FAQs & Resources

About Psychology Advising

Why should I see an advisor?

If you are a declared psychology major you will need to meet with a psychology advisor for a pre-registration appointment. It is best to do this early in the semester in order to be prepared for your enrollment appointment. Advisors are available throughout the year to discuss course planning, internships, directed research opportunities, the honors program, career options, and graduate training. 

Where is the advising office and when is it open?

The undergraduate advising office is located at 3113 Sennott Square, which is at 210 South Bouquet St. The Advising Office will be open Monday – Thursday 10:00AM – 3:00 PM during the fall and spring terms. Appointments are highly recommended. 

How to make an appointment and get access to Navigate 360?

All advising at Pitt for all departments uses a system called Navigate 360 Student / Pathways. You can access it on the web or with an app on your phone (iOS App Store, Google Play Store). It will require logging in with dual factor and filling out a short survey. See this page for more information.

What is drop-in time?

In-person and virtual drop-in meetings are available Monday – Thursday 11:00AM – 1:00 PM during the fall and spring terms. Meetings are typically no longer than 5 minutes; this is to ensure quick service to all students with drop-in type needs. If your questions require additional time and attention the drop-in advisor will be happy to help you schedule an appointment. See this page for more information.

Requirements / Registration

What are the psychology degree requirements?

Please visit our degree requirements page for details.

How do I register for courses?

to be added

Enrollment resources

Find step-by-step instructions for making changes to your schedule.

Can I transfer credits into the Department of Psychology?

Students with transfer work from another college or university should be aware that some transfer courses may not satisfy the psychology major requirements. Specifically, transfer courses in Research Methods Lab (PSY 0037), and Cognitive Psychology Lab course (PSY 0423) may not have included the requisite writing and laboratory components. Students with transfer work they would like to have evaluated should send the full syllabus of the course(s) in question to psyadvis@pitt.edu for review. 

Grades

Can I take courses on a satisfactory or audit basis (S/NC)?

Psychology majors are required to take ALL courses used to fulfill the PSY and STAT requirements for a letter grade; the S/NC grade option may not be used for PSY major courses (with the exception of PSY 1900, 1903, and 1907 and the co-requisites which are may be graded on an S/NC basis). 

What are the steps to take if I disagree with a posted grade?

Below are the steps for resolving a undergraduate grade dispute that is not a dispute about academic integrity.

  • Students who disagree with an instructor over a grade should speak to the instructor.
  • If the discussion between the student and the instructor does not resolve the issue, the student should next contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies ("DUGS"). In the Psychology Department, the Chair of the Department has authorized the DUGS to serve in this role for grade disputes. If you want to contact the DUGS, email the advising office with details of what is going on, and ask that they forward the email on to the DUGS.
    • Please note that raising a grade dispute to the level of the DUGS or beyond is a serious issue. According to the Academic Integrity Code, Faculty Conduct, Section III. Grievance Procedures, grade disputes are only to address situations involving "serious academic injury", and are "not intended to address normal grading decisions of faculty in exercising good-faith professional judgment in evaluating a student's work." Thus, in your email to the DUGS, it must be clear that this is not an instance of an instructor exercising good-faith professional judgment.
  • If the grade issue still remains unresolved, the student should meet with the Assistant Dean in the Office of Undergraduate Studies who is responsible for grade disputes.
  • The Assistant Dean will investigate the concerns with the student, the instructor, and the Department Chair / DUGS, and make a decision regarding the grade dispute. This decision is final.

If a grade dispute involves a possible Academic Integrity Violation, please see the Academic Integrity Code.

Where can I find my PSY GPA?

You can find your PSY GPA listed on your Academic Advising Report via your Student Center. The Registrar has some helpful information about creating this document.

Permission Numbers

How do I request a permission number for a psychology course?

If a psychology course is closed you will need to add yourself to the waitlist and let that process run. We cannot override the waitlist. If you do not have a prerequisite, please visit this page for more information.

How do I request a permission number for a College of General Studies course?

