Advancing Understanding: Psychology Research at Avila University

Why Engage in Psychological Research?

Conducting research develops your ability to pose good questions, think logically, problem solve, write concisely, speak before an audience, and work on a team: abilities highly valued by employers. Collaborating within a research group at Avila enables you to work closely with a faculty member, who can put your particular talents to best use (and write those all-important letters of recommendation!). With our apprenticeship model of research, the specific tasks you will work on will be commensurate with your current level of experience and knowledge.

If you are interested in applying to the Ph.D. programs in Psychology, research experience is mandatory. Most programs are highly competitive, and nearly all of your competition will have had research experience of some sort.

Research involves making new discoveries, about finding answers to questions that puzzle you. Best of all, you can take advantage of opportunities to present your research at regional, national, or international conferences. There’s no better way to make contact with professors and other students who share your interests.

As an undergraduate or master’s level student at Avila, you will learn to do research from professors adept at research.

Work on Research Projects: Undergraduate Students

Avila undergraduate students from any discipline may work on a psychology research team with the permission of a faculty research supervisor.

Non-psychology majors and psychology majors who have not yet completed Psychological Research I & II (PY 261 and PY 262) should sign up for Research Experience I (PY 297). This course is taken for ONE credit hour at a time and can be repeated.

Psychology majors (from any area of concentration) who have completed PY 261 and PY 262 should sign up for Research Experience II (PY 497). This course is also taken for ONE credit hour at a time and can be repeated.

Psychology majors in the Research Concentration will additionally complete PY 498, Senior Thesis (3 credits per semester; normally taken for two semesters).

Work on Research Projects: Graduate Students

Students in the Master’s of Science in Counseling Psychology programs may work in a psychology research team, with the permission of a faculty research advisor. Students may count up to 4 of their 12 elective graduate hours in courses related to research and writing, including PY 647, 648, and 697, toward their degree. 

Students interested in gaining research experience should enroll in PY 647, Research Experience.

Department of Psychology Faculty Research

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