Master’s Degree Programs in Community Psychology Overview
Majors Overview January 12, 2016Cultural, social, or school psychology will often be in master’s degree programs in community psychology. These programs will teach students how to improve unproductive or harmful situations and create beneficial relationships. Graduates can look into various careers with workplaces, public organizations, schools, and families.
Information on Master’s Degree Programs in Community Psychology
Enrollees in master’s degree program in community psychology can gain both practical experiences in psychological research methods and knowledge of psychology practice and theory. Full-time students can complete these programs within two years.
Topics such as policy development, diagnosis and treatment of psychological and behavioral problems, and professional writing may be covered. Students are often allowed their preferred area of specialization, including substance abuse and family violence; they can take assistance from academic advisors in creating a plan of study. Participation in internships and writing of a thesis may be requirements.
These programs will require graduates to obtain state licensure to become behavioral or mental health counselors.
Master’s Programs in Community Psychology
Enrollees study relationships between institutions and individuals. They learn about identifying opportunities and problems, carrying out research and designing solutions. A specialization within community psychology is typically available to students and their research projects, coursework, internships or practicum customized in accordance with their concentration. Passage of comprehensive exams and defense of their theses is often compulsory before they can graduate.
Students examine bullying, child development, disabilities, education, drug addiction, domestic violence, cultural traditions, homelessness, racism, sexism, social inequality and crime, among other issues. Psychological methods are studied and practiced by them, including ethnography, structured observation, and psychology test procedures. They gain expertise in designing and evaluating policies and programs, preparing professional reports, providing counseling and applying psychology theories such as behavioral conditioning and social learning.
Education Requirements
Admission criteria in selective community psychology programs typically require incoming students to hold a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related social science from an accredited college or university. Several psychology courses should have been covered during their undergraduate studies by applicants.
Coursework
Program coursework includes fundamental courses such as educational psychology, social psychology, and personality psychology. Core coursework may cover topic areas such as:
•Behavior modification
•Occupational psychology
•Family psychology
•Research methods
•Contemporary social issues
•Community psychology theories
•Policies and programs
•Conflict resolution
•Ecological psychology
•Multicultural psychology
Career Choices
Program graduates may seek jobs with schools, community institutions, hospitals, prevention programs, non-profit organizations, government agencies, or research teams. They may have to earn licensure or certification as required in their state of residence. They may choose from possible job positions such as:
•Consultants
•Community planners
•School psychologists
•Community psychologists
•Counselors
Continuing Education Choices
Program graduates who seek continuing education may enroll in doctoral programs leading to a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.), Ph.D., or Doctor of Education (Ed.D.). They may study school psychology, community psychology, counseling psychology or a related specialization.
