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Expert Contributor
Lisa
Lisa H. Ritchie, MBA

Lisa H. Ritchie, MBA is an Interpersonal Communication Instructor at UNC-Charlotte, where one of her duties is providing constructive feedback and coaching to students for future growth in the workplace. Formerly, Ms. Ritchie served as Coordinator of Student Success at Belmont Abbey College where she performed academic performance advising and managed the creation of a new Peer Mentoring program.

Students can find invaluable support by combining online research and academic tools and on-campus services such as academic advising and peer tutoring programs. In addition, campus career centers help students seek employment in the field of mental health. The following guide links to and discusses some of the most useful resources for psychology students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs.

From the Expert

Lisa H. Ritchie from UNC-Charlotte discusses resources available to students, including career center and career mentoring.

What types of resources are available for students on campus?

Our career center at UNC-Charlotte is excellent. In fact, I work with the career center closely in my classroom. Experts from the center do a presentation for my students on interviewing and conduct, actually providing mock interview sessions and grading the students on them. They also do a second presentation on resume writing. By having these experts come into the classroom, it provides a channel into the career center. I explain to my students that these services can cost a lot of money on the open market–so now is the time to use these free campus resources, while they are here.

While working as Coordinator of Student Success at Belmont Abbey College, you helped create a peer mentoring program. How did that work?

Our goal was to create a program for students who were struggling–remaining anonymous about what the particular struggles were–to help them be more successful academically. After defining the need for the program, we researched the benefits of existing local programs, hired, trained, and recruited core members and their job descriptions. I acted as the point person for issues and escalation. The program was very successful.

As a Business Communication/Public Speaking/Interpersonal Communication instructor, you teach skills important to graduates from all types of academic backgrounds. What online resources do you use in the classroom?

I work with juniors and seniors at UNC-Charlotte, helping them to develop skills they will need after leaving the university-how to walk into an interview, write and present a resume, how to get a job and keep a job, how to communicate in business. These are all essential skills in the workplace. I like to recommend the Jung Typology Test, which helps students discover which careers are the most suitable for their personality type. We also work on public speaking skills, and I find Toastmasters to be a valuable resource.

Resources for Psychology Students

Research papers are a major component of any psychology program. The resources below can help students achieve academic success.

  • American Psychological Association-APA Style

    APA Style is a set of rules and conventions established by the American Psychological Association (APA). Because psychology students are required to write many research papers as they work toward their degree, this website providing APA Style guidelines to crafting in-text citations and reference lists can be very useful.

  • American Psychological Association– Publications and Databases

    The APA manages this frequently-updated list of publications and databases, including journals, videos, magazines, and reports. Various media is searchable by topics such as addictions, anxiety, ethics, stress, and workplace issues.

  • Hanover College Psychology Department

    Professor John H. Krantz, Professor of Psychology at Hanover College, maintains the school’s psychology department website. Students from all colleges can access extensive and updated listings of online journals, links to other psychology departments, tutorials, and more.

  • The Jean Piaget Archives

    In addition to learning about the life of psychology of Swiss developmental psychologist and philosopher Jean Piaget, visitors to this site can search a catalog of his archives. The site is in French, but students can translate the content to English by following directions on their browser.

  • MDLinx

    This directory of peer-reviewed journal articles is edited by physician D. Scott Cunningham, MD, Ph.D. It includes articles published in various fields of psychology, ranked and summarized with 24 hours of publication.

  • Online Dictionary of Mental Health

    With links to numerous sites that offer different viewpoints on mental health issues, the Online Dictionary of Mental Health is a global information resource and research tool. The site is managed by Human Nature, an international source of analysis and commentary in higher education.

  • Psi Chi

    As the National Honor Society in Psychology, membership in Psi Chi brings recognition for academic excellence. Psi Chi offers psychology students opportunities to learn about the field and network with peers and professionals at the local, regional, and national levels. Students can participate in Psi Chi-sponsored events such as Depression Awareness Week.

  • Psychology Tools

    This free open-source website provides psychology students and mental health professionals with downloadable, copyright-free tools and resources. It can be beneficial to students seeking to develop their skills.

