research opportunities ucsc psychology

• University Home

Search form

Undergraduate research opportunities.

• Research Ethics
• Preparing for Undergraduate Research
• UCSC Divisions
• UCSC Academic Options
• The Independent Project Option
• Join a Lab or Research Group
• Examples of Emails to Professors
• Other Research Opportunities
• STEM Summer Research
• UCSC Undergraduate Research Awards
• Application Tips & Deadlines
• What's Next?

Psychology Department Advanced Research

The Advanced Research course allows you to work as an undergraduate research assistant in current faculty research projects. This is an excellent opportunity to develop your research skills and to work with faculty personally. If you are interested in a research career or planning to go to graduate school, we recommend that you take advantage of this course. Try to become involved in a professor's research by your junior year. There are three areas of research available:

• 194A: Advanced Developmental Research
• 194B: Advanced Cognitive Research
• 194C: Advanced Social Research

These courses are not sequential. Each is 5 credits and may be repeated for credit. Students petition every quarter for credit. To view current 194 research postings click https://psychology.ucsc.edu/undergraduate/educational-opportunities/194-openings.html .

Keywords: psychology; cognitive; developmental; social; credit; 194; research skills; fall quarter; winter quarter; spring quarter

Contact: Ernestina Avila-Estrada or Kathy Gordon

https://psychology.ucsc.edu/undergraduate/educational-opportunities/undergrad-research.html

University of California Santa Cruz, 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95064

© 2024 The Regents of the University of California. All Rights Reserved.

Privacy Policy and Terms of Use

• Welcome to UC Santa Cruz
• Introducing UC Santa Cruz
• Academic Programs
• Arts Division
• Humanities Division
• Physical and Biological Sciences Division
• Baskin School of Engineering
• Anthropology
• Community Studies
• Environmental Studies
• Latin American and Latino Studies

Psychology B.A.

Cognitive science b.s..

• Psychology Ph.D.
• The Colleges
• Physical Education
• Undergraduate Information
• Graduate Information
• Resources, Residency, and Policies
• Teaching and Administrative Staff
• Academic Calendar
• Catalogs Prior to 2019-20
• Catalog Home
• All Catalogs

2020-21 UCSC General Catalog > Academic Units > Social Sciences Division > Psychology

273 Social Sciences 2 Building (831) 459-2002

https://psychology.ucsc.edu/

Programs Offered

Psychology B.A. Cognitive Sciences B.S. Psychology Ph.D.

Undergraduate Program

Psychology majors at UC Santa Cruz are introduced to theory and scientific research in the field. Students begin with lower-division courses that include introductory psychology, precalculus, statistics, introduction to developmental psychology, and introduction to cognition. Majors take a total of eight upper-division courses. These include Psychology 100, Research Methods in Psychology; six courses in the four areas of psychology—developmental, cognitive, social, and clinical-personality psychology; and one upper-division course outside the major from an approved list.

Cognitive psychology focuses on topics such as perception; brain and behavior; motor control; learning and memory; attention; problem solving; judgment and decision making; psycholinguistics; computational modeling, and human-computer interaction. Our cognitive psychologists extend traditional boundaries in the study of cognition to encompass bodies, physical environments, sociocultural contexts, and information technologies. Social psychology involves the study of persons embedded within social contexts. Social psychology courses at UC Santa Cruz are organized around themes of social justice. Developmental psychology is concerned with processes of cognitive, language, social, emotional, and personality development across the life span. Additionally, both developmental and social psychology are concerned with issues of diversity including race, ethnicity, culture, gender, sexual identity, social class, and family structure. Clinical-personality psychology focuses on issues of individual traits, psychological distress, well-being, and adjustment.

In addition to the general psychology major, an intensive major (described as a concentration in the Psychology B.A. program statement) is also available. Students primarily interested in clinical and counseling psychology should realize that training in these areas does not occur at the undergraduate level but requires professional training through an advanced degree. UC Santa Cruz does not offer advanced degrees in clinical or counseling psychology.

Students are encouraged to carry out research projects. Interested psychology majors will find research opportunities in courses, as research assistants in faculty members’ research programs, or through faculty-sponsored independent study. This research may be carried out in specialized research laboratories or in the field. Students usually join an ongoing project in which a faculty member is engaged. Students who are especially interested in a career involving empirical research should become involved in a professor’s ongoing research by their junior year. For a list of current research projects go to  https://psychology.ucsc.edu/undergraduate/educational-opportunities/194-openings.html .

Cognitive science focuses on achieving a scientific understanding of how human cognition works. Its subject matter encompasses cognitive functions (such as memory and perception), the structure and use of human language, the evolution of the mind, artificial intelligence, and more.

