PSY 3950 - Field Experience in Psychology
Each semester, the Department offers up to three units of academic credit for volunteer service through: PSY 3950 Field Experience in Psychology. The course provides students an opportunity to study psychological principles of behavior in nonlaboratory settings, which may involve observation and participation in community, clinical, educational, business or other organizational settings.
Note: Although PSY 3950 may be repeated for a total of 6 units, only 3 units can be applied to the Psychology BA elective coursework. PSY 3950 is graded CR/NC. Department Chair approval required.
PSY 3980 - Cooperative Education
Each semester, the Department offers up to three units of academic credit for approved employment through: PSY 3980 Cooperative Education. The course is for students who work in a setting that has a psychological orientation.
Note: Although PSY 3980 may be repeated for a total of 6 units, only 3 units can be applied to the Psychology BA elective coursework. PSY 3950 is graded CR/NC. Department Chair approval required. Prerequisite: Completion of at least 12 psychology upper division units.
To inquire about PSY 3950 or PSY 3980, email the Psychology Department [email protected]
To register: You will need to fill out a permit slip and provide your employer name and phone number.
Requirements for PSY 3950 and PSY 3980
Department approval is required before you can enroll in the course PSY 3950 or PSY 3980.
Psychology 3950: Field Experience Psychology (Non-paid internship/volunteer)
(6 units max; 3 units can be applied to Psychology BA elective coursework)
- 1 Unit = 3 Hours/Week for a total of 45 Hours/Semester
- 2 Units = 6 Hours/Week for a total of 90 Hours/Semester
- 3 Units = 9 Hours/Week for a total of 135 Hours/Semester
Psychology 3980: Cooperative Education (Approved employment opportunity to work in a setting that has a psychological orientation. Prerequisite: completion of at least 12 psychology upper-division units. 6 units max; 3 units can be applied to Psychology BA elective coursework)
- 1 Unit = 10 Hours/Week for a total of 150 Hours/Semester
- 2 Units = 20 Hours/Week for a total of 300 Hours/Semester
- 3 Units = 30 Hours/Week for a total of 450 Hours/Semester
You must submit the following items by 4:00 pm on the Tuesday of Finals Week:
- One page paper describing & reflecting on your field experience & how it relates to psychology.
Your paper must be psychology-related or you receive No Credit (NC). - Timesheet or log - Totaled and signed by a supervisor.
You can pick-up a timesheet from the Psychology Office. - A business card from your work location or supervisor.
- PSY 3980 ONLY: proof of employment (e.g. payroll stub)
- You can email all documents to [email protected]
Hours must be complete or you will be issued a N/C
Service Learning
Service Learning (SL) is an aspect of an academic course, like PSY 4450 Community Psychology - Service Learning, that allows students to provide needed volunteer service to disadvantaged communities that utilizes students' academic knowledge and skills. Service Learning classes require students to provide community service as a means of applying their course-related knowledge and skills to community problems. Service Learning thus benefits both the student and the community. Course readings and lectures expose students to theoretical and conceptual issues within psychology that can be applied to community service. In-class discussions and exercises, as well as reflection papers, facilitate students' understanding of how their real-life service experiences relate to the academic information presented in class