Two Year Plan

Two Year Plan

Transfer students are unique as their time to graduate is shortened as they have completed degree requirements prior to attending ASU. Transfer students may still take advantage of important experiential learning opportunities such as research and internships and meet the timeline for applying for graduate school and professional positions if they plan their path carefully.

We encourage students to meet regularly with an academic advisor.  In their first semester of attendance at ASU, transfer students should meet with an academic advisor to develop an academic plan.

SAMPLE TWO-YEAR ACADEMIC PLAN: PSYCHOLOGY (assumes student has been awarded @60 credits in transfer)

Semester 1

• Take PSY 290 Research Methods  (if not already completed)
• Make a connection with two faculty members
• October-Reach out to psychology research labs for research opportunities (PSY 399)  

OR

Reach out to internship sites for opportunities (PSY 484) 

• Review Psych for Life videos and reach out to professionals to learn about career paths.

• Create Handshake profile

Semester 2 

• Participate in research lab PSY 399  or internship-PSY 484
• Connect with two faculty
• Prepare to take the GRE Graduate Records Exam and learn about the graduate application procedure
• Take the GRE (general test) to prepare for graduate school (fall application)
• Research APA accredited graduate programs
• Prepare graduate school statement
• Ask faculty for letters of recommendation
• Participate in PSY volunteer opportunities

Semester 3

• Apply to graduate school (for following fall start).  Most graduate programs only admit students for fall start dates.  Application for graduate school admission usually occurs one year in advance. All questions should be directed to the program to which the student is applying.
• Participate in research lab PSY 399 or 499 for a second semester.
• Prepare resume, application letters if plan to enter workforce rather than attend graduate school.  Work with Career and Professional Development Services to prepare for interviews.
• Become involved in student organizations

Semester 4

• Apply for professional positions through Handshake or other job search engines.
• Graduate school interviews.  Many programs interview applicants in January and February and make offers in early March.  If accepted, submit acceptance letter and follow through with training and hiring procedures for assistantships.  

SAMPLE TWO-YEAR ACADEMIC PLAN: NEUROSCIENCE (assumes student has been awarded @60 credits in transfer)

Semester 1

• Take NEU 101 (Introduction to Neuroscience)
• Make a connection with two faculty members
• Create Handshake profile
• October- Reach out to Neuroscience research labs for research opportunities (in-person students)

OR

• Reach out to Neuroscience research labs through the OURS Program (ASU Online students)

Semester 2 

• Participate in a research lab 
• Connect with two faculty
• Prepare to take the GRE Graduate Records Exam and learn about the graduate application procedure
• Take the GRE (general test) to prepare for graduate school (fall application)
• Research graduate programs in Neuroscience or related fields 
• Prepare graduate school statement
• Ask faculty for letters of recommendation

Semester 3

• Apply to graduate school (for following fall start).  Most graduate programs only admit students for fall start dates.  Application for graduate school admission usually occurs one year in advance. All questions should be directed to the program to which the student is applying.
• Participate in research lab for a second semester.
• Prepare resume, application letters if plan to enter workforce rather than attend graduate school.  Work with Career and Professional Development Services to prepare for interviews.
• Become involved in student organizations

Semester 4

• Apply for professional positions through Handshake or other job search engines.
• Graduate school interviews.  Many programs interview applicants in January and February and make offers in early March.  If accepted, submit acceptance letter and follow through with training and hiring procedures for assistantships.