General Advising Information
Major Declaration
Students who would like to declare Psychology as a major can do so by filling out the major declaration form, located on the Registrar’s website and returning it to the Registrar’s Office. Both the Psychology BA and Psychology BS majors do NOT require department advisor approval.
New Psychology Major Advising Assignments
All new freshman, transfer and recently declared majors should meet with one of the department’s Academic Advisors, Debbie Paul (dpaul@umbc.edu) or Jenae Wilson (jwilso8@umbc.edu) for their first semester of registration. Debbie Paul advises students with last names A-L and Jenae Wilson advises students with last names M-Z. The Department’s Academic Advisors will also assist students with a psychology minor and those students who may be considering psychology as a major.
*UMBC at USG students should contact Dr. Diane Alonso (dalonso@umbc.edu) for advising information.*
Faculty Advising Assignments
Once students have met with one of the Department’s Academic Advisors, students are then matched with appropriate faculty advisors beginning their second semester in the Psychology major (subject to faculty advisor availability). Students will be notified on who their faculty advisor is via email. You can also check who your advisor is in MyUMBC by selecting “Advising and Student Support” under the Guide section, then clicking on “My Advisor.” If you do not have an academic advisor listed, please reach out to your departmental advisor.
Your faculty advisor is familiar with UMBC and departmental policies and is there to help you track and advise your progress through the major. The best way to get in touch with your advisor is by email (Please note that the office staff does not make appointments for advisors.)
Registration Authorization
All students must meet with an advisor at least once per semester (Fall and Spring) to review their progress toward fulfilling major and university requirements and your post-graduation plans. Students are not able to register for classes until the advisor authorizes the student to register. Please review your progress towards your degree prior to these appointments by completing your major checklist and reviewing your degree audit (available in your myUMBC under “Advising and Student Support”) and come prepared to discuss your upcoming semester plans. Major checklists can be found on our website. Psychology majors with another primary major are still strongly encouraged to meet each semester with their department advisor.
Advanced Registration
The Department and University send important email communication regarding advanced registration advising each semester. This includes the date/time at which students can begin registration and notifications of advanced registration appointments. It is important to read such correspondence as the instructions can directly impact your ability to register for classes. Information about your advanced registration time is sent out in October/November for Fall semesters and March/April for Spring semesters.