The cognitive science degree provides a strong grounding in the principles of cognition through courses in cognitive psychology, and, in addition, provides breadth in the interdisciplinary aspects of cognitive science such as anthropology, linguistics, biology, philosophy, and computer science. Graduates will be well prepared for advanced training in research fields of cognitive psychology and cognitive neuroscience, technology industries such as human-computer interaction, and health fields, such as the treatment of brain disorders.

The cognitive science major is intended for students wishing to enter doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) programs in cognitive psychology, cognitive science, or cognitive neuroscience to pursue careers in research; enter the field of public health to work with individuals with neurological disorders or learning disabilities; to enter the field of human-computer interaction design; or pursue other related careers.

Graduate Program

The psychology program offers three areas of specialization leading to the doctoral degree: cognitive, developmental, and social psychology. The program prepares students for research, teaching, and administrative positions in colleges and universities as well as for positions in schools, government, and other public and private institutions. Each student is primarily associated with one of the three research areas and participates in the courses and research forums sponsored by the faculty in that area. The program requires full-time enrollment as a graduate student. Although applicants for a master’s degree are not accepted, students in the doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) program may obtain a master of science (M.S.) degree by fulfilling specific requirements. Note that the program does not offer courses, training, or supervision in clinical psychology.

The cognitive psychology graduate program focuses on research of "Minds, Brains, and Beyond," offering a blend of traditional topics and new directions in cognitive science. With core strengths in language, memory and perception,  we are exploring topics such as: language and discourse comprehension and production; reading; speech; natural language use in conversation; mechanisms of remembering and forgetting; creative cognition; cognitive offloading and transactive memory; human performance, information processing, and computational cognitive modeling; working memory and executive control; visual psychophysics; face perception; sensory integration; perception in virtual reality; cognitive and computational neuroscience; perceptual decision-making, attention, and awareness. Our graduates find careers in academia, tech industries, and more.

The developmental psychology graduate program focuses on research that integrates cultural, interpersonal, and individual aspects of human development. We focus especially on issues of diversity in relation to culture, ethnicity, race, gender, sexuality, and social economic opportunity as people engage across contexts of family, peers, school, community, technology, and media. Among the topics studied are: moral and emotional development; neurodiversity; language and cognitive development; learning through observation and social interaction; children and playable media; personal and social identities; family and peer relationships; communication technologies; prejudice and discrimination; gender development; adolescent development; the transition to adulthood; school climate and motivation; and diversity issues in university outreach programs. Several of our faculty carry out research in cultural communities outside the U.S. and collaborate with faculty in the U.S. and other Nations. At UCSC, our interdisciplinary collaborations with other programs (such as computer engineering, computational media, education, Latin American/Latino studies, linguistics, and philosophy) help nurture students’ research and prepare them for a wide variety of careers. Graduates of our program have accepted positions in academia, research institutes, and community and non-profit organizations.

The social psychology graduate program at UC Santa Cruz has a unique mission and focus. We use Kurt Lewin’s model of “full-cycle” social psychology (theory-application-action) to study a broad range of topics related to social justice. In this way, knowledge gained in action-oriented research leads, in turn, to the development of new theory. Accordingly, our students learn to apply psychological theories and data to the analysis and solution of a wide range of social problems. We use a variety of research methods to examine justice-related issues in different cultural, political, and policy contexts. Our students are trained in laboratory, field, and survey methods; they are encouraged to attend to issues of race, class, sexuality, ethnicity, gender, and physical ableness; and, in addition to traditional social psychological approaches, are steeped in critical theoretical perspectives such as feminist theory. Our graduates go on to successful careers in academia as well as in community, government, and non-profit settings. Our approach to research and training, combined with the quality and competencies of our faculty, make our program among the nation’s best for the psychological study of social justice issues. Current faculty research interests include: aggression and trauma; educational quality/access; achievement and disparities; feminisms; institutional analysis; intersectionality; narrative and identity; race as a social process; social identities and stigmatization of immigrant-origin students; poverty and economic justice; power and oppression; psychology and law; sexual and gender diversity; sexuality; social identity; social policy analysis; and structural inequality.

Graduate students in psychology may obtain a designated emphasis on the psychology Ph.D. diploma indicating that they have obtained additional training in another discipline such as feminist studies, Latin American and Latino studies, or sociology. For the full list of programs that offer a designated emphasis, see the Fields of Study section of the catalog. For specific requirements for a designated emphasis in a program, please refer to the program statement for that department.

Details on the policies for admission to graduate standing and requirements for the Ph.D. degree, as well as the online application can be found on the  Division of Graduate Studies  website. The department’s graduate program brochure, and faculty research are available on the department website.

