The Master of Science in Community Psychology aims to go beyond the individual, focusing instead on the community, environment, and larger influencing factors that affect peoples' daily lives. Through a combination of research, evaluation and direct action, community psychologists are able to enhance the quality of life within a broad social context.
With the Marymount College Master’s Degree in Community Psychology, you will be prepared for careers in nonprofits, community organizations, government, mental health agencies, healthcare, consulting or evaluation agencies, foundations, or in academic or research settings. The program also prepares graduates for doctoral study. Learn more about this program
PREPARING FUTURE LEADERS
Through a common set of core courses taken by all master’s-level students at Marymount, you will learn skills that will be vital in the field of community psychology. This includes the ability to understand communities and organizations from psychological, ecological, and systems perspectives; to consult with organizations in program planning and development, and conduct empirical evaluation of programming; to demonstrate professional ability to contribute in diverse social and cultural contexts, with diverse organizations, and with consideration of ethical implications of one’s actions; to facilitate group processes that empower and encourage civic engagement; and to apply community psychology principles and techniques to improve well-being and effectiveness at individual, organizational, and community levels.
LIFE BEYOND MARYMOUNT
During your time at Marymount, not only will you pursue your academic responsibilities, but you will also focus on objectives that will help to clarify your career goals. With assistance from the Office of Career Services & Internships, faculty, and staff, you will learn to take a proactive role in your professional pursuits by applying tools, resources and strategies to encourage informed decisions.
APPLY WHAT YOU LEARN
You will use what you learn in class, interact within a community of learners, and participate in three semesters of fieldwork and mentored action research within a community or organizational setting. The Community Psychology program will give you the tools to develop, implement, and evaluate programs and policies that aim to prevent social issues and build on the strengths of community or organizational settings. You will identify issues and develop solutions alongside community members via participatory action research methods. Marymount provides unique settings for the study of community psychology in the urban setting of San Pedro, California; the rural setting of Lake County, California; and in the African nation of Ghana. You may also complete your fieldwork research with your current employer.
Your fieldwork will culminate in a professional presentation of your research and set the stage for professional roles as well as for doctoral study.
FROM THEORY TO ACTION
The core courses taken by all master’s degree students include Professional Practice and Ethics, Research Methods and Assessment, Leadership as Storytelling, and a laboratory course in Geospatial Analytics. The core is followed by courses in Community Psychology that include prevention, program evaluation, organizational development and consultation, psychological science and public policy, and community intervention and social change.
A FLEXIBLE PROGRAM
The 46-unit master’s program is designed to be completed in three full-time and three part-time semesters. Many of the courses will be offered online or on the weekends and fieldwork can be arranged to your schedule and interests. Learn more about creating a flexible class schedule
BA-MS FIVE-YEAR PATHWAY
A five-year BA-MS option is available for qualified Marymount undergraduate students who wish to apply for admission to the graduate program in their junior year. Accepted students will begin taking graduate courses (up to nine units) in their senior year and finish their master’s degree within 15 months after BA completion. To plan for a BA-MS path, Marymount students should consult with an academic advisor. Learn more about the BA-MS Five-Year Pathway.
The Office of Admission is still accepting applications for fall 2013 for both the Community Psychology and Leadership & Community Development programs. Apply Now
| For more information about Marymount's Graduate Programs call 310-303-7212 or email graduateadmission@marymountpv.edu |
Creating A Flexible Class Schedule
Five-Year Sample Education Plan
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