Eastern Connecticut State University
Department of
Psychology
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Psychology Field Experience

PSY 496 (3 - 6 credits) offers students the opportunity to work in the community for course credit. Many opportunities exist with individuals of different ages (children, adolescents, adults) and different levels of functioning (normally-functioning individuals or those with serious emotional and behavioral difficulties). This experience is a wonderful addition to a resume or application for graduate school. To participate, a student must:

  • be a psychology major,
  • have at least 60 credits (junior or senior standing), and
  • have a minimum GPA of 2.5 in psychology

Recruitment for the spring is beginning soon. If interested, you must attend one of the following one-hour meetings, or contact Dr. Jeff Danforth, the field experience coordinator, before October 21.

  • Tuesday, October 13, 2:00 PM in Webb Hall, room 159
  • Wednesday, October 14, 6:00 PM in Webb Hall, room 122
  • Monday, October 19, 2:00 PM in Webb Hall, room 159
  • Monday, October 19, 6:30 PM in Webb Hall, room 122
  • Wednesday, October 21, 1:00 PM in Webb Hall, room 159

The Field Placement

This is an experiential learning course where students participate in a field placement in a social service setting such as a hospital clinic, human service agency, group home, school counseling office, probation office, or specialized classroom. The student acquires knowledge regarding methods of intervention and the treatment philosophy of the placement agency by participating in an observational and supportive role. Students participating in the practicum are typically obligated for the equivalent of 8 - 16 hours per week for 3 - 6 credits. Students negotiate the actual hourly schedule with their placement supervisor.

There is a list of sites where we have pre-established agreements for our students to participate in undergraduate psychology field placements. The students can select from this list or students can find their own sites. The list is revised each fall and spring semester.

Individualized experiences are also available in industrial/organizational psychology. Students interested in industrial/organizational sites should see Dr. Peter Bachiochi or Dr. Wendi Everton.

Students interested in sites that meet the requirements for the Behavior Analysis Certification Preparation should see Dr. Deirdre Fitzgerald.

Field placements are on a semester-by-semester basis following ECSU's schedule. Students may participate in a single placement for more than one semester if both student and agency agree, or students may repeat the course at a different placement.

The field placement agency determines the actual program in which you participate. Placement sites may ask you to participate in any activity where they think undergraduate psychology students may be of assistance. In the past, activities that ECSU students have been involved in have included, but not been limited to:

  • 1 - 1 mentoring
  • 1 - 1 tutoring
  • Administering and scoring standardized rating scales
  • Co-therapy in treatment groups such as social skills training, problem-solving, divorce, children of alcoholics, anger management, and social skills
  • Implementing behavior management and behavior modification programs
  • Peer mediation
  • Program design/administration
  • Small group tutoring
  • Systematic direct observation
  • Supervision of activity groups

Clerical work such as photocopying, filing, and correcting tests is not appropriate unless it is a specific part of the duties required for working with clients to whom you are assigned.

On-site supervision will be available to you at the placement agency. You may not be left alone at the site without access to a supervisor or their designee.

For more details, please attend one of the meetings above or email Dr. Jeff Danforth.