshops. Thus, there's training and practice on how to network and strategies on how to meet people. It's our commitment that students have at least five industry people they feel comfortable to call on as they graduate and begin their career.

Faculty in the program work with students on their applications for graduate school and the development of their portfolios. Recruiters are invited to campus to speak graduate school programs in filmmaking.

· Yes, send a video of your dancing and/or your choreography.

· Yes, auditions are held each fall. Watch for announcements.

· Yes, we have four different options for the dance minor. You can focus on choreography,performance, pedagogy or dance history.

· There are lots of dance careers. You can perform or choreograph (for stage, theatre, film, the Internet, etc.), research and write about dance, review dance performances, work in arts administration, own and operate your own dance school or dance company, work in dance therapy, and work in physical therapy, among other careers. In addition, the skills and discipline and creativity you'll develop as a dance major will serve you in whatever field you enter—law,medicine, business, women's empowerment and advocacy, politics, etc. · That said, we prepare students to be leaders in their chosen field, and to forge the path they want if the path doesn’t already exist. We know there are not jobs that will magically appear for every graduate, so we teach students the critical thinking skills and practical strategies to create the careers they want.

· You will decide to do what is right for you. An MFA in dance is a terminal degree, and pursuing this degree will give you more training and experience and more connections. A terminal degree is also useful if you want to teach full-time in a college or university. But it is not the only way you can do that. You may prefer to audition for companies and projects and go directly from Spelman into the professional dance world. This is fine, too. Or, you may decide to create your own company. Again, you have to decide what is right for you. The dance faculty will be happy to help you consider your options and prepare for what you choose.

· Yes, our dance faculty are all working artists and scholars. We create and perform/present outside of Spelman as well as with Spelman students. In addition, we bring guest artists to campus regularly for master classes, lectures and panel discussions, and to choreograph for Spelman students.

· Yes, all dance majors and performance dance minors are required to dance with our student dance company, Spelman Dance Theatre (SDT). We have performances each semester. Faculty members and guest artists create for SDT. On occasion, dance majors also choreograph for the company. In addition, dance majors must present a capstone project for which they choreograph and in which they perform.

· You must complete a Capstone Project. Working with a dance faculty advisor, you will create a project for which you choreograph and perform, and about which you reflect and write to present your artistic viewpoint and your goals and approaches for your Capstone Project. You will complete and present this project during your final semester at Spelman.

· Currently, we use the studios in the Wellness Center at Read Hall.

A: The Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies offers two majors, one in Philosophy and the other in Religious Studies. While the two majors complement and enhance each other, they retain their separate identities and missions. In both programs, Spelman students learn how to read critically, write cogently, identify and interrogate historical and contemporary discourses, apply discipline-specific research methods, conduct and present their own research in their courses, and employ inquiry-based learning so as to take ultimate responsibility for their own academic potential.

A: Why not? Seriously, Philosophy is a college-only experience which engages and develops your intellectual critical thinking abilities and enhances any professional path. All Ph.D.’s are doctors of Philosophy, which means they have expanded the knowledge within their field. If you intend to expand the knowledge base of any discipline, or if you enjoy reading the ideas that have shaped our world, then a Philosophy major will not disappoint you.

A: As the academic and interdisciplinary study of religion, Religious Studies at Spelman College provides insights into the ways in which religious worldviews interact with social, political, and cultural life in diverse settings. It also offers students the opportunity to identify and critically assess their participation in religious traditions and institutions as Black women and to develop knowledge about and competency to interact with diverse views of the world. Religious Studies majors develop key skills and abilities, such as critical thinking, analytic reasoning, conducting empirical study, interpretive thinking, competency in written and oral communication, self-awareness, and cultural competency, for a variety of careers in today’s global society. “… the academic study of religion reveals just how extensively religion pervades all aspects of our complex and diverse human world.” Debra Majeed, “How to Study Religion” in Introduction to Religious Studies “If I went back to college today, I think I would probably major in comparative religion, because that’s how integrated it is in everything that we are working on and deciding and thinking about in life today.” John Kerry, U.S. Secretary of State, 8/7/2013

A: Declare the major (or the minor). This involves meeting with the Department Chair and completing official paperwork declaring Philosophy as your major. To schedule a meeting with the Department Chair, Dr. Nami Kim, please email nkim@spelman.edu.

A: Declare the major (or the minor). This involves meeting with the Department Chair and completing official paperwork declaring Religious Studies as your major. To schedule a meeting with the Department Chair, Dr. Nami Kim, please email nkim@spelman.edu.

