Research Opportunities

Finding Research Opportunities 

Research for Credit FAQs 

Science & Society Internship Program

Student Organizations 

Psychology Association

Undergraduate Psychology Advisory Board 

Career Exploration

Awards & Scholarships

Conference Funding

Research Opportunities

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Finding Research Opportunities

We encourage undergraduates at Georgia Tech and elsewhere to become involved in research as early as possible in their studies.  The most important and informative letters of recommendation for graduate studies and references for future employment typically come from faculty who supervise research.  Getting involved in research requires students to take the initiative. 

Students may do research for course credit, for pay, or as volunteers.  Regardless of how they are compensated, undergraduate research assistants have real responsibilities that cannot be taken lightly.  However, expectations may differ for paid, credit, and volunteer research assistants. 

Is Psychology Coursework Required?

Some labs will accept entering students with no psychology coursework whereas others may prefer that students complete some coursework first.  the responsibilities of undergraduate research assistants typically increase with experience.  

How Do I Find Opportunities?

Students interested in conducting research in a faculty member's lab should start by browsing the research areas within the School of Psychology to identify which areas are of interest.   Within each area, faculty members have ongoing, unique programs of research.  To learn more about the current research being conducted in a specific lab, students should browse the individual lab websites.  Find the "Contact Us" area of the individual lab's webpage and follow instructions about whom to contact if you are interested in applying for an undergraduate research position in that lab.  

You can also view research assistant recruitment announcements or flyers on the bulletin board near the faculty mailboxes in the J.S. Coon building.  Or, click here to view current recruitment announcements from labs. 

Research Experience for Course Credit

To register research for course credit (PSYC 2699 or PSYC 4699), students should either complete a paper copy of the Petition to Enroll form or submit a permit request electronically.

Option 1: Paper copy of the Petition to Enroll form: Complete a Petition to Enroll form which can either be printed here or found in the front office in the J.S. Coon building. The professor under which a student will begin working should help fill out the form. Completed forms should be turned in to Shebbie Murray in J.S. Coon, Rm. 134 prior to registration.

Option 2: Instead of the paper form, you can request a research permit electronically: The online permit request form can be found here (scroll down to PSYC): https://registrar.gatech.edu/registration/permits-and-overloads (Links to an external site.) The online permit form request will first get sent to the faculty member you have arranged to work with, they will approve/deny the request, and then you will be issued a permit to register if the request is approved.

After a request to enroll is processed, students will receive an email with the CRN of the course for which they should register. It is the student's responsibility to register for the course prior to the close of Phase II registration. As a general guideline, for each credit hour, a student is expected to complete 3 hours of research per week (e.g., 3 credit hours = 9 hours per week commitment). Alternative time-commitments and specific research expectations must be arranged individually with the advising professor. Up to 3 hours of 2699/4699 can be applied toward PSYC electives for PSYC majors. 

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Research for Credit FAQs

What section of research should I enroll in?

• If your classification is Freshman/Sophomore, you can only enroll in PSYC 2699.
• If your classification is Junior/Senior, you should be enrolling in PSYC 4699.
• To find out your classification, please follow this link: http://www.catalog.gatech.edu/rules/6/ (Links to an external site.)

How do I enroll in research hours?

• After reaching out to a faculty member and getting approval to sign up with them for research hours, please fill out the online permit request form or use the paper copy (follow directions above). Do not fill out this form unless you have spoken with the faculty member, and they have offered you a position in their lab. It is YOUR responsibility to enroll in the appropriate number of hours in Oscar.
• The online permit request form can be found here: https://registrar.gatech.edu/registration/permits-and-overloads (Links to an external site.)
• The online permit form request will first get sent to the faculty member you plan to work with, then they will approve/deny the request, and finally you will be issued a permit to register if the request is approved.

How does the Online PSYC Research Permit Process work?

1. Submit a permit request using the link provided.
2. The permit request gets sent to course instructor.
3. Instructor either approves or denies the request and this information is sent to Shebbie Murray.
4. If approved, you will receive an email notifying you that you have been issued a permit and you can enroll in the course. If denied, you will be notified via email.

How do I enroll in 1, 2, or 3 credit hours of PSYC 2699 or 4699?

• The PSYC 2699/4699 courses are identified as "Variable Hour Courses" in Buzzport/Oscar. When you register for PSYC 2699/4699, the number of credit hours defaults to 1 hour. It is YOUR responsibility to adjust the number of credit hours on your schedule. Details on this process are pasted below.

How do I change the number of hours for a variable hour course?

1. Log into Buzzport (Links to an external site.)
2. On the Home tab locate the "Registration and Student Services" channel
3. Select the "Registration - OSCAR" link
4. Select "Student Services & Financial Aid"
5. Select "Registration"
6. Select "Add/Drop Classes"
7. Select "Term"
8. Select "Change Course Options" at the bottom of screen
9. Enter the desired number of hours

Across Universities

Most labs welcome interest in research positions from motivated undergraduates studying at other universities.  Georgia Tech students may also contact researchers in other departments at Tech and at nearby schools such as Georgia State and Emory about research opportunities.  Students who spend their summers in different parts of the country should consider contacting local labs about summer positions.  In addition, there are organized summer workshops and internships.

