Psych Scoop, 2/17/26

The Psych Scoop is sent to all Psychology Undergraduate students and alumni each week throughout the academic school year.

Share your news with [email protected]!

Psychology Advising Announcements

Current majors are expected to know the announcements in the advising announcement section.

Feedback for the department? Check out our suggestion box

Connect with Psychology Advising

Psychology Undergraduate Advising encourages students to connect with us to discuss psychology related academics, opportunities, and goals. To schedule an appointment, visit the Advising page of the Department of Psychology website. Students also have the option to visit drop-ins for 5-10 minute questions. 

Sign up for a Psychology Research Informational Session

  • Thursday, February 19th, 2026 | 12:30 pm - 1:45 pm CT | Zoom
  • Tuesday, March 24th, 2026 | 1:30 pm - 2:45 pm CT | N219 Elliott Hall
  • Tuesday, April 21st, 2026 | 3:00 pm - 4:15 pm CT | N219 Elliott Hall

This informational session will focus on sharing resources on how to get started with research that relates to the Psychology Major. Students will learn how PSY 4/5993 research works in the department, discover how research can fit into the Psychology Major and overall enhance undergraduate experience. Students will leave this session with 2-3 ideas to explore for a research position. Interested students must register for the event

Demystifying Graduate Admissions in Psychology (De-GAP) Program

  • Date:  Tuesday, May 19th, 2026
  • Time: 10:00 am - 4:30 pm CT
  • Cost: Free
  • Location: Zoom

The UMN's graduate programs in psychology (Psychology, Developmental Psychology, and Educational Psychology) hold an annual event to bring transparency, accessibility, and inclusivity to graduate admissions in psychology. They especially welcome applications from individuals who have experienced barriers to higher education and/or who are seeking help demystifying the hidden curriculum of the doctoral admissions process. Applications are accepted January 15-March 1, 2026. To learn more, visit the Department of Psychology website. Questions about this program can be directed to Psychology Graduate Admissions at [email protected]

Psychology Student Group Announcements

All students interested in Psychology are welcome to participate in Psychology student organizations. To learn more, visit our website. Latinos for Psychology, Counseling Psychology Club, and Chinese Psychology Student Association are not formally affiliated with the Department of Psychology, as they are independent Registered Student Organizations with an academic focus in the field of psychology.

Association of Black Psychology Students (ABPS) - Kickoff Event - Psych'd to Meet You!

  • Date:  Wednesday, February 18th, 2026
  • Time: 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm
  • Cost: Free
  • Location: Elliot Hall, Room N219

The Association of Black Psychology Students (ABPS) is so back! Join ABPS for our first event of the semester. You'll have the chance to ask the board questions, meet new people during our speed-friending portion, and play fun games to compete for valuable prizes you won't wanna miss! Drinks and snacks will also be provided. As always, all are welcome to attend. Follow us on Instagram at blackpsyumn for RSVP information, further details, and updates on future events. Questions and concerns can be sent to [email protected].

Psychology International Student Association (PISA) - Spring 2026 Kickoff

  • Date:  Thursday, February 19th, 2026
  • Time: 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm CT
  • Cost: Free
  • Location: Elliot Hall, Room N647

Curious about what comes after a psychology degree? Join us for a Graduate Student Panel to learn from past psychology undergrads, who are now currently enrolled in graduate, medical, and law school. Get insight to help you plan your next steps, even if you're just exploring, this panel is for you! Fill out the RSVP form and come ready with questions for the panel!

Psychology Club & Psi Chi: Paths for Psychology - Graduate School 

  • Date:  Thursday, February 19th, 2026
  • Time: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm CT
  • Cost: Free
  • Location: Elliot Hall, Room N219

Join the Psychology International Student Association (PISA) for our Spring 2026 Kickoff Event! This event is open to psychology students (undergrad & grad) and anyone interested in making connections within psychology. During this event, students will have the opportunity to meet the PISA board, network with peers, and learn tips on finding psychology-related opportunities! 

