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Professional Development Opportunities

PY200.31: Professional Development in Psychology - a new 1-credit course for sophomore through senior psychology majors

Instructor:  Patrick LoPresto, MA, LCPC, Director of Undergraduate Professional Development

Please contact Mr. LoPresto at plopresto@loyola.edu or 410-617-5329 for questions or to set up career advising in Psychology

Have you ever wondered…..
What am I going to do with a degree in Psychology?
Can I get a job with just an undergraduate degree?
What’s the difference between clinical and counseling psychology and how does that compare to a social work degree?

If so, then register this for PY 200.31: Professional Development in Psychology, a new 1-credit course for sophomore through senior psychology majors.

Course Description

This course exposes students to the variety of options and careers that people with an undergraduate degree in psychology may pursue.  In addition to describing the professions and a typical day in the life of assorted types of psychologists and other psychology-related professionals, time is spent talking about academic preparation for specific professional paths and the application process for admission to graduate school.  Given the myriad of career options, this course also seeks to promote students’ own discernment of their strengths and interests, so they can further clarify their goal and seek out opportunities to position themselves appropriately to achieve them.

Class will involve lecture, readings, discussion, activities, videos, and guest speakers. It is expected that students will complete readings and assignments, and participate in class discussions in a thoughtful manner.

Course Objectives

  • To understand the variety of possible career paths in the field of psychology and related professions and the training needed to pursue such professions.
  • To explore students’ own interests in psychology and to promote their discernment of possible career paths.
  • To identify students’ achievements that will assist them in securing employment and/or graduate admission and to recognize what additional experiences are needed to be as competitive as possible in today’s job market.
  • To understand how best to display professionalism and promote my accomplishments for jobs or admission to particular graduate schools (e.g., resume or CV writing, essay writing, interviewing skills).
  • To demonstrate effective oral and written communication.
  • To understand the requirements of the psychology major, how it is best navigated (e.g., planning for field experience and upper-level research courses, fitting in study abroad) to achieve one’s professional goals.

Please contact Mr. LoPresto at plopresto@loyola.edu or 410-617-5329 for questions or to set up career advising in Psychology.