The Master of Arts in Psychology degree provides access to high quality graduate education in psychology to students who are interested in the application of psychology to a variety of community and organizational-related issues. The program's theoretical orientation requires students to examine the complex relationships among individual, family and community well-being and the impact of the wider environment in which we live and work.
The program emphasizes prevention and empowerment based interventions rather than individualistic therapies (this is not a clinical or counseling psychology program). There are two concentrations from which to choose: Community/Health Psychology and Applied Social Psychology.
Community/Health Psychology Concentration
The program's concentration in community psychology trains people to work with communities and organizations to help them develop, implement and evaluate innovative solutions to social problems. Prevention (rather than treatment) is a primary focus in this program along with empowerment, health promotion, community organizing and community development. Emphasis is placed on interventions that are designed around the needs and strengths of the community, and rooted in the wisdom and work of community members. See About Community Psychology for additional information about community psychology and possible careers in this field.
Applied Social Psychology Concentration
The program's concentration in applied social psychology educates students in the systematic application of social psychological theories, research and intervention methods to understand, prevent, and ameliorate social problems. The social problems and issues that can be addressed may include: interpersonal conflict, toxic environments, political participation, leadership, bullying, safety, etc.
Program Requirements (36 credits)
- PSYC 601: Psychology in the Public and Community Interest (4 credits)
- PSYC 610: Applied Research Methods (4 credits)
- Required Concentration Courses (4 credits)
- Community/Health: PSYC 602: Prevention Theories and Strategies or
- Applied Social: PSYC 604: Attitudes and Social Influence
- Thesis or Project (4 credits)
- Approved Concentration Courses (12 credits)
- Community/Health
Program Design and Community Intervention, Program Evaluation, Grants in Community Based Practice, Community Engagement Strategies, Health Psychology, Health Promotion and Health Policy, Group Dynamics and Processes, Political Psychology, Cross-Cultural Psychology, Environmental Psychology, Peace Psychology
- Applied Social
Peace Psychology, Political Psychology, Cross-Cultural Psychology, Environmental Psychology, Positive Psychology, Health Psychology, Qualitative Research Methods, Group Dynamics and Processes
- Community/Health
- Electives (8 credits)
- Include a practicum, additional Psychology courses, courses in other Departments, and/or other approved learning experiences (including graduate transfer credits).