Chinese Psychology Student Association - Hiring Student Leaders

The Chinese Psychology Student Association (CPSA) is currently recruiting new members and potential leaders for the organization. Candidates from all years are welcome. Members will be in charged in content creation (article compose/video editing), event planning and public relation management on social media. CPSA is an academic student association composed of Chinese students with a major in psychology at UMN. Our intention is to set a foundation to unite and provide a platform to communicate, share, and establish comprehensive information in the psychological field between alumni and students, including topics on academic discussions, research/graduate programs, career perspectives, etc. We are looking forward to having people who would love to learn and share psychology knowledge to join us. For more information, please email Yuwei Xia at [email protected].

Events

University of Minnesota Job & Internship Fair

  • Date:  Friday, February 27th, 2026
  • Time: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm CT
  • Cost: Free
  • Location: Hosted in Huntington Bank Stadium

Explore unique job and internship opportunities in a variety of industries by connecting with 120+ employers. Plus, free professional headshots! The UMN Job & Internship Fair will be open to all current degree-seeking UMN students and alumni of three years (2023-2025). All who are interested in attending must register on Handshake.

Know Your Rights and Upstander/Legal Observer Training

  • Date:  Friday, February 27th, 2026
  • Time: 2:30 pm - 5:00 pm CT
  • Cost: Free
  • Location: 310 Pillsbury Dr SE, Room 120

Join Luchadores (an initiative of the Department of Chicano and Latino Studies) in building power and community through knowledge at their upcoming Know Your Rights and Upstander/Legal Observer training. Register for this event if interested in attending

Research

To register for PSY 4993 or 5993 credit, view the registration requirements on the Psychology Undergraduate Advising Website.

Save the Date: Minnesota Undergraduate Psychology Conference (MUPC) 2026

Augsburg University is hosting this year's Minnesota Undergraduate Psychology Conference! Students who are interested in submitting their research proposals to present as a poster or talk should save the date for MUPC! Registration is required for all attendees. All registration forms will close after April 15, 2026. For questions, please contact [email protected]. Full conference details, including the draft schedule and parking information, can be found on the MUPC webpage

CLA Transfer Student Research Opportunity - Biomedical Life Science Enrichment for Academic Progress (Bio-LEAP) Program 

The Bio-LEAP (Biomedical Life Science Enrichment for Academic Progress) program is part of a larger University of Minnesota initiative called the Life Sciences Summer Undergraduate Research Program (LSSURP). Students admitted to LSSURP-affiliated programs are matched with UMN faculty mentors who supervise them as they pursue a full-time, 10-week duration research project in their lab. Eligibility includes being a transfer student to CLA - fall 2025, spring 2026 or admitted fall 2026, having successfully completed Chem 1061 & Chem 1065 or a transfer course equivalent, being a US Citizen or Permanent Resident, and a student from an underrepresented population in biomedical research as defined by the National Institutes of Health. Interested students should submit an application by the priority deadline of Saturday, March 1st. 

UCLA Psychology Undergraduate Research Conference Accepting Applications

Undergraduate students conducting research are encouraged to apply to the 35th annual PURC! Present your research to faculty and students from across the nation! To review application criteria and timeline, visit the PURC Website. Make sure to speak to your faculty mentor and/or graduate student advisor soon about submitting an abstract for this year’s conference! Please read the Frequently Asked Questions or email [email protected] with any questions.

Summer & Fall 2026 UROP Deadlines

The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) provides University of Minnesota undergraduates from every college, major, and discipline the opportunity to partner with a faculty member on research or creative projects. The deadline to apply for a Summer or Fall 2026 Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) award is March 16, 2026. Not sure where to start? Go to peer drop-in hours to demystify the research process.

Learning Abroad 

For additional information about learning abroad opportunities, refer to the Learning Abroad Center’s website.