• Welcome to UC Santa Cruz
• Introducing UC Santa Cruz
• Academic Programs
• Arts Division
• Humanities Division
• Physical and Biological Sciences Division
• Baskin Engineering
• Anthropology
• Community Studies
• Environmental Studies
• Global and Community Health B.A.
• Latin American and Latino Studies

Psychology B.A.

Cognitive science b.s..

Psychology Ph.D.

• The Colleges
• Physical Education
• Undergraduate Information
• Graduate Information
• Resources, Residency, and Policies
• Teaching and Administrative Staff
• Academic Calendar
• Catalog Home
• All Catalogs

2023-24 UCSC General Catalog > Academic Units > Social Sciences Division > Psychology

273 Social Sciences 2 Building (831) 459-2002 https://psychology.ucsc.edu/

Programs Offered

Cognitive Sciences B.S.

Undergraduate Programs

The Psychology Department offers undergraduate programs in psychology (B.A.) and cognitive science (B.S.)

Psychology majors at UC Santa Cruz are introduced to theory and scientific research in the field. Students begin with lower-division courses that include introductory psychology, precalculus, statistics, introduction to developmental psychology, and cognition: fundamental theories/introduction to cognitive psychology. In addition, majors take upper-division courses in research methods and several areas of psychology.

The department offers coursework in cognitive, social, developmental, and clinical-personality psychology. 

Cognitive psychology focuses on topics such as perception; brain and behavior; motor control; learning and memory; thinking, feeling, and emotions; psycholinguistics; computational modeling, and human-computer interaction. Our cognitive psychologists extend traditional boundaries in the study of cognition to encompass bodies, physical environments, and information technologies.

Social psychology involves the study of persons embedded within social contexts. Social psychology courses at UC Santa Cruz are organized around themes of social justice.

Developmental psychology is concerned with processes of cognitive, language, social, emotional, and personality development across the life span.

Additionally, both developmental and social psychology are concerned with issues of diversity including race, ethnicity, culture, gender, sexual identity, social class, and family structure.

Clinical-personality psychology focuses on issues of individual traits, psychological distress, well-being, and adjustment.

The Psychology Department offers a general psychology major and an intensive major. The intensive psychology major requires additional coursework in research methods as well as additional thesis, research, or field study credits. See program descriptions below for details.

The B.A. programs in psychology provide a foundation for a career in psychological research, clinical practice, industry, or non-profits. Some careers in psychology require master’s or doctoral degrees, for instance focused on research or clinical practice. Students primarily interested in clinical and counseling psychology should realize that training in these areas does not occur at the undergraduate level but requires professional training through an advanced degree. UC Santa Cruz does not offer advanced degrees in clinical or counseling psychology.

Cognitive science focuses on achieving a scientific understanding of how human cognition works. Its subject matter encompasses cognitive functions (such as memory and perception), the structure and use of human language, the evolution of the mind, artificial intelligence, and more.

The cognitive science degree provides a strong grounding in the principles of cognition through courses in cognitive psychology, and, in addition, provides breadth in the interdisciplinary aspects of cognitive science such as anthropology, linguistics, biology, philosophy, and computer science. Graduates will be well prepared for advanced training in research fields of cognitive psychology and cognitive neuroscience, technology industries such as human-computer interaction, and health fields, such as the treatment of brain disorders.

The cognitive science major is intended for students wishing to enter graduate programs in cognitive fields or health science fields, or students seeking jobs in industry in fields such as human-computer interaction or user experience research

Graduate Program

The psychology program offers three areas of specialization leading to the doctoral degree: cognitive, developmental, and social psychology. The program prepares students for research, teaching, and administrative positions in colleges and universities as well as for positions in schools, government, and other public and private institutions. Each student is primarily associated with one of the three research areas and participates in the courses and research forums sponsored by the faculty in that area. The program requires full-time enrollment as a graduate student. Although applicants for a master’s degree are not accepted, students in the doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) program may obtain a master of science (M.S.) degree by fulfilling specific requirements. Note that the program does not offer courses, training, or supervision in clinical psychology.

The cognitive psychology graduate program focuses on research of "Minds, Brains, and Beyond," offering a blend of traditional topics and new directions in cognitive science. With core strengths in language and interaction, memory and learning, and perception and performance, we are exploring topics such as: reading, speaking, psycholinguistics, discourse processing; language production and comprehension; bilingualism and multilingualism; remembering and forgetting; metacognition in learning and memory; creative cognition; cognitive offloading and transactive memory; socially distributed remembering and collective memory; human performance, information processing, and computational cognitive modeling; working memory and executive control; visual psychophysics; face perception; sensory integration; perception in virtual reality; cognitive and computational neuroscience; perceptual decision-making, attention, and awareness. Our graduates find careers in academia, tech industries, and more.

