Thank you for expressing interest in finding out about the psychology program at the University of Wisconsin River Falls. Listed below are seven questions parents and guardians frequently ask concerning the psychology program at the University of Wisconsin - River Falls. We hope that the responses to these questions will aid in your consideration of UW-RF as the college of choice for your child. Please note, that if you have any further questions, please contact us by clicking on HOW TO CONTACT THE UW-RF PSYCHOLOGY DEPARTMENT.

Q1: Can you tell me about the quality of the psychology program?
A1: Whether measured in terms of popularity (# of majors), recognition of teaching excellence, caliber of current majors (numerous award winning majors), or number of students who go on to graduate school, the UW-RF Department of Psychology is recognized as one of the finest departments on campus. We are especially proud of the quality of our staff members whom are all committed to teaching at the undergraduate level, and who each represent a different area of psychology. This configuration enables the Department to provide students a broad, rigorous academic program of basic and applied courses which prepare students for graduate school, and the world of work. Click on PSYCHOLOGY FACULTY to read about our outstanding faculty.

Q2: Do students have access to faculty members?
A2: Unlike many larger universities at which undergraduates would seldom have direct outside of class interactions with faculty, the psychology staff at UW-RF prides itself on its availability to students. Whether its advising (each student has their own faculty advisor they meet with at least once a semester), questions about class (all faculty post and maintain regular office hours), or social interactions (faculty members often take part in social activities like the annual picnic and bowling event), we will be there for your student! Click on PSYCHOLOGY SOCIETY to see a photo from our last student/staff event.

Q3: Can a student graduate with a psychology degree in 4 years!
A3: Today many private universities try to sell themselves by guaranteeing that students can graduate in 4 years. Any student entering UW-RF as a psychology major who enrolls in a minimum of 15 credits a semester (a typically full-time load), takes the courses suggested by their advisor, and passes all of their classes will graduate in four years! To take a look at a typical 4-year graduation schedule, click on FOUR YEAR DEGREE PLANS.

Q4: Do students have an opportunity to do research?
A4: The psychology department realizes that research experience is important both for students considering graduate school as well as those seeking employment directly after graduation. Another reason for the department's popularity is the opportunities it provides for students to advance their research expertise. In addition to completing required courses in statistics and research methods, psychology majors have the chance to work closely with faculty members on independent research projects. Each years, our students present papers describing their research at undergraduate and national research conferences. Many of these projects are co-authored by faculty. Click STUDENT RESEARCH to learn more about student research opportunities at UW-RF.

Q5: Do students have an opportunity to get "hands-on" training is psychology?
A5: The psychology department realizes that applied experiences are also important both for students considering graduate school as well as those seeking employment directly after graduation. Psychology students at UW-RF have access to applied experience via our internship program which allows students to gain valuable experience in a work-place setting under the supervision of a trained professional. Click INTERNSHIP INFORMATION to learn more about applied experience opportunities for psychology majors at UW-RF.

Q6: Can I get a job with an undergraduate degree in psychology?
A6: Most parents are aware that the most practical goal of a college education is employment. Knowledge for career opportunities in psychology, however, is a little less certain. Contrary to what most people think, the majority of psychology majors do not go into the fields of clinical or counseling psychology. The majority work in business, human services, and related fields. Others go on to earn specialized training at the graduate level. To get some idea of the kinds of careers undergraduate psychology majors pursue, click on Careers in Psychology Page a great site hosted by Dr. Marky Lloyd. You might also want to check out our alumni page to get a feel for the kinds of things UW-RF graduates do. Please click ALUMNI to read about some our recent graduates.

Q7: How do you assist students in making the transition from high school to college?
A7: As psychologists we are very aware that college is a big step. Department members also understand that one of the best predictors of success in college is how well students do in their first semester. Thus, the UW-RF Psychology department has established several programs designed to help new students adjust to college life and increase their chances to succeed academically. First, all first-year psychology students are registered for a small, more personalized section of Psy 101: General Psychology. This special section is reserved exclusively for new students interested in a psychology major. In addition to offering students an opportunity to get to know students with similar academic interests and concerns from the first day of class, they also meet an instructor who will serve as their advisor for the first semester. New majors also enroll with those same students in Psy 110: Colloquium in Psychology, a course designed to orient students to our department, our faculty, our facilities, campus services, and career opportunities in psychology. Another way new students are supported is through our Psychology Associates program. In this program, junior and senior psychology majors are paired with new students to serve as mentors for them when they get to campus. Once a student arrives on campus, their Psychology Associate can serve as a resource for you concerning academic, social, or any other issues for which you would feel more comfortable talking to another student, rather than a faculty member.

It's probably quite obvious by now that the Department of Psychology at UW-RF is very proud of its students, faculty, program and facilities. If possible, please take time to visit our campus during campus visit days. One of the faculty would be happy to talk with you and show you around the department.

We again THANK YOU for your interest in the psychology program at UW-RF. If you have any other questions, please click CONTACTING THE PSYCHOLOGY DEPARTMENT to learn how to get a hold of us!

If you are interested in learning more about the University of Wisconsin - River Falls campus at large (e.g., clubs and activities, living on campus, areas of study), you can do so by clicking on UW-RF CAMPUS PROSPECTIVE STUDENT PAGE.

Those of you seraching for even more information about the University or Wisconsin - River Falls should click on UW-RF ADMISSIONS OFFICE.

Finally, if you have decided to apply for enrollment at UW-RF, please use the convenient on-line form available by clicking ELECTRONIC APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION.