Along with experiential learning in the lab, undergraduate students can complete research apprenticeships, independent study, a senior thesis, and psychology internships at esteemed institutions like NIH, Children’s National Medical Center, and the Washington VA Medical Center, among others.

Research Apprenticeships

Research Apprenticeship, PSY 493, is a 1-credit course for students who wish to get research experience by assisting a faculty member for 4 to 5 hours a week with an ongoing research project, thus learning about research through a "hands on" experience supervised by the professor. Interested students may contact individual faculty about available research opportunities. A departmental “Independent Study Form” (available from the Psychology Office in 314 O’Boyle) must be completed and signed by the relevant faculty member and the Director of Undergraduate Studies in order to have permission to register.

Research Apprenticeships may also be conducted with off-campus researcher supervisors (e.g., Washington VA, NIH); see the Undergraduate Director for information and forms.

Students who take PSY 493 for three semesters will have the three 1-credit classes sum to create a course in their major that will count towards graduation requirements (i.e., as an elective course in Psychology).

Independent Study

Independent Study, PSY 594, is available to students who have completed Psychology 322 and 350 and who have obtained permission from a faculty research mentor. Students pursue an original empirical research project with faculty advice and guidance or have substantial involvement in a faculty member's current research.

Senior Thesis

Senior Thesis (PSY 496, taken both fall and spring semesters) is an intensive year-long independent research project for seniors with at least a 3.70 GPA and prior research experience, carried out in close supervision and collaboration with a faculty mentor and resulting in a final written thesis. This experience is by departmental consent only; interested students should contact a potential faculty supervisor before the end of junior year.    

Psychology Internships and Research Opportunities

See our research website for a list of potential internship and research opportunities in the area.