PSYC 798: Professional Internship
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor; enrollment in a graduate program in Psychology at Radford University
Credit Hours: Variable credit, (1-6)
Hours may vary from 10 to 25 per week. Note: This course may be repeated for a total
of 12 credits; students should consult with their faculty advisors for specific requirements
within their area of concentration. A part-time professional experience under the
supervision of the Psychology graduate faculty. The student will function as a staff
member in professional settings to gain experience in the use and application of psychological
techniques and procedures. Common emphases of all sections will be on developing professional
identity through an experiential component. Ethical practice and responsibilities
will also be an emphasis for all sections of the course. Each internship section will
have a specific and detailed course description of the content of the course as related
to the specific graduate concentration of the student.
Note(s): Internship grades will be recorded as Pass or Fail.
Detailed Description of Content of Course
The intern is expected to experience the full range of activities of the facility in which they are positioned. Actual experiences may vary dependent on the orientation of the student and the facility. Essential activities will include:
1. Assessment--both traditional and recent techniques
2. Consultation--the intern is to be involved with other professionals in an effort
to both identify and clarify significant aspects of the activities of the facility
3. Training--the intern is expected to be involved with both the giving and receiving
of training when available. Concomitant reading in professional journals and books
is expected during the course of the internship.
4. Research and Program Evaluation: the intern should get experience in research and
evaluation when the opportunity presents itself. Intern will be expected to be familiar
with techniques involved with such evaluation.
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
The student will be responsible for finding a position in a facility in his/her area. It is expected that the student will experience all of the possible activities pertinent to such a facility within the constraints of the facility. Students will be in at least weekly contact with the faculty supervisor: the faculty supervisor will contact the on-site supervisor on a regular basis.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
The intern is to develop skills and expertise in the area in which they do their internship, by functioning in a real-life work situation.
Assessment Measures
In consultation with the University supervisor, the student's on the job performance will be evaluated by the on-site supervisor who will examine work-samples and observe the intern at work in a variety of work situations. Students will generally be required to keep a daily log--dependent on the constraints of the facility.
Other Course Information
None
Review and Approval
March 1999 Revised
Revised May 9, 2012