Independent Studies - Research

Independent studies are important for students planning to apply for graduate school. This experience gives students great opportunities to work with faculty in the research environment. Research credit can be earned through PSY 490/491 or it can be done as a volunteer.



How to Locate Psychology Research Opportunities
There are opportunities in the Department of Psychology for students to get involved in research in a faculty member's lab, either as a volunteer or for credit (via PSY 490 or PSY 491). The following are ways to identify these opportunities:

• View Listings on the Psychology website: Click on an individual study to learn more about it: IndependentStudy.aspx

• Read through the "Independent Studies" Notebook in the Advising Library (100 PSY Building): This notebook contains listings of available independent studies. Many of these listings may also be listed on the Psychology website.

• Contacting Faculty to Learn of Additional Independent Study Opportunities: You can identify which faculty members are doing research in an area of interest to you. Click on the orange "Research Topic" button on the menu column to the left. Click on each faculty to learn more about their particular research. For each one that provides a "vita" (extensive resume) link, open the link to learn more about that faculty member's background, research and recently published articles. After reviewing their information, contact those that you are most interested in.


Department of Psychology Internship Program (PSY 381/382)

HUMAN SERVICES INTERNSHIP, PSY 381 AND PSY 382 (9 - 15 cr. total) This course is designed for the student planning for a career working directly with people in need. It teaches you how to effectively help people in direct-service situations, whether through non-profit organizations (e.g., homeless shelters, domestic abuse programs, refugee services, foster care services) or government jobs (e.g., child protective services, welfare office). The class uses lectures, discussions, guest speakers, videos, homework, in class assignments, and tests to enhance your understanding of the material. Attendance is extremely important and will be strictly enforced. This course is a two semester commitment and students must agree to sign up for both semesters in order to be allowed into the course.

Psychology Internship Brochure

Psychology Internship Application

BUSINESS PSYCHOLOGY INTERNSHIP, PSY 382 (6-12 cr.) In this course, students complete an internship related to Industrial/Organizational Psychology. As a prerequisite for the internship, students are required to complete PSY 255 so they have background knowledge of the factors relevant to improving organizational performance. Additionally, students are required to attend three orientation sessions in the spring semester prior to the internship which is completed in the summer. All academic assignments for the course are completed online.

Psychology Business Internship Brochure

Psychology Business Internship Application

Psychology Practicum Series (PSY 371/372)

Practicums provide another opportunity to gain valuable experience. They require a consecutive, two-semester commitment. To receive credit, both semesters must be completed satisfactorily. Practicum openings fill quickly, so contact the instructor early for details on the screening procedure. Practicums are popular choices, but they require substantial commitment. It is important that you understand the demands of the project before you begin. An absolute minimum number of hours toward the project will be expected.

Current Available Practicum: https://www.msu.edu/course/psy/371/psy371.html


College of Social Science Study Away Programs

The MSU Semester Study Program in Washington, DC (fall or spring semester)

For more information, e-mail: dcstudy@ssc.msu.edu Web site: socialscience.msu.edu/dcprogram

The MSU Study and Internship Program in Hawaii (summer semester)

For more information, e-mail: hawaiistudy@ssc.msu.edu Web site: socialscience.msu.edu/hawaii


College of Social Science Internship Program (SSC 493)

All Social Science majors should consider gaining practical experience during their undergraduate studies. An internship is an excellent way to explore specific careers and validate your interests and abilities. Through an internship you can learn valuable job search and career exploration techniques, develop job related skills, and frequently make contacts that will be useful in securing a professional position. The College of Social Science Internship Program assists juniors and seniors with securing local, state, and nationwide internships within government, industry, and public sector organizations. In the past, internships have included: assisting staff in alcohol and substance abuse counseling, providing job counseling and referrals, researching arbitration decisions for the personnel offices of various organizations, analyzing state and federal legislation pertaining to constituent needs, and gaining clinical experience at various community service and psychiatric agencies.

