Application Deadline: Third Friday after the start of the semester by 12:00pm (noon).

***Please read before you apply***
Site capacities can be viewed through on Sharepoint (you will need to use your JMU account to access this file)

Interviews 

Interviews will take place following the application deadline. Interviews typically take place either in person or via Zoom. The modality will be dictated by the number of applicants, given the quick turnaround/decisions that Field Placement needs to make to successfully place students at community sites ahead of other programs. We will be in touch after the application deadline with interview instructions.

Read Interview Tips to Prepare. Dress professionally for your interview. Be prepared to answer the questions listed in the guide, among others.

Decisions 

Decisions are expected to be made within three weeks after the application deadline. Based on class capacity, an average of 24 applicants are accepted. Accepted applicants will be asked to complete a shorter Site Application within approximately two to three business days following notification of acceptance.

Site Interviews

Acceptance into Field Placement does not guarantee students a Placement Site. However, we will work with students throughout the semester to help you obtain a Placement Site until all opportunities are exhausted. Information from accepted Field Placement students (Resumé and Site Application) will be sent to sites of interest immediately upon receipt of the Site Application and revised Resumé (if revision is recommended). Site supervisors will then review students’ information and begin to offer interviews during the following weeks. The timing of site interviews is variable (i.e. some sites are quick to set up interviews while others may not know for several weeks if they can offer interviews).

Site Placements

Every effort is made for students to obtain a Placement Site prior to the start of Registration. This is not always possible given that this process requires coordination with community supervisors who are very busy with their work. It is therefore the goal that every Field Placement student will have a Site Placement prior to the end of the semester. 

Class Registration

Once site matching is completed, the final Field Placement students will register for PSYC 495. Accepted students will be given an override to enroll in the course.

Psyc 495 Class and Field Work

During the semester, students will work at their assigned site for the contracted hours. On average, students should work 10–12 hours per week to meet the minimum requirement of at least 150 hours per semester. In addition to site work, students will attend a weekly class session to learn, reflect, and discuss ways to contribute more effectively to the site community.

Course requirements include several assignments, such as written reflections, site presentations, and CV/resume updates. For the capstone project, students will develop a contribution project that supports the mission of the site and/or addresses a specific site need, as discussed with the site supervisor. This project should involve researching a topic of interest to the site that can inform and benefit its work.

Application Instructions

Read the Field Placement Guidelines (Student Responsibilities)

Complete and Submit the Application

NOTE: Applicants will need to provide their information and attach the required files at the end of the survey, so please have them ready before you begin. The required files include:

• Current Resumé (PDF)
  Consultation with JMU’s Career Center is highly recommended. The professionals in this office will help you improve the content and format of your resumé, which will make you more competitive for Field Placement and also for placement sites.
• Recent Photograph in Which You Look Professional
  This can just be a headshot with your phone against a neutral background. Please: no pets, pictures in restaurants, or with a significant other that has been cropped out, etc.
• Written Statement of at Least 400 Words (Single-Spaced PDF) Addressing:
  1. What are your career objectives?
  2. Why do you wish to enroll in Field Placement?
  3. Why would you be a good candidate for Field Placement?
  4. What other courses do you need to take during the semester you will be in Field Placement?
  5. When do you plan to graduate? (This information is also requested on the application form.)
  6. What are your time commitments during the semester you will be in Field Placement? (e.g., work, sports, etc.)
  7. Indicate your ***top three choices*** of Field Placement sites and provide a brief paragraph explaining each choice (You can check the available sites in the 2026 Spring Field Placement Site Capacity). Please list two additional backup choices and provide a sentence or two explaining your reasons for these choices. Please note that there are many options within public school placements and each school is considered a site choice.