A: Philosophy is an excellent preparation for law, medicine, post-secondary education, including a Masters or a PhD in Philosophy- or any discipline, including STEM, public policy, marketing, business, statistics, social media, AI, tech, or journalism. A degree in Philosophy is considered both a specialization in critical thinking/logic and creative thinking. Many corporations and medical schools reserve spots for Philosophy majors and minors.

A: The major in Religious Studies focuses on critical thinking, critical writing, and empirical study about the diverse worldviews that influence human identities and activity. It is an excellent preparation for graduate study (e.g., the PhD in religious studies, anthropology, sociology, history, and other disciplines in the humanities and social sciences) as well as pursuing professions for which autonomous and synthetic thinking and writing are required such as law, public policy, non-profit leadership, social justice and organizing, social work, mental health, diplomacy, public service, managing virtual and physical information systems and libraries, marketing, journalism, military/hospital/institutional chaplaincy, and ministry.

A: Spelman has graduated more Black women in philosophy and produced more Black women with philosophy Ph.D.’s than any other undergraduate institution. Our majors have become professors, administrators and serve in various academic, nongovernmental and nonprofit institutions. Recent Spelman philosophy graduates have also worked in corporate finance, public health, international relations, and community development. Many also go on to professional careers in law, medicine, and business.

A: Religious Studies graduates over the past 10 to 15 years are successfully pursuing careers as college professors, attorneys, administrators in higher education, non-profit managers, priests and ministers, military chaplains, social justice advocates, entrepreneurs, and more.

A: You will be assigned an academic advisor once you are officially registered as a philosophy major or a religious studies major.

A: Yes. As long as you plan thoughtfully, a double major can be intellectually enriching. It can also expand your career opportunities. Please meet with your academic advisor to discuss your interest in a double major.

Anthropology is the study of humanity, of culture, of what makes us human. There are four fields of Anthropology – archaeology, biological/physical, linguistic, and cultural. In our department, we focus on cultural anthropology.

Sociology is the study of society, social institutions, and social problems.

Traditionally, anthropologists tended to specialize in other countries and sociologists tended to study within their own societies. Also, sociologists tend to use more quantitative methods than anthropologists. Anthropologists typically do ethnographic research, which involves spending extended periods in the research site, immersing oneself in the culture, and doing participant observation, and interviews. Nowadays, some of these barriers are breaking down, as both disciplines may study either domestically or transnationally, and there is overlap in the types of quantitative and qualitative methods that sociologists and anthropologists use to do their research.

Sociology and Anthropology are disciplines that teach you how to think critically about the world. This major is a good foundation for various careers and professions. Dr. Cynthia Neal Spence once stated, “Sociologists and anthropologists develop special lenses through which we view society. These characteristics prepare our students to enter varied professional contexts upon graduation.” We have students who go to graduate school in Sociology and/or Anthropology, students who pursue Masters in Social Work degrees, Masters in Public Health degrees, we have students who go to law school and medical school, we have even had students who go into Public Relations, the entertainment industry, Gerontology graduate programs, nursing school, and much more!

No, the Department does not offer a minor in Criminology. However, we do offer a concentration in Pre-Law/Criminology.

The study of history is an important component of a meaningful and comprehensive liberal arts education. As such our major provides a unique opportunity for students to understand how the past informs our understanding of the present. The History major encompasses a series of courses that examine human dynamics, over time, from a disciplinary and interdisciplinary perspective. In addition to focusing on content, the history major develops and enhances discipline specific skills that will serve in any future endeavors.

As a result of majoring in history, the student will be able to 1. define, explore, and explain major historical problems 2. develop research skills required to investigate those problems fully 3. employ critical methods to analyze those problems 4. prepare formal papers and presentations that reflect research, critical analysis, and layered literacies that follow disciplinary conventions 5. engage in collaborative scholarship 6. develop and defend independent theses With these skills in hand, the student will be in a position to compete for admission into a variety of fields, including graduate study and law school. The history major will also be prepared for careers in the public and private sectors of the workplace. These include education, the museum profession, library science, and foreign services.

