E-mail this pagePsychology Senior Exam (PSY 408)
What is it?
All psychology majors must pass the Senior Exam in order to graduate. The Psychology Department uses the exam to assess how well students are learning and retaining the material being taught.
The exam is a 100-question multiple choice test, covering material from the courses listed below. You must have completed (or be currently taking) these classes before you can take the senior exam.
- PSY 205 - Experimental Design
- PSY 206 - Psychological Statistics
- PSY 311 - Developmental Psychology
- PSY 321 - Cognitive Psychology
- PSY 331 - Biopsychology
- PSY 340 - Personality
- PSY 361 - Social Psychology
- PSY 409 - History and Modern Systems
When is it?
The exam is held toward the end of each semester. The dates for upcoming semesters are as follows:
- Fall 2007 - November 11
- Spring 2008 - April 27
- Fall 2008 - November 16
- Spring 2009 - April 26
- Fall 2009 - November 15
- Spring 2010 - April 25
The exam begins at 7PM. You have 3 hours to complete the exam, although most students finish in 1-2 hours. Please be sure to arrive on time and bring a pencil with you.
How well do I have to do on it?
You will be awarded a letter grade based on your performance on the exam. A passing grade is a D. You need to get 40% correct on the exam to pass. The letter grade will appear on your transcript but will not be used in the calculation of your GPA.
How should I study for it?
The best way to study is to review your books and notes from the classes listed above. The questions are written by the psychology faculty who teach these courses. So it is best to hang on to your course materials after you've completed a class. You can also review a good Introductory Psychology textbook.
What if I forgot to register for it?
Check on Banner to find out who is administering the exam that semester. Contact that person to let him/her know that you are not registered. You will still be allowed to take the test.
Can I retake it if I don't pass?
Yes. If it is not your last semester at Plattsburgh, you can simply register to take the exam again the following semester. If it is your last semester, you should contact the faculty member who administers the exam that semester to arrange to retake it during the same semester.
Questions, Comments, Suggestions?
If you would like more information about the psychology program at Plattsburgh State, please contact
Department co-chairs
Dr. Wendy Braje (wendy.braje@plattsburgh.edu)
Dr. William Gaeddert (william.gaeddert@plattsburgh.edu)
Department secretaries
Ms. Pam LeClair (leclaipl@plattsburgh.edu)
Ms. Karen Newell (newellka@plattsburgh.edu)
Phone: (518) 564-3076
Toll-free Phone: (800) 441-7215
Fax: (518) 564-3397