The developmental psychology graduate program focuses on research that integrates cultural, interpersonal, and individual aspects of human development. We focus especially on issues of diversity in relation to culture, ethnicity, race, gender, sexuality, and social economic opportunity as people engage across contexts of family, peers, school, community, technology, and media. Our programs of research include moral development; neurodiversity; language and cognitive development; learning through observation and social interaction; children and playable media; personal and social identities; family and peer relationships; communication technologies; prejudice and discrimination; gender development; adolescent development; the transition to adulthood; school climate and motivation; and diversity issues in university outreach programs. Several of our faculty carry out research in cultural communities outside the U.S. and collaborate with faculty in the U.S. and other countries. At UC Santa Cruz, our interdisciplinary collaborations with other programs (such as computer engineering, computational media, education, Latin American and Latino studies, linguistics, and philosophy) help nurture students’ research and prepare them for a wide variety of careers. Graduates of our program have accepted positions in academia, research institutes, and community and non-profit organizations.

The social psychology graduate program at UC Santa Cruz has a unique mission and focus. We use Kurt Lewin’s model of “full-cycle” social psychology (theory-application-action) to study a broad range of topics related to social justice. In this way, knowledge gained in action-oriented research leads, in turn, to the development of new theory. Accordingly, our students learn to apply psychological theories and data to the analysis and solution of a wide range of social problems. Our students are trained to use a variety of research methods (e.g., survey, participatory action research, ethnography, lab or field experiments), to examine justice-related issues in different cultural, political, and policy contexts. They are also encouraged to attend to issues of race, class, sexuality, ethnicity, gender, and physical ableness; and, in addition to traditional social psychological approaches, are steeped in critical theoretical perspectives such as feminist theory, critical race theory, and intersectionality. Our graduates go on to successful careers in academia as well as in community, government, and non-profit settings. Our approach to research and training, combined with the quality and competencies of our faculty, make our program among the nation’s best for the psychological study of social justice issues. Current faculty research interests include: aggression and trauma; educational equity, access, and servingness; feminisms; institutional analysis; intersectionality; narrative and identity; race as a social process; social identities and stigmatization of immigrant-origin students; poverty and economic justice; power and oppression; psychology and law; sexual and gender diversity; sexuality; social identity; social policy analysis; and structural inequality.

Graduate students in psychology may obtain a designated emphasis on the psychology Ph.D. diploma indicating that they have obtained additional training in another discipline such as critical race and ethnic studies, data science, feminist studies, Latin American and Latino studies, or sociology. For the full list of programs that offer a designated emphasis, see the Academic Programs section of the catalog. For specific requirements for a designated emphasis in a program, please refer to the program statement for that department.

Details on the policies for admission to graduate standing and requirements for the Ph.D. degree, as well as the online application can be found on the  Division of Graduate Studies  website. The department’s graduate program brochure, and faculty research are available on the department website.

Hausman Memory and Metacognition Lab

Prospective Graduate Students

I am planning on recruiting graduate students for the Cognitive Psychology Ph.D. program for Fall 2024. Please feel free to email with your C.V. along with a brief note about why you are interested in joining my lab. I’m happy to set up a time to answer questions to help you decide if the program and my lab would be a good fit.

Prospective Undergraduate Research Assistants

We are currently recruiting new undergraduate research assistants! Applications will be available on the UCSC Psychology Department posted research opportunities page.

Students can work in the lab on a volunteer basis or for course credit (199 or 194B). New RAs are expected to commit to working in the lab for at least three quarters in most cases.

If you want to know more, check out the recording of “ What does my lab do?” from an event put on by UCSC Psychology for current undergrads.

• Skip to main content
• Skip to main navigation
• Undergraduate

Home / Undergraduates / Field Study Program

The Psychology Field Study Program is an academic internship program designed for majors. Students gain hands-on reflective experience imperative for graduate study, future careers and a deeper understanding of the complexities of psychology. Prospective students can view additional information about our field study program .

For over 20 years, our Field Study Program has been providing opportunities for students to connect their book learning to the real world. Learn how you can get involved in your community and earn course credit in a field study placement!

• Undergraduate Advising
• Psychology Majors
• Cognitive Science Major
• Prospective Students
• Community Sponsors
• Educational Opportunities
• Resources and Support
• Scholarship and Awards
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Program Learning Outcomes
• Report an accessibility barrier
• Land Acknowledgment
• Accreditation

Last modified: June 16, 2021 128.114.113.87

Psychology and Cognitive Science Internship

Description

Explore your career goals, expand your professional network and skills, and gain real work experience by participating in an internship for an organization in either Dublin, Ireland, or Cape Town, South Africa. Internships are customized according to your career interests and skills in Psychology or Cognitive Science. You will earn UCSC credit, by enrolling in Psychology 193I, which fulfills major requirements, complements your experience, and supports a successful internship. You will intern approximately 25 hours per week and should expect to spend additional hours per week on coursework for PSYCH 193I.