Non-majors may use 200-level courses with the exception of the two history methods sequences SHIS 201 and 202 to satisfy the humanities requirement. What are the prerequisites for the History Major? To be formally admitted to the history major is a writing infused endeavor, and therefore, we require that all history majors successfully complete English 103/193, English Composition, before they become a history major. The History department considers a minimum grade of C as successful completion. To receive the B.A. in history, the student is required to complete successfully a minimum of eleven courses in history or forty-four credit hours with a grade of C or better. The course distribution is as follows: Area of Concentration 3 History Methods Sequence (SHIS 201, 202) 2 World History Sequence (SHIS 302, 303) 2 Senior Research Project (SHIS402) 1 Major Electives (outside of the area of concentration, including at least one thematic course, and no more than one course at the 200 level) 3 Total 11

Students interested in a more rigorous curriculum should consider applying for departmental honors. It is highly recommended that those planning to pursue graduate studies in history seriously consider this option. To qualify for departmental honors, students must meet the following criteria: 1. maintain a minimum GPA of 3.2 in history 2. maintain an overall minimum GPA of 3.0 To receive the B.A. in history with departmental honors, the student is required to successfully complete a minimum of 13 courses, or 52 credit hours (11 in history, plus thesis). The course distribution is as follows: Area of Concentration 3 History Methods Sequence (SHIS 201, 202) 2 World History Sequence (SHIS 302, 303) 2 400 level major Seminar course in the senior year 1 Major Electives (for each area other than concentration), including at least one thematic course, and no more than one course at the 200 level) 3 Senior Thesis (SHIS 491, 492) 2 Total 13 Students interested in graduating with departmental honors must submit an application to the department by April 20th of the junior year.

Students meeting the following requirements may apply for induction into the Alpha Epsilon Sigma chapter of Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society: 1. Minimum cumulative GPA: 3.0. 2. Minimum History GPA: 3.1. 3. Have completed 4 courses (12 credits) in History. 4. Be in the top 35% of their class. Membership is not limited to history majors. Inductions are normally held in the spring semester.

Beginning with the fall semester of the sophomore year, the student must select at least one area of concentration and work closely with the faculty expert in the area. As a result of working within a concentration, the student will also be introduced to the major schools of thought related to the area, the most recent research in the area, and the most influential scholarship on the area subject. To accomplish this goal, the student has to take three courses in the area of concentration with the distribution as follows: • Two (2) survey courses (a 200-level, two-semester sequence) • One (1) upper-level course (300/400 level) The possible areas of concentration are as follow. • Africa • African American and U.S. • Asia • Caribbean • Europe • Latin America Within these areas of concentration, the following themes are explored: social relations, cultural development, women and gender, colonialism, imperialism, urbanization, philosophy and thought, immigration, and religion. The student must select both the area of concentration and specific courses after a consultative conference with the area expert, who may suggest additional cognate or complementary courses in other disciplines which would enhance the student’s preparation.

In very rare instances, a student may elect to pursue an independent Concentration e.g. African Diaspora History, Women’s History etc. The following steps must be taken in order to pursue an independent concentration: 1. The student must submit a petition to the Department of History, defining the independent area of concentration. The petition must also explain why she seeks the independent concentration and why her objectives cannot be achieved via existing concentration areas. 2. Utilizing existing courses, the student must submit a proposed program of study. 3 . Both the petition and the proposed program of study must be accompanied by the signatures of two fulltime History faculty. Their signatures will signify their acceptance of the petition and proposal and their agreement to supervise the individual’s work. 4. All materials listed in items 1-3 must be submitted to the Department of History for approval by April of the sophomore year.

The student is expected to take the Historical Methods Sequence, SHIS 201, Introduction to History, in the fall semester of the sophomore year and SHIS202 Research Methods in History in the spring semester immediately following. This course sequence provides an introduction to the historical discipline and focuses upon those skills needed to successfully complete the major. The sequence’s emphases include the following: 1. Understanding of what is history and why study it 2. Understanding the varieties of history 3. Using references (e.g., journals, indices, bibliographies, microfilm and microfiche, guides, catalogs, reviews, digital, audio-visual, artifacts, and oral sources) 4. Learning to construct a written historical argument (content and style) 5. Learning to write a book review 6. Reading primary and secondary texts critically 7. Following and articulating a scholarly argument 8. Examining an historical problem via differing schools of thought 9. Providing future teachers with historical skills to use in teaching history

This course sequence examines major world developments and the interconnectedness of world Societies from earliest times to the modern era. Both courses are required of all majors. Minors may select either SHIS 302 Pre-Modern World or SHIS 303 Making of the Modern World. Both courses are taught both semesters and majors/minors should take them in their junior year. SHIS 303 is required of all International Studies majors and minors. SHIS 302 and SHIS 303 may not be used to satisfy Core Curriculum Requirements.

The senior research project (SHIS 402) is the culminating capstone experience for the History major. The Senior Research Project must be done in the student’s area of concentration. The Senior Research Project must be done in the area of concentration. The students will be expected to integrate primary sources and scholarly journals into their research for this course. Students will be required to complete a 20- page research project paper. A passing grade on the senior research project paper is B. The major senior research paper serves as the departmental exit examination. Only History majors and minors will be allowed to register for the senior research project. Prerequisite for majors: SHIS 201, SHIS 202, SHIS 302 and SHSI 303. Prerequisites for minors: SHIS 201, SHIS 202, and EITHER SHIS 302 OR SHIS 303.