Youth Development & Psychology in France

Beginning Spring 2026, a new English-taught psychology course, Clinical Psychology: From European Origins to Global Practice is available in Montpellier. It is approved for CPSY and PSY majors and minors. Learn more about the program on the Learning Abroad Center website

Language & Culture in Southern France 

Students will study in Montpellier, with a centuries-old history of intellectual advances and social tolerance. They will choose from beginning through advanced French language courses as well as courses in humanities, engineering, sciences, and business. Psychology faculty member, Dr. Bonnie Klimes-Dougan, will be teaching MONT 4303: Adolescent Psychology, which is approved as a direct equivalent to CPSY 4303 and counts toward the psychology major or minor! Application deadline for the Summer 2026 session is March 15th, 2026

Scholarship Opportunities 

A.I. Johnson Scholarship Application

The Department of Political Science manages the A.I. Johnson Scholarship, which is open to all enrolled undergraduate students at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. This scholarship provides students with a demonstrated interest in public affairs a stipend for their internships. Applicants must show evidence of a strong interest in public affairs, with an intention to pursue a career or avocational activities in public affairs, including any kind of community volunteer activity, organizing to affect public policy, service on government advisory committees, and service in elective offices. For more information and for the application, visit the scholarship webpage. The deadline to apply for the scholarship is Sunday, February 22nd at 11:59pm.

CSPC Presidential Fellows Program

The Department of Political Science invites full-time students at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities who are interested in conducting academic research on the Presidency, the national policy-making process, or the President’s relationships with Congress and other political actors to apply for the Presidential Fellows Program offered by the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress (CSPC). For more information and to apply, visit the CSPC Presidential Fellows Program webpage. The deadline to apply for the Presidential Fellows Program is Sunday, February 22nd at 11:59pm.

Graduate School

Psychology Post-Baccalaureate Program at UCI

The Department of Psychology at the University of California, Irvine is currently accepting applications for their post-baccalaureate program; the deadline to apply for Fall 2026 is April 15, 2026, for domestic students (February 15, 2026 for international students). UCI’s Post-Bacc Program in Psychology is a certificate program that combines psychology coursework with research and/or internship experience. It is designed for people who have a bachelor’s degree (in any discipline); who are interested in a psychology-related graduate program, career development, or career change; and who could benefit from additional coursework, research and/or real-life work experience in psychology. For more information, please visit the UCI Website. 

Columbia OT Spring Info Sessions

  • Date:  Tuesday, March 10th, 2026
  • Time: 7:00 pm CT
  • Cost: Free
  • Location: Online

The Columbia University Programs in Occupational Therapy offer an entry level Masters Program as well as an accelerated MS/OTD program for our students and a part time online Post-Professional OTD program for working occupational therapists. Students who are interested in learning more about our entry level program can attend one of our virtual information sessionsmeet with an admissions officer, or sign up to sit in on an in person class on campus in New York City. 

Resources 

International Student Career Fair Preparation Workshop

  • Date:  Wednesday, February 18th, 2026
  • Time: 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm CT
  • Cost: Free
  • Location: Virtual via Zoom 

Join us via Zoom to prepare for the upcoming career fairs! Presenters from ISSS and Career Services will provide helpful tips and information on what to expect at a career fair, how to talk with employers, work authorization options, and tips for successful interactions and follow-up at a career fair. This session has been designed with the needs in mind of UMN international students who are attending spring career fairs, although anyone in the UMN community is welcome to attend. Register via Zoom to receive the link to join. Please email Jane at [email protected] if you have any questions about this event.

Talking with Employers: How to Tell Your Story

  • Date:  Monday, February 23rd, 2026
  • Time: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm CT
  • Cost: Free
  • Location: Virtual via Zoom 

This workshop is designed to help college students develop compelling, meaningful narratives, whether in their elevator pitch at career fairs & networking events or in answering interview questions. Register for this event if interested.