For any questions about Undergraduate Research Opportunities, please contact Dr. Christopher Stanzione (christopher.stanzione@psych.gatech.edu)

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Science & Society Internship Program

Description of the Program

The internship experience is designed to give Georgia Tech students the opportunity to integrate and apply theoretical knowledge and research skills acquired in their undergraduate curriculum in a field setting that is carefully supervised and individualized for the particular student. Such an experience allows the student to be involved in the helping process in an atmosphere that is conducive to learning and at the same time does not place the client in a position of undue risk. Placements are available in a variety of areas including mental health centers, psychiatric hospitals, substance abuse centers, school settings, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, and other human service agencies and settings.

The internship can be a valuable experience for students who are contemplating careers in psychology or in related fields. By direct observation and involvement in applied settings, students learn first hand how psychological theories are integrated and applied to clinical practice. For students hoping to obtain entry level positions in human service agencies, applied training gives them a competitive edge in today's job market. For those planning further graduate education in clinical psychology, school psychology, counseling, guidance, and other applied areas, a field experience enhances one's preparation. Even for students who are uncertain about the direction of future employment or graduate work, the internship can be an opportunity to evaluate their career plans. This program has three tracks: 1) International Experience (remote, hybrid, or in-person), 2) Virtual Experience (remote only), and 3) Local Impact (hybrid or in-person).

Students may register for credit as either a free elective (PSYC 2695; prior to junior status), or a Psychology major elective (PSYC 4695, once junior status is achieved). Students may also register for audit/pay to have an ungraded internship simply appear on their transcript. The courses created above (PSYC 2695/4695) allow you to get up to 6 credits towards your degree. If you find a paid internship, you cannot also get credit. However, you can sign up for audit hours with the Career Center. Audit hours are tuition free, are recorded on your transcript, do not affect your FAFSA status, help maintain active student status during work terms, and allow you to stay in campus housing.

Eligibility

Students must have an overall GPA of 3.0 or above and have sophomore academic standing (completion of at least 30 credits toward degree progress). Any major is welcome to apply.

Application Procedures

You should first begin your search for an internship by using any of the links provided on this page or any other resources you find helpful. Internships are available in mental health facilities, schools, rehabilitation centers, hospitals and other human service agencies. Every effort is made to match sites with student's interests and career goals. While we can help you find the internship, you should also contribute to the search. Here is a site of the major employers of Psychology majors in Georgia.

If you are admitted to the program, you will have an introductory meeting with either Dr. Christopher Stanzione, Associate Chair of Undergraduate Studies or James Stringfellow, College of Sciences Career Educator.

• https://psychology.gsu.edu/research-applied-practica/#applied-practica-sites
• https://careers.georgia.gov/internships
• https://gov.gatech.edu/internships/dc
• https://www.onetonline.org/

Here are some current examples of local internships:

If you are admitted to the program, you will have an introductory meeting with either Dr. Christopher Stanzione, Associate Chair of Undergraduate Studies, James Stringfellow, College of Sciences Career Educator, and/or Haley Steele, Graduate Student Internship Coordinator.

Grading and Evaluations

Students who register for PSYC 2695/4695 can decide to get a letter grade or S (satisfactory)/U (Unsatisfactory). Assessment of your progress at the internship site includes a collection of written deliverables about your experience along with supervisor evaluations which will be used for your final grade.

Questions?

Contact Dr. Christopher Stanzione, Associate Chair for Undergraduate Education for any remaining questions.

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Student Organizations

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Psychology Association

All GT students are eligible to join Psychology Association (ΨA). See details below

The purpose of ΨA at Georgia Tech is to:

• raise awareness of Psychology as a program and discipline at Georgia Tech.
• be an activity and interest club for psychology majors, minors, and interested students at Georgia Tech.
• provide resources and information for a successful academic career at Georgia Tech.
• get to know students and faculty in the School of Psychology at Georgia Tech!

Psychology Association: Volunteering at Kate’s Club

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Undergraduate Psychology Advisory Board

Undergraduate Advising

Dr. Meghan Babcock and Dr. William Stern advise all undergraduate psychology majors and minors.

If you need specific information or have concerns, please feel free to email your advisor. If you are not a current Psychology major and have questions, please reach out to the advisor corresponding with the first letter of your last name as outlined in the table above.

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Career Exploration

Pathways to Success

Georgia Tech's Psychology program offers clear 'Pathways to Success' that guide students from their first steps on campus to graduation and beyond. Upon entry to the program, students are affiliated with a primary research area and primary mentor.   Incoming students begin the “quantitative core” with a solid foundation in core psychological principles, statistical analysis and research methods. This ensures a strong base of knowledge as they begin their own independent research projects. As they progress, students from the different programs have the flexibility to explore specialized course work and research tailoring their education to their career goals. Hands-on research opportunities, internships, and interdisciplinary projects are available to all students throughout the program, allowing students to gain practical experience and build professional networks. With support from dedicated faculty mentors and access to state-of-the-art resources, students are prepared to excel in their chosen fields, whether they pursue academic, industry or other impactful careers.

Research Milestones

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Awards & Scholarships

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Conference Funding

• Scholarships
• Grants
• Federal Work Study
• Loans
• Emergency Funds
  • College of Sciences
  • Student Government Association
• President’s Undergraduate Research Award (PURA)
• Conference Funds
  • Student Government Association
  • PURA Travel Awards

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