Dates: 

• Arrival Date: Thursday, June 20, 2024
• Internship Start Date: Monday, June 24, 2024
• Program End Date: Saturday, August 17, 2024

Language of Instruction:  Internships are in English.

Courses:  Psychology 193I International Field Study (10 units)

Contact:  Ashley Bayman at  [email protected]  or Psych Field Study Director at  [email protected]

Quick Facts

Locations: Dublin, Ireland or Cape Town, South Africa  

Minimum GPA – 2.5 Cumulative GPA or higher

Prerequisites and eligibility requirements  

• Declared Psychology or Cognitive Science Major
• Good Academic Standing
• Junior or Senior Standing
• Completion of PSYC 100 with a C or better by the end of the Fall 2023 quarter. If you have not completed the course by the end of Fall 2023, you are not eligible to apply.

Global Internship Highlights:

• Gain valuable intercultural communication skills while working with an international team and workplace.
• Engage with your host community and culture through activities and networking opportunities.
• Fine-tune your professional skills that are useful for a career related to Psychology and/or Cognitive Science.
• Add an internship to your resume, and prepare to talk about it in interviews – future employers will be intrigued.

Dublin, Ireland Excursions 

• Welcome dinner
• EPIC, The Irish Emigration Museum, including a guided tour
• Celtic Boyne Valley tour, including Hill of Tara, Trim Castle, Hill of Uisneach, Loughcrew passage tomb, Fore Abbey, excluding meals
• Experience Gaelic Games, including lunch
• Abbey Theatre
• Galway, Cliffs of Moher, and Connemara tour including admissions and transport, excluding meals
• Malahide Castle, including lunch
• Howth Cliff Walk, including lunch

Cape Town, South Africa Excursions

• Welcome Dinner
• Cape Point / Boulders Beach Penguin colony, including lunch
• Winelands Tour, including lunch
• Table Mountain Hike
• South African cooking class
• Robben Island tour
• Farewell Dinner

To get a financial aid estimate on how much aid you can expect for the summer 2024 global internship program, review the instructions here .

• Summer 2024 Program Budget – Dublin
• Summer 2024 Program Budget – Cape Town
• Students become liable for the program cost after the withdrawal deadline of March 1, 2024. To withdraw, they must complete the Global Learning Request to Withdraw Form .

Application Fee

• There is a Non-Refundable $200 UCSC Global Learning Application Fee. It is charged to your UCSC account after March 1, 2024.

Dublin is a vibrant and welcoming city known for its captivating architecture, rich history, non-stop entertainment, thriving arts scene, lively cultural events, green spaces, and friendly residents. It is both the largest city in Ireland as well as the capital, founded as a Viking settlement during medieval times. Dublin is a global city with a vibrant youth culture making it an exciting place to intern. Read more about the city at Lonely Planet Dublin . Learn more about identities in Ireland here .

Currency in Dublin: Euro

Official Language(s) in Ireland: English and Irish (Gaeilge)

Cape Town is the capital of South Africa, which is the southernmost country on the African continent. Cape Town is centered around Table Mountain, and is known for its breathtaking scenery, including beaches, mountains, forests, gardens, oceans, grasslands, and rich biodiversity. Cape Town also has a vibrant, multicultural population with a complex social history. Read more about the city at Lonely Planet Cape Town, South Africa . 

Currency in Cape Town: Rand (ZAR)

Official Language(s) in South Africa: Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, siSwati, Tshivenda, Xitsonga, Afrikaans, English, isiNdebele, isiXhosa and isiZulu. The most widely spoken languages in Cape Town include Afrikaans, English, and isiXhosa.

Accommodations

In Dublin, students will tentatively stay at UCD Summer Residence . Each apartment will have Wi-Fi, fully equipped kitchens, linens, and in-building laundry. Before departure, students will complete a roommate preference form and will receive official details about housing accommodations 4 to 8 weeks prior to arrival. On-site staff will support students with any housing-related issues, including room change and repair requests. Each participant’s commute will vary, as internship placements are located in different areas around the city. Average commute times range from 30 minutes up to 75 minutes. 

In Cape Town, students will tentatively stay at Gardens Apartments , where students share studio apartments in a centrally-located building with 24-hour security, above a shopping mall, with grocery stores, cafes, and shops. Each apartment will have Wi-Fi, fully equipped kitchens, linens, and in-building laundry. Before departure, students will complete a roommate preference form and will receive official details about housing accommodations 4 to 8 weeks prior to arrival. On-site staff will support students with any housing-related issues, including room change and repair requests. Each participant’s commute will vary, as internship placements are located in different areas around the city.

