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.
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.
American Psychological Association
This association is the oldest and largest scientific and 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.
Association for Psychological Science
APS is the leading international organization dedicated to advancing scientific psychology across disciplinary and geographic borders. Our members provide a richer understanding of the world through their research, teaching, and application of psychological science. We are passionate about supporting psychological scientists in these pursuits, which we do by sharing cutting-edge research across all areas of the field through our journals and conventions; promoting the integration of scientific perspectives within psychological science and with related disciplines; fostering global connections among our members; engaging the public with our research to promote broader understanding and awareness of psychological science; and advocating for increased support for psychological science in the public policy arena.
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 magazine, 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.
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.
Virginia Academy of Clinical Psychologists
VACP is the voice of professional clinical psychology within the Commonwealth of Virginia. Its purpose is "the advancement of Clinical Psychology as a science, as a profession, and as a means of promoting human welfare by developing and encouraging high standards of ethics and training; by providing the opportunity for the exchange of experience and research through discussions, presentation and publications; and by educating the public in the purposes and goals of the art and science of the practice of clinical psychology for the promotion of the public welfare.