This first section provides an overview of the field experience application procedure. The second and third sections provide, respectively, the application and a sample syllabus for the course.
What is it and how to get started
The Psychology Field Experience (PSYCH 295) is intended for students who are interested in getting the first exposure to a professional work setting related to Psychology. Students will assist a professional to gain insight and experience they will reflect on and relate to an academic focus. The experience is intended for students early in their degree progress, who may use the experience to clarify long-term interests. Thus, it’s really only appropriate for sophomore (or possibly junior) students.
The final page in this document provides details about the academic requirements of the course.
To get started, students must read this document carefully and complete the attached application in consultation with the desired faculty supervisor. Keep in mind that completing the application is not a guarantee that it will be accepted. It would be best to discuss your interest right away (i.e., before investing work in the application) with a potential faculty supervisor so that you might know that person’s availability and interest.
In completing the application, you might consult the student resources related to internships on the college’s web page. You will be responsible for identifying possible field experience sites and inquiring about their willingness to have you. It is very important that you carefully choose your field experience site. Your goal should be to find a site that provides a meaningful experience that is consistent with your interests and career goals. As part of the supplemental application, you are directed to ask potential field experience site contacts to describe the anticipated activities, experiences, and skills you can expect. This information will be helpful in evaluating the merits of your application.
Prerequisites: Students must have earned at least a C in PSYCH 100 and either PSYCH 270 (for a clinical psychology field experience) or PSYCH 212 (for a developmental psychology field experience).
Credit Hours/Course Limits: PSYCH 295 is available only as a three-credit course. Students are limited to taking one PSYCH 295 course in their academic career.
Timeline
You should begin preparations for the field experience no later than the beginning of the regular semester preceding the anticipated field experience semester. This means that if you want a spring semester field experience, you should begin preparations no later than the beginning of the previous fall semester.
