Student Opportunities

For students desiring to enter the mental health field, gaining practical experience is invaluable. Most of our students complete at least one "Practicum" course (PSY 475) during their junior or senior year, and some complete two or three. Students choose a Practicum placement that is relevant to their career interests, complete 100 hours on site, and process their experiences in a small group setting with a faculty member. Recent practicum placements have included mental health agencies, children's mental health centers, addictions counseling centers, domestic violence shelters, preschools, guidance or school counseling departments in local school districts, and agencies serving the elderly.

Practicum Handbook Link

• Security Clearance Link
• Fingerprint Link

It is essential for students of Psychology to understand the scientific basis of their discipline and to gain experience in evaluating and conducting scientific research studies.

All psychology majors at MU are required to take a two-semester 6-credit research sequence, which culminates in presentation of their empirical research at Misericordia's annual Student Research Day. Students desiring additional research experience can also take two elective courses: Research Group (PSY 300), which involves working on a faculty member's research team, and Independent Research (PSY 490), which requires students to conduct an original research study under the supervision of a faculty advisor. Students can also apply to participate in the Summer Student Research Fellowship Program and work with a faculty member on his/her research. Student Research Grants (up to $1000) are available to students to help fund their research and/or support conference attendance. There are also occasional opportunities for students to apply for paid positions as Research Assistants, who help faculty with grant-supported research.

Independent research projects conducted by students have been presented at prestigious regional and national conferences (see list below).

Independent research projects conducted by students have been presented at prestigious regional and national conferences:

Hiester, M. and Stuffick, J. (2019, March). Using Adolescent Cases/Memoirs to Address Diversity Learning Outcomes.  Poster presented at the Society for Research in Child Development Developmental Science Teaching Institute, Baltimore, MD.

Naylon, K., Nordstrom, A., & Massey, S. (2017, May).  The effect of fear of failure, psychological distress, and quality of life on procrastination and perfectionism in graduate students.  Poster presented at the 29^th Annual Convention of the Association for Psychological Science, Boston, MA.

 

 

Cordasco, R., Swanson, K., Nordstrom A.H., & Massey, S. (2015, March). Can you handle it?: Coping and satisfaction among health science graduate students. Poster presented at the 2015 Annual Meeting of the Eastern Psychological Association, Philadelphia, PA. [Winner of the Psi Chi Undergraduate Research Poster Award]

Lieberman, A., Gough, K., Nordstrom, A.H., & Masey, S. (2015, March). I have no idea what I am doing!: Study strategies, copy styles, and GPA among graduate students in health sciences. Poster presented at the 2015 Annual Meeting of the Eastern Psychological Association, Philadelphia, PA.

Slack, K., Huxta, T., Nordstrom A.H., & Massey, S. (2015, March). A cross-gender examination of family stress, physical and mental health in graduate students. Poster presented at the 2015 Annual Meeting of the Eastern Psychological Association, Philadelphia, PA.

 

 

Nowalis, S., & Nordstrom A.H. (2014, March). Parenting styles as predictors of mental health, substance use and adjustment in emerging adults. Poster presented at the 2014 Annual Meeting of the Eastern Psychological Association, Boston, MA.

LaJeuness, C., Cusatis, M., Deccico, A. (2012, March). Psychology on My Campus: How it Prepares Students in Several Career Paths. Presented at the 26th Annual Teaching of Psychology Conference, Tarrytown, NY.

Gioviono, R., & Demuysere, M. (2011, May). It pays to be friendly: Perceptions of physical attractiveness and positive and negative attributes in relation to gender and friendly or rude behavior. Poster presented at the Annual Meeting of the Association for Psychological Science, Washington, D.C. (Research Advisors: LaJeunesse & Hiester)

Bobrowski, M., Nordstrom, A.H., Hiester, M., & Swenson, L.M. (2010, May). Self-efficacy and locus of control as predictors of academic adjustment across genders. Poster presented at the Association for Psychological Science 22nd Annual Conference in Boston, MA.

Nitowski, A., Nordstrom, A.H., Swenson, L.M., & Hiester, M. (2009, March). Examining the role of parental control and attachment in relationships with college peers. Poster presented at the Eastern Psychological Association Conference in Pittsburgh, PA.

The Psychology Club was developed to unite those who are interested in the study of psychology and to provide a forum where members can learn more about psychology, exchange information and ideas, and provide services to the community. Club involvement also allows students to get to know one another better on a social level. Participation is open to both majors and non-majors with an interest in psychology.

Club activities include movie nights, bake sales, food drives and donations, guest speakers, graduate school workshops, visits from MU alumni, and mental health support programs. Student officers are elected each year. If you would like more information about the Psychology Club contact Dr. Filipkowski at (570) 674-1486 or kfilipkowski@misericordia.edu.

Psi Chi promotes activities that enhance scholarship related to the field of Psychology. Psi Chi has monthly meetings open to all members and conducts fundraisers, social activities, and service projects each semester. Induction into Psi Chi is open to students majoring in Psychology who:

• have completed at least 9 credits in Psychology
• have a 3.0 G.P.A. in Psychology
• are in the top 35% of their class overall.

Psi Chi brochures and application forms are available in the literature organizer next to Dr. Chuck's office.

If you would like more information about Psi Chi contact Dr. Jennifer Yarnell at jyarnell@misericordia.edu or go to the Psi Chi website.