Key takeaways
- Program duration: 4 years – bachelor’s degree in psychology
- Psychology undergraduate research opportunities:
- Carnegie Mellon’s Summer Program for Undergraduate Researchers (SPUR)
- Boston University Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURFs)
- Michigan Summer Program in Cognition and Early Development (MSPICED)
- Yale Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program
- Harvard University Moral Psychology Research Lab
- Duke University – The Department of Psychology and Neuroscience NSF Summer Research Experience
- How to get into labs?
- Start applying in your first or second year
- Research labs you want to get into
- Express interest in joining the labs
- Volunteer if there are no open positions
- Be open to any kind of work in the lab
- Search for and apply to summer programs at the start of the academic year
When it comes to developing an understanding of the human mind and behavior, developing a strong theoretical foundation can only get you so far. To lead a successful career in whichever path you choose, you need relevant skills and the ability to apply the knowledge gained through a bachelor’s degree in psychology to real-world scenarios.
However, a psychology degree rarely ever goes beyond theoretical knowledge and some experiential learning opportunities that come in the form of group projects and your thesis. Are they enough? No! That is where psychology undergraduate research opportunities and psychology internships come into play. Here, we not only list psychology research and internship opportunities but also discuss their importance and the careers they lead to.
Psychology undergraduate research opportunities
Psychology research opportunities for undergraduate students involves numerous activities that lead to the development of certain essential skills that enhance a graduate’s employability. You can access research opportunities at research centers at labs at organizations, colleges, and universities. Here are just a few psychology students in the US can pursue.
Boston University Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURFs)
Boston University’s Summer School offers a plethora of research opportunities for psychology students. You can reach out to faculty members leading researches at the world-class research university to get a chance to participate.
Carnegie Mellon’s Summer Program for Undergraduate Researchers (SPUR)
Carnegie Mellon University’s Summer Program for Undergraduate Researchers (SPUR) provides undergraduates with an in-depth introduction to psychological research. Over the course of eight weeks, students engage directly in ongoing projects and experience life in a dynamic academic setting. The program aims to broaden access to research training and help participants explore future academic or scientific career paths in psychology.
Michigan Summer Program in Cognition and Early Development
The Michigan Summer Program in Cognition & Early Development (MSPICED), is organized through a partnership among four developmental psychology research groups directed by Drs. Susan Gelman, Nicole Gardner-Neblett, Ioulia Kovelman, and Felix Warneken. Here, you get the opportunity to learn from multiple renowned researchers to develop the professional skills needed to lead successful careers.
Yale Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program
The Yale SURF Program hosts undergraduates each summer for an eight-week introduction to PhD-level study. Participants learn what graduate research involves, explore careers that require doctoral preparation, and strengthen their academic confidence. Under the supervision of faculty and advanced researchers, students undertake individual research projects and join workshops and panels focused on academic development.
Duke University: The Department of Psychology and Neuroscience NSF Summer Research Experience
Duke University’s Psychology and Neuroscience REU helps underrepresented students build the skills and professional identity needed to enter research careers. The program blends diverse research methods across Developmental, Social, and Cognitive Neuroscience, offering hands-on experience with experiments and observational studies. Participants also receive individualized writing guidance and GRE prep while attending lab meetings, small-group sessions, and regular mentorship meetings with Duke faculty and students.
Harvard University Moral Psychology Research Lab
The Cushman Lab at Harvard University provides researchers the opportunity to engage in social cognitive science where they study the cognitive science of human sociality. At the lab, students engage in a variety of activities to study how humans learn from each other, how humans develop their sense of right and wrong, how punishments evolve, and more. So, if you are particularly interested in understanding human behavior and the intricacies of social engagement and communication, this is the ideal research opportunity for you.
Where can I find psychology undergraduate research opportunities?
Nearly every college and university offering a bachelor’s degree in psychology offers research opportunities in their labs. However, accessing these can prove challenging to say the least. Here’s how you can access psychology undergraduate research opportunities.
- Faculty outreach – Reach out to professors in multiple universities and express your interest in summer research programs.
- Department websites – Through department websites you can access a list of ongoing researchers and learn if any professor is searching for volunteers or offering research opportunities to undergraduate students.
- Professional Organizations – The American Psychological Association (APA), the Society For Personality and Social Psychology (SPSP), and others.
- Networking – Connect with alumni, seniors, and others engaged in research activities to learn about research opportunities.
How to get into research labs as an undergraduate student?
Getting into research labs at the undergraduate level can seem to be a bit of a challenge. However, it is essential that you start pursuing experiential learning opportunities as early in your academic career as possible. Here’s a clear and practical list for how to get into research labs as an undergraduate:
- Identify labs that match your interests by checking your department’s website, faculty profiles, and current research projects.
- Read a professor’s recent work so you can mention specific topics or methods when reaching out.
- Prepare a concise CV or resume highlighting relevant courses, skills such as statistics, coding, writing, and any past experience.
- Send a professional email expressing your interest, why you want to join their lab, and what you can contribute.
- Mention your availability clearly (hours per week, semester, summer, remote/in-person options).
- Start early as labs often fill positions at the beginning of semesters or summer.
- Be open to volunteering at first, especially if you have no research experience yet.
- Follow up politely after 7–10 days if you don’t receive a response.
- Ask your professors or academic advisors if they know of labs needing undergraduate assistants.
