Individualized Instruction
These options for individualized instruction in the psychological science program help students gain hands-on experience and the knowledge they need to succeed in the field. These opportunities also give students the chance to develop relationships with our knowledgeable faculty.
- Projects and Research
PSY 2800/4800/4910
Projects and Research is for students who want to gain research experience.
PSY 2800 is for minors and/or majors who have not completed the statistics/methodology sequence.
PSY 4800 is for majors who have completed the statistics/methodology sequence.
PSY 4910 is a two-semester sequence for students pursuing original research with faculty supervision.
Any projects and research course requires a faculty mentor and a signed contract outlining the terms of your supervision. Your faculty mentor will discuss the credit hours and details of your work expectations. The signed contract is submitted to the department administrative specialist, who will then give you instructions on how to register for the course.
- Directed Readings
PSY 2830/4830
Directed readings is for students who want to investigate a topic of particular interest. The topic is one that you and a faculty mentor agree upon and it may involve, for example, an in-depth exploration of a theory/concept covered in a course.
PSY 2830 is for minors and/or majors who have not completed the statistics/methodology sequence.
PSY 4830 is for majors who have completed the statistics/methodology sequence.
Any directed readings course requires a faculty mentor and a signed contract outlining the terms of your supervision. Your faculty mentor will discuss the credit hours and details of your work expectations. The signed contract is submitted to the department administrative specialist, who will then give you instructions on how to register for the course.
- Practicum
PSY 2860/4860
Practicum is for students who want to be placed in the college classroom as a teaching assistant (TA) or in state/community agencies for the purpose of getting supervised practice in application of psychological skills and knowledge. Practicum sites vary from term to term but have included Youth Impact, OUTReach Resource Center, Treehouse Museum, United Way and WSU introductory psychology classes.
PSY 2860 is for students who are working as peer mentors subsequent to completion of PSY 2020, Mental Health Awareness.
PSY 4860 is for majors who have completed at least 18 PSY credits and have a PSY GPA of at least 3.0. Specific sites may have additional requirements.
Application deadlines are early April for fall semester and early November for spring semester. The practicum committee reviews applications and interviews finalists. If approved, your faculty supervisor will discuss the credit hours and details of your work expectations. The signed contract is submitted to the department administrative specialist, who will then give you instructions on how to register for the course.
Spring 2025 Practicum Information
General Requirements
- 18 Psychology Credits (3 from PSY 1010). Note additional course requirements specific to each situation.
- PSY GPA of 3.0 or higher
Practicum Sites
- Ogden Pride: Students will have the opportunity to participate in the Youth OUTreach Program, engage in advocacy for the LGBTQ+ population, and/or assist with other Ogden Pride projects. Attendance at youth events on the 1st and 3rd Friday evenings of each month is required. Additional prerequisites are: 1) PSY 3000 (Child Psychology) or PSY 3140 (Adolescent Psychology), and/or 2) PSY 3010 (Psychopathology) or PSY 3020 (Child & Adolescent Psychopathology). Students will meet weekly (time TBA) with Dr. Kay. Supervised by Teri Kay.
- Teaching Assistant – Students will be assigned as a Teaching Assistant in an Introductory Psychology course, and will be expected to attend those classes and provide review/study sessions for those students. Students are expected to work and collaborate with the professor for the course. Students will meet weekly with Dr. Zhao (time TBA) to review strategies associated with effective teaching and learning. Student must have taken PSY 1010 within the last five years with a grade of at least A-. Supervised by Xin Zhao.
- Youth Impact After School Program – Students will learn about activities and environments that foster positive youth development (PYD). Students will have the opportunity to teach K-12 youth academic strategies, social skills, and mindfulness practices in an after-school program. Students may help with community food pantry and learn more about how non-profits are run. Students will meet weekly as a cohort with Dr. Watts (TBA). Additional prerequisites are the completion of at least one of the following courses: PSY 3000 (Child Psychology), 3140 (Adolescent Psychology), or 3020 (Child & Adolescent Psychopathology). Supervised by Vanessa Watts.
The practicum application (due by NOVEMBER 11, before midnight) requires the following: W#, cumulative GPA, relevant coursework, relevant volunteer/work experience, a personal statement of interests. Faculty will schedule an interview. Work at a site with children requires a background check. If selected for a practicum placement, registration is coordinated with the department administrative specialistaliciaguthrie1@weber.edu.
- Co-op Work Experience
PSY 2890/4890
Co-op work experience provides academic credit for on-the-job learning experience. Learning experiences are outlined in a learning contract and your work is supervised by the department chair.
If approved, the department administrative specialist will give you instructions on how to register for the course.