Join the lab
PRDD research assistants help design studies, search the literature, collect and analyze data, and present or publish the results. Most RAs are psychology majors planning on graduate school, and the work is built to make that application stronger.
3.0 UCF GPA minimum • 3.2 GPA in the major • 10 hrs per week, at most • PSY 4912 Directed Independent Research • 0 or 3 credit hours • S/U no effect on your GPA • 2x virtual lab meetings a month •
3.0 UCF GPA minimum • 3.2 GPA in the major • 10 hrs per week, at most • PSY 4912 Directed Independent Research • 0 or 3 credit hours • S/U no effect on your GPA • 2x virtual lab meetings a month •
3.0 UCF GPA minimum • 3.2 GPA in the major • 10 hrs per week, at most • PSY 4912 Directed Independent Research • 0 or 3 credit hours • S/U no effect on your GPA • 2x virtual lab meetings a month •
QUICK CHECK
Are you eligible?
If you can check all six, you are ready to apply.
A UCF GPA of 3.0 or higher and a major GPA of 3.2 or higher.
Able to register for PSY 4912 Directed Independent Research (0 or 3 semester hours).
Available for the virtual lab meeting twice a month (about 60 to 90 minutes).
Complete CITI human subjects research training, which is part of RA onboarding.
Completed Research Methods or Statistical Methods, or able to join the statistics training in lab meetings.
Commit up to 10 hours per week to RA responsibilities, including lab meetings.
WHAT YOU GET
Experience that shows up on your CV
VOLUNTEERS
Not an enrolled UCF student?
You can still join the lab as a volunteer research assistant. Apply online with a résumé or CV and an unofficial transcript. If you are selected to work with the research group, you will also need to meet UCF’s criteria for university volunteers. This includes a Volunteer Services Agreement, completed before your volunteer work begins.
Hands-on research
Hands-on training in designing and running human subjects research.
Methods and stats
Working skill in research methods and statistical analysis.
Course credit
Course credit for independent, collaborative work.
A mentor’s letter
A faculty mentor who can write a detailed letter of recommendation.
Present and publish
Conference presentations and, for sustained projects, co-authorship on a published paper.
How to apply
Apply online through a short UCF Qualtrics form. Have these three items ready before you start.
1
CV or résumé
One file, PDF or Word.
2
Degree audit or transcript
An unofficial copy saved as a PDF. Volunteers can upload an unofficial transcript.
3
Statement of interest
One to two paragraphs on what draws you to research. Type it in the form or upload a file.
Before you apply, read how authorship works in the lab.
Questions before you apply? Talk through your options in office hours or email the lab.
Thinking about graduate school?
A good GPA is often not enough for competitive programs, and a lower GPA does not necessarily rule out admission. Research, teaching, and work experience can weigh just as heavily.
Find your focus
Identify the degree and specialty area you want, then look for programs and faculty that fit it.
Build mentor relationships
Get to know faculty who can write detailed letters of recommendation for you.
Strengthen your CV
Add research, teaching, and work experience, and keep your grades in major courses high.
Not ready for research? PSY 4932 Undergraduate Teaching Experience also builds your CV. It asks for a 3.0 UCF GPA and a 90% or an A in the course, and you can email the lab to ask about openings.