Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements for the Applied Psychology Practicum Class?
- Regular class attendance (no more than 2 absences with prior approval)
- Satisfactory completion of all assignments
- Satisfactory completion of practicum experience
What are the requirements for the Applied Psychology Practicum Experience?
- 8-12 hours per week of on site practicum work over the course of a full semester (15 weeks)
- Weekly practicum supervision from on-site practicum supervisor (minimum of ½ hour weekly)
Do I get placed in a practicum experience automatically?
No. The Applied Psych Practicum class is different from the BC education practicums in that the focus is not just on getting the work experience, but also in developing professional skills associated with all aspects of job hunting and employment. As such, part of the developmental process involves students learning how to apply to professional sites on their own behalf. Of course, the practicum advisor is available to help coach you about what to put in a cover letter and help you think through which sites to apply to, and provide contact information for sites we already have relationships with, but a big part of the learning process is for students to practice the professional skills of contacting the sites themselves.
What industries have students worked at in the past?
In the past, students have gained practicum experiences across a variety of industries, including:
- Human Resources
- Mental Health Counseling
- Guidance Counseling
- Social Work
- Hospital
- Business Startup
- Research
- Nonprofit Organizations
What are examples of sites students have been placed in?
Last Spring, students completed successful training experiences at the following organizations:
- Atrius Health
- Boston College Human Resources
- Boston Healthcare for the Homeless
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Emergency Department
- Brookline School Staff Children's Center
- Department of Children and Family Services
- Girls on the Run
- Institute of Ethics
- Make Fashion Clean
- Mount Alvernia High School
- Revere High School
- The Spiral Foundation
- The Weisz Lab for Youth Mental Health at Harvard University
- Walden Behavioral Care
Who can I talk to if I have questions about this course, including if I am eligible or next steps?
- The applied psychology practicum advisor (apsypraclsehd@bc.edu). This position is currently held by Jena Talbot.
- If you are concerned about eligibility to take part in this class, please complete the Field Placement Application Form (Field Placement Application Form) and schedule a meeting with the applied psychology practicum advisor to discuss your readiness for the class.
Who can I talk to if I have questions about how to create job application materials (e.g. resume, cover letter, interview strategies)?
The Boston College Career Center (https://www.bc.edu/offices/careers/jobs.html)