Professional Field Experience

Psychology majors can participate in PSYC 491, Professional Field Experience in Psychology, which involves placement at a community agency performing work relevant to psychology, for academic credit. 

The course may be taken as a capstone experience or for elective credits (elective credits beyond the three credits counted for a capstone experience count toward the 120 needed for a degree, but not toward the 42 limit on psychology credits). Psychology majors interested in participating in PSYC 491 must first apply to and be accepted for the program before they can arrange a placement.

Students interested in participating in PSYC 491 should carefully read the description of the program, and review the Available Placements. 

How do I get accepted into the field experience placement program?

1. Submit the Application and Screening Form  by the due date. 
2. Complete a Request for Placement Approval Form , IF the student is seeking to complete a field experience at a site that is not on the current list of available sites.
3. A review of applications will occur after the due date by both Dr. McWilliams (491 coordinator) and psychology department advisors.

The number of internship hours required corresponds to the number of credits the student enrolls for. Please see the chart for Fall/Spring or for Summer to plan your schedule appropriately.

Important Dates for 491 Application and Registration:

Summer and Fall 2025 Dates & Deadlines 

• February 6, 2025 - Information Night- 6:30pm – Life Sciences Building room G-15
• February 16, 2025 - Web application due (submitted electronically).
  *Background check notifications should be coming out soon after the application deadline. Check your MIX email for a link. 
• March 3, 2025 - Notification of acceptance and authorization of interviews (sent to student's MIX email account)
• April 4, 2025 - Student-Supervisor Agreement + Practicum Agreement Form contracts due. Please note: this form must be completed in its entirety, signed by both the student and supervisor. Please note: this must be completed in its entirety, signed by both the student and supervisor.

What happens after I am accepted into the field experience program? (And how do I get registered?)

Students who are already approved for the PSYC 491 program and who have received authorization to interview at a placement site(s) have several more steps to complete before registration can occur. Students may access and download all of the required documents here.

1. The instructions for next steps (Google Doc), includes advice regarding interviewing and setting up a placement. This document will help you with step 2 and understanding what to include on your contracts.
2. After a successful interview, the contract must be completed and submitted by the due date. The form can be found here:  Contract Submission Form  . Please type in ALL responses and complete with student and supervisor signatures where indicated.
3. All students are required to complete a background check. Applicants will receive an email to their MIX email account with a link to pick up to complete the process. Please check SPAM or JUNK folders if you do not see this in a timely manner. This background check must be complete before students are permitted to register.
4. At the conclusion of the practicum, site supervisors are required to submit a Student Evaluation Form   no later than one week prior to the end of semester.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about obtaining a Professional Field Experience in Psychology are answered in the description of the program above. Any additional questions may be directed to the program coordinator, Dr. Stephanie McWilliams ( srmcwilliams@mail.wvu.edu  or 304-293-0834).