Provides an overview of the psychology major, subdisciplines within the field, graduate programs and the admissions process, career opportunities for all degree types, internships, and free resources for students. It includes handy assessments, timelines, exercises, tips on enhancing employability, testimonials from students and professionals, and recommended resources, including web sites, journals, and conferences.

Preface: Why This Book Was Written for You

1. Why Should You Major in Psychology?
2. Finding Your Path: Tapping Into Valuable Resources
3. How Do You Become a Psychologist?
4. What Jobs Can You Attain With a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology?
5. Graduate School
6. Getting "Real-World" Psychology-Related Experience
7. Psychology Careers in Research and Practice

Appendix A: Scholarly Journals in Major Subdisciplines of Psychology

Appendix B: Major Organizations Hosting Annual Psychology Research Conferences in the United States

References

Index

About the Authors

Amira Rezec Wegenek, PhD, is a professor of psychology at Saddleback College in California. Dr. Wegenek has taught, mentored, and advised undergraduates at the university and college level for over a decade.
 
She has received numerous awards for teaching and leadership, including the Psi Beta National Honor Society in Psychology National "Rising Star" Award for mentoring undergraduates in scholarship, research, and service. Her students have won national recognition for their research and service activities as well.
 
Her publications span the areas of sensation and perception, cognitive psychology, and teaching of psychology and include a student-centered psychology laboratory manual.
 
She is currently an active member of the Society for the Teaching of Psychology and conducts research related to student retention and success.
 
William Buskist, PhD, is a Distinguished Professor in the Teaching of Psychology at Auburn University and a faculty fellow at Auburn's Biggio Center for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning. In his 27 years at Auburn University, he has taught over 32,000 undergraduates, mostly in large sections of introductory psychology.
 
He served as the section editor for "The Generalist's Corner" section of Teaching of Psychology and is currently a member of the National Institute on the Teaching of Psychology planning committee.
 
Together with Steve Davis, he has edited two volumes on the teaching of psychology: The Teaching of Psychology: Essays in Honor of Wilbert J. McKeachie and Charles L. Brewer and The Handbook of the Teaching of Psychology. In addition, together with Barry Perlman and Lee McCann, he has edited Voices of Experience: Memorable Talks From the National Institute on the Teaching of Psychology.
 
He has also coedited several electronic books for the Society of the Teaching of Psychology. Currently, along with Doug Bernstein, he is the coeditor of the Teaching Psychology Science series, which focuses on providing advice and tips for teaching specific courses in psychology (e.g., introductory psychology, developmental psychology, research methods, statistics). He has published over 30 books and articles on the teaching of psychology.
 
In 2005, he was a co-recipient (with Leanne Lamke) of Auburn University's highest teaching honor, The Gerald and Emily Leischuck Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching. He was also APA's 2005 Harry Kirke Wolfe lecturer and the recipient of the 2000 Robert S. Daniel Teaching Excellence Award from the Society of the Teaching of Psychology. In 2009, he received the American Psychological Foundation's Charles L. Brewer Distinguished Teaching of Psychology Award and APA Division 25's (Behavior Analysis) Fred S. Keller Behavioral Education Award.
 
He is a fellow of APA Divisions 1 (General Psychology), 2 (Society for the Teaching of Psychology), and 52 (International Psychology). He also served as president of the Society for the Teaching of Psychology in 2007. Six of his graduate students have been honored with national teaching awards.