The Department of Psychology offers students the chance to learn by doing. Through a variety of activities, they learn to approach the study of behavior scientifically, developing an understanding of how psychologists do research and how that research contributes to our understanding of human and animal behavior. As a result, our students are prepared for a wealth of career options. In addition to positions as psychologists, counselors, and social workers, our alumni find jobs in many other fields, including education, finance, management, and law.
Before graduation many of our students take advantage of the department's internship opportunities, in schools, mental health centers, and other institutions. Through these internships they not only apply the theory they've learned in the classroom but gain practical experience that is invaluable for their future careers.
You can download the internship application from http://www.ithaca.edu/hs/resources/docs/formsfolder/internapplic/.
An important feature of our department is our research team program. In this program groups of students and a faculty member conduct programmatic research in such areas as environmental psychology, media effects, adolescence and aging, neuroscience, cognitive development, and motivation and humor. This close collaboration and practical experience can also open doors for students after graduation.
You can also engage in independent research. You can download the independent research application from http://www.ithaca.edu/hs/resources/docs/formsfolder/indepstudapplic/.
Psychology students regularly attend conferences where they present the results of their own research. Over the years, students have presented their work at such forums as American Psychological Association and American Psychological Society conventions, the Eastern Colleges Science Conference, and the National Conference on Undergraduate Research.
Senior psychology students Andrew Cummings and Erin Tooley recently received a research grant from Psi Chi, the national honor society in psychology. Their project is entitled "The Effects of Plant Viewing on Well-Being and Cognitive Performance." Psi Chi awarded only 18 grants nationwide on a competitive basis.
There is usually a collection of different psychological experiments underway during the semester. If you are interested in participating, you can sign up online. Most studies take place in laboratories on campus, but some may be available online.
Explore the system at http://ithaca.sona-systems.com.
