Project Topics on Psychology
- Read about the three major project options (below). You must choose from these when you register for the major project (PSY 3901W, 3902W, or 3903W).
- Check your APAS to ensure you have completed the prerequisites for the major project*:
- PSY foundation courses (PSY 1001, 3801, and 3001W)
- All 5 of the PSY distribution areas (A-C)
- Senior status (90+ cumulative credits)
- Register for the major project class (PSY 3901W, 3902W, or 3903W) as soon as your registration queue opens.
- Address any class-specific next steps, if any, before the first day of class.
Major Project Options
Psychology BA majors may select between three major-project experiences, including a research laboratory project (PSY 3901W), individual interest project (PSY 3902W), and community engagement project (PSY 3903W). The course you choose will determine the specific requirements and expectations associated with your major-project experience.
Research Lab Project: PSY 3901W
The research lab project allows you to take full advantage of the abundance of psychological research happening right here in the Department of Psychology. In this option, you will draw from your experience in a faculty research lab (PSY 4/5993) to help develop the topic of your major project paper for the PSY 3901W class. This option requires you to secure a laboratory research experience in a faculty member's lab for PSY 4/5993 credits either the semester prior to or concurrently with your PSY 3901W enrollment. Because research lab positions are not guaranteed, we recommend BA students only select this option if they already have a PSY 4/5993 position secured.
Before class begins: Arrange to assist in the lab of a faculty member through PSY 4/5993.
Individual Interest Project: PSY 3902W
The individual interest project involves developing a project that relates to your personal or occupational interests; it includes extra reading or contact with people working in your area of interest. The most common way to satisfy this requirement is to read a book written by a psychologist for a general audience or to interview at least three professionals working in your area of interest. Other ideas may be discussed with the course instructor.
Before class begins: You do not need to take any action prior to the start of the individual interest project.
Community Engagement Project: PSY 3903W
Interested in connecting your studies of psychology to important issues in your local community? The Community Service-Learning Center provides you with the opportunity to work onsite at a nearby community organization for approximately four hours each week throughout the semester. You will then draw from this community experience to help identify the topic of your major-project paper for the PSY 3903W class.
Before class begins: You do not need to take any action to find a community placement site until you receive an email from the Center for Community Engaged Learning staff. You will receive the email either right before the term begins or within the first week of class. It will contain detailed instructions on how to move forward with the community site placement process, which involves being given access to a database filled with service positions.
