PSYC478/PSYC479 - Research Assistantships & Conducting Independent Research
Research Opportunities for Psychology Majors
The PSYC Terp Research Hub is a centralized platform designed to connect undergraduate psychology students with research labs, faculty mentors, and hands-on experiences at the University of Maryland. Our goal is to make research more accessible, inclusive, and transparent for all PSYC Terps!
Serving as a research assistant (RA) is a valuable way to gain hands-on research experience, develop essential research skills, and learn about cutting-edge work shaping the field of psychology. It also provides an opportunity to build meaningful relationships with psychology faculty, researchers, and graduate students.
There are several ways to find research opportunities on campus. Each semester, the Undergraduate Psychology Office shares opportunities for undergraduate students to participate in psychology research. Visit the PSYC E-News Blog for available positions.
Students can also seek out research opportunities independently. One approach is to learn about faculty research through your classes and then reach out to faculty members or graduate students whose research interests align with your own. Taking the initiative to connect with researchers can be a great first step toward finding a position that matches your interests and career goals.
Please note that if you have a student conduct mark on your academic record or a pending judicial issue that you may be ineligible for PSYC478 and PSYC479.
To become a research assistant, a student should:
1) Request approval to conduct research with a psychology faculty member, or apply to open positions at a Department of Psychology research lab. Open research assistant positions are often listed on the PSYC E-News Blog.
2) Complete the PSYC 479 Application to receive approval to register for course credit for being a research assistant. (Note: read this form carefully!)
3) Work with your research supervisor(s) to begin your training and your research activities.
Junior and Senior students who have at least a 3.0 GPA and at least 9 credits in PSYC, can earn academic credit for research participation (maximum of 3 credits per term and 12 credits total of PSYC478/479 combined).
PSYC 478 / PSYC 479 Application
PSYC 478 - Application Instructions - Independent Study in Psychology
PSYC 479 - Application Instructions - Special Research in Psychology