Department of Psychology
Undergraduate Advising Office

PSY 1355: Adolescence
Tu/Th 9:30am - 10:45am
135 CL

Adolescence is one of the most rapidly changing periods of the lifespan. This course will cover the fundamentals of psychological development during adolescence by exploring how the psychological, biological, and social changes that occur across this timeframe impact the development of the self, identity, and relationships. We will explore how these changes are tied to psychopathology, risk behaviors, and positive development during adolescence, and how development during the adolescent period sets the stage for functioning in adulthood. A major emphasis of this course will be on the role of interpersonal and sociocultural contexts of adolescent development.

Looking to be part of a rewarding, voluntary experience for this upcoming school year? Outreach Teen and Family Services is a community-based counseling agency in the South Hills of Pittsburgh serving youth (ages 5-21) and their families for nearly 50 years. Find out more here: https://linktr.ee/outreachteenandfamilyservices

The Outreach College Crew (OCC) is a peer-to-peer resource for young adults. As a member of the OCC, you will use your voice and contribute ideas to broaden our mission and reach your peers in the communities we serve. You will help guide the voice of our agency to develop & implement mental wellness programs you and your peers can be passionate about, all while reducing the stigma around mental health. Expectations include:  Attend monthly meetings, participate on a subcommittee, record, produce and promote our podcast, “Teens Tap In”, plan community events to spread awareness about both Outreach and mental health initiatives, Volunteer and Speak at Outreach’s annual gala, attend Outreach BOD meeting and more.  Students will serve one term which will run from September through May. OCC meetings are held monthly, but you will also be expected to meet independently with the other members of your subcommittee (the latter meetings can be virtual or in-person).

You can find further information about the Outreach College Crew here: Education - Outreach Teen and Family Services. If interested, please find the application here: Outreach College Crew Application. Applications are due by September 2.

Are you passionate about psychology and eager to lead? The APA Campus Ambassador Program (CAP) is a volunteer opportunity designed to help you build leadership experience, connect with APA, and support fellow psychology students—on your campus and beyond.

As a Campus Ambassador, you’ll have the chance to:

• Earn exclusive rewards like APA merch, gift cards, and books
• Gain access to a private APA Community group for networking and collaboration
• Get alerts to APA tools and resources focused on psychology students
• Give the gift of APA membership by helping fellow students join APA for free

Applications are open now through August 15—don’t miss your chance to represent psychology students and help grow the future of the field.

Apply today to become an APA Campus Ambassador!

The honors designation in psychology offers a challenging and interesting research experience through which students work with a faculty member, write a thesis, and earn the recognition that comes with superior performance. Completion of the honors designation can offer valuable skills that will be helpful in applications to graduate school and for potential employers. Doing an honors thesis is a two-semester commitment. Students typically pursue this experience in their final two terms of their undergraduate career. Students must have a 3.25 overall GPA and a 3.5 psychology GPA at the time of graduation to receive the honors designation in psychology.

Additional information and application can be found on our website. Fall term application deadline: August 1

Dr. Amanda Forest's lab is recruiting directed research students for the Fall semester. We are looking for highly motivated, organized, reliable, and community-oriented Psychology students to join the Pitt Relationship Processes lab. Students should be eager to learn about and participate in the conduct of research on close relationships, and to work collaboratively with other members of our lab.

Students will have the opportunity to learn about social psychology and close relationship processes while gaining hands-on research experience. Some tasks may be independent, while others may be in groups with other students. Training and supervision will be provided.

Current projects in the lab examine how people communicate with others, how they pursue goals together or support each other’s goal pursuits, and how people respond to events and situations that might make them feel that their romantic relationships are at risk.

Please visit the webiste for detials and to complete the application by the August 8th deadline.

We are inviting you to participate in two studies, the Interpersonal Interaction Study and Dyadic Interaction Study!

These studies involve a very brief screening survey to determine whether you are eligible, and then a 1-hour session where you will come into the lab and answer questions about your thoughts, feelings, and emotions, and potentially complete a reading and writing task. Additionally, we will ask you to have a conversation with other participants.

While there is no compensation for filling out the brief screening survey, eligible participants can earn $20 for each study!

To sign up for each study, you can take a brief screening survey by following the links below:

1. Interpersonal Interaction Study: https://pitt.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bmwSoIcSrEmGKZE

2. Dyadic Interaction Study: https://pitt.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7Uw27JzbOKjSaPQ

These studies have been reviewed by the University of Pittsburgh’s IRB.

If you have any questions, please contact the lab manager, Nalanda Ray, at IIRLAB@pitt.edu.

The Developmental Psychology Doctoral Program at the University of Miami invites applications for fall 2026 (https://dev.psy.miami.edu/). The application deadline is December 1st. Students are fully funded and receive excellent research training for careers in academia and beyond. Our program focuses on understanding children’s cognitive, language, social, and emotional development in typically-developing, atypically-developing, and at-risk populations. Our developmental studies typically include bilingual children and children from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Our outstanding faculty are committed to graduate training and mentorship.

Want to learn more? Join us this September for a PhD application information session! Interact with faculty and current graduate students! Details will be posted at the following link when they're available: https://www.psy.miami.edu/graduate/how-to-apply/index.html

Prospective students are invited to join us for a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) Information Session. The Information Sessions are a great opportunity to meet with a current student and one of our faculty members who will answer your questions and provide information about the program and admission requirements. Registration is required for the OTD Information Sessions, but it's easy!

Monday, August 4, 2025 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Monday, August 18, 2025 12:00pm to 1:00pm

Register here: https://www.shrs.pitt.edu/rfi-event/

Join us for the Doctor of Audiology Information Session, where we invite you to explore the exciting and impactful field of audiology. Led by our knowledgeable faculty, this session offers a comprehensive introduction to our Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) program and the rewarding career opportunities it provides.

By the end of this session, you will have a comprehensive understanding of our Doctor of Audiology program, the opportunities it provides for professional growth and development, and the supportive community that awaits you at our institution. Join us as we embark on a journey to explore the exciting world of audiology and the meaningful impact it has on improving people's lives.

Friday, August 1, 2025 4:00pm to 5:30pm

Register HERE

Meet the program director and learn more about the new Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) program at Pitt.

In this session, faculty will discuss the curriculum and admissions process. Bring your questions for a robust Q&A at the end!

Come find out how Pitt is making history as the first DC program in the nation to be offered in a research-intensive public university!

Tuesday, August 12, 2025 6:00pm to 7:00pm

Register HERE

Meet faculty and learn more about our DPT program! You will hear faculty discuss the student experience and admissions for the Hybrid format. Bring your questions for an interactive Q&A. (Only Hybrid format will be reviewed.)

Monday, August 25, 2025 4:00pm to 5:00pm

Register HERE

Announcements will run bi-weekly throughout the summer.