COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Arts in Community Psychology with a concentration in Community Research and Evaluation is designed to prepare students for advanced careers in social research, program evaluation, community intervention, and academic study. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge, research training, and practical field experiences to help students understand and address social, psychological, and organizational issues affecting communities. Required courses include Foundations of Community Psychology, Statistics for Psychological Science, Research Methods, Program Evaluation, Intervention Fieldwork and Seminar, Consultation Fieldwork and Seminar, and Social Inequalities in Organizations. Students also complete two elective courses selected from related disciplines such as psychology, counseling, sociology, criminal justice, public administration, or public health, allowing them to broaden their interdisciplinary knowledge and professional skills. The Community Research and Evaluation concentration is particularly suited for students interested in careers within research laboratories, nonprofit organizations, public agencies, policy institutes, or those planning to pursue doctoral studies and future careers in university teaching and research. The concentration emphasizes the development of strong analytical, methodological, and evaluation skills necessary for conducting independent research and assessing the effectiveness of social programs and interventions. Students complete Qualitative Research Methods to strengthen their understanding of research design and data analysis techniques. In consultation with a faculty advisor, students may choose either a thesis option or a research project option, both of which involve significant independent scholarly work. The thesis pathway includes Thesis I and Thesis II and requires a rigorous and systematically conducted research study with a broader academic scope. Alternatively, students may complete Individual Intensive Study I and II as research projects, which may include pilot studies, program evaluations, or the design and assessment of action-oriented interventions aimed at solving community problems. Through a combination of coursework, research experiences, and field-based learning, the program prepares graduates to contribute effectively to community development, social policy, academic research, and evidence-based interventions that improve the well-being of individuals and communities.