Psych Scoop, 9/1/26

Psychology Advising Announcements

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

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Fall 2026 Semester Starts Next Week!

Fall 2026 is officially underway, and we’re thrilled to have you back on campus diving into another year of curiosity, connection, and discovery in the Department of Psychology. Whether you’re exploring new courses, joining research labs, or finding your community, we’re here to support your journey every step of the way! 

Psychology ‘Well-Cup’ Back Coffee Bar

• Date: Thursday, September 17th
• Time: 8:00 am - 10:00 am
• Location: Elliott Hall Lobby

Join Psychology Undergraduate Advising in welcoming a new semester! Free coffee, tea, and breakfast items will be available. Advisors will be available to answer quick questions!

Psychology Engagement Scholarship - Fall Applications Open 

Are you making Fall plans for volunteering in your community? The Department of Psychology's Donor Awards for Psychology Undergraduate Engagement are available to support you! The purpose of these awards is to encourage and support enrolled psychology majors who engage in unpaid learning experiences beyond the University campus and classroom environments (i.e. unpaid internships, volunteer experiences, or a study abroad containing a psych-related internship). Up to three awards of $500 will be offered for Fall 2026. The fall application is open and closes on Monday, September 21st at 12:00 pm. For details about the awards and application materials, please visit The Synapse!

Courses of Interest

Review courses included in this section on Schedule Builder. 

PSY 4960: Seminar in Psychology - Advanced Psychopathology - Fall 2026 

How do clinicians decide whether a mental health diagnosis is accurate—and what should we do when traditional diagnoses fall short? This course takes a practical, up-to-date look at how psychologists diagnose, assess, and study mental health problems. The course is especially well suited for students considering graduate school, research, or clinical careers in psychology and related fields. Review Dr. Ringwald’s video description of the course and register for the course on Schedule Builder. Strict prerequisites include PSY 3001W & PSY 3604. 

PSY 4960: Seminar in Psychology - Advanced Methods for Analyzing Psychological Data - Fall 2026

This course introduces upper‑division psychology students to advanced data‑analysis methods that shape modern psychological research. The course focuses on understanding when and how to use these techniques, how to interpret results, and how different research designs and variables guide statistical choices. Students progress from analyzing simple data relationships to complex multivariable models, applying these tools to evaluate and design psychological studies.

Events

Student Job Fair

• Date: Wednesday, September 9th
• Time: 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
• Cost: Free
• Location: Coffman Memorial Union, Mississippi Room

Join us at the 2026 Student Job Fair! This is your chance to connect with on- and off-campus employers and explore a wide range of flexible student job opportunities! Gain valuable resume and interview tips, build connections with campus employers and local community partners, and discover opportunities that match your interests and availability. Please reach out to Sophia Kuehn at [email protected] with any questions.

Pre-Health Student Resource Center Interview Prep Workshops

• Date: Friday, September 11th
• Time: 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
• Cost: Free
• Location: Zoom

The Pre-Health Student Resource Center is excited to once again offer health program Interview Prep Workshops this fall for UMN students and alumni. Participants will learn strategies for preparing responses, interview practice, tips for virtual interviews, and more. Registration is required. 

UMN Business & Tech Career Fair

• Date: Friday, September 18th
• Time: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
• Cost: Free
• Location: Great Hall, Memorial Union

The University or Minnesota Business & Tech Career Fair is your chance to explore internship, volunteer, and full-time opportunities with employers hiring across business, communications, human resources, marketing, sales, and technology. This event is open to all UMN students and recent alumni (up to 3 years after graduation). Advanced registration through Handshake is requested. By pre-registering, you will receive up-to-the-minute information about the fair to help you prepare! This fair is co-hosted by CLA, CEHD, CCAPS, and CFANS but is open to all.

Research

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

*Credit* Lifespan Social Development Research Opportunity - PSY 5993

The Lifespan Social Development Lab is recruiting 1-2 students to assist with a project on how social behaviors and resources change as we age. Students will gain hands-on research experience related to the development of a measure of social frailty and attend weekly lab meetings held on Tuesdays from 9:30-10:45AM. Interested students must apply through the form. Questions can be directed to [email protected].

*Credit* Seeking fMRI Research Assistants - PSY 5993

Research Associate Philip Burton seeks research assistants interested in studying brain function with MRI. This will involve background reading, attending meetings, conducting an fMRI experiment and analyzing the data, and writing a brief report. Please email Dr. Burton at [email protected] to discuss whether this project is a good fit and, if so, for more specific information about how to complete the research contract.

*Credit* Psycho-physical Abilities Research Lab - PSY 5993

The Ones’ I-O Psychology Lab is seeking conscientious students to volunteer for our project on psycho-physical abilities(e.g., fine motor skills, coordination) which are important for jobs in sports, healthcare, etc. Students will participate in identifying, retrieving, and organizing studies. Fill out the form to apply. 

*Credit* Seeking ML/AI Research Assistants - PSY 5993

Professor Helwig is seeking multiple RAs that are interested in applying machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) methods to research problems in psychology. This opportunity would be a good match for students that have interests in Psychology and Statistics or Data Science. Reach out to Prof. Helwig at [email protected] to discuss details.

