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.
There are no official 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.
Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences is transitioning its Community Psychology option within the Interdisciplinary Studies major to a major in Community Psychology. Students who are admitted for Autumn Quarter, 2010, and subsequent quarters must declare the major. Students who declare the Community Psychology option prior to Autumn Quarter, 2010, may choose to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with an option in Community Psychology or may declare the major and graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Community Psychology. The requirements for the option and the major are the same, but please note the course delistings below.
TOTAL= 90 Credits
As of Autumn Quarter, 2010, some courses will NOT count for either the CP major or the CP option. If taken prior to Autumn Quarter, 2010, the courses will count for the CP option, but will NOT count if the student decides to declare the major. Click here to view the delisted courses.
Within the above-listed 90 credits, a minimum of ten (10) credits must overlap with Visual, Literary and Performing Arts (VLPA), Individuals and Societies (I&S), and Natural World (NW). They must be taken in IAS courses at the 200, 300, or 400 levels. Multiply-designated courses may not be double-counted as fulfilling two Areas of Knowledge.
Up to 35 credits of 200-level coursework taken at UWB may be applied toward designated requirements within the 90 program credits. Please contact an IAS adviser for details.
Wadiya Udell (faculty coordinator), Shauna Carlisle, Diane Gillespie, Cinnamon Hillyard, Kanta Kochhar-Lindgren, Suzan Parker, Eric Stewart, Andrea Stone, Elizabeth Thomas.
CP Courses
I chose the Community Psychology option at UW Bothell because of the small classes and the flexibility that allowed me to continue working. My future goal is to be an advocate for families. Community Psychology allows me to begin to do that, as well as to develop a career that will help me to give back to the community.