Psych Scoop, 9/30/25
The Psych Scoop is sent to all Psychology Undergraduate students and alumni each week throughout the academic school year.
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Psychology Advising Announcements
Current majors are expected to know the announcements in the advising announcement section.
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Psychology Study Abroad Student Panel
- Date: Wednesday, October 1st, 2025
- Time: 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
- Cost: Free
- Location: Elliott Hall, Room N219
Curious about studying abroad? Join our interactive student panel to hear firsthand experiences about student life, culture shock, academic perks, and everything in between. Discover how global education can shape your future in psychology—academically, professionally, and personally. Programs our student panelists completed include: Psychology and Research in Madrid, Mental Health & Well-being in Spain, and Youth Development & Psychology in France. RSVP for the event through the Google Form. If you have any questions or accommodations regarding this event, contact [email protected].
Faculty Spotlight
- Date: Thursday, October 16th, 2025
- Time: 3:15 pm - 4:00 pm
- Cost: Free
- Location: Elliott Hall, Room N219 & Zoom
Exciting news! Get to know our featured faculty for Fall 2025, Dr. Kurt Fraser, on a personal and academic level. Dr. Fraser conducts his work within the Cognitive and Brain Sciences (CAB) area. At the event, you can ask questions ranging from "How did you find your passion?" to "What is your favorite Netflix show?". Feel free to join us in person or via Zoom on Thursday, October 16th, from 3:15 PM - 4:00 PM! Fill out the Google Form to register for the event!
Psychology Student Groups
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.
Psi Chi/Psychology Club - Experiment Night
- Date: Monday, October 6th, 2025
- Time: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
- Cost: Free
- Location: Elliott Hall, Room N119
Join Psi Chi/Psychology Club for an event where we’ll bring classic psychological studies to life through live demonstrations and attendee participation! Explore famous experiments, discuss their results and real-world implications, and dive into the fascinating world of human behavior. Come enjoy some Raising Cane’s and engage in discussion about important psychological findings! Please RSVP if you are interested in attending.
Chinese Psychology Student Association - Hiring Leadership Members
The Chinese Psychology Student Association (CPSA) is currently recruiting new members and potential leaders for the organization. Candidates from all years are welcomed, Members will be in charge of 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].
Minor Spotlight
Minor of the Month - Social Justice
Considering pairing a minor with your Psychology major? Each month, the Department of Psychology highlights a minor program and the benefits of combining it with your Psychology major! This month's highlight is the Social Justice minor. This minor studies social change movements, the pursuit of peace, and community organizing. Learn how to question critically and work to transform the world! Students complete 20-30 service learning hours in each core course in settings of their choice, or work with the instructor to include work you are already doing! To declare and learn more about the minor, visit their page! Reach out to Rae Dillon, advisor, at [email protected] with questions.
Events
Starting and Building a Strong Portfolio
- Date: Thursday, October 2nd, 2025
- Time: 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
- Cost: Free
- Location: Virtual
Join CLA for a workshop on how to showcase your skills and experiences effectively through a strong professional portfolio. They'll cover the essentials of portfolio construction for all industries, and provide special breakout sessions on technical and creative portfolios. CLA students of all class years and majors who would like to learn how to build a portfolio are welcome. Questions? Email or contact CLA Career Services at [email protected] or visit us in Bruininks 411.
Join Graduate Admissions for a Virtual Information Session!
- Date: Thursday, October 2nd & 9th, 2025
- Time: 9:30 am & 2:30 pm
- Cost: Free
- Location: Virtual
Curious about graduate school? The Graduate Admissions Office hosts virtual information sessions for prospective applicants. These sessions are designed to provide general information about the process of applying to a graduate program and answer any questions you may have. These information sessions are intended for individuals in the early stages of applying to graduate school.
Health Careers Fair
- Date: Wednesday, October 8th, 2025
- Time: 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
- Cost: Free
- Location: Great Hall Coffman Memorial Union
The Health Careers Fair is a great opportunity for students interested in health careers to explore degree programs, valuable experiential opportunities, and pre-health clubs on campus to start building their network. Student pre-registration for the 2025 Health Careers Fair is open on Handshake. Pre-registering ensures that you receive fair-related updates, event reminders, and other relevant information.
