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College of Liberal Arts
Department of Psychology
(907) 474-7007
www.uaf.edu/psych/
Minimum Requirements for Degrees: 120 credits
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The Department of Psychology offers an M.A. degree in community psychology.
Doctoral study in psychology is only available through
the interdisciplinary studies program of the Graduate School.
Interdisciplinary programs in psychology are housed within
the Department of Psychology.
The focus of this department is to provide breadth and depth in the science
and profession of psychology with a commitment to honoring
diversity and promoting human welfare. The curriculum develops
cross-cultural knowledge, critical thinking, imagination,
creativity, ethical principles, concern for social justice,
as well as respect for and knowledge of diverse perspectives
that include feminist, multicultural, indigenous, gay and lesbian.
In addition
to active engagement in the classroom, students participate
in research and community service. Programs in psychology
facilitate an understanding of the human experience as interaction of
biological, psychological, social and cultural processes.
The community
psychology program trains master's-level practitioners
in mental health and community development who can work
sensitively and effectively in cross-cultural community
contexts, particularly in Alaska Native settings in rural areas and urban
settings with multicultural populations.
The graduate program attempts
to meet the demand for trained mental health professionals
in rural Alaska; however, graduates have also found employment
in rural America and internationally.
The program prepares individuals
who are interested in strengthening a sense of community
and promoting the assets of communities as resources for
primary prevention. The objectives of the program are:
- To train master's-level
psychologists for rural and cross-cultural settings.
- To place master's-level psychologists in human and social service
agencies in Alaska in both rural and semi-urban areas
having large cross-cultural and rural populations.
- To provide in-service
and continuing education for mental health professionals
with a special emphasis on rural and cross-cultural
issues.
The program prepares generalists
who are capable of designing and evaluating community-based
interventions, facilitating social change and prevention,
individual counseling, assessment and diagnosis. Students are expected
to become cross-culturally competent in those areas critical for a rural
community psychologist. The program is practice-oriented and seeks
to educate reflective practitioners who can integrate theory
and practice and have the requisite research skills to
facilitate change at the individual and community level.
Graduate Program—M.A. Degree
- Complete the following admission
requirements:
a. Students are accepted in the spring for the fall semester.
Contact the department for application deadline, application
packet and required supplementary materials. Notification
of admission will occur prior to the end of the spring
semester.
b. Completion of the baccalaureate degree from an accredited
institution in counseling, psychology, sociology, social
work, human services, education or a related helping profession.
Student with other undergraduate backgrounds may be accepted,
but must complete the necessary undergraduate prerequisites
as delineated by their advisor prior to advancement to
candidacy. These prerequisites include abnormal psychology,
developmental, social or community psychology, research
methods, and statistics. It is strongly recommended that students complete
these prerequisite courses before beginning their graduate course work.
c. Have a grade point average of 3.00 or higher and/or
evidence of personal and professional suitability for community
psychology work, and have an interest in rural practice.
In part, this will be inferred from the applicant's academic
and employment history, and an interview when possible.
d. A statement of career goals and how the M.A. degree
program fits these goals (see application packet for specific
instructions regarding statement).
e. Three letters of reference with recommender forms (supplied
in application packet), endorsing the applicant's admission
to the community psychology program.
f. If enrolling as a part-time student, applicant must
enroll in at least 1 required course during the first
semester, and register for at least 6 credits each academic year.
- Complete the general
university requirements.
- Complete the master's
degree requirements.
- Complete Option A or Option B:
Option A:
Complete the following core program courses:*
PSY 630—Community Psychology 3
PSY 631—Community Psychology: Cross-Cultural Applications and the
Ethics of Change 3
PSY 635—Field-Based Research Methods 3
PSY 636—Program Evaluation 3
PSY 650—Cross-Cultural Psychopathology 3
PSY 660—Counseling Theories and Applications I 3
PSY 662—Clinical Team/Practice 3
PSY 678—Multicultural Psychological Assessment 3
PSY 698—Project (6) or PSY 699—Thesis (6) 6
Minimum credits required 30
Option B: Students desiring
a master's degree that allows them to be eligible for licensure
as a Psychological Associate in the state of Alaska must complete Option
A and the following additional 18 credits:*
PSY 644—Advanced Multicultural Lifespan Development 3
PSY 647—Professional Ethics 3
PSY 661—Cross-Cultural Counseling 3
PSY 666—Family and Network Therapy 3
PSY 674—Group Counseling 3
Approved electives 3
Minimum credits required 48
*Student must earn a B grade or better in each course.
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