PSYC 495 Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start looking for an internship?
To ensure that you have plenty of time, it is recommended that you begin looking for an internship the semester before you take Psychology 495. This gives you enough time to apply, interview, obtain background checks and other tests and clearances before starting at your site. Avoid looking for a site during the semester (when you can be accumulating hours). If you are unsure about how appropriate a site might be please check with your 495 instructor.
During what semester should I take the internship class?
Take your internship during a semester when your coursework is less intense than usual so that you have time outside of class to complete the internship hours. You must have completed the pre-requisites (three upper-division psychology courses at CSUF and minimum 2.0 GPA in psychology). Typically, students take the course during their final year at CSUF.
Can I still complete an internship if I'm an AB520 student?
Students who are undocumented should email or visit Robert Pierce (rpierce@fullerton.edu) of the CICE (Center for Internships & Community Engagement). CICE has a list of sites that do not require citizenship and can work with students to find the appropriate fit.
What kinds of sites count for the 495 course?
Sites that utilize psychological concepts or theories to accomplish their mission (e.g., mental health facilities, educational settings, homes for the elderly, group homes, rehab centers, work in a psych professor's research lab, businesses that rely on I/O principles for hiring, training, evaluating employees). The sites should have a supervisor or team that offers training and guidance on a regular basis and can provide evaluations and feedback to interns. Students should be active in using psychology at their sites; limit administrative work to 20% of your time on site.
Can I use my job as my internship?
You can use your regular job as long as it meets the criteria above but you should insure that your internship involves a new component or challenge to avoid doing the same activity as usual. The internship is a leraning experience. It can add to your future job or graduate school application and help you find the field that is right for you.
Does my site supervisor need to have a Psychology degree? What kind of degree/credential does my supervisor need?
Your supervisor should have a minimum two years of experience in a role with the organization that is relevant to the field of psychology AND/OR a degree (BA, MA, or PhD) within the psychological sciences.
Where do I find a list of available sites?
You can find comprehensive insturctions on the entire Academic Internship process on the Academic Internship Instruction Card site. Pre-approved internship opportunities can be found on Titan Connection. Please see Step 2, Option A on the Psychology Instruction Card.
Academic Internship Instructions Card site
How do I intern at a public school, I can't find any opportunities on Titan Connection?
Cal State Fullerton has relationships with over 70 public school districts. You can intern at any school in an approved school district. The Approved School District can be found on the Academic Internship Insttruction Card under Step Two, Option B. Public school positions are not posted on Titan Connection. Rather, you need to contact the individual indicated on the Approved School District list and let them know you would like to complete your "Undergraduate field experience hours" at thei rschool. Indicarte if you would like to shadow teacher or an educational psychologist or school counselor, etc. Once the school has agreed to take you on as an intern and has provided you with the name and contact information of your supervisor, then you will complete the Internshop Approval Request. Once the request has been received, CICE will create a custom opportunity for you. Once the opportunity has been created, CICE will email you and let you know you are ready to complete your placement.
CICE Approved School District List
What do I do if I want to find my own internship site?
Check with the faculty member teaching your 495 class to see if your site is acceptable. Once You have been offered the position, you can fill out the Internship Approval Request. This can also be found on the Academic Internship Instruction Card under Step 2, Option B. Please do not complete a request until you have been offered an internship position.
Internship Approval Request Form
How do I complete the placement with the Center for Internships (CICE)?
Once you have secured a sire and supervisor, you can go to Step 4 on the Academic Instruction Card. There is a Google Doc that will give you detailed step by step instructions on completing this process. If you need assistance, please call CICE at 657-287-3746 or email cice@fullerton.edu. Do not complete this step until you have been offered an internship position.
Instructions to Complete the CICE Internship Placement Process
