Students in the Department of Psychology have the opportunity to get an internship placement with a community organization to gain hands-on experience related to psychology. Cal State LA has many community partners that students can be connected with in order to complete an internship for one or more semesters.
Students have three options for receiving course credit while completing an internship.
(If completing UNPAID internship of your choice) PSY 3950: Field Experience in Psychology
Students can enroll in PSY 3950 for course credit for unpaid / volunteer internships.
Students can enroll in 1 unit for every 3 hours / week completed at the internship.
Students can complete a maximum of 6 units of PSY 3950.For more information about this option, see the Student Internship How-To Guide below.
(If completing PAID internship / job of your choice) PSY 3980: Cooperative Education
Students can enroll in PSY 3980 for course credit for paid internships / jobs. Cal State LA will not pay you to complete these internships, but if you are working for an organization that pays you, you may enroll in this course for credit.
Students can enroll in 1 unit for every 10 hours / week completed at the internship.
Students can complete a maximum of 6 units of PSY 3980.For more information about this option, see the Student Internship How-To Guide below.
(If completing UNPAID structured clinical internship – must apply and attend class) PSY 4850: Directed Field Experience in Community Clinical Psychology
Students can apply to enroll in PSY 4850, through which students complete a yearlong unpaid, structured clinical internship at a community agency and attend a weekly class. Internship options are pre-determined and take place at a select number of organizations (e.g., service agencies, mental health agencies, etc.).
For more information about this option, email Dr. Eisen at [email protected].
STUDENT INTERNSHIP RESOURCES
Guide to Psychology Undergraduate Internships Available Internships
- Student Internship Roadmap
- Internship Timesheet
Internship Permit Slip and SafeClips Insurance Information
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