Community psychology draws on interdisciplinary perspectives and approaches to examine social problems and promote the well-being of people in their communities. While the field draws heavily from psychology, it also draws from theory and practice in sociology, community development, ecology, public health, anthropology, cultural and performance studies, public policy, social work, and social justice movements. Through community research and action, community psychologists produce knowledge that can inform social policies, social service work, helping practices, and community change.
The Community Psychology option provides rigorous academic preparation for students who wish to pursue careers in human services, community development mental health, family and youth programs, counseling, prevention, program evaluation, community arts, multicultural program development, and human relations. The option also prepares students for graduate work in a variety of academic and applied research fields including Psychology, Sociology, Counseling, Public Health, and social work as well as interdisciplinary graduate work in the arts, humanities, and social sciences including Cultural Studies and Policy Studies.
Diane Gillespie, Cinnamon Hillyard, Kanta Kochhar-Lindgren, Eric Stewart, Elizabeth Thomas, Wadiya Udell
How should a student prepare for this option? There are no formal prerequisites for Community Psychology. Useful preparation for this option includes coursework in psychology, sociology, anthropology, public policy, statistics and/or research methods. Students will need strong skills in writing, speaking, collaboration, and community-based work.
