What is a psychology internship?
Students engaged in a psychology internship will simultaneously take PSY 4940 Internship in Psychology, a course designed to integrate practical experience in the workplace with academic theory. A psychology internship:
- Enables you to participate in a psychological setting in a “hands-on” capacity by working in that setting.
- Allows you to apply learned concepts and methods while under the direction of faculty and on-site supervisors.
- Allows you to explore career options or obtain career-related professional work experience before graduating.
Why is a psychology internship helpful?
A psychology internship provides “experiential learning” — engaging skill and understanding beyond classroom theory and knowledge. In some cases, an internship may even be paid.
Other benefits include:
- Serving the community.
- Invaluable experience for today’s job market.
- A boost if you’re interested in applying for graduate school.
- Increased confidence in professional interactions.
- Academic credit and fulfilling psychology course requirements.
When am I eligible for a psychology internship?
You may participate in the internship program as a junior or senior Psychology major, after completing at least one quarter (12 credits) as a matriculated SPU student. However, internships are designed to be an advanced experience that builds on course preparation in psychology. For example, if you seek a placement working with the mentally ill, you should have successfully completed PSY 4460 Psychological Disorders.
What are the criteria for an internship?
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An internship setting and the activities you perform must be psychological in nature.
- Your work must be overseen by an on-site supervisor who has successfully completed graduate training in a relevant psychological field.
- You must meet with your on-site supervisor at least 30 minutes per week.
- Your supervisor must agree to provide ongoing formative evaluations and a formal final evaluation of your work.
- The site must provide at least five hours of experiential learning per week.
What kinds of psychology internships are available?
There are countless types of internships in psychology. They can be related to counseling or social services, human resource programs in organizations, psychological interventions in educational settings, evaluation research programs, and more.
Pick up the current list of internship sites from Dr. Marcia Webb, director of internships, or find a list at the bottom of the Learning Contract page. If you do not find one that fits your interests, the Center for Career and Calling and the School of Psychology, Family, and Community will work with you to find one that does.
What if I am already working?
You may be able to turn your present position into a psychology internship experience. Make an appointment with Dr. Marcia Webb, director of internships. Please note, though, that you may not receive credit retroactively for work already completed.
Are internship sites competitive?
You may or may not be competing with other students to obtain a position in any particular site. A career counselor can assist you in putting together a resume and preparing you for a professional interview.
How many credits may I earn in an internship?
You may earn 1–5 credits of psychology internship per quarter. Academic expectations and number of on-site hours vary with the number of credits taken. However, the minimum hours at any internship site are five hours per week.
- 5 hours a week = 1–2 credits
- 7.5 hours a week = 3 credits
- 10 hours a week = 4 credits
- 12.5 hours a week = 5 credits