Internships and Practicums

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Updated August 15, 2024

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Learn what to expect from an internship or practicum in psychology with this in-depth guide. Discover information on internship opportunities near you.

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Internships and practicums offer real-world experience for psychology students and recent graduates. Both opportunities help students learn the ins and outs of working in the field, including ways to apply classroom concepts to real people experiencing mental health conditions.

Most graduate-level psychology programs require students to complete internships or practicums to prepare for work with real patients upon graduation. Supervised, hands-on experience allows each psychology student to better serve their patients after earning a degree.

Popular Online Master's in Psychology Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Internships vs Practicums: Key Differences

When comparing practicums vs. internships, it is important to consider several key differences.

A practicum typically refers to a short-term, supervised training experience required during a graduate program. An internship, typically completed during graduate studies, is a more extended and independent experience focused on clinical and professional development.

Both practicums and internships provide hands-on clinical experience. During practicums, learners may spend more time observing professionals complete tasks like counseling patients and recommending treatments. In contrast, psychology internships allow students to work more independently. These learners report to supervisors but may perform duties without their presence.

Differences by State or Degree Level

The distinction between internship and practicum is not always consistent. "The terms 'internship' and 'practicum' are partially dependent on how the state's licensure laws describe the clinical experience required during the program," explains Megan Pietrucha, Psy.D. Pietrucha has served as training director for an accredited internship program and taught undergraduate and graduate psychology courses.

"For example, at the master's level in Illinois, the first 100 hours of clinical experience is referred to as an 'internship,' while the remaining required hours (600) are called 'practicum,' even though all the experience is obtained in the same place and continuously. Both are completed as a part of the educational requirements during the program."

"However, during clinical or counseling doctoral programs," Pietrucha continues, "practicum typically occurs during years 2-4 of the program and are part-time, non-paid, supervised experiences that include assessment and clinical training. Doctoral internships are completed in the last year of the doctoral program and are full-time, paid clinical experience."

What to Expect From Your Psychology Internship or Practicum

What Will I Do for My Psychology Internship or Practicum?

Practicums and internships for psychology majors vary depending on the employer, school, and level of coursework. However, there are some components that all students can expect when comparing practicums vs. internships.

In practicums, students initially observe a licensed psychologist interacting with patients. Over the length of the practicum, the supervisor typically provides tasks to complete. They may also discuss why the psychologist used certain methods and review any of the student's questions.

During an internship, students may work with clients or groups of clients directly, with or without supervision. Throughout the day, the intern may check in with the supervisor to get feedback, ask questions, and assess the intern's recommendations for each client.

In Which Type of Setting Will I Work?

Because internships and practicums offer practical experience, it is important for psychology students to choose programs that align with their career goals. Someone looking to work in substance abuse facilities should try to get an internship in a similar setting, for example.

Learners can choose from many settings, including private practices, hospitals, correctional facilities, and rehabilitation facilities. Degree candidates taking online courses can often complete their psychology internships near home rather than their schools.

How Long Will My Internship or Practicum Last?

The length of your internship or practicum depends on several factors, including your degree level, program, and state.

In a research-based master's program, for example, you may not complete an internship or practicum. However, some specialties include 100-600 hours of practicum, internship, or fieldwork.

Doctoral psychology programs typically incorporate a practicum and internship. For example, Ohio University's Ph.D. in clinical psychology requires a one-year internship accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). At the Chicago School, each Psy.D. student completes 1,800 practicum hours and a one-year internship.

In many states, you'll need a postdoctoral fellowship to meet licensure requirements. For example, Wyoming requires a 1,500-hour pre-doctoral internship and 1,500 hours of postdoctoral work experience to meet state licensure requirements.

Will I Get Paid for My Psychology Internship or Practicum?

Psychology master's students typically do not receive pay for their practicums and internships. Doctoral students are not paid for their practicum experience but may receive pay for their doctoral internship or postdoctoral fellowship.

Will I Get Academic Credit for My Internship or Practicum?

Approved psychology internship and practicum experience will always grant credits upon completion. Often, a student must turn in regular assignments to a supervising professor to receive the college credit they need. Other times, the learner only has to show proof of attendance.

Students who complete postdoctoral fellowships do not receive college credit. Instead, the successful completion of these hours satisfies their requirements for licensure.

How Will My Psychology Internship or Practicum Help Me?

Psychologists need to understand psychological theory, diagnosis criteria, and treatment options, along with how to build trusting relationships with each client. Because professional interpersonal skills are difficult to teach in a classroom setting, students can hone them in internships and practicums. These experiences allow learners to see what happens behind the scenes, which helps with the transition from school work to a professional role.

Internships can help students gain professional contacts and explore available areas of psychology. To get the most out of an internship or practicum, the degree candidate should set specific goals. Learners who struggle with knowing what questions to ask or which populations they may want to work with can make it their mission to work on these aspects.

How to Find Psychology Internships or Practicums

Psychology is a varied field with many specialties, so it's important for each student to find an appropriate practicum or internship. The resources below are some ways learners can find the internship or practicum that best suits their career goals.

  • Your School's Career Center

    Each school's career center helps students find professional success. Learners should feel free to reach out to these job-placement professionals for guidance. Additionally, most programs have faculty members or advisors who assist with applying for and selecting training opportunities.

  • Job Fairs

    Job fairs are great for connecting with many employers in a short period. Students should dress professionally and show up with copies of their resumes.

  • Recruiting Events

    Some major employers host recruiting events to drive interest in working there. Students can benefit from meeting decision-makers at these events even if they do not explicitly use the title of "internship fair."

  • Alumni Network

    Alumni networks are filled with former students who are invested in the school and its students. Degree candidates can leverage this connection to land a great practicum or internship.

  • Job Boards and Internship Databases

    Professional organizations compile lists of current internship openings, which can help employers and interns connect. The following section contains several top organizations.

Psychology Internship Opportunities

Resources

Frequently Asked Questions About Internships and Practicums

What are some examples of responsibilities I will complete during a practicum?

During a psychology practicum, you may sit in on psychotherapy sessions to observe an experienced practitioner, meet with your supervisor to strengthen clinical skills, or counsel patients in mental health settings. For example, you might treat clients at a community mental health center under the supervision of a psychologist.

Yes -- you can include practicum and internship experience on your psychology resume. This experience is often directly relevant if you're applying to grad school or seeking work in psychology. You can also ask clinical supervisors to write letters of recommendation.

The application process depends on your program and the practicum. In some programs, you'll apply through a training director or receive a practicum placement from your advisor. Other practicums require an extensive application process.

The placement process for practicums depends on your program and the practicum. Some schools connect students with practicum opportunities, while other practicums require an application process. Contact an advisor in your current or prospective program to learn more about practicum placements.

Completing a psychology practicum while working full-time may be difficult. Some programs may arrange their practicum and coursework requirements for working students, yet they often recommend not working more than part-time. Similarly, a doctoral internship is often a full-time time commitment.

Page last reviewed on March 19, 2024

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