Community Psychology

Q: Program Objectives

Community Psychology Program Objectives The master’s program in Community Psychology curriculum includes coursework in community psychology and research methods as well as electives in Health Services Administration and areas of special interest to you. You’ll complement this coursework with an externship and capstone research experience. With your master’s degree in Community Psychology, you will be ready for professional roles in a range of fields that serve the community and advance social justice.

Learning Experience

Hands-on experiences in community agencies and a research project will complement your Community Psychology coursework and provide opportunities for professional development.

This psychology master’s degree is for students who do not wish to become Licensed Mental Health Counselors. If your goal is to become an LMHC, please see our Master’s in Counseling and Community Psychology program.

Focus on prevention and community-based research: You’ll complete coursework in community psychology and a research-methods sequence; add electives in Health Services Administration and areas of interest to you; and complement your coursework with an externship and capstone research.
Work in policy, advocacy, or research: You’ll learn strategies to facilitate change and build program evaluation skills that you will be able to implement in research, advocacy or policy positions at state and county agencies, health care systems, universities, school districts, and in human services.
Ideal for working adults: Our community psychology master’s program is an in-person evening program. You can complete your degree in two years while you work full time.
Special opportunities: This is a unique master’s degree, not offered in many other places. You may opt to add a certificate in Forensic Mental Health or apply to conduct funded research.

Course Requirements

Credits and Completion

The 36 or 37 credit Master of Arts in Community Psychology focuses on the systems, practices and tools needed to effectively address mental health and community welfare issues.

View Program Catalog

Psychology Graduate Programs Handbook 2023 – 2024 (PDF)

Community Psychology Program Objectives

The master’s program in Community Psychology curriculum includes coursework in community psychology and research methods as well as electives in Health Services Administration and areas of special interest to you. You’ll complement this coursework with an externship and capstone research experience. With your master’s degree in Community Psychology, you will be ready for professional roles in a range of fields that serve the community and advance social justice.

Easily Apply

Students can start the program in the fall or spring semester. Priority deadline for fall admission is March 15. Final deadline for fall admission is June 1.

Applicants who didn’t major in Psychology should have completed undergraduate courses in statistics, history and systems of psychology, and three additional courses in behavioral sciences.

Application Requirements

Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
Two letters of recommendation
A one- to two-page essay describing your career goals
A resume
An RSC graduate school application
GRE scores are not required

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Personal advising, experienced faculty

Our community psychology master’s program comes with a deep, Russell Sage-level of support from an assigned faculty advisor who works with you to ensure your success.

Alicia
Harlow, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Psychology, Chair and Graduate Program Director

Learn more about Alicia

Gayle
Morse, Ph.D.

Professor of Psychology

Learn more about Gayle

Patricia A.
O’Connor

Professor of Psychology

Learn more about Patricia

“We hear from people who hire our psychology master’s students, that [our graduates] are prepared, they know what they’re doing, they are professionals.”

Gayle Morse, Ph.D., Professor

Your Future Career with a Master’s in Community Psychology

This psychology master’s degree will prepare you for rewarding and meaningful work that builds a stronger community.

Individuals with a background in Community Psychology are hired by state and county agencies, health care systems, universities, school districts, human service agencies and more.

Externships and Research

You will put your new intervention, facilitation and program evaluation skills into practice at an externship. Recent externs have developed outreach programs and designed and implemented program evaluations. You will also conduct original research that you present at Russell Sage College’s Graduate Research Symposium. You may be eligible for research funding from Russell Sage College’s Broughton Graduate Fellowship or Paul Search Research Award in Community Psychology.