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 major 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 major 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. For more information about career possibilities or pursuing graduate school please click here.
There are no official prerequisites for Community Psychology. Useful preparation for this major 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.
*Should be taken in the first quarter of IAS enrollment.
Students admitted prior to Autumn Quarter, 2010 who are interested in pursuing the major rather than the Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with an option may choose to do so. Some courses have been delisted and will not count toward the major. They will count toward the option ONLY IF TAKEN PRIOR TO AUTUMN QUARTER, 2010. If taken AUTUMN QUARTER, 2010 OR LATER, they will not count toward the option. Click here for more information.
Within the above-listed 90 credits, students must complete 10 credits of each Area of Knowledge in courses offered by UW Bothell. The Areas of Knowledge are: Visual, Literary and Performing Arts (VLPA), Individuals and Societies (I&S), and Natural World (NW). Multiply-designated courses may not be double-counted as fulfilling two Areas of Knowledge.
Up to 35 credits of lower division (100-200 level) coursework taken at UW Bothell may be applied toward designated requirements within the 90 program credits. Please contact an IAS adviser for details.
The Community Psychology curriculum advances the four core IAS learning objectives. Students taking courses and/or majoring in Community Psychology: 1) Develop an understanding of human development and well-being within an ecological framework. 2) Draw upon the strengths and perspectives of diverse stakeholders in defining and solving social problems. 3) Utilize interdisciplinary methods and approaches to community action and research. 4) Understand, evaluate and participate in the development of effective intervention, prevention, and health promotion strategies and programs for individuals, small groups, and communities.
5) Integrate knowledge across disciplines and contexts in ways that respect different approaches to understanding human development and well-being. 6) Work collaboratively across diverse groups and organizations through community-based experience and internships.
Eric Stewart (faculty coordinator), Shauna Carlisle, Kathleen DeLaurenti, Diane Gillespie, Panos Hatziandreas, Cinnamon Hillyard, Jin-Kyu Jung, Kanta Kochhar-Lindgren, Suzan Parker, Janelle Silva, Elizabeth Thomas, and Wadiya Udell.
CP Course List
CP Checklist
I chose Community Psychology 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.