Meals are not provided outside of some planned activities and excursions. Students will have access to fully-equipped kitchens.

Weather and Climate

To research the weather and climate in Dublin, visit here.  

To research the weather and climate in Cape Town, visit here. Since South Africa is located in the Southern Hemisphere, it will be winter for the duration of the program. 

Research Your Destination

• Lonely Planet Dublin, Ireland
• Lonely Planet Cape Town, South Africa

Travel Documents Required for US Citizens

A passport is required for US citizens. If you are not a US citizen please email [email protected] to learn about additional travel documents you may need to pursue this program.

Country Information Resources

Ireland Information Resources

• U.S. Department of State Country Information Page
• CDC Travelers’ Health
• OSAC Country Security Report

South Africa Information Resources

Students with Disabilities

If you need support services abroad, request an accommodation letter from your UCSC Disability Resource Center (DRC) Coordinator and share it with your UCSC Global Learning Coordinator, Ashley Bayman. 

Identities Abroad and Away

UC Santa Cruz Global Learning is committed to inclusion and equity in our various program options as well as striving to make everyone’s experiences abroad enriching, positive, and safe. Learn more on our Identities Abroad and Away webpage .

Learn more about identities in Ireland here .

Learn more about identities in South Africa here .

Course Description

Psychology 193I International Field Study (10 units)

• Designed to provide advanced psychology undergraduates the opportunity to apply what they have learned in the classroom to direct experience in a community agency abroad. Students earn academic credit by working as interns at a variety of psychological settings where they are trained and supervised by a professional within the agency. A UCSC faculty member also supervises the students’ academic work by providing guidance and helping them integrate psychological theories with their hands-on intern experience. Applications are due two quarters in advance to the Psychology Field Study Office. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100. Enrollment is restricted to junior and senior psychology majors.

The course will satisfy:

• 1 upper-division elective for Psychology and Cognitive Science majors
•  Advanced requirement for Intensive Psychology majors

The Psychology Field Study program

Internship Hours: 25 hours/week

Internship Partner

Global Learning has partnered with Connect123 to facilitate career-related internships for the Psych and Cog Sci global internship program. Their mission is to facilitate experiences that create equal value for students and for the local organizations where they work. Since 2006, thousands of students from over 600 universities and over 85 countries have participated in Connect123 programs. For more information, you can visit their website and read their reviews.

Once your application has been processed and approved by UCSC Global Learning, you will be working with the Connect123 team on your customized internship placement.

Internship Placement Process

• After you have been accepted into this program, Connect123 will schedule a Zoom call to learn about your interests and goals for the internship experience. Prior to the interview, you must send Connect123 your resume and cover letter/statement of purpose, describing your goals, skills, and interests. 
• During the Zoom call, so that you have an idea about what to expect, Connect123 will provide examples of past projects that Connect-123 interns with similar interests have completed. Connect123 will work with each of you to help you define an ideal, customized internship experience which then informs the placement process and ensures positive outcomes. Placements are guaranteed for all students.
• Can you describe your organization’s culture?
• What are the main projects or day-to-day responsibilities involved in this internship?
• What are some essential qualities for successful interns?
• What challenges do you find interns most frequently face in this role?
• How do you evaluate performance for this position?
• Do you have any additional questions about my background or qualifications?
• Connect123 puts substantial effort into the placement process to help ensure positive outcomes for both you and the local organization. That said, if after starting, you aren’t happy with a placement, Connect123’s first step is to discuss options for resolution with you, as finding solutions can be an important part of the learning experience. However, if it’s not possible to fix, Connect123 can suggest other internship options.

***Please note: During the internship placement process, you will be matched with one top organization based on your interests, goals, and skills you want to gain. This process is different than in the United States where you can choose from a variety of internship hosts. That said, if you do not agree that the internship is a good match, Connect123 may be able to find an alternative placement.   

Example psychology / cognitive science-related internship projects include:

• Helping to develop therapeutic programs for drug users at a rehabilitation center
• Assisting a product design lab with human factors-related projects, improving UX/UI and the human relationship with technology
• Evaluating program outcomes for a non-profit that assists mentally ill patients and their families
• Assisting with supervision, play, and afterschool classes at a community childcare center and helping to plan summer programs
• Helping with social media campaigns and creating awareness for a STEM-focused youth training center
• Assisting with program development and supervision at a summer camp for marginalized children

Example psychology / cognitive science-related partners include:

The SAOL Project is an NGO supporting women and children in Dublin’s North Inner City

community through their drug rehabilitation, education, advocacy, and childcare programs. 

Ozanam House is a community resource center offering skill-development programs to youth groups and adults. Modules include learning to manage emotions, empowerment, and self-belief, managing your inner critical voice, building self-compassion, and developing life skills related to nutrition and physical activity.