- Attend department talks, seminars, or student research fairs to meet faculty and grad students.
- Network with peers already working in labs as many opportunities come through word of mouth.
- Be flexible with tasks as all tasks help professional development. Take on a variety of roles, including data entry, transcription, coding, literature reviews, or running participants are common starting points.
- Show enthusiasm and reliability as labs value consistent, motivated students more than those with prior experience.
- Consider labs outside your home institution, especially for summer or remote roles.
- Apply for structured programs such as Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU), summer fellowships, and paid internships (if available).
What skills will you develop through psychology undergraduate research opportunities?
Here is a list of skills you can develop through undergraduate research opportunities psychology.
| Skills | Explanation |
| Research and scientific skills |
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| Critical thinking and problem-solving |
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| Ethical and professional competence |
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| Communication skills |
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| Collaboration and interpersonal skills |
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| Technical and practical skills |
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| Time management and independence |
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What career paths does a research centric psychology degree open up?
A research-centric psychology degree is ideal for those who want to explore careers in research, education, and corporate. However, these roles are restricted to entry-level roles. Here are just some career paths you can pursue with a research-focused psychology degree alongside their salary information as of December 2025.
| Job title | Average annual salary |
| Research Assistant | $68,608 |
| Data Analyst | $92,517 |
| Market Research Analyst | $94,262 |
| Human Resources Executive | $67,254 |
| Case Manager | $47,743 |
| Social Worker | $61,330 |
Related: How can a criminology degree prepare you for ethical challenges in clinical forensic psychology?
Bachelor’s degree in psychology summary
Here is a summary of the bachelor’s psychology program
Bachelor’s in Psychology Degree Overview |
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|---|---|
| Level | Bachelor’s degree – 4 years |
| Number of credits | 120 – 128 credits |
| Degree options | Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology / Bachelor of Science in Psychology |
| Focus | The program focuses primarily on the study of behavior and mental processes.
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| Core courses |
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| Concentration tracks |
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| Who is it good for? | Intrinsic qualities that make you a good fit for the psychology program include empathy, problem-solving, patience, listening skills, and the ability to stay non-judgmental. A bachelor’s degree in psychology is ideal for students seeking entry-level psych-related jobs or preparing for graduate school |
| Career opportunities |
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| Median annual wage | $60,000 – BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 2023 |
| Annual cost |
Estimated using data from: Data USA |
| ROI for a 20-year career period |
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Top colleges for a bachelor’s psychology degree
Here is a list of the top colleges for a bachelor’s degree in psychology as per the Times Higher Education’s List of Best Psychology Colleges in the US.
Top 10 colleges for a Bachelor’s in Psychology |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | College/University | Private/ in-state resident tuition | Non-state resident tuition |
| 1 | Stanford University | $45,154 | $45,154 |
| 2 | Princeton University | $65,210 | $65,210 |
| 3 | Harvard University | $59,320 | $59,320 |
| 4 | University of California, Berkeley | $17,478 | $55,080 |
| 5 | Yale University | $69,900 | $69,900 |
| 6 | University of Pennsylvania | $63,204 | $63,204 |
| 7 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | $18,346 | $63,962 |
| 8 | The University of Chicago | $71,325 | $71,325 |
| 9 | University of California, Los Angeles | $15,700 | $53,302 |
| 10 | Columbia University | $67,740 | $67,740 |
Top accredited online psychology programs
Considering pursuing an online degree in psychology? Here is a list of the top accredited online psychology programs in the US.
Top 10 colleges for an online Bachelor’s in Psychology |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | College/University | Private/ in-state resident tuition | Non-state resident tuition |
| 1 | Pennsylvania State University | $20,644 | $41,790 |
| 2 | Oregon State University | $15,246 | $40,392 |
| 3 | University of Florida | $3,876 | $16,580 |
| 4 | Loyola University Chicago | $54,530 | $54,530 |
| 5 | University of Central Florida | $5,954 | $22,482 |
| 6 | Georgia State University | $5,830 | $15,010 |
| 7 | Indiana University | $44,339 | $44,339 |
| 8 | University of Arizona | $15,750 | $15,750 |
| 9 | Arizona State University | $10,064 | $10,064 |
| 10 | CUNY School of Professional Studies | $6,930 | $10,500 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is undergraduate research important?
Undergraduate research gives you hands-on experience with how psychology knowledge is actually produced. It strengthens your critical thinking skills, helps you build relationships with faculty, and makes you much more competitive for graduate programs or research-oriented jobs. It also helps you clarify your interests and career goals.
When should I start looking for psychology research opportunities for undergraduates?
It’s best to start looking in your first or second year, since many labs prefer to train students who can stay for multiple semesters. Most labs recruit on a semester or yearly cycle, so checking departmental websites and emailing professors the semester before you want to start increases your chances.
What types of research opportunities are available for undergrads?
Undergraduates can join research labs as volunteers, course-credit students, or paid assistants if funding is available. Other options include independent study projects, honors theses, summer research programs, and internships with research centers or clinical organizations. Some students also assist with data collection, coding, literature reviews, or experiment administration.
How do I get into a research lab?
Start by identifying labs that study topics you care about and reading a few of their publications so you can speak to their work. Then email the professor with a brief introduction, your interests, résumé, relevant coursework or skills, and your weekly availability. Showing enthusiasm, reliability, and willingness to learn can help you stand out, even without prior experience.