Clubs and Organizations
Below are descriptions of different types of psychology organizations. APS and Psi-Chi are undergraduate organizations. In addition, state and national organizations that accept student members are listed. There are several advantages to belonging to psychology-related clubs and associations. Membership allows students to participate in outings and listen to guest speakers. It offers an excellent environment to share ideas regarding specific areas of psychology, a common bond. It is a good opportunity to network with professionals in your field and also a way to "boost" your resume. Graduate schools as well as psychology professionals admire a student who is active in extracurricular activities. It indicates motivation and personal commitment. Applications for all organizations can be obtained in the Undergraduate Office (MGB 246) as well as information regarding membership costs and contact phone numbers.
Undergraduate Psychology Organizations
Psi-Chi - Psi Chi is the National Honor Society in Psychology, founded in 1929 for the purpose of encouraging, stimulating, and maintaining scholarship in, and advancing the science of psychology. Membership is open to graduate and undergraduate psychology students. Undergraduate requirements are listed on the application and following the application is a questionnaire inquiring about personal involvement and ideas.
Association of Psychology Students - This organization is open to anyone (Psychology or other majors) interested in Psychology. APS is involved in a number of projects in conjunction with Psi Chi and is a great opportunity for students to interact with the Psychology Department faculty, to participate in fund raisers and social events, or to serve on a variety of committees.
ODU Chapter of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society - This award-winning organization is open to anyone (regardless of major) who is interested in engineering psychology. ODU HFES helps students gain information about this quickly growing field, and is a good opportunity for students to interact with graduate students and professionals in human factors and ergonomics.
Industrial/Organizational Psychology Student Association (IOPSA) - This new group is an organization of undergraduate and graduate students who have interests in I/O psychology. IOPSA is committed to engaging in collaborative research efforts and promoting the science of I/O psychology to other disciplines and the greater community.
The ODU chapters of HFES, IOPSA, APS and Psi Chi are extremely active and open to new ideas and we welcome new members.
State and National Organizations
American Psychological Association - This association is the oldest and largest professional organization for psychologists. Being a member entitles you to various publications and mailings pertaining to the field of psychology. In addition, APA publishes numerous guides providing information on graduate programs, careers in psychology, and current professional practices. If you are at all interested in graduate school, joining APA or APS (see below) as a student member is strongly advised.
American Psychological Society - APS is a professional organization that was begun in the 1980's by a group of psychologists who felt that APA was oriented much more toward clinical issues than other more scientific and academic aspects of psychology. Its primary goal is to promote psychology as a science and the original core of founders was primarily academic psychologists. Student members receive publications informing them of recent developments in psychology research.
Southeastern Psychological Association - This is our regional association affiliated with APA. One of its primary activities is its annual meeting held in March or April in the Southeastern U.S. Because it is regional, many students attend this meeting and it is a good place to develop your network for your area of psychology.
The Virginia Psychological Association - This is the professional organization for psychologists in the state of Virginia. Its purpose is to promote both the science and the practice of psychology and to serve as a communication network for Virginia's psychologists working in many diverse fields. VPA has two conferences each year, one held in October and one in April. The April conference has more programs for students and awards are presented for the best undergraduate and graduate research presentations.
Virginia Academy of Science - This organization includes all types of scientists in the state of Virginia in addition to psychologists (e.g., biologists, physicists, etc.). The organization is academically oriented and exists to promote science. There is an annual meeting in May where students can present their work. An award is presented for the best student paper and the abstracts of all papers are published in the Virginia Journal of Science.
Human Factors and Ergonomics Society - This is the national professional organization for human factors specialists. A student member receives the monthly bulletin, the quarterly journal, Human Factors, and the monthly magizine, Ergonomics in Design. Students who join usually have a strong interest in a human factors career.
Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology - SIOP is a Division within APA that is also an organizational affiliate of APS. The Society's mission is to enhance human well-being and performance in organizational and work settings by promoting the science, practice, and teaching of industrial-organizational psychology.