  • Social Psychology Network

    By providing resources from more than 2,000 profiled experts and more than 300 graduate programs, Social Psychology Network aims to “promote peace, social justice, and sustainable living through public education, research, and the advancement of psychology.” Students can access professional journals, teaching resources, online studies, blogs, and podcasts. The site also offers a Psychology Career Center.

  • Society for the Teaching of Psychology-Resources

    The Society for the Teaching of Psychology’s website includes this comprehensive resource section. Among the many resources is An Online-Career Exploration Resource for Psychology Majors by Drew C. Appleby, of Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.

  • therapedia

    This site, managed by Theravive.com, serves as a practical A to Z encyclopedia of Mental Health. Additionally, students can access workshops, support groups, seminars, and training programs pertaining to the field of psychology.

It is important for psychology students to stay abreast of news and events in the mental health community. These resources provide details about the latest headlines, conferences, and training programs relevant to psychology students and professionals.

  • American Psychological Association

    Members of this professional organization have access to a wide range of resources including the following pages:

    • American Psychological Association-Careers in Psychology

      The APA designed this guide to answer questions commonly asked by psychology students. It includes a description of some of the subfields in psychology and advice for budding psychologists.

    • American Psychological Association-Listservs

      Student members of the APA may sign up for email lists designed to bridge communication among graduate students within psychology. The lists cover various student interests, such as ethnic minority issues, disability issues, non-traditional students, internships, and more.

  • Association for Psychological Science (APS)-News

    Psychology students can discover the latest news in the field of mental health by reading the News page of the APS website. Sections include Featured News, Blogs, and Press Releases.

  • Behavior Online

    Since its re-launch in 2013, Behavior Online has sought to be a place where leading experts in behavioral health can write, share, and discuss relevant topics. Students can find original forums in archive format.

  • Psych Web

    Retired Georgia Southern University professor Russ Dewey is the webmaster of Psych Web, a selection of scholarly and self-help psychology resources.

  • Social Psychology Network

    The National Science Foundation (NSF) sponsors this site, which includes 19,000 links and social psychology headlines from around the world.

  • The Community Psychologist

    The Community Psychologist is a publication of the Society for Community Research and Action, Division 27 of the American Psychological Association.

  • National Science Foundation

    The NSF website includes a comprehensive news section that includes Special Reports, News from the Field, Research Overviews, Speeches & Lectures, and a Multimedia Gallery.

  • Society of Behavioral Medicine

    The website for the Society of Behavioral Medicine offers a Twitter feed with news headlines and Calendar of Events for lectures, webinars, and summits.

  • Society of Experimental Social Psychology (SESP)

    The website for the Society of Experimental Social Psychology provides information about the annual SESPC Conference.

Internships are an exciting way for undergraduate and graduate psychology students to get hands-on learning and valuable research experiences in the science of psychology. Each program has application deadlines.

Summer Research and Internship Programs

Additional Undergraduate Resources

  • Alley Dog

    Paid membership allows students to print unlimited flashcards, access quizzes, and use a searchable glossary. Students can also automatically generate APA citations for use in their work.

  • Association for Psychological Science (APS)- Student Programs

    APS manages several student programs including:

    • Researching Injustice and Social Equality (RISE):

      Encourages scholarly research on issues that enhance the understanding of underrepresented populations and to increase the involvement of students belonging to these populations in APS.

    • Campus Representatives:

      As APS works to create a network of liaisons at colleges and universities across the U.S., they need students to serve as official campus representatives.

    • APS Mentorship Program:

      The APS Mentorship Program helps undergraduate students navigate their current research plans and future goals in the field of psychology, pairing each interested undergraduate with a graduate student who serves as a peer mentor.

    • APS Competition Reviewers:

      Undergraduate and Graduate Student Affiliates are eligible to be reviewers.

Whether they need to complete an internship or would benefit from academic support, graduate students in psychology will find the following resources helpful.

Professional organizations help psychology students build strong connections and network with professionals to increase the likelihood of landing employment. Other benefits of joining a professional association include expanding the student’s network, learning best practices, and building a resume. Here are some of the top associations in different psychology subject areas.

  • Child and Adolescent Psychology: Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology

    Benefits: Division 53 of APA, Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology and Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology Newsletter.

  • Consulting Psychology: Society of Consulting Psychology

    Benefits: Consulting Psychology, distance learning seminars, continuing education opportunities, and eligibility to apply for research grants.

