Preparing for a Career in Education

The Psychology Department offers many opportunities for students to get involved in research. Students can earn Departmental credit (PSYCH 499), for working in faculty members' labs as part of their research teams. PSYCH 499 opportunities are posted on a bulletin board in the hallway just outside of Guthrie 119 and also listed on the psych department website under Research and Internships.

Some examples of research studies that may be of interest to students planning a career in education are:

• Cognitive and social development in toddlers
• Assessing anti-social behavior
• Family relationships study
• Imagination and behavior
• Child and infant development project
• Racial identity development

Typical lab duties and experiences that may be especially valuable for students with an interest in education are:

• Interviewing subjects
• Recruiting subjects
• Coding audio/video tapes
• Library research
• Preparing presentations
• Child care/interaction

To find out about getting involved in research across campus, and to learn about research training grants available for students, visit the Undergraduate Research Program webpage at http://www.washington.edu/research/urp/

Related Courses

Courses that may be of interest to students planning a career in education:

Check the quarterly Time Schedule for course availability and times.

Internship and Volunteer Opportunities

Students who participate in internships and volunteer work get the chance to explore different career options on a first-hand basis. Credit is available for this type of experiential learning, via PSYCH 497 (Fieldwork Seminar), or GEN ST 350 (Independent Fieldwork).

Psychology majors interested in the education field have previously found internship and volunteer positions at

Department of Youth Services (Stars Program)

I learned patience! I worked with a really difficult population (12-16 year old delinquents). I value the respect and patience that this internship provided me with. Every week we had a new challence. - former intern

Redmond Elementary School

My internship has given me insight into what I'm getting myself into! I also have a good idea of what weaknesses I have and need to work on. And, I realize that I definitely want to pursue a teaching career. - former intern

U.W. Early Scholars Outreach Program

Through my internship, I've learned the value of working as a team to get things done. - former intern
http://www.oma.washington.edu/

King County Crisis Clinic-Teen Link Program

I was able to learn many of the topics of concern regarding teens today. I hope to one day work professionally with children, so this was a real eye opener. - former intern
http://www.crisisclinic.org/

Special Tips

To learn about graduate study options in education here at the U.W., attend an information session sponsored by the College of Education (543-7834). Sessions take place Tuesdays at 1:30 pm in 206 Miller.
http://depts.washington.edu/coe/

Get teaching experience and earn Psychology Department elective credit by being a peer tutor for psychology classes. To find out about signing up for PSYCH 496, see an adviser in 119 Guthrie.

Think about a minor in Education at the U.W. Bothell Campus. U.W. Seattle students are eligible to take classes and earn minors at the Bothell and Tacoma Branch Campuses.
(425) 352-5000
http://www.bothell.washington.edu/

Check out the American Educational Research Association (AERA), website. AERA is an international professional organization working toward the goal of advancing education research and its practical applications.
http://www.aera.net/