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.
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.
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.
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.
- American Psychological Association-Careers in Psychology
- 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
- Regional Math/Science Center at Frostburg State University
The US Department of Education funds the Regional Math/Science Center (RMSC) at Frostburg State University (FSA). The program provides academic support and opportunities for growth, including a challenging summer session.
- George Mason University Summer Science Fellowship
The Summer Science Fellowship program (SSF) for undergraduates informs psychology students about the science of psychology and its promise for the future.
- Georgia Southern University Rural Health Research Institute DESRE Program
The Disparities Elimination Summer Research Experience (DESRE) is a six-week comprehensive research program open to undergraduate and graduate psychology students. Interns are immersed in full-time rural health disparities elimination research and training.
- University of Maryland Summer Research Initiative
The Summer Research Initiative (SRI) at the University of Maryland was established in 1999 to increase the number of underrepresented minorities who pursue graduate degrees in the social, behavioral, and economic sciences. The eight-week program is open to rising juniors and seniors.
- University of Michigan Summer Undergraduate Internship Program
The Institute for Social Research (ICPSR) summer internship program at the University of Michigan provides undergraduates with an expansive research experience that introduces all aspects of social science research.
- University of North Carolina Center of Excellence for Disorders Research Trainee Program
This program is open to undergraduates and postgraduates who can devote 10 hours a week during two semesters. It prepares students interested in attending psychology graduate programs by providing research experience.
- University of North Carolina-Charlotte Organizational Science Summer Institute
Rising juniors and seniors interested in pursuing a graduate degree can apply for the Institute Fellowship, which provides access to doctoral student mentors and an opportunity to network with national experts on graduate education.
- National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates
NSF funds an extensive number of research opportunities for undergraduates through its Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program. All of the host institutions can be found at this link, and several of them are listed below:
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.
- Researching Injustice and Social Equality (RISE):
Whether they need to complete an internship or would benefit from academic support, graduate students in psychology will find the following resources helpful.
- LinkedIn Internships
LinkedIn manages this page with job and internship information for current and graduated psychology students.
- APS Albert Bandura Graduate Research Award
Psi-Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology, awards up to $1,000 for travel expenses to the APS National Convention and a 3-year membership in APS to a graduate student in psychology.
- American Psychological Association of Graduate Students (APAGS)
APAGS offers graduate psychology students many resources, including the following:
- APA Minority Fellowship Program
APA sponsors a variety of fellowship and professional development opportunities along with scholarships, grants, and awards.
- Association for Support of Graduate Students
Students can receive assistance with their dissertation at this site.
- Graduate Training Programs in Industrial-Organizational Psychology and Related Fields
The Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology provides this guide to introduce graduate training programs in the field.
- Distinguished Student Service Award in Clinical Psychology
This service award honors a graduate student in clinical psychology who has made outstanding service contributions to the profession and community. The winner receives a plaque, $200 honorarium, and a two-year subscription to the Journal of Clinical Psychology and Journal of Clinical Psychology: In Session.
- The Harry Frank Guggenheim Foundation Research Grants
Graduate students who perform research that promises to increase the understanding of the causes, manifestations, and control of violence and aggression are eligible to apply for research grants of $15,000 to $40,000.
- Society of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology-Graduate Student Resources
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. Student memberships to SCCAP are 100% free the first year.
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.