Field Experience
Psychology majors and minors may complete up to five credit hours in Community Field Experience. Field placements range from introductory level settings where the student explores a field or career to intensive pre-professional level where the student completes a field placement over two or more semesters.

During the field placement, the student will demonstrate the ability to

• Apply the knowledge and skills gained in her psychology classes to a practical setting;
• Gain exposure and experience in at least one aspect of the profession of psychology;
• Discuss the application of the Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct of the American Psychological Association to her particular field setting; and
• Demonstrate development of interpersonal awareness, sensitivity and self-knowledge.

Students are required to take PSY-100 and gain permission from the instructor before beginning the field placement. Students are also required to submit weekly journals and complete a written project.

One credit hour of a field placement is equivalent to 45 hours of work in the community. Students usually work three to four hours per week, per credit.

Pychology students gain practical experience in all kinds of settings.  Some examples of recent field placements completed by Meredith Psychology majors include:

• Duke University Medical Center -- Child Life Program
• Environmental Protection Agency -- Research in the Behavioral Neurotoxicology Program
• Hilburn Drive and Root Elementary Schools – Guidance Office, School Psychology Office
• Interact -- Domestic Violence Shelter, Counseling, Hotline
• Jefferies Grove Elementary School – Accelerated Learning Program
• Life Experiences, Inc. -- Adult Day Facility for Developmental Disabilities
• Martin Middle School – Guidance Office
• NC Correctional Institute for Women -- Day Treatment Program
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – Eating Disorders Clinic
• Raleigh Rescue Mission -- Child Development Center for Homeless Children
• Tammy Lynn Center -- Residential Center for Children with Severe Developmental Disabilities

For information on current and upcoming Field Placement opportunities, contact Dr. Hornak and consult the Psychology Majors Blackboard site.