Bridge21 is a Dublin-based education program offering a new model of learning that can be adapted for use in Irish secondary schools, changing how students learn and engage with education, focusing on teamwork, technology, and developing leadership skills.

PASCAP Trust provides after-school programs to vulnerable children and youth in marginalized communities in Cape Town that promote development, psychosocial well-being, safety, and career advancement.

Hope House Counselling Centre offers counseling, group workshops, school programs, and trauma-informed training to children, youth, and adults in the Cape Town community.

The Adonis Musati Project provides humanitarian assistance to vulnerable and

disenfranchised asylum seekers and refugees in Cape Town, including health and welfare, training, education, advocacy, and psycho-social and mental health care support.

Neural Sense , based in Cape Town, identifies how marketing, advertising, and communication stimuli can be optimized to enhance emotional impact and responses for brands, products, and services.

Salesian Institute Youth Projects runs life skills, literacy, and computer skills programs in

Cape Town for youth who have dropped out of school and are at risk.

In this section

• How to Apply
• Internships
• Living in D.C.
• Meet Our Alumni

• William Sullivan
• 831-459-4295
• [email protected]
• ~$38,000 annual salary (75% time status as a Junior Specialist for 12 months)
• Health and dental benefits
• Funds to travel to national/scientific conference
• GRE preparation course
• Program support for graduate school applications
• Professional development workshops
• Holistic mentoring from STEM Diversity staff
• Must be a citizen or a noncitizen national of the United States or have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence at the time of appointment.
• Participants must have a baccalaureate degree in a biomedically relevant science from an accredited college or university awarded no more than 36 months before applying to PREP, and must not be currently enrolled in a degree program. Parental, medical, or other well-justified leave for personal or family situations is not included in the 3-year eligibility limit, nor is national service (e.g., Peace Corps, or service in the National Guard or Armed Forces Reserves).
• All individuals selected as participants should intend to apply to research-focused biomedical doctoral degree programs (e.g., Ph.D. or M.D.-Ph.D.) during or immediately following completion of the PREP program.

How to apply

Application components: You will need to upload the following documents with this online application – due the last Friday of February

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Unofficial Transcripts from each college or university that you attended (if you are selected, we will require official transcripts to be sent before the official start date)
• Your letter writers will receive an automated email request once you submit the online application
• Recommenders should highlight the applicant’s potential for contributing to biomedical-related sciences, the applicant’s academic/personal potential, and statements about how the applicant will benefit from participating in the NIH-PREP program.

• Skip to main content
• Skip to main navigation

Career Success

• Jobs & Internships
• Graduate & Professional School
• Career Industry Groups
• Events & Workshops
• Branding/Marketing
• Campus Information & Resources
• Faculty & Staff
• First Destination Survey

Home / Internship/Volunteer

Internships & Volunteering

Fair Labor Standard Act:   Paid vs. Unpaid Internships?

Build real-life experience with an internship before you graduate.

Interning helps you explore the world of work in a professional setting, clarify your career goals, develop a professional network,   enhance your marketability, and gain relevant hands-on experience that builds your resume.

Finding Internships

Utilize handshake to find internship opportunities.

Log in and complete your profile to apply for internships through Handshake . Handshake features thousands of paid and unpaid part and full-time internships and job opportunities.  Review this quick video discussing advanced job search strategies in Handshake.

You can access  GoinGlobal  and  USA Careers via the resources hub in Handshake to search for additional internship opportunities locally and globally.

Consider a Career Success-organized program

Career Success coordinates a variety of incredble experiential learning programs - consider applying today!

• Chancellor's Undergraduate Internship Program ( CUIP ) - recruitment in Winter quarters
• GANAS Career Internship Program - recruitment in Spring and Summer quarters
• UC Center Sacramento program ( UCCS ) - recruitment quarterly
• Career Development Opportunity Fund - recruitment quarterly

Try out project-based or microinternship short-term experiences

Forage  provides meaningful projects submitted by companies designed to help you build meaningful experience and gain exposure to a variety of employers.

Parker Dewey  connects students to microinternships, short-term paid project-based opportunities. 

Build relationships with alumni and employers in your fields of interest

Getting to know alumni and employers is a wonderful way to explore new opportunities. The LinkedIn Alumni Tool is a great way to find alumni working at places of interest to conduct quick informational interviews, learning more about their career path and tips for you as you search for opportunities. While it may not lead to direct internship offers, these relationships can help you learn more about techniques for finding your next opportunity.

