The MA in Psychology with a concentration in Applied Social Psychology gives you knowledge of social psychology with a specific focus on its application to intervention and policy in the real world of health behavior and social issues.
The Applied Social Psychology curriculum explores contemporary research in the core areas of social psychology—influence and persuasion, attitudes and behavior, social and behavioral change, and group and intergroup processes. It integrates this research with applied research methods and evaluation science, focusing on the translational relevance of social psychology to health and social issues. Health behavior and other social issues are significant global social problems that are not only exploding foci of behavioral science research, but also an area where social psychological knowledge is applied to inform policy and intervention—for example, by institutions such as the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health.
Program Highlights
- Our terminal MA program trains you to apply social psychology theory and research methods to an understanding of health behavior and societal issues, preparing you to inform policy aimed at prosocial interventions and behavioral change.
- Research is a core activity of our faculty and students; organized around 4 faculty labs and institutes (Health Psychology and Prevention Science Institute, Institute for Research on Social Issues, Social Identity Lab, Depression Lab), and faculty-led or -mentored research groups.
- Our projects include health and adolescent substance abuse, leadership and social change, societal extremism, social conflict and discrimination, LGBT issues, and volunteerism.
- This program is STEM designated, allowing international students who hold F-1 visas to apply for OPT work authorizations for a total of 36 months (an initial 1-year period and a 24-month OPT STEM extension) of paid work experience in the U.S. after graduation.
Colloquia and Conference Series
The social psychology program hosts several colloquia and conference series, including:
- The Social Socials, a biweekly research colloquium
- The Stauffer Colloquium series, which hosts an annual speaker
- The Claremont Symposium on Applied Social Psychology series, an annual conference that is subsequently published as a book
Program At-a-glance
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48 units
required units
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MA in Psychology
degree awarded
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In Person
modality
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Spring, Summer, Fall
program start
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2 years | full time*
estimated completion time
