The department has an outreach program to mentor undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds who are interested in pursuing a graduate degree in psychology. The main goals of this program are to provide students who are traditionally underrepresented in the field of psychology with information regarding class work, research, and other areas required for eligibility and entrance into graduate programs. We are specifically targeting students with one or more of the following demographics:
- Students from a low socioeconomic background
- Students who self-identify as a member of a racial or ethnic minority group
- Students who self-identify as being gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender
- Students with physical or learning disabilities
- International students or students who have English as a second language
Please note this list is not all-inclusive, so interested students not meeting one of the above demographic variables are encouraged to contact the graduate student coordinator to determine eligibility. Students in the program will work closely with the OUMP faculty coordinator and graduate student coordinator to support their development. Currently, approximately 30 undergraduate students are participating in the outreach program.
OUMP Graduate Student Coordinator
Why was OUMP formed?
The United States includes a diverse group of people. It is important that psychologists reflect the diversity of individuals so that the profession is equipped to work with individuals from many different backgrounds. Our goal is to help students traditionally underrepresented in psychology become professionals in the field. It is our hope that our efforts will have some impact on meeting the needs of people throughout the U.S. and other countries.
Benefits of OUMP participation
- Individualized mentoring services involving preparation for graduate school and careers in psychology.
- Assistance in identifying opportunities to become involved in psychology research.
- Participation in workshops dealing with grad school applications (e.g., writing personal statements), psychology careers, and issues related to graduate school (e.g., funding, things to consider when choosing a school).
- Access to GRE study materials.
- Opportunities to meet other students interested in graduate school and careers in psychology.
- Participation in OUMP listserv.
- Online access to APA's Graduate Studies in Psychology database.