Internships & Research

Internships

Students can obtain course credit for applied experiences: a practicum experience, clinical-counseling internship, or an industrial-organizational (I/O) internship. In addition, the KU Community Outreach Center can help with volunteer opportunities and the Career Development Center can help with internship opportunities that might help you achieve your future career goals.

Internships are arranged a few weeks before advising and registration. The student is expected to volunteer at the site for a total of 136 hours (9 hours/ week) for 14 weeks during the Fall or Spring semester to earn 3 credits. Summer internships may also be arranged. A student may earn up to 6 credits. In addition, the student will complete required assignments with a psychology faculty supervisor. The site supervisor is to provide feedback on the student’s attendance and performance with the Faculty Supervisor. Contact a psychology faculty member for more information. 

STUDENTS MUST REGISTER PRIOR TO THE EXPERIENCE TO RECEIVE CREDIT. Forms are available in the Psychology Department Office and in the hallway next to the office door, as well as online.

Internship Request Form

  • Practicum (PSY 305) 1-3 credits

    This is a supervised practicum in an approved research or applied setting that may be on- or off-campus. Experiences might include, but are not limited to, working as a research assistant in a laboratory or other facility, volunteer work for a service organization or government agency, or work with a school district. This practicum is not designed for activities related to the provision of clinical/counseling or I/O services to agencies and businesses. Early in the semester prior to the practicum, the student, with the help of the faculty supervisor, must contact the site and develop a proposal outlining the work location and the anticipated practicum activities. The proposal must be approved before the student can register for the course.

    PREREQUISITES: PSY011, junior or senior standing, 12 or more credits of PSY, QPA of 2.5 or permission of instructor, approval of the Department Chair and the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Course may be repeated for credit, up to a maximum of 6 credits.

    Practicum (PSY 305)

  • Clinical Internship (PSY 363) 3-6 credits

    This is a supervised internship at agencies and organizations offering clinical/counseling services. Students work with clients and gain experience in diagnosis, interviewing, counseling, running support groups, and other clinical services under supervision.

    PREREQUISITES: Minimum grade of C in Psy 11 and Psy 200, Completion of 12 credits in Psychology, and QPA 2.5 or higher.

    Clinical Internship (PSY 363)

    Site Example Experience
    KidsPeace Assessment and evaluation of children and adolescents; participation in treatment groups
    Youth Valley House Working with troubled adolescents; implementing treatment plans under supervision.
  • Industrial Organizational Internship (PSY 362) 3-6 credits

    (Contact Dr. Stoffey 610-683-1365 or Dr. Baranczyk, 610-683-4459)

    This is an academically-based, supervised work experience designed to apply theory to practice. Students will have the opportunity to interact with professionals in their area of interest, develop the communication skills needed in their field, and begin to build a strong resume and references. This experience will provide not only career focus but also increased self-confidence and maturity.

    PREREQUISITES: PSY 011 and PSY 220, QPA 2.5 or higher (8-16 contact hours, 3-6 semester hours).

    Site Example Experience
    Lucent Technologies Writing programs using SPSS and managing data files for evaluating training programs sponsored by Microelectronics International University, Lucent Tech.
    PsyCor, Inc. Content analysis of survey data; using SPSS to analyze data; scoring services for pre-employment testing; assisting in training programs in the area of performance management and goal-setting.