Masters in Community Social Psychology at UMass Lowell

[Announcement from SCRA-L]

Dear Colleagues,                                                                                                            

I am writing to encourage you to let your students and colleagues know about our Community Social Psychology Program (CSP) at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. It is one of only a handful of such programs at the Master’s level in the United States and has been in existence for over 25 years.

The UMASS Lowell CSP Graduate Program welcomes applications from those interested in deepening their understanding of community and organizational life and developing analytical and practical skills for community and organizational change. Students accepted will enter a 36-credit Master's degree program with an emphasis on systems change, community-engaged research, social justice, and multiculturalism. The program emphasizes hands-on applications of knowledge, particularly through a two-semester capstone practicum of approximately 10 hours per week at an approved community site.

Students study together with nationally recognized faculty--and with talented students from all over the world. Classes are lively, informal, and small. Much of the fieldwork takes place directly in Lowell, perhaps the most culturally diverse, mid-sized city in the United States, located just 25 miles from Boston.

Our graduates are prepared for leadership positions in community-based, government, health, human services, and educational organizations in a variety of professional roles and capacities; many also proceed toward doctoral degrees. Our track record in job placement and career success is exceptionally strong.

For further information about the program, please visit our web site. If you have any questions, please contact one of our program coordinators at Michelle_HaynesBaratz@uml.edu or Meg_Bond@uml.edu.

Attached is a copy of our brochure and a document addressing frequently asked questions. Thanks so much for your time! Please feel free to direct all student inquiries to us.

Best Regards,

Meg A. Bond & Michelle Haynes

CSP Program Co-Coordinators

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: CSP PROGRAM

1. What is Community Social Psychology?

Community social psychology (CSP) is a field that addresses issues of social justice. It goes beyond an individual focus and integrates social, cultural, economic, political, environmental, and international influences to promote positive change, health, and empowerment at individual and systemic levels. Click here for more information.

2. What sets the UMass Lowell CSP program apart from similar programs?

Our mission is to produce graduates with the analytic, creative, and practical skills needed to design and implement programs and services that will facilitate positive changes within and across communities. The CSP program has close ties with the Lowell community. Campus and community-based learning experiences are integrated throughout the curriculum. UMass Lowell is accredited by all major regional and national organizations and is one of New England's fastest growing research universities.

3. How do I know if a program in CSP is right for me?

Do you share our commitment to social justice and the empowerment for all individuals and communities? Are you looking for a program which works closely with the surrounding community? Do small class sizes appeal to you? Are you a motivated self-starter who is ready to be challenged? If so, this could be the program for you. If you are looking for a clinical psychology program or a program which is offered online, this program will not be an appropriate fit for you.

4. What can I do with a Master’s degree in Community Social Psychology?

Community psychology students use their degree to prepare for and transition into work as educators, professors, program direc­tors, consultants, policy developers, evaluators, and researchers in community organizations, universities, or government agen­cies to promote health and well-being. Additionally, many graduates often purse doctoral degrees. Click here for more information on career opportunities for CSP graduates.

5. What funding and research opportunities are available to graduate students at UMass Lowell?

Depending on available funding, there are often small scholarships available as well as opportunities for students to work as Graduate Assistants on research or other faculty projects.

6. What are the admission requirements?

To be admitted to this program, you need: a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher, 3 letters of recommendation, a personal statement explaining your interest in CSP, a brief essay discussing a current social issue, a resume, and GRE scores. You can apply to have the GRE requirement waived if you earned a BA or BS from an accredited institution in the last 5 years with a GPA of 3.3 or higher, if you hold a graduate degree, if you have at least 3 years of full-time related professional experience, or if you have taken 2 or more graduate courses at UMass Lowell with a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Click here for more detailed information about admission requirements.

7. Is an internship and/or thesis required?

A 2-semester practicum is the capstone experience required of all CSP students. In addition, students have the option to seek faculty mentoring for a research-based thesis or applied project.

Meg A. Bond, Ph.D. , Psychology Professor

Director, Center for Women & Work

Co-Coordinator, Masters Program in Community Social Psychology

113 Wilder Street, Suite 300
University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854-3059
(978) 934-3971 – phone; Office:  HSSB 469
http://www.uml.edu/FAHSS/Psychology/Graduate/Community-Social-Psychology/

Center for Women & Work:  www.uml.edu/womenwork