Internships in Psychology

Psychology Internships

An internship is a significant opportunity offered in the undergraduate psychology program at Salem State. The internship experience and the supervision provided by both a faculty member and an internship site supervisor allows students to gain knowledge about a specific area of interest in psychology, narrow career choices, clarify career goals, and learn more about where they might (or might not) want to work. After completing an internship many of our students have the added benefit of being recruited for paid, non-internship positions in their internship settings.

Internships

Internship Courses

Internship Preparation (PSY 519)

This course will guide students through the process of identifying internship sites of interest, preparing internship applications and acceptance documents, securing an appropriate internship placement and fostering the development of the knowledge, skills and abilities pertinent to successful internship placement.

Internship in Psychology (PSY 520)

This internship gives the student an opportunity to apply psychology in community, institutional, and business settings. Through this field experience the student explores career options, gains practical experience and skills, and makes contacts with potential employers. The specific type of internship setting will be determined by the student’s interests and by the availability of placements. Open to Psychology majors with at least a 3.0 GPA in Psychology who have completed 24 credits in Psychology. This course may be repeated for additional credits.

Applied Behavior Analysis Internship (PSY 521)

This internship provides an opportunity to apply behavior analysis in community, institutional or business field settings. The student explores career options, gains practical experience and skills, and produces written products that synthesize experiences with readings in the area. The specific setting is determined by the student’s interests and by the availability of placements.

 

How to Apply

  1. Identify and investigate sites of interest.
  2. Print forms I - V.
  3. Submit Form I to faculty sponsor.
  4. Site supervisor complete Form II and Form III.
  5. Meet with faculty sponsor and complete Form IV and Form V.
  6. Submit Form V to psychology department chairperson for signature.
  7. Submit signed Form V to registrar to officially register for PSY 520/521.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find an appropriate internship setting?

You are responsible for finding an internship placement. The psychology faculty will assist you. You may choose to enroll in the internship preparation course (PSY519) to help with the process. See our list of potential internship placement sites.

How do I find a faculty sponsor?

All full-time psychology faculty members can serve as a faculty sponsor. Speak with your academic advisor for help in identifying a faculty sponsor.

When do I need to begin the process?

You should begin the process of applying for an internship the semester prior to beginning the internship.

What time commitments are expected of me during my internship?

Undergraduate interns are expected to complete 120 hours in the internship, meet 30 minutes each week with their site supervisor and meet regularly with their faculty sponsor.

How do I register for Internship in Psychology (PSY520)?
After all forms are completed and approved by your faculty sponsor, forms are submitted to the department chair for approval. Form V is then submitted to the registrar by the student.

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