Teaching experience can be obtained by becoming an undergraduate teaching assistant (TA). TAs work under the supervision of a faculty or graduate student instructor to learn about college-level teaching in psychology. Each undergraduate TA experience is unique and tailored to both the student’s skills and knowledge as well as the instructor’s needs. Independent of the particular course or instructor, TAs will benefit intellectually by developing their communication and leadership skills and by gaining a better understanding of how people learn.
PSY 4940: Teaching Assistant
College-level teaching experience in psychology by serving as an undergraduate teaching assistant (TA). Each assistantship is unique, tailored to both the student’s skills and knowledge and to the instructor’s needs. Responsibilities may include facilitating discussion groups or study sessions, reviewing written assignments and providing evaluative feedback, and responding to student questions and inquiries.
- Prerequisite: Instructor permission and completion of the course for which the student will serve as a teaching assistant.
- Must have previously completed and earned an above-average grade in the course for which they will serve as a TA.
- Students must be supervised by either a faculty member or a graduate student instructor.
- Credits Per Semester: 0-3
- Maximum Enrollment: 4 credits
- Grading Scheme: S/U
- Enrollment Form: PSY 4940: Introduction to Teaching in Psychology
Across all IW classes (PSY4905, PSY 4911, PSY4970, PSY4940, and PSY4949), a maximum total of 9 credits can be taken, and these 9 credits can count toward the 36 PSY credits required for the major. You cannot exceed 9 credits of IW under any circumstances. More information can be found on our Hands-On Experiences page.
Note: IW courses cannot satisfy the 4k electives. These credits can only apply to the 3k additional psych electives requirement.
Additional Information on UF policies can be found here.
Becoming a Teaching Assistant
There is no formalized process by which instructors select TAs. The decision regarding whether or not to have a TA is at the sole discretion of the instructor.
- Students should approach instructors directly and inquire about serving as a TA.
- To increase the likelihood of being selected, prospective TAs should demonstrate academic excellence in their courses and interact regularly with their instructors.
- Prospective TAs should also present themselves as mature and capable of functioning in a teaching role. Selection as a TA is an honor and is therefore reserved for truly outstanding undergraduate students.
Enrollment Requirements
To enroll in PSY 4940, please complete the steps below:
- Get approval from an instructor to be a TA.
- Complete Step 1 on PSY 4940: Introduction to Teaching in Psychology registration form.
- Complete Trainings:
- FERPA Basics https://privacy.ufl.edu/privacy-training/ferpa-basics-and-ferpa-for-faculty/ Must be updated annually.
- Maintaining a Safe and Respectful Campus https://learn-and-grow.hr.ufl.edu/courses-registration/compliance-training/ Must be updated every two years.
Training documents MUST reflect your name, training completed, date completed, and score earned.
- Print/ send the PSY4940 registration form along with proof of training to obtain the signature of your instructor.
- Note: If you plan to work primarily with a graduate student as your instructor, you must also obtain a signature from the graduate student’s faculty supervisor.
Once signed, send documents to psych-advising@ufl.edu. Hard copies will not be accepted. An advisor will register you for the course. At the end of the semester, the instructor will assign you an S or U grade based on the hours you completed and the satisfactory nature of your work as a TA.
Please be aware: As part of the IW policy, students can enroll in 0-3 credits of PSY4940 with a maximum of 4 credits allowed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find the contact information for Psych Faculty?
Department of Psychology Faculty.
How do I determine how many credits to enroll in?
This should be discussed with the instructor you are a TA for. Additionally, review your degree audit to see how many credits of IW you have taken and how many credits you have left in the additional psych electives.
Keep in mind for each credit taken, students must complete 45 hours of work during this semester. This translates into 3 hours per week during the Spring and Fall semesters, 3.75 hours per week during Summer C, and 7.5 hours per week during Summer A or Summer B (for each credit taken). (
Will these credits count towards the Psychology 4k electives?
No, these credits will only apply to the additional psych electives.
Can I continue to enroll in PSY 4940 after reaching the 4-credit max?
Yes, you can enroll in 0 credits of PSY 4940. This will still reflect on your transcript and has no enrollment fee associated with it.
Do I need to complete a new PSY4940 registration form if I am a TA for multiple classes?
Yes, you must submit individual enrollment requests.