Are you interested in community psychology?

The community psychology-focused aspects of the curriculum for the Psychology Major include courses that concentrate on the role of broader societal contexts in shaping human behavior, with a particular emphasis on structural inequalities and their potential to undermine healthy human development. Community Psychology courses deal directly with issues of diversity across a host of social identities (e.g., race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability status) and processes of marginalization and oppression. Community Psychology courses also attend explicitly to pre-existing strengths among marginalized communities and seek to identify factors that foster resilience in the face of societal risk.

Undergraduate research experience is an important aspect of training in Community Psychology. These research experiences can prepare students for careers in community-based settings (e.g., nonprofit organizations) where there is a need for strong training in the implementation and evaluation of practice- and policy-based interventions. Students interested in pursuing a community psychology-related position after graduation, especially those interested in attending graduate school in community psychology, are advised to seek out research assistant opportunities (e.g., Psych 3950, completing a Distinguished Majors Project) with faculty in the community psychology area (i.e., Professors Allen, Avery, Hurd, Patterson, and Wilson).

In addition, participation in community-based volunteer efforts (e.g., Madison House, Boys and Girls Club, City of Promise, etc.) can help students with an interest in community psychology learn more about community outreach and engagement.

Many career trajectories in Community Psychology require a graduate degree. Potential career paths of psychology majors who focus on Community Psychology include both academic and non-academic positions such as Professors/Educators, Program Administrators, Consultants, and Evaluators/Analysts. A Community Psychology focus in undergraduate study provides a good foundation for students interested in applying to graduate school in Community Psychology, as well as those interested in pursuing graduate study in Education, Public Health, Social Work, and Law.