For College of General Studies (CGS) courses, a number of seats are reserved for CGS students. You are welcome to get on the waitlist. The reserved seats open up around 1 month prior to the start of the semester, which means that if you are high enough on the waiting list, you’ll be autoenrolled to the course unless:

  • Adding the waitlisted class will exceed the maximum number of units (18) for which students can be enrolled.
  • The waitlisted class presents a time scheduling conflict with another class in which you are already enrolled.
  • You are still enrolled in another section of that class.

Please review the waitlist FAQ here. We follow the waitlist procedures and do not make exceptions for individual students for fairness.

If you are a PSY major trying to graduate soon and need to satisfy a specific requirement to graduate, please contact the Psychology Advising Office psyadvis@pitt.edu to discuss your situation; there are likely other courses that you can take to fulfill this requirement even if they are unfortunately not your top choice.  If you have a disability for which you are requesting accommodation, you will need to contact Disability Resources and Services, drsrecep@pitt.edu, 412-648-7890.

Multiple Majors, Study Abroad

Can I pursue more than one major?

You can choose to explore more than one path, by completing more than one Dietrich School major. This double or triple major will be recorded on your transcript, but you will earn only one degree. If one major leads to a BA degree and another to a BS, you must decide at graduation which degree you wish to receive. A minimum of 120 credits are required for graduation, including the completion of all general-education requirements and all requirements for both majors.

What's the difference between a double major and a double degree?

You may choose to simultaneously pursue more than one undergraduate degree, either within the Dietrich School (i.e., both a BA and a BS) or in another undergraduate school of the University. Earning two degrees requires a minimum of 150 credits and completion of the curriculum requirements of both schools (all general education requirements and all major requirements for both programs).

Is there a minor in psychology?

Not at this time.

Can I study abroad?

Yes, in fact we encourage it. For more information, please see the Global Experiences Office.

What tutoring resources are available?

Study Lab

G-1 Gardner Steel Conference Center
412-648-7920

Study Lab is home to a generous staff of experienced professionals and students, who serve as guides and mentors throughout your academic journey. Tutors are students who have recently been just where you are now and understand your challenges, as well as your goals.

Whether you are looking for a quick on-demand answer, a one-on-one session about that upcoming chem test, a video tutorial about a tricky concept, or to connect to a group of other students headed to med school, there is something here for you.

Study Lab provides tools and resources for students to discover the most efficient and effective ways to study. Experiment with strategies to customize a plan that works for you. Explore how you can study smarter, not harder, and make the most of your time at Pitt. Highly trained peer tutors are available to all undergraduates irrespective of school. A team of professionals are also available to assist students with academic development and to help guide you toward academic success.

Math Assistance Center

3rd Floor, Thackeray Hall, 412-624-4179

The MAC offers math tutoring services on levels ranging from introductory courses through the first-level scientific and business calculus courses. Students may visit during regular office hours for assistance for low-level courses or make an appointment for assistance with more difficult course material and one-on-one consultation.

Writing Center

317B O'Hara Student Center (OSC), 412-624-6556

The Writing Center provides free services to students, faculty, and staff at the University of Pittsburgh. It is staffed by experienced consultants trained in helping others with their writing. Writing Center staff work one-on-one by appointment, host a regular workshop called the Writers’ Cafe for undergraduates interested in creative writing, and provide peer tutoring.

Computer Labs

There are in-person computing labs if you need access to a computer. In addition, the Pitt IT Virtual Lab enables you to access much of the same lab software and resources that you use while sitting in a Pitt IT Student Computing Lab on campus. The convenience of the Virtual Lab is that you can access it from any location, using almost any computer or mobile device, at any time of day. It's your personal 24/7, on-the-go lab.

Study Spaces

To be added.

Where can I find additional support?

Counseling Center

Nordenberg Hall - Wellness Center, 119 University Place, 412-648-7930. Learn More.

Office for Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion

OEDI provides leadership and counsel on matters of equity, diversity, and inclusion, and partners with units and campuses to create welcoming environments that enable everyone to succeed.

Pride at Pitt

The University of Pittsburgh is committed to supporting and sustaining an inclusive and equitable campus environment — one that welcomes, values and embraces the diverse perspectives of community members of all sexual orientation, gender identities and gender expressions. Learn about Pride at Pitt.

Loan Repayment and Financial Wellness

Learn about: