The following links will take you to organizations that represent psychologists.  Many have special student enrollment criteria.  There are many organizations for virtually all specialty areas within psychology, but these are the major ones that help you learn more about what is going on in the field.

Western Psychological Association (WPA) – The Western Psychological Association was founded in 1921 for the purpose of stimulating the exchange of scientific and professional ideas and, in so doing to enhance interest in the processes of research and scholarship in the behavioral sciences. Support these goals by joining as student affiliate and attending their annual convention.  In the past, students have presented their work from Psy 230 – Research Methods and competed successfully in student competitions for the quality of their work.

American Psychological Association (APA) – The American Psychological Association is the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States. APA is the world’s largest association of psychologists, with nearly 130,000 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students as its members.  Student Affiliate memberships are inexpensive and provide you will access to great resources and networking opportunities.

The APA’s mission is to advance the creation, communication and application of psychological knowledge to benefit society and improve people’s lives. They do this by:

• Encouraging the development and application of psychology in the broadest manner.
• Promoting research in psychology, the improvement of research methods and conditions and the application of research findings.
• Improving the qualifications and usefulness of psychologists by establishing high standards of ethics, conduct, education and achievement.
• Increasing and disseminating psychological knowledge through meetings, professional contacts, reports, papers, discussions and publications.

Association for Psychological Science (APS) – – APS is the premiere international organization solely dedicated to the advancement of psychological science. APS works diligently to increase support for psychological research and to promote the use of science-based psychology in the development of public policy.  Benefits of Membership.

Society for Neuroscience (SFN) –  – The Society for Neuroscience is the world’s largest organization of scientists and physicians devoted to understanding the brain and nervous system. The nonprofit organization, founded in 1969, now has nearly 40,000 members in more than 90 countries and 130 chapters worldwide.  Student Memberships are inexpensive and open up the world or neuroscience!

Here is a comprehensive list of psychological societies and organizations for most areas of interest in the field.