What is it?

The senior internship within the psychology major is designed to be a work experience outside the normal academic setting or classroom. The internship is a valuable opportunity for the student to apply the principles of psychology that they have learned to a real life experience. The internship can take place in a variety of settings including businesses, human service agencies, volunteer organizations, government or public settings, schools, group homes, and so on. Recent internships have been completed at various locations including area schools, Catholic Charities, Anna Marie’s Alliance, Central Minnesota Sexual Assault Center, and the Behavior Health Clinic. The internship is designed to be a rigorous and intense experience for the student, not only contributing to his or her liberal arts education, but also allowing the intern to take a first step into the professional world of psychology.

The following points outline the typical requirements for an internship in psychology. These are guidelines and the specific requirements for each internship are decided by the student and the faculty moderator.

• The setting is approved by a faculty moderator and the department chairperson.
• The internship involves explicit application of the principles of psychology as agreed upon by the moderator, department chairperson, and student.
• The student is supervised by a professional within the setting familiar with the basic principles of psychology.
• The internship involves a comparable time commitment from the student as would be expected for the same number of classroom credits, to be agreed upon by the moderator, department chairperson, setting supervisor, and the student.
• The student keeps a daily journal of his/her activities.
• The student carries out a research/intervention project within the internship setting, to be approved by the moderator and department chairperson. At the conclusion of the internship the student writes an 8-12 page report on the research/intervention.
• The student writes a 3-5 page summary of the internship experience.
• The student complies with all procedures as outlined by the colleges' Director of Internships.

What are the benefits?

Although an internship does not count for a senior capstone course, the benefits of such an experience are vast. Interns are able to gain valuable hands-on experience in the field, network with professionals beyond campus, and develop a clear understanding of a potential future career path.

Who is eligible?

Students with junior or senior standing and 20 completed credits in psychology.

What do I need to do to take advantage of this opportunity?

If you are interested in completing an internship, you are responsible for finding your own internship in an area that is meaningful to you. This search should begin at least one semester before you intend to participate. During this stage, you should meet with the internship office. They will direct you to various resources to help you in your search. The Internship will direct you through the paperwork involved to register for an internship as well. You will also need to attend a legal seminar prior to beginning your internship. If your internship is taken for credit, you will need to find a faculty moderator in the psychology department. This should be done after you find your internship.

NOTE: The internship (PSYCH 397) can be taken for 2-8 credits. The moderator, chairperson, and you decide on what above requirements you must meet in direct accordance to the credit you will receive. A student may do more than one internship, but can only receive up to 8 total credits.