*Credit or Volunteer* MN Longitudinal Study of Risk and Adaptation - CPSY 4994

The MN Longitudinal Study of Risk and Adaptation is looking for a motivated undergraduate research assistant for credit (CPSY 4994) or as a volunteer. The project began in 1975 and is one of the longest-running developmental research studies both nationally and globally. The overall goal of the position is to transcribe participant interviews and assist with archival data storage. Please submit an application to be considered. For any questions, you may reach out to [email protected]. 

*Credit or Volunteer* Math and Numeracy Lab at the Institute of Child Development - CPSY 4994

We study cognition in early childhood and adulthood with a focus on individual differences in skills underlying mathematical thinking; influences on attention to numerosity; and how numerical skills are linked to word-level language comprehension and concepts. Contact Dr. Mazzocco at [email protected] for more info, or apply online.

*Volunteer Only* Minnesota Center for Eating Disorder Research

The Minnesota Center for Eating Disorders Research (MCEDR) seeks for students and recent graduates interested in clinical eating disorder research. Gain hands-on experience with diagnostic interviews, test meals, fMRI, data analysis, lab meetings, and independent research projects. Apply online using the google form. Questions: [email protected].

Learning Abroad 

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

Winter Break Global Programs Available - Fall 2026

The PHSRC will be leading three health-focused short-term global programs during the 2026-2027 academic year, two of which will take place over winter break: AHS 3002: Global Health in Thailand and AHS 3006: The Anatomy of Inequality - Health Disparities in South Africa. Students interested in learning more about our study abroad opportunities should fill out our global program interest form. Applications for winter break programs are due October 1.

Health, Sport, & Wellbeing in Buenos Aires & Patagonia - Spring 2027

Students take classes in Buenos Aires focusing on health, sport and wellbeing that include local field visits.  The program also features a 9-day study tour to Patagonia, contrasting high-energy urban life with nature-integrated wellness through outdoor activities. For Spring 2027 the Learning Abroad Center is offering a $3,000 fee reduction for students who serve as a program evaluator by providing feedback during and after the program.

Exploring the Origins of Humanistic Counseling in Greece - May 2027 Session

FSOS 4150: Exploring the Origins of Humanistic Counseling in Greece course explores the roots of humanistic psychotherapy through hands-on learning in Greece, including site visits, readings, and reflection. You’ll examine how Ancient Greek culture and environment shaped humanistic values and trace the development of humanistic theory from its philosophical beginnings to its modern role in counseling. By the end, you’ll be able to apply these ideas directly to your own counseling practice.

Holistic Health in France - May 2027 Session

AHS 3003: Holistic Health in France is a 4‑credit spring course that includes May travel to Montpellier to explore sustainable approaches to health. Students examine how culture and the UN Sustainable Development Goals shape health while participating in interactive excursions throughout Southern France. The program is open to all students, including freshmen, and more details are available on the Learning Abroad Center’s website.

Graduate School

Psychology PhD Virtual Admissions Information Sessions

Are you interested in pursuing a PhD in Psychology? Check out the Virtual Admissions Information Sessions offered by the Department of Psychology's Grad Studies Office. Sessions are offered monthly until October. Questions about these sessions may be directed to Psychology Graduate Admissions at [email protected].

Resources 

Health Profession Pathways Application Open

Health Profession Pathways supports first‑year UMN–Twin Cities students from diverse backgrounds who are interested in health careers, with accepted students enrolling in the required AHS 1104 course in Spring 2027. Eligible students can apply by October 21, 2026, and will be notified of decisions on November 2, with priority given to Minnesota residents who meet the program criteria. You can find more information about the program and the application process on the Pathways website.

Chicana/o/x Psychology 101: Chicana/o/x Identity Development

An open‑enrollment, six‑week online course in Chicana/o/x Psychology is now available to anyone interested in exploring Chicana/o/x identity development and its impact on individual and community well‑being. Sessions run September 8th and October 13th, include recorded access for one week after each class, and registration is $70. If interested in this course, scholarships are available as well as reduced rates for students. Please note you will not receive University of Minnesota course credit. Questions about this opportunity can be directed to [email protected]. 

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 exercise the same discretion you would in viewing any other source. Looking for Psychology Internships? Get Started with Our YouTube Tutorials!

Student Parent HELP Center Position

The Student Parent HELP Center is hiring a work‑study undergraduate student to support low‑income student parents, offering hands-on experience in family‑focused and helping professions under the supervision of a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Applicants must submit a cover letter, meet major‑preference requirements (Family Social Science, Psychology, Child Psychology, Sociology, Health & Wellness, or related fields), and be available to begin training at the end of Fall 2026 with regular hours starting Spring 2027. Apply on the University of Minnesota Employee website using Job ID #375491. 

Community Health Assistant - English/Spanish

This two‑year, in‑person research position supports the Multi‑Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis by conducting technical procedures, administering interviews, and managing participant flow, with fluency in Spanish and English required. The role involves certification across performance areas, strict protocol adherence, and teamwork in a clinical research setting. Apply on the University of Minnesota Employee website using Job ID #374584. 

Paid Research Opportunity in Psychology

The University of Minnesota and the YMCA of the North are hiring undergraduate and graduate data collectors for a new study focused on supporting children’s emotional wellbeing in afterschool programs, with training provided in surveys, interviews, observations, and program‑quality assessment. Data collectors must be available 2 afternoons per week, attend a two‑day training on Sept. 26–27, provide their own transportation to metro‑area sites, and will be paid $16/hour. Apply on the University of Minnesota Employee website using Job ID #374584.