The senior honors thesis (SHIS 491, 492) is a two-semester sequence designed for those seeking to graduate with departmental honors. It is to be carried out within the area of concentration. More specific guidelines are provided in a syllabus at the beginning of the sequence. A passing grade on the thesis is B. A student who does not receive a B on the first semester of senior thesis, SHIS 491, will be advised to withdraw from the second semester of senior thesis, SHIS 492. Perquisite: SHIS 201, SHIS 202, SHIS 302, SHIS 303, and departmental permission. Thesis students will use the Senior Honors Thesis as their capstone experience, but must take, instead of the Senior Research Project (SHIS 402), one 400-level major readings seminar elective in their senior year with a shorter (15-page) research paper requirement.

History majors need to take three electives outside of their concentration. At least one of these electives must be a thematic course. No more than 1 of these 3 Elective courses can be at the survey (200) level.

A significant percentage of history majors participate in either study abroad or domestic exchange programs. For all courses taken outside of Spelman, prior departmental approval is required for more than one course to count toward fulfilling the area of concentration requirement. The Historical Method Sequence (SHIS 201 and SHIS 202), the World History Sequence (SHIS 302 and SHIS 303), the Senior Research Project (SHIS 402), and the Senior Honors Thesis Sequence (SHIS 491 and SHIS 492) must be taken at the Spelman College campus. No more than two history courses taken on one semester study abroad or domestic exchange, and three for one year can be counted toward the requirements for the major. In any case, no more than three history courses taken outside of the Spelman College campus can be counted for major credit.

Yes. A minor consists of six courses or twenty-four credit hours. The following courses are required: • SHIS 201, 202 History Methods Sequence • Either SHIS 302 Pre-Modern World OR SHIS 303 Making of the Modern World • Two History electives: The two elective courses, one of which must be at the 300 or 400 level.

Both degrees require the same core curriculum in the major; however, the BS degree attaches some additional course requirements from psychology and the natural sciences for students interested in fields such as neuroscience, public health, or medicine. The BA and BS suggested course sequences can be reviewed at https://www.spelman.edu/docs/ous/course-sequence-booklet.pdf?sfvrsn=21679d50_22 (starting on p. 122). It is important to recognize, however, that a student may pursue any field in graduate or professional school with either a BA or BS degree, as long as the appropriate courses are completed and other requirements for admittance are met. There is no difference in the prestige or value of the two degrees.

The Psychology Department provides opportunities for students to engage in internship experiences in a range of settings, i.e., educational institutions, community, mental health and medical agencies, business, non-projects and advocacy, government agencies and other work settings. Student internships are offered in PSY 420, Internships in Psychology. In this course students select one of three work placements: Sections 01 - Internships in Professional Educations Settings, 02 - Internships in Medical - Clinical Settings: Grady Nia Project, and 03 - Internships in Other Diverse Settings (Community, Business, Legal, Non-Profits and Advocacy). Information about both career internships and research internships is periodically sent out by the Research Coordinator to all psychology majors. Checking your Spelman email regularly is key to learning about these opportunities. Information about career internships is also available through Spelman’s Career Center, and about research internships through ORIC. Make sure that you are registered and have an updated resume’ uploaded on Handshake https://spelman.joinhandshake.com/login It can be helpful to share your desire for an internship with your faculty advisor during your advising meeting. Faculty members often have vast networks and are often aware of informal and formal opportunities available to students. By letting your advisor know your interest in an internship as well as your plans post-Spelman, you increase the likelihood of them keeping you in mind for these opportunities.

Information about research opportunities are periodically sent out by the Research Coordinator to all psychology majors. Checking your Spelman email regularly is key to learning about these opportunities. You may also talk with the Psychology Research Coordinator or your advisor about opportunities available to Spelman students. We also recommend that you get to know the faculty in the department. Many are engaged in ongoing research projects and seek undergraduate research assistants for those projects. Here are a list of available research programs at Spelman College, https://www.spelman.edu/academics/research-programs

Tracks are unofficial course sequences that focus on particular areas of study such as medicine or law. The courses included in the tracks are typically required or recommended for professional study in that field. Unlike minors or concentrations, tracks do not appear on transcripts, nor do they have to be declared.

