The Psychology Major Portfolio is a graduation requirement for all psychology majors. It is a collection of work completed throughout the major that documents your learning, academic growth, and professional development.
The portfolio serves two purposes:
- Supports program assessment by allowing the department to evaluate and continually improve the undergraduate psychology curriculum.
- Supports student development by helping you reflect on your intellectual development and providing a repository of your best work.
What Do I Need to Submit?
The portfolio consists of three parts.
Part 1: Written Work
Submit four pieces of writing from your psychology coursework:
- Item 1: Writing sample from PSYC 201
- Item 2: APA-style research report from PSYC 203
- Items 3 & 4: At least two additional pieces of written work. Additional writing may include research proposals, literature reviews, article critiques, position papers, essay exams, final projects, senior projects or honors theses, or anything else you and your professor deem appropriate.
You may also include up to three optional pieces of writing that showcase work you are especially proud of.
Department Learning Objectives
Across your portfolio, your work should demonstrate progress toward the department's five learning objectives:
- Knowledge of key psychological concepts, theories, and research findings
- Awareness of how psychological principles can be applied to understand individuals, address real-world issues, and inform public policy
- The ability to interpret, conduct, and critically evaluate psychological research
- An appreciation of how culture, identity, historical context, and systems of power and inequality shape psychological processes, lived experiences, and psychological science.
- The ability to communicate psychological concepts and research clearly and effectively in writing.
Part 2: Professional Development
Submit two items related to your professional development:
- Professional Development/Career Planning exercise (completed in PSYC 201)
- Current CV or resume
You may also include an optional reflection on your research opportunities, internships, or other significant experiences.
Part 3: Portfolio Completion Form
After uploading all required materials, complete the Portfolio Completion Form in Course Site. This form confirms that your portfolio is ready for departmental review and includes a brief reflection on your growth in the major.
How Do I Submit My Portfolio?
Portfolio materials are submitted through Course Site (e.g., PSYCPortfolio2028).
You are responsible for uploading your materials as you complete them and should review your progress regularly with your faculty advisor.
Timeline
- PSYC 201: Introduction to the portfolio.
- Throughout the Major: Upload assignments as you complete them.
- Senior Year: Complete all required portfolio materials and submit your portfolio.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the portfolio mandatory? Yes. Completion of the Psychology Major Portfolio is a graduation requirement.
- Will my portfolio receive a grade? No. Individual assignments receive grades in your courses, but the completed portfolio is reviewed only for completion. A sample of portfolios is evaluated each year for departmental assessment.
- How should I choose my writing samples? Select work that best demonstrates your learning and growth while also reflecting the department's learning objectives.
- Can I submit additional work? Yes. You may include up to 3 optional pieces of writing.
- How do I know when my portfolio requirement is complete? After you submit all required materials and complete the Portfolio Completion Form, the department will review your portfolio and notify the Registrar's Office. Once RAS has processed this request, your degree audit will be updated to reflect completion of the requirement.
- What types of file formats can I upload? Please only upload .doc, .docx, or .pdf files.
- Who should I contact with questions? Talk to your psychology advisor or the Director of Undergraduate Studies.