Field Placements (PSY 493)

Field Study General Information

Field Study (PSY 493) provides an opportunity to apply knowledge, skills and attitudes from your coursework as a Psychology major.  Students gain valuable work experience and skills, experience a specific type of work and work setting, and build their job search network.  Those who plan to join the workforce after graduation gain experiences they can reference on their resume and in job interviews.  In addition, Field Study supervisors may serve as references, and in some circumstances may be able to facilitate the student’s hire into the organization.  Those who plan to apply to graduate school obtain “real world” experience and explore how different disciplines engage in clinical care and healthcare management, which may inform their graduate school plans.  In addition, Field Study experiences can strengthen a graduate school application, particularly if they align with the graduate program’s focus.

Field Study Enrollment Process

Although many psychology majors seek Field Study in behavioral health settings, we encourage students to consider a broad range of opportunities.  Knowledge of psychology concepts and basic research processes are important in many fields, including marketing, human resources, child development, education, program development and evaluation, research programs, and others.

Students who have jobs may be able to count employment hours towards Field Study requirements. They must obtain approval from the Field Study Coordinator, and ensure the employer is willing to engage in Field Study communications (e.g., check in with coordinator, provide performance feedback).  Students must complete all additional Field Study requirements to obtain course credit.  

Students are responsible for finding a Field Study site.   Students who express interest in Field Study (interest form available HERE) will receive a list of established Field Study sites from prior semesters.  They are encouraged to contact the Career Center to explore additional opportunities, and to use their social network and online searches to find potential sites.  Ideally, students communicate with the Field Study Coordinator throughout the application process.

Before applying to sites, we recommend students contact the Career Center to edit their resume and cover letters. They might also attend educational programming regarding interview processes and other skills that will facilitate the Field Study site search.  In addition, students who express interest in Field Study are expected to check email every few days to ensure they are aware of opportunities and can respond to Field Study Coordinator communications in a timely manner.  

When students obtain interviews, they must tell the organization that they plan to use the experience as part of Field Study.  Supervisors should be informed of required communications with the Field Study course coordinator (mid and end of semester feedback).   They also should clarify the number of hours they need for course credit (135 hours over the course of the semester for 3 hours course credit) 

Once a Field Study position is obtained, students must notify the Field Study Coordinator as soon as possible, sharing the name of the organization, information about the role they will play, and the supervisor’s name and email address.   After they have submitted this information, the student will be instructed how to register for the Field Study course.  Students CAN NOT register for the Field Study course without departmental approval.  Therefore it is very important that students collaborate with the Field Study coordinator to successfully register for the course. 

Field Study Requirements

  • Complete 135 hours of service at the Field Study site
  • Engage in a 2-hour onboarding session at the beginning of the semester
  • Submit goals for the Field Study experience within the first three weeks of the semester (or as negotiated with Field Study Coordinator if start date delayed)
  • Register for and attend monthly check-ins with the Field Study coordinator
  • Facilitate a mid-semester and end of semester meeting between the Field Study coordinator and site supervisor
  • Write a “job description” of site role, due one month before the end of the semester
  • Complete a small project designed in collaboration with the site supervisor and approved by the Field Study Coordinator
  • Write a paper and/or presentation describing the project.  Required elements depend on the project, but generally include a description of the issue addressed by the project, the project itself, outcomes and recommendation for follow up projects.  In addition, students must discuss their experience vis a vis the goals they set for themselves earlier in the semester.  The paper is due on a date agreed upon by the Field Study Coordinator and the Student.

All students are expected to engage in professional behavior during their Field Study placement.  Any issues with professional behavior, as identified by the site supervisor or Field Study coordinator may result in dismissal from the Field Study course

Interested?  Express your interest HERE and you will receive information about current opportunities within the next two weeks.