A psychology degree is one of the most diverse degrees you can earn. This is especially true of a Spelman psychology degree, through which you will gain critical thinking, interpersonal, writing, and research skills, in addition to practical, substantive knowledge on human behavior. Depending on your interests, courses, and extracurricular activities, your psychology degree will prepare you for careers in social work, clinical practice, education, medicine, law, research, human affairs, public policy, and more. You can begin some careers just with a psychology bachelor's degree; for a long, yet incomplete, list of job positions that a bachelor's degree in psychology can prepare you for, check out this link from the American Psychological Association: https://www.apa.org/ed/precollege/psn/2018/01/bachelors-degree. In addition, some careers may require a graduate degree; Spelman’s psychology program provides excellent graduate degree readiness.

The courses you should seek out will vary on the type of program you plan to attend. For example, clinical psychology or mental health-related graduate programs will expect students to have completed courses in Abnormal Psychology and Theories and Techniques of Counseling whereas developmental programs will expect students to have completed courses, like Developmental Psychology or Child Psychology. However, across most advanced degree programs, advanced statistics and research method courses are preferred. If you hope to pursue a Ph.D., you will also want to engage in research as an undergraduate. Please talk to your advisor or the Research Coordinator about different research opportunities that are available to Spelman students.

Students who start the major in the sophomore year, with Reading & Writing in Psychology (PSY 150) taken during the first year, typically will complete the major by their fourth year in college. Students who begin the major after the sophomore year, or who need to repeat courses, may need to delay their graduation date in order to fulfill all major requirements.

No. All financial aid is coordinated through the College’s Office of Financial Aid. No funds are allocated to the academic departments for this purpose. However, the department may offer work-study positions and there may be opportunities for funded research with faculty. These opportunities are limited and are not guaranteed.

You can do this through the MySpelman portal: Students > students; scroll down to Quick Links on the left, and click on Submit Change of Major/Minor.

This information can be found in Banner and at the top of your DegreeWorks page. In addition, signs with this information are posted outside of all of the Psychology faculty members’ office doors. Be aware that your advisor may change from year to year.

You can only receive your PIN from your advisor. Your advisor will only give this to you after you have been advised for Fall or Spring registration.

You should schedule an appointment with your advisor, who is more than happy to help you with this.

This process is completed through the Registrar’s Office with consultation from the Department Chair. Once complete, your advisor can help you select the classes to take.

First you need to be classified as a senior in Banner and Degree Works. Then, in the Fall semester you will receive an email from the Chair of the department announcing when the Senior Verification period will open. You will then make an appointment with the Vice-Chair, to begin the process.

Depending on your score, you may receive general elective hours or, for non-majors, social science credit. However, for Psychology majors, the AP credit will NOT exempt you from taking any of the required classes in the major.

You will need to contact the Professor of the course, and explain that your minor is psychology, and therefore have not taken the courses required of majors. The professor can then issue an override on your behalf.

Independent Study (PSY 413/414) provides a flexible way for students to earn academic credit while working on a supervised research project or collaborating with a faculty member on another project (e.g. serving as a TA or writing a book chapter). You may enroll for 1-4 credit hours per semester. You MUST identify a Spelman faculty member who is willing to serve as your supervisor, or as your faculty liaison, if your supervisor is external to the Department. This faculty member will communicate with the department Chair and registrar’s office to enroll you for Independent Study credit, which is ‘by permission’ only.

Paracurricular credit provides a means to earn up to 4 credits for internships, volunteer activities, and other relevant experiences not connected to Spelman. In order to earn paracurricular credit, you must complete a form (obtained from OUS) and identify a faculty sponsor within the psychology department. This sponsor will let you know how you will need to document the experience. Typically, the faculty sponsor confirms the experience with your off-site supervisor, and requires a reflective paper integrating your experience with relevant theory and research. You may also be asked to submit a plan before the experience. The faculty sponsor will notify OUS and the registrar when the requirements for the paracurricular credit have been met.

A good place to start is with the Administrative Assistant for Psychology, who can direct you to the appropriate resource or person. The administrative assistant’s office is located in 314 Giles.

Psi Chi is the International Honor Society for Psychology students. The purposes of Psi Chi are to encourage, stimulate, and maintain scholarship of its members and to advance the science of psychology. Psychology majors with a cumulative average of 3.25 and a 3.25 grade point average in psychology courses qualify for election to Psi Chi. At least 16 semester hours of psychology major courses must be completed before a student may be considered.

You are required to pass all courses required in each major.

Students must make this degree request (i.e.,B.A to B.S.) in the Registrar’s Office. The Psychology Department does not manage changes in degree requests. Students in psychology should make sure that your choice as a B.A. or B.S. degree is listed on your academic transcripts. If this is not accurate, please check with the Registrar’s Office for accuracy of this information please refer to the courses that you need to complete in psychology to determine if you are completing the requirements for a B.S degree in psychology.