Frequently Asked Questions

Below are Most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) pertaining to Morgan State University's Psychology Department.

1. Research Track or Generalist Track?

Research Track: This track emphasizes psychology as a science and is for the student who is interested in pursuing graduate school and/or a career that requires practical research knowledge and skills. Students who choose this track MUST take PSYC487 Senior Thesis I and PSYC497 Senior Thesis II, and may select 3 Psychology Electives.

Generalist Track: This track emphasizes the practical applications of psychology and preparation for entry into the workforce upon graduation. Students pursuing this option MUST take PSYC480 Psychology Internship I and PSYC481 Psychology Internship II, and may select 3 Psychology Electives.

To declare your track, visit the Student Self-Service/Websis page and complete a "Change of Major/Minor/Concentration/Track" request.

2. How can I obtain my alternative PIN to register for classes?
Your assigned academic advisor has your alternative PIN. To retrieve it, you must complete an advising form, which you can find here. Schedule a meeting with your advisor to discuss your progress towards graduation and your academic and professional goals. Contact the Registrar's Office if you have any questions regarding information on your Degree Works worksheet.

3. Who is my Academic Advisor? How should I contact them?

• Freshmen: Please direct your questions to the Office of Student Success and Retention. However, if you would like to speak to a Psychology faculty member for advice on courses, feel free to email them directly.
• Juniors and Sophomores: Please direct your questions to your assigned advisor. For advisement appointments, utilize Starfish unless told otherwise by your advisor.
• Seniors: Please direct your questions to Dr. Jocelyn Turner-Musa. For advisement appointments, utilize Starfish.

4. How do I access Starfish to schedule a meeting with my adviser?

1. Go to the Websis link in your email or on Morgan's homepage.
2. Log on with your Morgan login and password.
3. Click on the Starfish link
4. Click on the desired instructor
5. Find the date and time slots for office hour times and click the desired appointment.
6. Fill in the reason for your appointment section, briefly detailing your concerns or objectives.
7. Click "submit."
   

5. Where can I find my professors/advisors' office?
Psychology department faculty are located on the 4th floor of BSSC.

6. Can I speak with the Chair to receive an audit and my alternate pin?
Only seniors are permitted to schedule academic advising appointments with Dr. Turner-Musa, as she is the only faculty that is permitted to audit seniors. If you are not a senior, you will have to contact your assigned academic advisor for advisement needs. If you experience any difficulty with your alternate PIN, consult with the Office of Records and Registration at 443-885-3300.

7. My Starfish account is malfunctioning, what should I do?
If you are having problems with your Starfish account, please contact the MSU Service Desk or the Office of Student Success and Retention.

8. Is it mandatory to follow the "suggested curriculum sequence"?
It is recommended to follow the suggested curriculum sequence. There are several courses that are only offered during specific times of the year (i.e., Fall or Spring semester), and there are courses that require specific prerequisites. Thus, it is important to follow the curriculum sequence to avoid a delay in graduation.

9. Can I take off-campus courses, and transfer the course credits to MSU?
Yes, students may take off-campus courses. They must complete and submit a "Take Course Off-Campus" Form that should be submitted to the Department Chair - Dr. Turner-Musa - and must be approved before the course can be taken.

10. Can General Psychology fulfill the Social and Behavioral Science Elective?
No. General Psychology is a required Psychology course for psychology majors, and is a prerequisite to all other Psychology courses. To fulfill the Social and Behavioral Science elective, students must choose two courses from two different disciplines.

11. Is earning the grade of a "D" in General Education courses satisfactory, or would I have to retake the course?
A grade of "D" in a General Education course is acceptable with the exception of English courses. Students should repeat English courses if a grade of "D or F" is obtained. Per the University's regulations, students must maintain an overall GPA of a 2.0 to remain in good standing. Seek the advisement of your assigned advisor to obtain clarity, and further discuss your next steps.

12. I have tried contacting the Psychology Chairperson and have not received a response. What should I do next?
You should come visit the Psychology Department's Administrative Assistant, Ms. Hannah Krupa, in BSSC Suite 226 to fill out a "Student Request Form." This form is given directly to the Chairperson, or the individual you are trying to contact. The forms are on a clipboard on the end of Ms. Krupa's desk. 

13. Approximately how long should I wait for a response after submitting a "Student Request Form"?
Students are asked to wait 24-48 hours to hear back from either the Chairperson or the Administrative Assistant.

14. I want to change my major to Psychology, or from Psychology to another major. What is the protocol?
Change of Major/Minor protocals have been updated. Change of Major/Minor/Concentration/Track must be completed in Student Self-Service/Websis. For instructions, tutorials and help, visit The Office of the Registrar's page. The form must be approved by the Chairperson of the Psychology department.

15. Does the Psychology department have any scholarships/programs for continuing students?
The department has the Carrol S. Perrino Scholarship, the Anthony Clark Memorial Scholarship, and the HOPE Scholarship. More information and applications can be found on the the Scholarships section of this site or on the Psychology Students Canvas site.

16. What should I do if I need an override into a course, or if I'm experience a time conflict with my courses?
Students should complete a Department of Psychology Override Request Form on the Psychology Forms page. Please allow 24-48 hours before you are contacted with a response. You will receive an email informing you of the Chairperson's decision. If approved, you must register with the course CRN. 

17. Can my parent, legal guardian, or spouse obtain my student records or related information?
As a Morgan State University student, a Family Educational Rights Privacy Act - FERPA statement was signed restricting the release of any personal information. To give family, a legal guardian, or spouse access to your personal information, a written statement must be provided revealing your consent. The policy on student disclosure of records can be found here.

18. What degrees are offered in Psychology?
The Psychology program offers a Bachelor of Science, Master of Science in Psychometrics, and Ph.D. in Psychometrics. The Psychology Department will also offer a Post-Baccalaureate certificate in Psychometrics in Fall of 2024.