SARAFINA ROBINSON ‘16 M.A.
Studies and community involvement fuel a passion to make change.
Help Solve Complex Human Challenges
The University of New Haven offers one of the oldest graduate programs in community psychology in the country. For more than 40 years, we have successfully prepared graduates for professional careers in mental health and related human services fields.
We provide a distinctive applied psychology education. We offer four program concentrations – community mental health, community research and evaluation, program development, and forensic psychology – that enable our students to tailor the curriculum to meet their individual needs and professional goals.
You’ll learn to apply different psychological and social sciences theories and approaches to understand and impact the complex forces that influence individual and community behavior and well-being.
The program allows students to simultaneously complete their degree, obtain practical experience, work full-time or part-time, and meet financial obligations. Full-time students can complete the program in two years, and classes are offered during evening hours to accommodate working students.
Alumni
Our alumni have held leadership positions in youth services bureaus, community centers, child development programs, municipal services, state agencies, healthcare systems community action programs, and advocacy organizations.
You’ll prepare for the future by:
- Learning and training to prevent and treat psychological problems, with an emphasis on interventions within social institutions, organizations and groups, as well as directly with individuals
- Focusing on community analysis, consultation, program development, administration and evaluation
- Gaining internship experience at a human service organization or in a community setting
- Learning to apply your knowledge to enhance and enrich individuals, families, groups, institutions and entire communities
- Developing knowledge in counseling, psychotherapy, group, and family treatment; personality assessment; case management and client advocacy; crisis intervention, primary and secondary prevention; organizational consultation, program planning and development, agency and program administration, networking and interagency collaboration; research and evaluation; community development and social change
Graduates of our program are well-prepared to pursue doctoral work in community psychology, clinical psychology, and related fields. Students planning on pursuing a doctoral program may elect to write a thesis as part of their program of study.
"The Community Psychology program's small size made me feel that my professors and peers really knew me, which made me feel I was an integral part of the classroom. "
- Kathryn Thamsen '18
Learn from professors who are dedicated to your success.
Our faculty are leaders and innovators in their fields, bringing both deep professional experience and academic rigor to the classroom.
Spotlights
KENDRA VAN VALKENBURG ‘17 M.A.
Education in psychology and criminal justice leads to opportunity with government partner.
MEGHAN N. FLYNN ‘19 M.A.
Understanding what needs to change — and then knowing how to change it.
RICHARD C. CONCEPCION ‘22 M.A.
A calling to help at-risk youth leads to advocacy work and the chance to help reform State programs.
RASHEEDA O'CONNOR '22
Dedicated professors and a critical community need inspire a future victim advocate.
KRISTA GRAJO '22 M.A.
A love for Community-Clinical services leads to plans for a future mentorship program for current students and alumni.
Job Success By the Numbers
We want you to have a good idea of your job potential, so we keep tabs — on how many recent graduates are employed in the field and how, in their estimation, our program positioned them for success. The survey results below give you the inside story.
80%
of 2021 graduates surveyed are currently employed in the field of community psychology, with 55% working within their concentration
85%
of 2021 graduates surveyed are satisfied with their current employment, with 80% reporting satisfaction with their current salary
75%
of 2021 graduates surveyed said that the University of New Haven’s Community Psychology program prepared them well to meet the challenges they encounter in their professional work
Selected Courses and Programs
-
Foundations of Community Psychology
An examination of historical roots and current concepts. A social-problems approach to psychological dysfunction, emphasizing models of social support, prevention, and community, as well as strategies of empowerment and social change.
-
Social Inequalities in Organizations
This course examines the pervasive effects of social stratification as they are enacted in public organizations such as schools, community centers, and human service agencies. Students will explore how their race, ethnicity, social class, gender, and sexual orientation, for example, impact the people with whom they work. The course will also investigate the theoretical underpinnings of systematic social dominance and how students might counter this dominance in their workplaces and outside them.
-
Forensic Treatment Models
This course examines various mental health treatment modalities, with particular emphasis on treatment for patients/inmates in the forensic system. Treatment of insanity acquittees, incompetent-to-stand-trial patients, inmates, juvenile offenders, psychopaths, and sex offenders will be examined.
-
Program Evaluation
A systematic study of the processes involved in planning, implementation, and impact of organizational programs. The focus is on action research strategies that integrate the entire evaluation process.
-
Full List of Courses and Learning Outcomes for Community Psychology
To view the complete list of courses you'll take while pursuing a master’s degree in community psychology, check out the Academic Catalog:
Community Psychology, M.A., - Community Mental Health Concentration
Community Psychology, M.A., - Community Research and Evaluation Concentration
Community Psychology, M.A., - Forensic Psychology Concentration
Community Psychology, M.A., - Program Development Concentration
Charger Advantage
Get an inside look at what differentiates the University of New Haven and how your experiences as a student will prepare you for success.
Internships
Careers
The CORE Lab
Psychology Club
News
Olufunke Benson ’21 M.A.
The Charger Blog
Winter Graduate Looks Forward to Pursuing Doctorate and Continuing Research
Meet Olufunke Benson ’21 M.A., who will be recognized at the University’s virtual Winter Commencement later this month. She is grateful for the many opportunities she had to get involved in the University and local communities.
Lillie Macias, Ph.D.
University News
Psychology Professor Takes the Lead in Addressing Domestic Violence in Latin@ Communities
Recently named director of research and evaluation for Casa de Esperanza’s National Latin@ Network for Healthy Families and Communities, Lillianne Macias, Ph.D., is bringing her work to the University of New Haven and enabling her students to be a part of research that can make an impact at the national level.
Upcoming Events
Various Dates
- Drive-Thru Campus Tour 10:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.
Community Psychology Scene
The latest issue of "CP Scene," the official newsletter of the University’s master’s degree programs in community psychology and clinical mental health counseling, features spotlights on current students, profiles on alumni and faculty, and an overview of a course on family therapy that was taught by Melissa Whitson, Ph.D. at the University's campus in Prato, Italy.
Nationally Recognized Center for Career Development
All University of New Haven students have access to the many resources available through the University’s Career Development Center, which has been named one of the best in the nation by The Princeton Review.
From career assessments, networking, and job shadowing to on-campus interviews and salary negotiation, the Career Development Center provides the skills and connections to identify a meaningful career and an opportunity to pursue your passion.
Learn MoreNext Steps
-
Admission Requirements
An advanced degree from the University of New Haven will help you take your career to the next level. Each program offers convenient scheduling, personalized attention, and state-of-the-art facilities.
View Application Requirements -
Financial Aid Opportunities
The University of New Haven Graduate School is an excellent value with reasonable tuition. Of course, you will still have bills to pay and the Financial Aid office can help.
Learn More