Experiential Courses

Learning from one's direct experience is integral to the educational goals for a psychology major.  The psychology department offers several types of experiential courses, and students are encouraged to take any or all of these courses that suit their academic level.

Taking these courses or getting involved will generally benefit students with skill development for employment after getting a bachelor's degree, and especially important for preparation for graduate schools and advanced degrees.

Field Training

The Psychology Department has supervised field placements for majors interested in applying their knowledge of psychology to real-world situations for course credit (PSYCH 387). Students are supervised by both a psychology department faculty member and an on-site supervisor. These experiences provide insight into the types of employment students may achieve with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Field training is also excellent experience for students intending to pursue graduate training in such areas as counseling, clinical psychology, school psychology, and social work.

Field placements have included a range of human service agencies, schools, crisis intervention programs and correction facilities. Currently, the department's most active field training program includes the sites below, which places studetns in a variety of child-oriented human service programs in our area. Students are encouraged to take this course during their junior year.

Undergraduate Research

Students may work with faculty on research in a number of different ways. Many students opt to take Independent Study in which they work with a faculty member on research topics that interests them, and these hands-on experiences may include literature review, data collection, analysis, or writing up papers or manuscripts. Some students choose to compelte Senior Thesis projects.

Whether students should have certain background, such as having taken statistics and methodology courses, will depend on the specific project. Students are always encouraged to contact their interested faculty to find out possible research opportunities. A good way to get started on accumulating research experience is to volunteer in helping with faculty's research if they have never worked the faculty before.

Students may apply for financial support for their research (e.g., to purchase materials, travel) through the university undergraduate research program.

Nursing Home Visitation Program

Students are encouraged to participate in this well-known project founded by a UWW student and a psychology professor, Dr. Clifford O'Beirne.

"The N.H.V.P has been a part of UW-Whitewater campus’ efforts in community service for 35 years, and average 200 hours per week. This is one of the biggest programs in the nation that goes to nursing homes. To date, UWW students have made over 175,000 visits to nearby nursing homes" - http://blogs.uww.edu/uwwservice/2011/02/28/nursing-home-visitation-program-people-who-care/