UW News

October 5, 2006

New Community Psychology option offered at UW Bothell

The UW Bothell will add a new Community Psychology option for Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences students interested in careers in human services, community development, mental health, youth, prevention, and program evaluation. In addition to preparing students for careers in the region, the option will also prepare students for a number of graduate programs including psychology, sociology, counseling, social work, and public health. Students will be able to begin enrolling in the option this quarter.


“Community Psychology draws on interdisciplinary perspectives and approaches to examine social problems and promote the well-being of people in the community,” said Interim Chancellor Steven G. Olswang in making the announcement of the new program.


“The program is aimed at building community partnerships and serving local and regional needs. Through community research and action, community psychology’s work helps inform social policy, social service, and community change. And, in addition, community based learning, undergraduate research, and internships will be key components of the program.”


Elizabeth Thomas, one of the professors in the new program, said “In and beyond the classroom, our students will study the social, interpersonal and intrapersonal factors that affect people’s well-being and quality of life. They will focus on human and social problems, and they will use interdisciplinary approaches to community research, intervention, and change.”


A Community Psychology lecture by Ana Mari Cauce, UW Seattle professor of psychology and executive vice provost, will be held Oct. 23, with a reception following. For more details on this, as well as information sessions on Nov. 8 and Dec. 5 visit http://www.uwb.edu/IAS/undergrad/BA/compsy.xhtml.  


The new option joins five others currently offered in the Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences. The others include American Studies; Culture, Literature and the Arts; Global Studies; Society, Ethics and Human Behavior; and Science, Technology and the Environment.