Beyond the Classroom
In the Department of Psychology, research and hands-on experience aren’t extras—they’re essential. Whether you're curious about brain function, behavior, or how people change their minds, we make it easy to jump into activities that build your skills and shape your future.
Learn about:
"Experiential learning" means applying what you know. It’s where theory meets practice—whether in a research lab, a community organization or across the globe.
At UB, you’ll:
- Build confidence, skills, and a standout resume.
- Have opportunities to work with faculty on research that’s shaping the future.
- Discover new possibilities for your career—and yourself.
Pro tip: This is how you stand out.
The Department of Psychology offers multiple ways to gain experience and earn credit:
PSY 498
Join a research lab and contribute to active studies in areas like cognition, social psychology, behavioral neuroscience, or clinical psychology. This is the most common entry point for undergrad research.
- Great for students thinking about grad school
- Usually spans more than one semester
- Requires faculty permission
Want in? Here are a few resources to help you get started.
PSY 496
Use your psychology skills at community or government organizations, businesses, nonprofits, schools, or mental health agencies. You'll build real-world experience—and it looks great on a resume.
- Requires approval from the department and the host organization
- Great preparation for business, human services, social work, or clinical paths
Want in? Here are a few resources to help you get started.
PSY 499
Design your own deep dive into a psychology topic that isn’t covered in regular coursework.
- Must be sponsored by a faculty member
Want in? Here are a few helpful courses to take prior to starting your independent study.
- Psychological Statistics
- Scientific Inquiry in Psychology
PSY 495
Work as a teaching assistant in an undergraduate course.
- Must have a 3.0+ GPA, an A- or better in the course and junior standing
- Requires faculty permission
The Department of Psychology faculty are doing fascinating work—and they welcome undergraduate collaborators.
Here’s how to start:
- Explore faculty research
- Reach out to professors whose research matches your interests
- Ask how you can help and what they look for in research assistants
CURRENT AREAS OF RESEARCH INCLUDE:
- Brain responses to surprise and stress
- How memory and perception shape understanding
- Interpersonal dynamics and emotional resilience
- Animal behavior and sensory processing
- Intergroup relations and stigma
- The science of addiction, self-regulation, and decision-making
- Social development through childhood and adolescence
- And much more!
You’ll be part of a team—running studies, coding and analyzing data and sharing insights.
Start a project to build skills and gain real-world experience for your career. The Experiential Learning Network's Project Portal is the easiest place to get started! Once you start a project, you can also pursue an ELN Digital Badge to display your accomplishments to future employers and graduate schools.
Pro tip: Many labs take applications early—don’t wait until junior or senior year to get involved.
Run by students, open to everyone. Undergraduate Psychology Association (UPA) hosts:
- Guest speakers on careers and research
- Volunteer projects and community engagement
- Fun social events and student-faculty mixers
Apply to Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology. UB’s chapter offers:
- Career workshops
- Grad school application prep
- Conference travel opportunities
Psychology, Worldwide. Yes—you can study abroad and stay on track in your major. With department approval, some psychology courses abroad can count toward degree requirements.
It’s a great way to learn how people think and behave across cultures.
If you're enrolled in Introductory Psychology (PSY 101) and 18+, you can participate in research studies through the SONA sign-up system. It’s a hands-on way to meet a course requirement and learn how psychology research works from the inside out.