Experiential and Enhanced Learning

To contact us, email psyadvis@pitt.edu or use drop-in advising. This is the best way to reach us - please avoid emailing individual advisors.

Experiential learning takes place outside the classroom when you pursue research with faculty, internships/field experience, or service learning and is a valuable experience regardless of your career intention.  We encourage you to consider at least one of these opportunities as part of your educational experience at Pitt.

In addition to the opportunities on campus and around the local community listed below the American Psychological Association (APA) maintains a page of research opportunities nationwide.

Directed Research

Get involved with research under the supervision of a faculty member by identifying research that supports your goals. Additional information and a list of participating faculty can be found here. 

PSY 1064 Advanced Directed Research (ADR)

Advanced Directed Research (ADR) is a three-credit course which is designed to provide an enhanced a previous directed research experience and to fulfill the Psychology Major requirement for an advanced lab. Additional informiaton about this opportunity can be found on our webpage.

Supervised Field Placement

Gain practical experience for volunteer work in a supervised setting relevant to many career options.  A list of approved field placement sites can be found here.

Honors in Psychology

The honors designation offers a challenging and interesting research experience through which students work with a faculty member, write a thesis, and earn the recognition that comes with superior performance.

Undergraduate Teaching Assistant

Academic credit may be earned for serving as an undergraduate teaching assistant.

Directed Reading

Directed Reading is intended for students who wish to study an area of psychology not covered by or regularly offered in an existing course.

Undergraduate Research Funding Opportunities

Students involved in research under the mentorship of a faculty member can explore a variety of funding opportunities. Some students apply for this funding while pursuing an honors project in Psychology and/or a BPhil degree through the University Honors College (UHC). Check each program for deadline information.

The Dietrich School of Arts & and Sciences allows a maximum of 24 experiential learning credits toward your degree; therefore, you can take 12 research/internships credits through A&S and/or other A&S departments in addition to the 12-credit maximum in psychology.

All experiential learning opportunities during the summer are offered as 12-week session courses only and require enrollment by the published add/drop deadline.