Directed Study (PSY U924)

Directed study is an option that provides a research experience that is both enriching and very different from ordinary courses. Directed study means that a student works individually with a faculty member or in a faculty member's laboratory, while receiving course credit (four semester hours).

Most often, students participate in ongoing laboratory or field-based research; in some cases, the student pursues his or her own research project. A student is required to either write a paper, give an oral report or present a poster summarizing what was learned during the term.

Psychology department requirements allow a student to substitute a directed study for one laboratory course; otherwise, directed study counts as a psychology elective.

A student may sign up for directed study in more than one semester, enabling continued work with a particular professor or the chance to participate in several different research projects. To arrange a directed study, a student must take the initiative; directed study positions are rarely announced or advertised.

It is advisable to line up a directed study position at least one semester in advance, as there are limited openings. Directed study is particularly valuable for students anticipating graduate study. (Special arrangements can be made for directed study to be done outside the department. See the head adviser for details.)

Independent Study (PSY U934)

This is a reading course designed for the student who would like to discuss and explore a topic of particular interest in greater depth then normally covered in a lecture course. The course is conducted through a series of individual tutorials or discussions with a faculty member that typically involves an extensive, analytical review of the literature.

At the end of the semester, the student submits a paper that critically organizes and summarizes these discussions and his/her findings. Like the directed study opportunity, the student needs to take the initiative in contacting the relevant faculty member at least one semester before the course begins to discuss and organize the independent study project. If you need help in locating an appropriate faculty member. see your department adviser.

Internship in Psychology (PSY U940)

Juniors and seniors who engage in significant, supervised clinical or applied activities outside the department may apply for internship credit. This work must not be a paid activity (as in a co-op position). A qualified on-site person must agree to provide supervision. See professor Judith Hall for details.

Psychology and Preparation for Medical and Related Graduate Schools

The department provides a list of recommended courses for psychology majors who wish to apply to medical school or related graduate schools (e.g. dental). If you are interested in pre-med and psychology, please contact associate professor Richard Melloni through the psychology department office.

Honors Program

The Honors Program is available to students with a cumulative grade-point average of 3.25 or better (or 3.00 with sponsorship by a faculty member). The program offers many special opportunities to undergraduates. For further information, see Faith Crisley, associate director of the Honors Program, 1 Nightingale Hall, (617) 373-2333.

Junior/Senior Honors Project

If you are in the Honors Program, you may do an honors project. If completed satisfactorily, the project will be reported on your final transcript after graduation, and you will enroll in two semesters of honors directed study. It is very important that you familiarize yourself with the department's guidelines for conducting an honors project.

Psychology Graduate Courses

Undergraduates may be allowed to substitute graduate courses for some of the topic area (A and B) or seminar courses. To take advantage of these courses, you must have earned at least 100 semester hours and you must have a psychology cumulative grade-point average of 3.25 or better.

If you meet those requirements, you may consider taking (for example) graduate classes in Language and Cognition, Learning and Motivation, Sensation and Perception, or Psychobiology in place of the same undergraduate topic area course or for a psychology elective.

One further important regulation is that before you sign up for any graduate course, you must have the express written permission of the graduate course instructor. If you are interested in this option and before you do anything, discuss it with the coordinator of the psychology graduate program, Matthews distinguished professor Joanne Miller, or with the head adviser, associate professor Martin Block.

Continue reading about the undergraduate program:

• General Information About the Curriculum

• Psychology Major Requirements

• Psychology Dual Majors

• Psychology Minor Requirements

• Education Program for Psychology Majors

• Psychology-Related Course Requirements for B.S. Degree

• Experiential Education

• Academic Opportunities

• Honors Project Guidelines

• Extracurricular Opportunities

• People to Contact