Critical and Community Psychology

Critical psychology incorporates critical theory, psychology, and social justice and seeks to examine both how societal factors—including issues of power and oppression—interact with wellbeing and how the larger field of psychology relates and responds to these issues. Community psychology examines the relationship between the individual and the broader communities/societies in which we live and focuses on community-level action to support individual and collective wellbeing. These approaches each take psychology beyond the individual, recognizing the interactions between social, cultural, historical, economic, political, environmental, and international factors and psychological health. Blending theory with critical research methodologies and professional skills, the MA Critical and Community Psychology (CCP) program prepares students to work with and contribute to these emerging psychological approaches emphasizing social justice, liberation, and equity in support of individual, community, and societal flourishing.