This journal was first published in the Spring of 1998. Yearly, FSC students completing Senior Theses or research-based Independent Studies of high quality are encouraged to submit their manuscripts to the journal editor. Blind reviews by students and faculty associate editors are conducted in the Fall. Papers that meet the journal-writing standards are then compiled into a yearly volume. New volumes are typically available by September of the following year. The journal is used as a teaching tool for incoming majors.
Abstracts of student manuscripts for:
| Volume 1 | Volume 8 |
| Volume 2 |
Volume 9 |
| Volume 3 |
Volume 10 |
| Volume 4 |
Volume 11 |
| Volume 5 |
Volume 12 |
| Volume 6 |
Volume 13 |
| Volume 7 |
Who may submit to the FSC Journal of Behavioral Sciences?
Any FSC undergraduate may submit a mnauscript provided format requirements are met. Most often the manuscripts represent senior theses of psychology majors, but submissions of work completed by students from non-psychology majors, from work completed for independent studies, etc would be accepted. All written work must be completed by undergraduates and only undergraduate authorship is permitted. FSC students also must currently be enrolled or recent (less than 1 year) graduates at the time of submission.
How do I submit my paper?
One hard/print copy of the manuscript must be submitted to the journal editor (currently Dr. Ludemann) by the first week of September. Print the form from the link below and use it as a checklist of submission formating requirements. Also complete the contact information at the end of the form. Attach this completed form to the print copy and mail to Crocker Hall or drop off with the building secretaries.
What happens to submissions?
All manuscripts received by early September are copied with author identifying information removed. These copies are distributed to at least 1 faculty reviewer and up to 2 upper-level student reviewers. These reviewers have 4-6 weeks to complete the blind reviews and return their edits/comments to the journal editor. The reviewers will make revisions suggestions, note problem areas, and make recommendations for acceptance or rejection. This latter aspect may include: acceptance with minor revisions, acceptance with moderate revisions, conditional acceptance pending a meeting with former faculty mentors, and rejection. The editor will summarize the reviewers comments, make additional notes within the hard copies, and decide on acceptance/rejection based on reviewer overall recommendations. Letters and the edited hard/paper copies will be mailed to lead/first authors by mid- to late-December. Accepted manuscripts must be revised and returned to the editor as email Word attachments by Mid-March. The final journal will be formatted, printed, and bound by May, generally in time for graduation. One copy will be mailed to each author. Additional copies may be purchased through the campus bookstore (see below).
How likely is it that after all my work, my manuscript could be rejected?
Professional journals have a rejection rate of about 80%. The FSC Journal of Behavioral Sciences has a rejection rate of about 15-20%. Since this journal is used as a teaching tool by psychology faculty and as writing models by majors preparing research proposals and papers, it is important to maintain very strict quality standards for manuscript inclusion. Rejection from the journal does not mean a paper was of low quality for a course requirement. Even papers that recieved As in a course may require substantial revision following the peer-review process and may even be recommended for rejection.
What are the benefits to participating in journal-related activities?
How may I purchasing a copy of the journal?
It is now official! We have a Psi Chi Chapter on campus. For more information about what this means and how to apply for membership in this honor society, contact Dr. Bailey.
There are two sections of General Psychology designated as Foundation classes this Fall. New students, psych majors or not, consider signing up for either of these classes or others (the dark bars in the course offering pamphlet)!
These course sections require an extra hour per week of class meetings, but they are fun, informative, and a great way to get connected to the campus and be aware of what FSC has to offer!
