Community Psychology MS

Program Overview

DePaul University's MS in Community Psychology program prepares students to work in community settings, addressing inequalities and empowering marginalized communities. With a social justice focus, the program offers research and practical courses in consultation, program evaluation, and diversity, leading to careers in areas like community organizing, program evaluation, mental health counseling, policy analysis, and research.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Master of Science (MS) in Community Psychology program at DePaul University is designed to prepare students to work in the field of Community Psychology in a variety of settings, including community organizations, government agencies, and consulting firms. The program emphasizes a community-based social justice perspective that recognizes inequalities and promotes the empowerment of marginalized communities. The program's objectives are:

• To develop students' knowledge and skills in community psychology theory, research, and practice.
• To prepare students for leadership roles in community-based organizations and agencies.
• To cultivate students' ability to analyze community needs and develop effective interventions to address them.
• To foster students' understanding of the role of social justice in community psychology.
The program is a terminal MS degree, meaning that it is designed for students seeking to enter the workforce after completing the program.

Outline:

The MS in Community Psychology program requires students to complete 48 quarter hours of coursework. The curriculum is divided into the following components:

Required Courses:

• Research Core Courses (3 courses, 12 quarter hours):
• PSY 410 Advanced Statistics I
• PSY 411 Advanced Statistics II
• PSY 421 Applied Research Design
• Graduate Basic Core (2 of 3 courses, 8 quarter hours):
• One Cognitive Seminar Course
• One Developmental Seminar Course
• One Social Seminar Course
• Community Psychology (4 courses, 16 quarter hours):
• PSY 492 Consultation
• PSY 493 Principles of Community Psych
• PSY 520 Diversity
• PSY 569 Program Evaluation
• Elective Courses (3 courses, 12 quarter hours): Students can choose electives from a variety of disciplines based on their interests.
• Culminating Experience (1 course, 4 quarter hours): PSY 585 Fieldwork

Teaching:

The program's teaching methods include:

• Lectures: Professors provide information on key topics in community psychology.
• Discussions: Students engage in discussions about course materials and real-world applications of community psychology.
• Group Projects: Students work together on projects that allow them to apply their knowledge and skills.
• Fieldwork: Students gain hands-on experience working in community-based organizations.

Unique Approaches:

• Community-Based Focus: The program emphasizes a community-based perspective, focusing on the needs and strengths of communities rather than individual problems.
• Social Justice Orientation: The program highlights the role of social justice in community psychology, preparing students to advocate for marginalized communities.
• Faculty Expertise: The faculty includes experts in various areas of community psychology, offering students a wide range of perspectives and guidance.
• DePaul's Connections: DePaul has extensive connections with community organizations in Chicago, providing students with opportunities to engage in fieldwork and gain practical experience.

Careers:

Graduates of the MS in Community Psychology program are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:

• Community Organizer: Advocating for social change and empowering communities.
• Program Evaluator: Designing and evaluating programs to address community needs.
• Community Mental Health Counselor: Providing mental health services to individuals and families in community settings.
• Policy Analyst: Analyzing social and health policies to impact community well-being.
• Research Analyst: Conducting research to understand community issues and inform program development.

Other:

• Alumni Network: DePaul offers access to a large network of alumni working in various industries, including healthcare, education, government, and non-profit sectors.
• Professors LaVome Robinson and Leonard Jason: These professors developed a personalized intervention program called "Success over Stress" to help Chicago teens navigate social and emotional challenges.
• Videos: Students can access videos of faculty discussing their research labs, mentoring approaches, and program expectations.