As a Psychology student at Duquesne University, there are several opportunities outside
of the classroom for you to build on your knowledge and skills. We strongly encourage
you to take full advantage of such opportunities.
Our internship program allows you to serve and learn within the Pittsburgh community.
Psychology clubs and honor societies provide social and friendship opportunities as
well as planning and managing projects that benefit the Duquesne and Pittsburgh communities.
Study abroad offerings bring learning material to life in new and exciting ways, and
allow for life changing experiences. Research opportunities, with faculty and/or doctoral
students, are also possible, and especially recommended for those thinking of continuing
their studies in psychology beyond the Bachelor’s degree.
In summer of 2023, we kicked off another stimulating program – our summer fellowship for underrepresented students in psychology. If you are contemplating graduate study in psychology, we provide a fully funded week-long program to help you negotiate the rather overwhelming process of selecting and applying to graduate school.
Internship Opportunities
Application Deadline Fall 2024 is February 19, 2024
The Arsenal Internship is held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. There is a class limit of 4 students. In this program, students learn about typical child development by observing preschool children. In addition, they observe the teaching techniques used with normal children and learn about intervention strategies. Teachers meet with students to discuss various materials. Lectures are presented and teachers meet with students for discussion.
The internship at the Hospital Elder Life Program is an innovative program designed to improve the hospital experience of older patients by exploring their past and current experiences, interest/values, and physical and psychological challenges. The internship is 8 hours per week for the academic semester, often done in two 4-hour shifts. Orientation meetings for this internship will take place prior to the start of the semester, and interns are expected to monitor their email for communications from the volunteer coordinators. HELP placement sites may vary.
This internship is supervised by Dr. Eric Bernstein, a licensed psychologist who specializes
in forensic based work within Family and Juvenile Courts. This entails child custody
evaluations and work for Office of Children Youth and Family Services in matters concerning
abuse, neglect, and mistreatment of children. Internship students will be exposed
to all aspects of this clinical practice including observing interviews, assessment,
and testimony within Court.
Student activities include (1) observing and learning about the nature of a private
practice and the responsibilities and practice of performing forensic work, and (2)
offering administrative assistance such as filing, organizing, and other clerical
duties. Depending upon students' experience and interest, they may also assist with
scoring psychological testing. This internship requires a commitment of 8 hours per
week for the entire semester. Dr. Bernstein's office is located in a secure office
building in Station Square, and all supervised field placement hours will occur during
office hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Neighborhood Resilience Project Pittsburgh is a non-profit community organization that serves the Hill District of Pittsburgh. Exact duties of internship students may vary, but it is likely that your work will involve helping community residents recover from individual and community trauma. You will be expected to volunteer 8-10 hours a week at their Hill District location. This is a great opportunity for students interested in trauma, community development, human/social services, or counseling.
Student Clubs & Organizations
Psychology Club
The Psychology Club is an active organization that helps students cultivate their
psychological interests and knowledge. Club activities include experiential workshops,
guest speakers, conference trips, film discussions, topical symposia, research and
volunteer opportunities, and graduate school preparation. There are no requirements
for participating in Psychology Club. All students are encouraged to join!
Psi Chi
- Psi Chi, the National Honor Society in Psychology, encourages, stimulates and maintains excellence
in scholarship and is committed to advancing the science of psychology. Founded in
1929, Psi Chi is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies and is an affiliate of the American Psychological Association (APA) and the American Psychological Society (APS).
Requirements for the Psi Chi membership: - Completion of at least 3 semesters of university coursework.
- Completion of at least 9 credit hours in Psychology
- 3.0 Grade Point Average overall
- 3.0 Grade Point Average in Psychology courses
Applicants should email%20transcripts (unofficial is fine) and also bring $10 cash or check to the Psychology Department. We are located in 211 Rockwell Hall. For questions please contact Duquesne's 2023 Chapter President, Angela%20Peltekis or Vice President, Aly%20Chomenko%2C or find them on Instagram @psichi.duq.
Psychology Awards
Students at both the graduate and undergraduate level can qualify for awards through the department. Please consult with the department for more information and steps to apply.
- Undergraduate Award for Academic Excellence and Success
- Undergraduate Award for Engaged Scholarship
- Graduate Award for Excellence in Teaching
- Graduate Award for Excellence in Scholarship