The Field Placement

This is an experiential learning course where students participate in a field placement in a social service setting such as a hospital clinic, human service agency, group home, school counseling office, probation office, or specialized classroom. The student acquires knowledge regarding methods of intervention and the treatment philosophy of the placement agency by participating in an observational and supportive role. Students participating in the practicum are typically obligated for the equivalent of 8 - 16 hours per week for 3 - 6 credits. Students negotiate the actual hourly schedule with their placement supervisor.

There is a list of sites where we have pre-established agreements for our students to participate in undergraduate psychology field placements. The students can select from this list or students can find their own sites. The list is revised each fall and spring semester, and is presented at the informational meetings listed above.

Individualized experiences are also available in industrial/organizational psychology. Students interested in industrial/organizational sites should see Dr. Peter Bachiochi or Dr. Wendi Everton.

Students interested in sites that meet the requirements for the Behavior Analysis Certification Preparation should see Dr. Deirdre Fitzgerald.

Field placements are on a semester-by-semester basis following ECSU's schedule. Students may participate in a single placement for more than one semester if both student and agency agree, or students may repeat the course at a different placement.

The field placement agency determines the actual program in which you participate. Placement sites may ask you to participate in any activity where they think undergraduate psychology students may be of assistance. In the past, activities that ECSU students have been involved in have included, but not been limited to:

• 1 - 1 mentoring
• 1 - 1 tutoring
• Administering and scoring standardized rating scales
• Co-therapy in treatment groups such as social skills training, problem-solving, divorce, children of alcoholics, anger management, and social skills
• Implementing behavior management and behavior modification programs
• Peer mediation
• Program design/administration
• Shadowing a probation officer
• Small group tutoring
• Systematic direct observation
• Supervision of activity groups

Students attend a supervision class on campus and on-site supervision will be available to you at the placement agency. You may not be left alone at the site without access to a supervisor or their designee.

For more details, please attend one of the meetings above or email Dr. Jeff Danforth.