Active and engaged learning experiences take place inside and outside the classroom throughout your four-year experience.
Experiential Learning is the process of learning by doing. Because this approach to learning is a central pillar to the liberal arts, the University of Puget Sound has an experiential learning core requirement, described in more detail on the Experiential Learning at Puget Sound web page. In order to practice and build practical skills, Psychology majors must also complete the Psychology Experiential Learning Requirement as part of their major. The main difference between the two requirements is that the University requirement is broader than the Psychology requirement, which is focused on psychology-related experiences. Thus, fulfilling the Psychology requirement typically also fulfills the University requirement, while fulfilling the University requirement may not fulfill the Psychology requirement. Please review the details of the Psychology requirement below and work closely with your academic or research advisor to come up with a plan to fulfill this requirement.
Background
All majors are required to complete a Psychology-related experiential learning requirement. This experience must have a substantial focus on psychological science, as defined by the American Psychological Association’s divisional requirements. There are different ways to complete this requirement based on your major (Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science) and interests. Please use the table and links below to identify which experience will best support your interests and develop the skills you wish to foster.
| Applied Psychology (fulfills BA requirement, does not fulfill BS requirement) |
Empirical Research |
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| When does the Experience Typically Occur? | What are the Experiences?1 | When does the Experience Typically Occur? | What are the Experiences?1 |
| Years 2, 3, 4 | EXLN 295: Community-Based Learning Experience (0.5-1.0 units, minimum 80 hours)2 |
Summer after Year 2 or 3 | EXLN 298: Summer Research Experience (0 units, minimum 300 hours)2 |
| EXLN 296: Internship Experience (0.5-1.0 units, minimum 80 hours)2 |
Years 3 or 4 (during the academic year) | PSYC 495/496: Independent Study (0.5-1.0 units, minimum 75 hours) |
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| EXLN 301: Telling your Experiential Learning Story (0.25 units, minimum 80 hours)2 |
Years 3 or 4 (summer or academic year) | Volunteering in a research lab (at UPS or elsewhere)2 (0 units, minimum 75 hours)3 |
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| PSYC 498: Internship (0.5-1.0, minimum 80 hours)2 |
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| Other opportunities (e.g., volunteering, internship) not associated with a course2 (0 units, minimum 80 hours)3 |
Research in allied field (e.g., NRSC, BIOL, SOAN, AFAM)2 (0 units, minimum 75 hours)3 |
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| Year 4, Spring Term | PSYC 497: Practicum in Psychology (1.0 unit, minimum 120 hours) |
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1 EXLN 297 (Study Abroad Experience) fulfills the University’s experiential learning requirement. It does not fulfill the Psychology experiential learning requirement, unless an empirical research study or internship/volunteerism was part of the study abroad. Check with your primary academic advisor in Psychology and/or the Chair of Psychology prior to filling out your approval form.
2 Your experience or research in an allied field must have a substantial focus on psychological science, as defined by the American Psychological Association’s divisional requirements. Check with your primary academic advisor in Psychology and/or the Chair of Psychology prior to filling out your approval form.
3 In order to meet the University Experiential Learning Requirement, you must be enrolled in an approved course (https://www.pugetsound.edu/academics/core-courses/experiential-learning). Thus, while volunteering, internship, or research not associated with a course may meet the Psychology Experimental Learning Requirement, these experiences will not meet the University Experiential Learning Requirement. If you have completed an experience not associated with a course, it is highly encouraged that you enroll in EXLN 301 after your experience to also meet the University Experiential Learning Requirement. For research experiences (volunteering in a research lab or research in an allied field), it is encouraged that you concurrently enroll in EXLN 296 (if experience is 75-300 hours) or EXLN 298 (if experience is 300 or more hours) to also meet the University Experiential Learning Requirement. Please work closely with your academic or research advisor and the Experiential Learning Office to ensure that your experience fulfills the requirements you would like it to fulfill.
Forms
Prior to the Experience: After you have developed a plan with your academic or research advisor, submit the Psychology Experiential Learning Requirement Proposal Form and wait for approval. You should not begin your experience until your plan has been approved by the Psychology Department!