UMN Job & Internship Fair 'AMA' Ask Me Anything

  • Date:  Wednesday, February 25th, 2026
  • Time: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm CT
  • Cost: Free
  • Location: Bruininks, Room 411

This is a casual, drop-in event where you’ll get the chance to connect one-on-one with industry professionals from a variety of organizations. This is your opportunity to ask employers anything that’s on your mind.

Technical Writing and Communication (TWC) Major and Minor Information Session on Zoom

  • Date:  Thursday February 26th, 2026
  • Time: 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm CT
  • Cost: Free
  • Location: Virtual via Zoom 

Interested in learning about the Technical Writing and Communication major or minor? Please join Writing Studies instructors and staff for a Zoom information session. Current, transfer, and prospective students are welcome to attend. Please bring any questions you may have. Interested students should register to attend.

National Student Exchange Applications Open

Now is the time to plan your NSE exchange for Summer 2026, Fall 2026, and/or Spring 2027! Through NSE, you can study at another school in the U.S., Canada, Guam, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands for a summer, semester or year! Check out the 160+ NSE campuses available for exchange. Take new courses. Meet new people. Expand your networks. NSE is affordable and accessible, and credits transfer back easily into your degree. Learn more at an NSE Info Session or email [email protected]. Begin your NSE application anytime. February 25th, 2026 is the priority application deadline for the 2026-2027 school year. 

Know Your Rights Webinar Recording

The Know Your Rights webinar was co-hosted by immigration attorneys from Student Legal Services and immigration advisors from International Student and Scholar Services on February 5th. The content focused on information for individuals in F or J immigration status. Watch the recording of the webinar online

Job, Internship, & Engagement Opportunities

IMPORTANT: Organizations listed below are not necessarily affiliated with or endorsed by the Department of Psychology or Psychology Undergraduate Advising. Please use the same discretion you would when reviewing any other source. Looking for Psychology Internships? Get Started with Our YouTube Tutorials!

Bell Museum Summer Camp Staff 

Bell Summer Camps are fun and enriching day-camp experiences that encourage children to explore their scientific passions and discover new interests. Children entering grades K-8 will experience science and nature like never before with hands-on investigation, visiting museum exhibits, games, creative projects, guided outdoor exploration, and much more! To learn about the position and qualifications, visit the University of Minnesota Job Website and search Job ID 372214.

Department of Psychology Area Support Specialist - Position Open

The Department of Psychology is seeking an Area Support Specialist (Executive Office and Administrative Specialist, job code 1885) to serve as staff support for two graduate areas in the Department of Psychology: Clinical Science and Psychopathology Research (CSPR) and Personality, Individual Differences, and Behavior Genetics (PIB). This position collaborates with the directors of each area in support of the doctoral program. Position is responsible for the daily administrative needs of these graduate areas, including in support of CSPR’s external accreditation, and provides high quality service to prospective and current students, faculty and alumni from a variety of different backgrounds. Internal candidates must apply through the U of M Employee website. External candidates must apply through the U of M website

Volunteer as a Judge at the MN State Science & Engineering Fair

If you’re a STEM professional, educator, or grad student who loves supporting young scientists, we’d love your help. Judges review student projects and give encouraging feedback. Many awards can be judged online, or you can join us Friday, March 27th, to judge in person at the event in St. Paul. For more information and the link to sign up, visit the Minnesota Academy of Science website!

Full-time Research Coordinator

UC San Diego Department of Psychiatry is seeking up to 3 full-time research coordinators with a start date in summer 2026. The research coordinators will work on NIH-funded projects related to externalizing problems, substance use, and/or parenting in children/adolescents. The lab PI is a licensed clinical child psychologist. This is an ideal position for somebody graduating college and seeking research experience, training, and peer-reviewed publications before applying to graduate school in psychology (e.g., clinical PhD). All past coordinators have left the lab with a 1st author publication, and the previous two people in this position received multiple fully funded offers to clinical psychology PhD programs. To apply, visit their website. Questions about this position can be directed to William Pelham at [email protected]

Share on: