Hands-on Learning
Numerous experiential learning opportunities await students pursuing a degree in psychology at SIUE. Research has shown that these types of experiences greatly enhance learning and benefit students in many ways.
The Department of Psychology offers several opportunities to engage in these high-impact practices through different courses:
- To enhance research skills, and in preparation for graduate study or employment, students often collaborate with professors in their research labs through the course PSYC 491 Research and Experiential Learning. In addition to conducting research studies, some students get involved by presenting research at psychology conferences, engaging in other forms of science communication, or getting involved in other service-learning projects. Many faculty offer the PSYC 491 experience in conjunction with the Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (URCA) program. URCA Assistants assist faculty with their research with the additional benefits of receiving university recognition for this activity and possibly a monetary stipend.
- Students may also apply for internship opportunities by enrolling in the course PSYC 493 Field Study in Psychology. There are field study opportunities related to clinical psychology, school psychology, industrial/organizational psychology, and other areas of psychology.
- For those interested in obtaining teaching experience, students can take the course PSYC 496 Undergraduate Teaching Assistantship in Psychology. Students enrolled in PSYC 496 help an instructor teach and manage a psychology course.
- All students complete a research project through senior assignment before graduating. They can either do this as part of a group in the course PSYC 494 Capstone Seminar in Psychology or individually as part of the Department of Psychology’s Robert J. McLaughlin Honors Academy.
Experiential learning beyond the classroom is also encouraged:
- By joining the Psychology Club, students can get to know others interested in psychology by participating in academic, service and social events.
- The local chapter of Psi Chi (The International Honor Society in Psychology) also organizes opportunities related to academic engagement, volunteerism and socializing.
- Each year, the Department of Psychology hosts a psychology-themed speaker through the Dreikurs Visiting Scholar program and students have the opportunity to interact with each speaker in different ways.
- Additional experiential learning opportunities outside the classroom include a psychology-focused book club, graduate school boot camp and Psiathlon (a 5K run to raise funds for local charities).
