Applied Psychology Practicum

The practicum in Applied Psychology (APSY2152) is a course-based, credit-bearing experience that allows students to (1) develop experience at a professional work setting reflecting the student’s concentration with supervision by faculty and (2) develop professionally and practice work-related skills. The four concentrations include Human Services and Health Sciences; Science of Learning; Organization Studies and Human Capital; and Policy, Advocacy and Community Change.

The Counseling, Developmental and Educational Psychology Department aims to equip students with the critical skills and knowledge necessary for continued occupational, educational, and personal advancement in Psychology and related disciplines. In addition, the department strives to foster an environment in which students are encouraged to identify their values and vocational aspirations, apply their disciplinary training and knowledge to an increasingly complex world, and recognize their important role in society as members of a vital citizenry.

Students who are Applied Psychology & Human Development (APHD) majors are eligible to register for this class. Preference is given to juniors and seniors. Sophomores and APHD minors may be able to register with approval from the Undergraduate Associate Dean’s Office, if space is available. If you are an Elementary Education and Applied Psychology double major or admitted to the Boston College 5th year BA/MSW program, the APSY2152 major requirement will be waived.

In order to complete an APSY practicum experience, you must register for APSY2152 and complete the following steps: 

1. Attend an Information Session and review this website to review the requirements, course goals and expectations. 

2. Register for APSY2152 in Eagle Apps. All students registered for APSY2152 must complete this online application. After completing the application, you will be invited to a mandatory meeting with the Office of Field Placement and Partnership Outreach to discuss arrangements for your practicum experience. 

3. Consult with the Field Placement Staff to identify sites as soon as possible or provide information if you already have a site determined. These mandatory meetings occur during the registration period (November/April).  Prior to your consultation meeting, we ask that you do your own research on organizations/internships that interest you and then the practicum advisors will also share with you about some of our local partnerships. We are including our APSY2152 site list for you to review prior to the meeting. This list has information on active sites who have expressed interest in hosting students this fall, as well as sites from past semesters to give you an idea of where students have completed their practicums. You can find a placement that is not on this list. You can use an internship/research opportunity/lab you are currently working at. Your placement can also be paid. 

4. Apply to site(s) of interest and interview. Provide an update to the Field Placement Office by May 15, 2026. 

5. Secure a placement and email the Field Placement Office your site supervisor’s contact information by August 1, 2026. 

6. Sign the Fieldwork and Placement Agreements via PandaDoc, which will be sent to you and your supervisor to complete prior to your start date. 
   
   

** Students who do not secure a placement by the university add/drop date cannot continue in the course. 

Please review our Public Shared Folder for all pertinent information related to the practicum process.

Email the Field Placement Team at apsypraclsehd@bc.edu with additional questions or to schedule a consultation.

You should prepare for and expect to participate in professional and direct engagement with the practicum site over the course of a semester. Typical practicum experiences require 8-12 hours a week for a minimum of 12 weeks. Students should begin their placement no later than the week following the add/drop deadline, and continue through the end of the semester. Be prepared for a large time commitment and schedule your classes accordingly. The experience is designed around the following outcomes for students:

1. Describe key concepts, principles, perspectives, and overarching themes in psychology

2. Describe applications of psychology

3. Demonstrate effective writing

4. Exhibit effective presentation skills

5. Demonstrate technological skills

6. Exhibit psychology information literacy

7. Demonstrate successful teamwork through collaboration on small group projects

8. Recognize the value and application of research and problem-solving skills in providing evidence and tackling complex problems