  • Clinical Psychology: American Academy of Clinical Psychology

    Benefits: Discount in annual premiums for professional liability insurance, expert witness credibility, and recognition of competence by universities, hospitals, agencies, insurers, and the public.

  • Forensic Psychology: American Academy of Forensic Psychology

    Benefits: Continuing education and eligibility for the Early Scholarship Program.

  • Industrial and Organizational Psychology: Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology

    Benefits: Annual conference, networking, Industrial and Organizational Psychology: Perspectives on Science and Practice (quarterly journal), The Industrial-Organizational Psychologist (digital, quarterly news publication), and Newsbriefs (monthly e-newsletter).

  • Marriage and Family Therapy: American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy

    Benefits: Job connections, online continuing education, member directory, Family Therapy Magazine, and multiple discounts.

  • Neuropsychology: American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology

    Benefits: Continuing education opportunities, job postings, and the journals The Clinical Neuropsychologist and Child Neuropsychology.

  • Sleep Psychology: Society of Behavioral Sleep Medicine

    Benefits: Journal of Behavioral Sleep Medicine, professional development and networking, research symposia, and clinical workshops.

  • Sport Psychology: Association for Applied Sport Psychology

    Benefits: Regional conferences, undergraduate programs, graduate training, Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, and Journal of Sport Psychology in Action.

  • School Psychology: National Association of School Psychologists

    Benefits: Peer connections, professional development, School Psychology Review, and School Psychology Forum

In addition to on-campus resources such as the office of Student Financial Aid, psychology students can use these resources for financial aid, scholarships, and grants to pay for college.

  • Federal Student Aid

    This U.S. Department of Education website provides access to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and descriptions of the various types of financial aid available.

  • Fulbright Scholar Program

    The Fulbright Program is a program of highly competitive, merit-based grants for students, scholars, teachers and professionals by the United States Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

  • Levine Scholars Program

    The Levine Scholars Program is UNC Charlotte’s most prestigious scholarship program. Scholarships are awarded to high school seniors based on ethical leadership and civic engagement.

  • Lullelia W. Harrison Scholarship in Counseling

    This $500-$1,000 scholarship is awarded by Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. Applicants must submit an essay of at least 150 words addressing information about themselves, community service activities, educational goals and aspirations.

  • National Association of Junior Auxiliaries (NAJA) Graduate Scholarship Program

    NAJA awards various scholarships to graduate psychology students who plan to work with children and adolescents.

  • National Science Foundation Awards

    The NSF funds a variety of grants for basic research at colleges and universities in the U.S.

  • Proud Foundation Scholarship Funds

    Students can apply for over 50 scholarships with only one application, including the Associates in Behavioral Health Scholarship for LGBTQ students pursuing graduate education in psychology, psychiatry, social work, or psychiatric nursing.

  • Sampling of Loan Repayment and Forgiveness Programs

    The APA publishes this document summarizing a selection of loan repayment and forgiveness programs.

  • University of Illinois at Chicago Nancy Hirschberg Memorial Prize

    These two awards were established in memorial of Nancy Hirschberg, a former faculty member at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

  • Violet and Cyril Franks Scholarship

    The American Psychology Foundation awards this $5,000 award to students with graduate-level scholarly projects associated with the stigma of mental illness.

  • American Academy of Forensic Psychology

    AAFP is the education and training arm of the American Board of Forensic Psychology. The organization sponsors an Early Career Scholarship Program.

  • American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy

    AAMFT is the professional association for the field of marriage and family therapy. It represents the professional interests of more than 50,000 therapists internationally.

  • Association for Behavioral Analysis International

    ABAI was established in 1974 as the primary membership organization for professionals interested in the philosophy, science, application, and teaching or behavior analysis.

  • Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Psychologists

    AABT/ABCT is a multidisciplinary organization committed to the understanding and improvement of human functioning through behavioral, cognitive, and other evidence-based principles. It has been at the forefront of the professional, legal, social, and ethical controversies and dissemination efforts throughout the field’s evolution.

  • Association for Psychological Science

    APS is a member organization that advocates for professionals practicing the science of psychology, which publishes scientific journals and promotes the education of psychology.

