In addition to the traditional liberal arts mission, the Psychology faculty at Colorado College is committed to teaching psychology as a science and providing research opportunities for students. Learning the theoretical underpinnings and practicing the conduct of research plays a central role in four courses in the requirements for the major – PY205 (Introduction to Methods and Statistics), PY305 (Topics in Advanced Methods and Statistics), PY251 (Psychological Investigations), and PY451 (Final Project). The research and project experience students gain in these courses, and throughout the major, provides a strong foundation for students wishing to pursue graduate work in experimental psychology or in clinical and counseling psychology. This work also promotes success in a wide variety of other career paths by fostering valuable and marketable skills such as data management, technical writing, presentation, time-management, planning, and information/data searching and compilation, to name a few. These courses also promote direct faculty mentoring in a one-on-one context with students. Students completing the major requirements, including these courses, are well-trained to digest, interpret, and critically evaluate the ever-increasing volume of information and data encountered in the modern world.

To satisfy major requirements, all majors must take one PY205 Introduction to Methods and Statistics course, at least one PY305 Topics in Advanced Methods and Statistics course, and at least one unit of either PY251 Psychological Investigations or PY451 Final Project.  PY305, PY251, and PY451 are topical such that taking additional units of each course is possible for interest or perhaps to fill other requirements. (See the Major Requirements page and discuss with your advisor.)

PY205 Introduction to Methods & Statistics

PY205 provides a foundation for critical thinking, the process of scientific inquiry, research ethics, APA-style writing, basic issues in measurement and statistics, and presentation of empirical results. These skills might be of interest to majors from any department.  This course is a required prerequisite for the other courses listed here and is available through standard preregistration.

PY305 Topics in Advanced Methods & Statistics

PY305 builds on PY205 to explore more advanced methodological and statistical techniques with more in-depth utilization of software or apparatus. Different sections focus on different content such that multiple units can be taken for multiple credits. The content is designed for the curricular needs of psychology and neuroscience majors but also might be of interest to other majors with the PY205 prerequisite and is available through standard preregistration.

PY251 & PY451 Project Courses

• Guide to Research Engagement
• Research Project Types

PY251 Psychological Investigations

Psychological Investigations, building on the foundation of PY205, is designed to be a flexible research apprenticeship working directly with a faculty member. The content and structure of the work will flow from the faculty advisor’s research and interests. In some instances, it might take the form of contributing to the ongoing line of research of the faculty member. In others, the student might contribute to the design of a new project reflecting joint student-faculty interests. This course is typically initiated and completed in a single block. Registration for a PY251 course is Consent of Instructor (COI) only, via direct communication with the faculty member or through the application process (described below).

PY451 Final Project (Thesis)

Final Project, building on the foundations of PY205, and often PY305, is a more structured start-to-finish research project resulting in a formal paper. This thesis work is required for consideration for distinction in Psychology or Neuroscience. Collaborating with a faculty advisor, students will independently produce either a Literature Review, Empirical Project, or Directed Field Study. While the bulk of the work for this course takes place in a single block, the logistics and needs of the project often require attention in blocks before or after the registered unit. Many PY451 students have presented or published their work at national conferences or in professional journals, though this is not an expectation nor a requirement for a strong performance in the course. PY451 is highly recommended for any student considering applying for graduate work in the field. Registration for a PY451 course is Consent of Instructor (COI) only, via direct communication with the faculty member or through the application process (described below).

Psychology Department Funding

The Psychology Department supports PY251 and PY451 research projects with a stipend from the Colorado College Sabine Fund for Psychology. Petitions for additional funds, supported by the faculty research advisor, can be made to the Department Chair on a rolling basis. Neuroscience majors can also request funds from the Vernon Smith Fund. Speak to your advisor about applying.

The Psychology Department may also provide other project resources, such as loaner laptops, recording devices, or other equipment.

Colorado College Funding Opportunities for Students

The College maintains a web page detailing the many sources of college-wide funding for which students may apply. Students are strongly encouraged to investigate these excellent opportunities.

Nationally Competitive Fellowships, Scholarships, and Grants Opportunities Pages

The College maintains web pages describing a number of nationally competitive fellowships, scholarships, and grants.