FAQs

How do I change my major to Psychology? In order to change your major to Psychology, please go to 103 Ventress Hall and speak with Joy Rowsey or Ginger Justice to officially declare Psychology as your major and me assigned to an academic advisor.

What is the difference between Psychology and Sociology? Psychology and Sociology are similar fields, both study humans and human behavior, so many people become confused about the difference between the fields. Also, like many other things, sometimes the lines are blurry with psychologists and sociologists engaging in very similar work. The major difference is a matter of what the majority of psychologists and the majority of sociologists focus on. Psychologists tend to focus on studying individuals or groups of individuals whereas Sociologists tend to focus on studying systems within which individuals function such as society, specific cultural groups (including races, religions, and social class), organizations, institutions, and family systems. The infographic provided at the end of this blog is helpful in describing the key differences. For more information on Sociology, see http://www.asanet.org/ For more information on what Psychology is see http://www.apa.org/action/science/index.aspx

Can I have two majors? Yes, you can have two majors. Sometimes this will be a double major (if your second major is also a B.A. within the College of Liberal Arts), sometimes this will be a double degree (if your second major is a B.S. or within another college). See below for the difference between those. If it is a second major, your second major will count as your minor. If it is a second degree, you will still need to satisfy all of the College of Liberal Arts requirements (General Education, Psychology degree requirements, and your second major requirements). If it is a second degree, you will need to satisfy the College of Liberal Arts requirements (General Education, Psychology degree requirements, and your minor requirements) and all of the requirements of your second major; your total credit hours will need to be a minimum of 150 credits. It will take some planning to make sure you complete all requirements, but it can be done.

What is the difference between a double major and a double degree? Information taken from: https://catalog.olemiss.edu/academics/regulations/degree-requirements

Dual Major and Second Bachelor’s Degree
A student may receive a single bachelor’s degree with more than one major. For example, a student may receive a B.A. degree in the College of Liberal Arts with a double major. Regardless of whether the requirements for the two majors are completed simultaneously or in succession, the university is authorized to award a single degree and diploma in such cases.

A student may receive a second bachelor’s degree of a different degree type (e.g., the first degree being a B.A. and the second being a B.S.) by completing at least 30 additional semester hours in residence from the university with a minimum 2.00 GPA for these additional hours. All requirements for the second degree must be completed, including courses required for the major and general education courses that may be different from those for the first degree program. As an example, if the first degree requires 124 hours, a student must complete an additional 30 hours (154 hours total and including all specific course requirements for both programs) to be awarded a second, different bachelor’s degree. If the two degrees are awarded by the same school/college, then there may be additional rules imposed by that school/college. Two diplomas are awarded in this case, whether or not the requirements for the degrees are met simultaneously or in succession.

If a student has received the first degree from another institution, to receive a second bachelor’s degree from the University of Mississippi, he or she must satisfy the specific courses for the major with at least 30 hours in residence enrollment and with a minimum 2.00 GPA on work attempted at the university. Note that the 30 hours of University of Mississippi resident work is a minimum and that at least 25 percent of the credit hours required for the degree must be completed from the University of Mississippi.

How do I declare or change my minor? Log into your MyOleMiss account. Click on the Academics tab. Click on the Change Specialization and Minors link. Complete the required fields.

Can I have two minors? Yes. If you have the ability to complete the required courses for your General Education, Psychology major, and both minors within the time you are here, you can absolutely have two minors. It will take some planning to make sure you complete all requirements, but it can be done.

What are the requirements for Psi Chi? If you have completed 3 semesters of college, taken 9 hours of psychology courses (3 courses), rank in the upper 35% of your class (typically at least a 3.0 GPA), and have a 3.0 GPA in your Psychology classes, you should apply to become a member of Psi Chi: The Psychology national Honors Society. For further information about Psi Chi and how to become a member visit this webpage.

What is the Forgiveness policy? See this website for information about the Forgiveness policy.

How do I request a forgiveness? See this website for information about the Forgiveness policy.

How do I calculate my GPA and psychology GPA? You can use this Excel workbook (or online calculators) to calculate your overall GPA and your psychology GPA. You’ll need your unofficial transcript to complete this. Make sure to follow the directions carefully.

What do I need to earn in my future courses to improve my current GPA? Please use this calculator .