There are two ways that students can gain experience in the field of Psychology while receiving academic credit through the Psychology Department*:

RESEARCH ASSISTANTSHIP (Independent Study)

Faculty members commonly accept research assistants at the beginning and end of each semester (to begin at the start of the following semester). One way to become involved as a research assistant is to directly contact a faculty member or graduate student whose research you find interesting and ask them if they have any positions available for a research assistant. Please see the core faculty reseach interests for more detailed information on each faculty member's area of focus. There is also a list of available research assistantships posted on a bulletin board near the elevator on the 3rd floor of the Psychology Building. Alternately, research assistantships are also frequently posted on the Psychology listserv. If you are not currently on the listserv please email psycinfo@email.arizona.edu with your first and last name and UA email address to be added to the listserv.

Once a research assistantship has been secured, that faculty member will be your "faculty advisor." If you are working under a graduate student, their faculty advisor will also be your faculty advisor. You must complete an Independent Study Proposal Form AND a Change of Schedule Form before the University deadline to add units in order to receive credit. Work with your faculty advisor to fill out the Independent Study Proposal Form and return it to the Psychology Department Office in Room 312 of the Psychology Building. Have your faculty advisor sign the Change of Schedule Form and then turn it in to the Registrar's Office.

Approximately 45 hours of student work, per unit, is required. Over the course of the semester, this averages out to approximately 3 hours per week for each unit. Some faculty members may be willing to allow students to complete a 1 or 2 unit research assistantship, but many will require a 3 unit commitment. Each faculty member may also have additional requirements. Scheduling and any additional requirements will need to be discussed with your faculty advisor.

Click here for a listing of Psychology Department research labs and their contact information.

PRACTICUM / INTERNSHIP

A practicum / internship is a way for students to get course credit for doing supervised work in the field of Psychology. Students interested in obtaining practicum / internship credit must first secure a practicum / internship site and then the approval and commitment of sponsorship from a member of the Psychology Department’s faculty or advisors. Please see How to Arrange for Practicum / Internship Credit for detailed information.

Approximately 45 hours of student work, per unit, is required. Over the course of the semester, this averages out to approximately 3 hours per week for each unit. Some organizations may be willing to allow students to complete a 1 or 2 unit practicum / internship, but many will require a 3 unit commitment. Each sponsor may also have additional requirements. Scheduling will need to be discussed with your organization and any additional requirements will need to be discussed with your sponsor.

*NOTE: A maximum of 3 units of Psychology independent study, practicum / internship, or preceptorship may be used towards the Psychology major or minor. Any additional units will be counted as elective credit. Freshman and Sophomore students will receive lower division credit (100-200 level) and Junior and Senior students will receive upper division credit (300-400 level). Please note that letter grades are not available for independent study or practicum / internship credit.

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