Getting more involved

Participating in research with faculty (PSYC366)

Why do research?

• If you want to go to graduate school, it is useful-- often essential--to participate in research.
• It is also good hands-on experience and it may very well help you determine what type of psychology you want to pursue.
• If you work closely with faculty and graduate students in a lab, then you will have someone to approach if you need a letter of recommendation.
• Research experience also pays dividends in terms of future employment. Being able to list research experience on your resume tells a prospective employer that you are capable of working well with others in a disciplined environment, and have probably acquired good analytical skills.

The Research, Labs and Program Areas section of this web site will help you learn about the specific research interests of the psychology faculty at UD.

Research is usually done as PSYC366, or Independent Study, for 3cr.

How do you get involved? Faculty members run their labs differently. Some faculty have a formal application process, interviewing potential undergraduate research assistants before each semester. Other faculty are more informal, and have students begin as volunteers for a few hours a week. Some faculty work with freshmen, others only work with juniors and seniors. Begin by reading faculty research interests on the website, and then send a well-written email to professors who you think you might be interested in working with. You can also click here to read a list of faculty who routinely work with undergrads. Another option is to email graduate students whose research sounds interesting (find a list of graduate students under "People").

Click here to read a list of faculty who routinely work with undergraduates.

Senior Thesis (UNIV401/402) and Advanced Research (PSYC468)

Psychology students can elect to conduct a senior thesis (UNIV401 and 402) to earn a Degree with Distinction. Read more about this intensive experience here.

PSYC468 is a course in which students pursue an independent research project under faculty supervision.

Before you pursue a senior thesis or advanced research, you have usually participated in a faculty member's lab for at least one or two semesters as a PSYC366 level. PSYC366 is an experience that helps you gain basic research skills, and begin to develop your own research ideas.

UNIV401/402 OR PSYC468 (6cr) are required for the Psychology B.S. degree. (but not the B.A.)

Summer Research

Many UD faculty work with undergraduates throughout the summer. Get involved by reading the section above.

In addition, two prestigious opportunities for summer research are worth looking into. One is the National Science Foundation's Research Experiences for Undergraduates (NSF-REU). Is a summer-long research experience with a stipend.

The other is the APA's Summer Science Institute, a 10 day intensive program offered each summer.

Psychology Club

UD Students have started a new psychology club, open to anybody! Click here to see their website. If you want to get on their mailing list, contact club President Stefan Oline at soline AT udel.edu. This club is open to ANYone who is interested in psychology!

Psi Chi

Psi Chi is the National Honor Society of Psychology. To be invited to become a member, you must have taken three, graded psychology courses at UD, have an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher, and have a GPA in psychology classes of 3.0 or higher. 

Benefits

• The recognition of academic achievement within psychology
• Opportunities for community service. Examples include:
  • Tutoring and mentoring at the College School.
  • Volunteer at the A.I. Dupont Children's Hospital
• Opportunity to present research material at conventions.
• Win scholarships and awards.
• Publish articles in the Psi Chi journal, National Magazine
• Gain knowledge about career opportunities
  • Graduate School Informative Lecture given by our advisor, Dr. Hubbard
  • Luncheon with Psychology Faculty and Additional Non-UD Professionals
  • Guest Speakers
• Kaplan GRE review course & practice tests
• Leadership opportunities
• Contact Psi chi President Jen Weiss with questions (jlweiss@udel)

Study skills and student resources

These are a few helpful readings to help you improve your study skills.

Handout for Adult Learners (non-traditional college students)

Tips on note taking in lecture classes

Procastination

Test anxiety

Test-taking strategies

Memorization

 

Return to top

| People | Undergraduate | Graduate | Research |