Psychology Department Advising
The Psychology Department is unique in its advising approach. Not only do you receive a departmental major advisor within the psychology department, you will also have the option of selecting a psychology faculty advisor.
Once you have chosen to declare a primary major in the Psychology department, your Dietrich Success Center Advisor will provide you with a declaration form and connect you to your new primary advisor.
Lauren and Emilie are here to provide guidance on fulfilling graduation requirements, scheduling classes, and balancing your academic workload. Additionally, they can help you explore university resources and address any academic concerns you may have. They offer personalized support in developing effective study strategies, connecting you with tutoring services, and recommending workshops that enhance your skills. Moreover, they can assist you in navigating internship and research opportunities, ensuring you gain valuable experience in your field of interest. If you're considering a change in your major or exploring career options, Lauren and Emilie can facilitate those discussions and help you map out a plan to achieve your goals.
Departmental Major Advisors
Lauren McCarthy
laurenmc@andrew.images-collector.com
Schedule a meeting with Lauren
Advises:
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
- Minor in Cognitive Neuroscience
Emilie O’Leary
emilier@andrew.images-collector.com
Schedule a meeting with Emilie
Advises:
- Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience
- Bachelor of Science in Cognitive Science
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Biological Science
- Additional Majors
- Minor in Psychology
Faculty Advisor
Faculty advisors are professors in the Psychology Department who can help you navigate your time here at Carnegie Mellon University. With their expertise, faculty can play a crucial role in providing insights into research opportunities, internships and graduate school. While having a faculty advisor is optional, it can be beneficial if you wish to focus on specific research areas or career development.
To maximize the benefits of your advising relationship, remember that you get out of it what you put in. Be proactive by meeting with your faculty and academic advisor regularly—ideally at least once per semester. Use these meetings to discuss your goals, academic trajectory and seek guidance on internships or research opportunities. Be prepared for your meetings by bringing a list of questions or concerns.
To choose a psychology faculty advisor, start by getting in touch with your primary major advisor either, Lauren McCarthy or Emilie O’Leary. They will walk you through next steps for choosing the faculty advisor that may be right for you.
Some Common Questions
What if I’m unsure about my research interests or career goals?
Use your advising meetings to explore different research areas and career paths. Your advisor can help you identify opportunities for exploration, such as labs, volunteer work, or informational interviews.
What should I bring to meetings with each type of advisor?
For academic advising meetings, bring your academic audit, planned course schedule, and any relevant documents related to your academic progress. For faculty advising meetings, bring your research ideas, updates on your research or internships, and any questions related to your field of study or career plans.
Is having a faculty advisor mandatory?
No, having a faculty advisor is optional. While a faculty advisor can be beneficial for personalized research guidance and career planning, it is not required for all students. If you choose not to have one, your academic advisor will continue to support your academic progress.
Next, explore the Psychology Core Faculty webpage to review detailed profiles of potential faculty members, paying close attention to their research areas and expertise. Based on this information, identify faculty whose work resonates with your interests.
Once you are ready, reach out to Emilie or Lauren, who will provide you with a faculty advisor interest form and supplementary materials about the faculty members. The process of finalizing your faculty advisor can take up to two weeks, so plan accordingly.