Psychology
General Planning Tips For Psychology
- The Psychology curriculum is quite flexible, and with careful planning you can study abroad for a semester or longer and still graduate on time.
- There are a wide variety of both core and elective psychology courses to choose from abroad. Many of the psychology course options focus on concepts and topics unique to that particular institution giving you a chance to study a topic that is not offered at KU.
- Study abroad is a great way to satisfy your KU Core requirements. Therefore, it is a good idea to reserve some of your KU Core classes to take abroad.
- Scholarships are available for study abroad both through KU Study Abroad & Global Engagement and national organizations. In particular, psychology students may be eligible for the Cheryle A. & Burton MacKenzie Scholarship for semester long study. Research your opportunities early.
- Courses to take at KU: Psychology students should plan to take their orientation seminar (PSYC 102) and their research methods course (PSYC 200 or 210) at KU.
When To Go
Freshman
- Schedule a meeting with a psychology major advisor during your first year at KU to discuss your graduation plan and identify specific courses as well as specific timing opportunities for your study abroad experience.
- After you’ve met with your academic advisor, continue your program research by visiting the KU Study Abroad Info Center in Lippincott Hall. Study abroad peer advisors can help you to identify suitable study abroad options based upon the information you received from your advisor.
- Studying abroad usually requires two letters of recommendation, so it’s good to start identifying individuals who can speak to your academic qualifications as well as your ability to be successful during an international experience.
- Complete your orientation seminar, PSYC 102, before going abroad.
- The summer before your sophomore year would also be a great time to take some of your KU Core courses abroad. Applications for these programs are usually due March 1st, so come to the Study Abroad Info Center early in the spring semester to learn more about your options.
Sophomore and Junior
- Psychology majors can study abroad during the fall or spring semester of their sophomore or junior year.
- Psychology majors are required to take their research methods course, PSYC 200 or 210, at KU. This course is offered during the fall, spring, and summer terms at KU, so you have a great degree of flexibility in planning a study abroad experience around this course.
- You can take a combination of PSYC major courses, PSYC elective courses, minor requirements, and/or KU Core requirements during your semester abroad.
- Summer internships abroad are a great way to gain valuable professional experience in a unique location. There are several locations to choose from, and you can participate in these internships the summer after your sophomore or junior year.
Senior
- If you go abroad as a senior, work closely with your academic advisor prior to your departure to make sure that you are on track to complete all your degree requirements.
Courses and Credit
- Psychology faculty have already pre-approved a number of psychology courses abroad. To see available pre-approved courses, visit the Course Equivalencies Database.
- If you want to take a class/classes that have not been pre-approved, complete the credit approval process.
Recommended Semester Programs
National University of Singapore (*Featured Program*)
National University of Singapore is an exchange program specifically designed for Psychology students. Courses are taught in English, and there are a wide range of psychology courses to choose from.
Recommended Timing: Fall or spring semester - sophomore or junior year
Sample courses: Abnormal Psychology, Psychology of Language, Human Memory
Recommended Timing: Fall or spring semester - sophomore or junior year
Sample courses: Positive Psychology, Developmental Disorders, European Clinical Psychology
University of Birmingham - England
Recommended Timing: Fall or spring semester - sophomore or junior year
Sample courses: Child Development, Visual Perceptions, Understanding Emotions
University of Exeter - England
Recommended Timing: Fall or spring semester - sophomore or junior year
Sample courses: Personality, Behavioral Neuroscience
Recommended Timing: Fall or spring semester - sophomore or junior year
Sample courses: Freud & Post-Freud, Psychology of Music, Motivation
University of Leicester - England
Recommended Timing: Fall or spring semester - sophomore or junior year
Sample courses: Psychology and International Conflict, Psychology and the Law, Intimate Relationships
University of New South Wales - Australia
Recommended Timing: Fall or spring semester - sophomore or junior year
Sample courses: Perception and Cognition, Physiological Psychology, Health Psychology
University of Wollongong - Australia
Recommended Timing: Fall or spring semester - sophomore or junior year
Sample courses: Brain and Behavior, Psychology of Aging, History and Systems in Psychology
Recommended Short-Term Programs
Culture and Psychology in London
Recommended Timing: Summer - after sophomore or junior year
Course: PSYC 545 Culture and Psychology
Gender Equity and Well-being in Iceland
Recommended Timing: Summer - after sophomore or junior year
Course: EPSY 598 Special Course: Gender Equity and Well-Being in Iceland
Recommended Timing: Summer - after sophomore or junior year
Sample courses: Varies by location
Recommended Timing: Summer - after freshman or sophomore year
Sample courses: Psychology major requirements - Abnormal, Social, Child Development, Cognitive