Utilize additional websites to search for opportunities

Try out any of the following search tools to aid your search process:

• Explore UCSC Virtual Global Internships . 
• Browse   UCSC Internship Programs
• Try LinkedIn's Internship search tool
• Try the Internships.com search tool
• Browse potential  Legal Internships
• Check out a variety of other  internship websites

Consider engaging in undergraduate research

Undergraduate research is another great way to gain experience, especially if you might be interested in graduate school. Consider the following resources to find research opportunities:

• Visit the Office of Undergraduate Research to learn more about contacting faculty about research and a database of research opportunities on campus.
• Consider applying for the Learning-Aligned Employment Program , a form of work-study where California residents who meet the criteria can participate in paid undergraduate research.
• Apply for the Koret Scholars program to receive funding for an independent research project.

Finding unpaid opportunities

Sometimes we seek out unpaid opportunities to help build up experience or to qualify for scholarship programs on campus, like the  Career Development Opportunity Fund . Consider the following volunteer-oriented websites for support:

• Non-Profit Connection provides a database of paid and unpaid opportunities at non-profits in Santa Cruz county.
• Idealist provides a listing of non-profits across the world, including volunteer and paid opportunities.
• Visit the Student Volunteer Center to find additional opportunities to get involved and gain experience.

If you have specific questions about internships or experiential learning opportunities, please contact [email protected] .

Receiving an Offer

What you need to know when you receive an offer or your internship converts to a full-time position. UC Santa Cruz Recruiting Guidelines .

• Chancellor's Undergraduate Internship Program, CUIP
• UCSC Internship Programs
• Internship Websites

125 Hahn Student Services Bldg

General Information

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (831) 459-4420

Information for Employers

[email protected]

• Report an accessibility barrier
• Land Acknowledgment
• Accreditation

Last modified: April 4, 2024 128.114.113.87

Virtual Tour

Experience University of Idaho with a virtual tour. Explore now

• Discover a Career
• Find a Major
• Experience U of I Life

More Resources

• Admitted Students
• International Students

Take Action

• Find Financial Aid
• View Deadlines
• Find Your Rep

Helping to ensure U of I is a safe and engaging place for students to learn and be successful. Read about Title IX.

Get Involved

• Clubs & Volunteer Opportunities
• Recreation and Wellbeing
• Student Government
• Student Sustainability Cooperative
• Academic Assistance
• Safety & Security
• Career Services
• Health & Wellness Services
• Register for Classes
• Dates & Deadlines
• Financial Aid
• Sustainable Solutions
• U of I Library

• Upcoming Events

Review the events calendar.

Stay Connected

• Vandal Family Newsletter
• Here We Have Idaho Magazine
• Living on Campus
• Campus Safety
• About Moscow

The largest Vandal Family reunion of the year. Check dates.

Benefits and Services

• Vandal Voyagers Program
• Vandal License Plate
• Submit Class Notes
• Make a Gift
• View Events
• Alumni Chapters
• University Magazine
• Alumni Newsletter

U of I's web-based retention and advising tool provides an efficient way to guide and support students on their road to graduation. Login to VandalStar.

Common Tools

• Administrative Procedures Manual (APM)
• Class Schedule
• OIT Tech Support
• Academic Dates & Deadlines
• U of I Retirees Association
• Faculty Senate
• Staff Council

Psychology & Communication

Physical Address: 206 Student Health Center

Mailing Address: Psychology & Communication University of Idaho 875 Perimeter Drive MS 3043 Moscow, ID 83844-3043

Phone: 208-885-6324

Fax: 208-885-7710

Email: [email protected]

Web: Psychology and Communication

Graduate Research

The University of Idaho graduate Human Factors program focuses on improving the ways in which people interact with their environment — ranging from designing more human-friendly technology and safer workplace environments to innovative display technologies in modern aircraft cockpits or large industrial control rooms. In addition to their applied work, most of the faculty are also working on basic problems in experimental psychology and cognitive neuroscience.

Design of Visual Displays

One of our emphases is the design of visual displays to quickly and efficiently convey important information – be it in the forms of alarms, navigational displays, dynamic maps or innovative peripheral displays which use the periphery of the visual field to allow for additional information to be processed while the center of the visual field is left uncluttered. Display technology developed at the University of Idaho has implications for the design of heads-up cockpit displays in aviation, navigational aides in modern cars or for decision support tools in process control.

Through a unique developmental life-span perspective faculty at the University of Idaho are trying to understand the risks children face in normal traffic situations and how to improve children’s safety as traffic participants. In addition, many other safety issues, like the use of audible cues in identifying approaching traffic, warning labels or alarm systems are being investigated. Through the use of neurophysiological methods, University of Idaho faculty are also trying to identify levels of human workload and stress. Research in this area might lead to the earlier detection and mitigation of human error.

Human-Computer Interaction

Faculty at the University of Idaho are working on creative, new ways to enhance computer security through graphical authentication systems, improving user experiences through different types of feedback strategies and the creation of new display types.