University of Minnesota Graduate Programs Fair
- Date: Tuesday, October 14th, 2025
- Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
- Cost: Free
- Location: Great Hall Coffman Memorial Union
The Graduate School is proud to host this year’s Graduate School Fair in partnership with the TRIO McNair Scholars Program. The Fair offers opportunities to connect directly with graduate program representatives across the University of Minnesota. This event is open to all students—whether you are just beginning to think about graduate school or actively preparing applications. The University of Minnesota’s Department of Psychology will be representing Psychology Ph.D. programs! Register for the fair now!
Life Sciences Graduate School and Career Fair
- Date: Wednesday, October 15th, 2025
- Time: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
- Cost: Free
- Location: Great Hall Coffman Memorial Union
Looking to explore career and academic pathways in the life sciences? Attend the 2025 Life Sciences Graduate School & Career Fair hosted by the College of Biological Sciences. This career fair will connect you with companies and master's and PhD programs related to the life sciences, where you can learn how industry experience and/or an advanced degree can support your career goals. This fair is open to ALL UMN students and alumni. Student pre-registration is open on Handshake.
Women in AI & Data Science (WiADS) Conference 2025
- Date: Monday, November 3rd, 2025
- Time: 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
- Cost: $45 in person, free for virtual attendance
- Location: McNamara Alumni Center
The Women in AI & Data Science (WiADS) Conference 2025 is coming on November 3, 2025! Join us at the McNamara Alumni Center, University of Minnesota, or online, for a day celebrating the voices shaping the future of AI and data science. All are welcome to attend. Register and learn more online.
Research
To register for PSY 4993 or 5993 credit, view the registration requirements on the Psychology Undergraduate Advising Website.
Spring 2026 UROP Deadline
The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) provides current University of Minnesota undergraduates $1,800 scholarships so that they can partner with a faculty member on research, which enables undergrads to explore academic and career interests, apply classroom learning to real-time research, and prepares them for a career or graduate school while working closely with a U of M faculty member. The application process is a two-step one. The student application deadline occurs first; once that has closed, faculty mentors will have a week to enter their recommendations. Due to security restrictions, mentors will not be able to access the site until the student portal has closed. The deadline to apply is October 6th, 2025. If you have any questions please direct them to [email protected].
*Credit or Volunteer* CPSY 4994 Research Opportunity - Fall 2025
The Developmental Social Cognitive Neuroscience Lab (DSCN lab) is recruiting 2-3 undergraduate research assistants to work on a research study investigating strategies that promote young children's persistence in science. Children will be engaged in guided pretend play and several science-related activities during the in-person study. Research assistants will primarily be involved in participant recruitment, with opportunities to learn administration of cognitive measures, interact with children and families, and participate in lab/research meetings depending on interest/experience. We are looking for undergraduate research assistants who are organized, detail oriented, and can devote at least 6 hours (2 credits) per semester. Prior research experience is a plus, as well as experience working with preschool/kindergarten children and parents. Email your interest to Jinyi Zhang, [email protected].
Learning Abroad
For additional information about learning abroad opportunities, refer to the Learning Abroad Center’s website.
National Student Exchange (NSE) - Apply for the 2025-2026 School Year!
Now is the time to plan your NSE exchange for Spring 2026, Summer 2026, Fall 2026, 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 165+ NSE campuses available for exchange. Alaska, Hawaii, California, Maine, or anywhere in between...where do you want to go? 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. Now is the time to apply for Spring 2026. February 25th, 2026 is the priority application deadline for the 2026-2027 school year.
Graduate School
Rutgers University - New Brunswick: Discovering Psychology Day
Rutgers University - New Brunswick Psychology Department has opened applications for their annual Discovering Psychology Day! This is a day-long virtual workshop for potential Ph.D. applicants, with the aim to prepare students for the graduate admissions process in psychology. The day will consist of webinars and panels led by current PhD students, social activities, and the option to meet with faculty in small groups. Applications are due October 3rd, and the event will take place on October 24th from 10: 00 am - 5:00 pm CST. Please visit the event website to learn more.
Columbia Occupational Therapy Info Sessions
- Date: Tuesday, October 14th, 2025
- Time: 1:00 pm
- Cost: Free
- Location: Virtual Registration
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 sessions or sign up to sit in on an in person class on campus in New York City. Sign up for a 1:1 meeting with an admissions officer to answer any questions you have about the program. Sign up for office hours with an admissions officer. Reach out to [email protected] if you have any questions.