  • International Association for Correctional and Forensic Psychology

    IACFP is an organization of behavioral scientists and practitioners who are concerned with delivering high-quality mental health services to criminal offenders. Membership includes a subscription to a monthly journal, free online research tools, and a quarterly newsletter.

  • National Association of School Psychologists

    NASP represents more than 25,000 school psychologists, graduate students, and related professionals internationally as it works to advance effective practices to improve the learning, behavior, and mental health of students.

  • Organizational Development Network

    ODN offers a wide range of resources including professional development and networking opportunities. The site offers a job board for individuals in the field of organizational psychology.

  • Psychologist-License.com

    Students can search for licensure requirements by state.

  • Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology

    SIOP is both an independent organization and a division within the American Psychology Association. The organization works to strengthen support for research and practice among national policy decision makers.

  • Society of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology

    Student memberships to SCCAP are 100% free the first year. Student members receive access to a forum for graduate students interested in child psychology, a newsletter, scholarly journal, and eligibility for the Student Achievement Award.

  • Society of Consulting Psychology

    SCP is a membership organization of consulting psychologists. In addition to publishing a journal and newsletter, this organization provides access to continuing education opportunities for its members.

  • Society of Psychologists in Management

    This membership group includes psychologists who work in a wide array of corporations and organizations with positions in management, consulting, and academics.

Schools Resources

Although there are numerous online resources for psychology students, there are also fantastic resources right on campus. Here are three campus resources that support undergraduate and graduate psychology students.

Psychology Library

Campus libraries are filled with resources for students, from online instructional tools to full-text resources and digital collections. Some of the most important components of a psychology library include:

Databases: Some campus libraries have their own databases. For example, at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCI), students can browse videos by topics, therapeutic approaches, and therapists in the PsycTHERAPY database. Most colleges and universities provide access to the following databases:

  • PsycINFO (Psychological Abstracts): Largest resource for peer-reviewed literature in behavioral science and mental health
  • PubMed: Biomedical & health sciences literature
  • Web of Science: Research in applied, clinical, developmental, experimental, social psychology

Interlibrary loan: If the library does not own specific articles, books, media, or other materials, students should be able to request them through Interlibrary Loan.

RefWorks: Many campuses offer this powerful web-based citation management tool that enables students to access citations from a number of databases, or manually enter citation information. It assembles entries in a variety of citation styles and will even compile a bibliography.

Free Search Alerts: Students can keep up with new developments in their area of research and build lit reviews by saving search alerts.

Psychology Student Academic Affairs

Whether a college or university has a general student academic affairs office or one that specializes in psychology, this resource supports students in many different ways. For example, some schools offer combination psychology/career center co-advising services. At the University of North Carolina-Charlotte, the academic affairs office is called UNCC-PASS (Psychology Advising of Student Success). Some of the services offered by academic affairs include:

Peer Advisors
Juniors and seniors help undergraduate psychology students to analyze and assess progress. They also help students find courses that suit their goals and interests, discuss graduate school and career options, and look for research & independent study opportunities.

Academic Advisors
Academic advisors discuss courses and academic planning, current goals, future aspirations and personal experiences as psychology students prepare for graduate school. It’s a more formal process than a peer advisor program and usually available by appointment.

Faculty Advisors
Faculty advisors are typically available by appointment for consultations about research opportunities, undergraduate preparation, graduate school, and post-grad opportunities.

Mentoring
Many graduate schools match graduate students with a faculty advisor who acts as career and research mentor. These mentors meet with students regularly to offer course guidance and discuss funding and research plans.

Career Services

One resource that psychology students should never overlook is the career services center. Undergraduate and graduate students who want to further their education can get help as they explore programs and complete the application process. The staff at the career services center can advise psychology students about work-study opportunities on campus, as well as how to find off-campus jobs to finance their education.

Campus career services centers also assist students looking for internships, volunteer positions, and service opportunities. Students preparing to seek employment after graduation can find workshops and trainings on topics like building a LinkedIn profile and building a resume. They can also get details about career center-sponsored Career Fairs, find career guides, and learn about on-campus organizations that can be helpful for strengthening a resume.

For example, almost every college campus has a Graduate Association of Student Psychologists (GASP) program—and all graduate students are automatically members. GASP is a student-run organization and social network for forming friendships with fellow grad students and faculty members. Students can attend informational meetings about academic and social events that serve as a transition from college to the professional world.