To be eligible to enroll in the College of Social Science Internship Program you must have completed your freshman and sophomore year. In addition, a research methods course and 16 credits of social science courses must be completed. Internships generally run a minimum of fifteen weeks, give variable credit and may occur in any semester. A time commitment of three hours per week for each credit earned is required. College credit is awarded after successful completion of the internship assignment, written academic work, and favorable performance evaluations from on-site sponsors and participating faculty. For more information on the College of Social Science Internship Program call the College Internship Office (phone: 353-6676).


College Restrictions on Experiential Learning

The total of independent study, practicum, internship, and field experience credits may not exceed 20 credits combined. Participation in PSY 371 (4 cr.) and PSY 381 (3 cr.) will NOT be counted against this limit. If you have any questions, contact your advisor.

• A maximum of 12 credits of independent study may be applied toward the degree.

• A maximum of 12 credits in internship, field experience, and practicum courses combined may be applied toward the degree.


Study Abroad for Psychology Majors

Why Should I Study Abroad?

Michigan State University is a national leader in Study Abroad. There are a wide variety of study abroad programs that students participate in. Study abroad provides important experiences that can help you develop the personal, academic, and professional skills you'll need to succeed. A study abroad experience can improve your academic and professional career prospects; it can also be your entry into your field's international community.

What Types of Programs are Available to Me?

MSU currently offers over 150 Study Abroad programs. Psychology majors can study abroad in a variety of settings while completing course work in their major and/or earning general education and elective credits.

Programs are available throughout the year, ranging in length from two weeks to a full academic year. While some require that you already speak a foreign language, most have no such requirement and courses are taught in English. Many programs are accompanied by an MSU faculty member; others allow you to enroll directly in a foreign university. These integrated classroom programs work especially well if you plan to take courses in your major during study abroad. In all cases, MSU's Office of Study Abroad works with representatives on site to ensure students receive the support they need.

Would You Like to Learn More About Study Abroad and the Resources Available to You?

• For a full listing of study abroad opportunities, including study abroad programs offered by other U.S. institutions...visit the Office of Study Abroad in Room 109 International Center

• Talk with a study abroad peer advisor in Room 107 International Center

• Look through the MSU study abroad catalog

• Log-on to the MSU study abroad web site at: studyabroad.msu.edu/


Student Groups

PSI CHI

PSI CHI is the national honor society for Psychology students. Nominations are automatic, based on spring Semester enrollment. Criteria for nomination to the MSU chapter are:
• Completion of a minimum of 9 numerically graded Psychology credits at MSU & 56 credits
• Top 35% of your class at MSU and Psychology GPA of no lower than 3.0.

Each year students are nominated for membership in the National organization and the active chapter at M.S.U. Every spring semester there is an induction ceremony and election of officers. We look forward to an active group of students in the coming year. For more information, please contact Brent Donnellan at donnel59@msu.edu.


PSI CHI Spring Meetings – All meetings are held on Wednesday at 7:00pm in Room 120 Psychology Building.

February 13, 2013 – Interviewing Skills

February 27, 2013 – Resume Writing

March 20, 2013 – Elections and Clinical Speaker

April 3, 2013 – Research Fair



Psychology Club

Psychology Club is for anyone with an interest in psychology. There are a broad range of careers that are influenced by concepts in psychology. As a member of Psychology Club, you will have many opportunities to engage and learn more about psychology through service, speakers, and fun! We are very interested in receiving feedback and suggestions on how to improve club experiences. Please send an email to psyclub@msu.edu to receive more information about the club.

www.msu.edu/~psyclub


PSY Club Spring Meetings – All meetings are held on Tuesday at 7:00pm in Room 119 Psychology Building.

January 22, 2013 – Depression

February 5, 2013 – Bowling at the Union

February 19, 2013 – School Social Work, Mr. Barker - Lansing Public Schools

March 19, 2013 – Psychology Human Service Internship Program, Dr. Adrienne Adams

April 2, 2013 – Elections

April 16, 2013 – End of the Year Party



Volunteering

Why not explore your interests. Discover what you like to do and possibly what you do not want to do by volunteering a little of your time each week, beginning with your freshman year. While this experience may not lead to academic credit, you should consider the broad opportunities available to you through the Service-Learning Center. Visit them in Room 27 Student Services Building, or at their website, www.servicelearning.msu.edu . They have information on over 500 opportunities - local, national, and international.