Resources
Culturally-Responsive Counseling Resource
The Collaboration for Psychological Wellness (CPW) is a mental health practice dedicated to serving college students, young adults, families, and marginalized communities through inclusive, culturally-responsive therapy. Their goal is to make mental health care more accessible and to ensure students and community members know these resources are available, especially during these tumultuous times. Here are some highlights of what CPW offers: complimentary consults (free!); therapy for individuals, couples, and families; BIPOC and immigrant therapists providing culturally-matched services; stress & trauma therapy; college/young adult therapy; and parenting support. They offer both in-person and telehealth options and are in-network with all major insurance providers. Book a free consultation and learn more online!
Become a Synapse Chapter Founder
Synapse empowers undergraduates to work together to improve the lives of individuals with brain injury across the nation. Synapse's student-led chapters collaborate with physicians and community organizations to run peer support groups and organize events providing opportunities for individuals with brain injury to connect and support one another, foster relationships between students and individuals with brain injury through a structured buddy program, and organize lectures by physicians and researchers to spread awareness about brain injury. Synapse has established chapters across the country from MIT to UCLA. Become a chapter founder to join a national network of student leaders and to support individuals with brain injury in your community. Applications open now through Monday, October 20th, 2025 at 1:59 am CST. Questions can be directed to [email protected]
National Latinx Psychological Association - 2025 Conference
The National Latinx Psychological Association (NLPA) is a national organization of mental health professionals, academics, researchers, and students whose objective is to generate and advance psychological knowledge and foster its effective application for the benefit of the Latinx population. National Latinx Psychological Association’s (NLPA) mission is to advance psychological education and training, science, practice, and organizational change to enhance the health, mental health, and well-being of Hispanic/Latina/o populations. The 2025 NLPA Summit theme is Psychology at the Border, Resilience, Mental Health, and the Immigrant Journey. For more information about the conference theme and the story behind it, please visit their website.
Apply to the TRIO McNair Scholars Program
Thinking about life after undergrad and interested in exploring graduate school opportunities? We've got you covered! The TRIO McNair Scholars Program is more than a research program. Scholars have the opportunity to develop their research and leadership skills while simultaneously preparing for graduate school and building community with their peers. We are now accepting applicants for the 2026 McNair Scholars Cohort! If you are eligible and interested in learning more about the program, fill out the form to express your interest! Early admissions applications are due October 6, 2025. Final admission applications are due November 3, 2025. Accepted students will enroll in an exclusive Spring 2026 course to prepare them for summer programming.
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!
Full-Time Psychometrist - Minnesota Epilepsy Group
The Minnesota Epilepsy Group has one position available for a psychometrist with a start date by fall 2025 or as negotiated. Responsibilities and expectations of the position include; administration of batteries of neuropsychological tests to adult and/or pediatric patients, primarily in an outpatient clinic setting, as well as hospital settings. Includes face-to-face administration of standardized tests of intelligence, academic skills, attention, memory, language, and other cognitive skills, as well as self-report measures of behavior and emotional functioning; accurate and timely scoring of neuropsychological tests using appropriate normative data and guidelines provided by neuropsychologists; observation and detailed recording of patient behavior during testing sessions; clerical tasks including file keeping, inventory management, supply ordering, and budget keeping. To be eligible for this position, you must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in psychology, neuroscience or related field. Candidates with experience in healthcare settings or research with human subjects are preferred. Training provided. Those who are interested in applying should submit a letter of introduction and resume/CV to: [email protected]
Full-Time Research Assistant Opportunity Minneapolis VA Health Care System
The Minneapolis VA Health Care System is seeking a Full-Time Research Assistant to support a variety of Industry-sponsored and VA Cooperative Studies Program (CSP) clinical research studies. This position is based on-site at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center and will work under the direction of Dr. Areef Ishani, Principal Investigator and Srihari Raju, Program Manager. The primary purpose of this position is to provide research and administrative support for the team's current ongoing projects which are a mixture of VA sponsored trials and industry trials (pharmaceutical sponsors). A significant portion of this role involves participant recruitment and telephone outreach. The Research Assistant will also be responsible for obtaining informed consent, conducting study visits, performing study assessments, and supporting day-to-day research operations. To be considered for this position, please submit your CV/resume, and educational transcripts to Presley Clark at [email protected].