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Social Psychology Specialization

Drawing on the subfields of social, community, cultural, and self psychology, the Social Psychology Specialization examines the individual in the context of the broader community and culture.  Specific attention is paid to issues of race, class, gender, and other important social categories.  Research, individual study, and internship opportunities will involve applications of theory to real-world settings.

The Social Psychology Specialization will provide a solid background for students interested in pursuing graduate work and/or careers in social psychology, social work, community psychology, cultural psychology, multicultural counseling, social or public policy, social services, and/or working with diverse populations in various settings.

For more information about this specialization, contact the Social Coordinator, Dr. June Kim.

Social Specialization Handout


Faculty affiliated with the Social Psychology Specialization:

  • Dr. Jessica Barnack-Tavlaris
  • Dr. Jarret Crawford
  • Dr. Lisa Grimm
  • Dr. June Kim (Chair)
  • Dr. Shaun Wiley

Social Psychology Course Requirements

Methods Sequence (Taken in sequence)

  • PSY 101 – General Psychology
  • PSY 121 – Methods and Tools of Psychology
  • PSY 203 – Design and Statistical Analysis
  • PSY 299 – Research Seminar (topic relevant to Social Psychology is recommended)

Foundation Courses (Choose 3):

  • PSY 215 – Social Psychology
  • Other Foundation Courses (Choose 2)
    • Your advisor may be able to help you in making selections

Specialized Courses (Choose 3):

Of the three, two must be from the following options:

  • PSY 303 – Advanced Behavioral Statistics
  • PSY 324 – Racial Identity Development
  • PSY 332 – Psychology of Self and Identity Development
  • PSY 336 – Sexual and Gender Minority Mental Health
  • PSY 338 – Sport and Exercise Psychology
  • PSY 340 – Health Psychology
  • PSY 348 – Psychology of Emotion
  • PSY 350 – Psychology of Women
  • PSY 355 – Psychology of Power, Oppression, and Privilege
  • PSY 370 – Developmental Seminar: Gender and Racial Stereotyping
  • PSY 373 – Counseling and Clinical Seminar: Mental Health and Poverty
  • Psy 375: Social Psychology Seminar [may be taken more than once in different topic]
  • In addition, any of the following options will also count toward this requirement if it has a Social Psychology focus*:
    • PSY390: Collaborative Research Course
    • PSY393: Individual Research*
    • PSY394: Psychology Thesis 1*
    • PSY397: Instructional Internship*
    • PSY399: Internship*

[Please check PAWS for the semester offerings]

* Students may apply one of these courses as a Specialized courses.  Others may apply as a Psychology Option.

Psychology Option

  • One course (Recommended at 300-Level or 400-Level)

Senior Experience

  • Your advisor may be able to help you in making selections

[Please check PAWS for the semester offerings]

*Students must receive advisor approval regarding the relevance of the specific ELOPsy course or Psy470 to Social Psychology.


Experiential Learning Opportunities

Dr. Barnack-Tavlaris collaborates with students on projects that seek to understand the complex factors that influence reproductive and sexual health attitudes, knowledge and behaviors. The research team aims to inform interventions and public health campaigns that can increase sexual well-being and reduce stigma. Students are involved in all aspects of the research process from conceptualization through dissemination of the research findings.

Dr. Crawford works with students on research investigating the origins and predictors of political beliefs and religiosity, as well as how and when individuals will allow their political or religious biases to influence their judgment. Students assist with many different facets of the research process, including literature reviews, study design, data collection, data entry and management, and writing of research
reports.

Dr. Lisa Grimm and her students in the MISC Lab focus on improving our understanding of how cognitive representations and processes are influenced by motivation, stereotype threat, individual differences, and a variety of other topics. Students are involved in every stage of the research process. Recently, the lab has been investigating the use of video game training to improve cognitive skills and how exercise environments can be created to maximize health benefits, and started a new line of research on the psychology of magic.

Dr. Kim and her students conduct research on the effects of various emotions on behaviors and beliefs.  The research team works collaboratively throughout the research process, from research conceptualization to presentation.

Dr. Wiley conducts research with students on how people cope with low status and discrimination and manage their commitments to multiple groups.  Students help conceptualize and design studies; collect, enter, and analyze data; and disseminate findings in posters and
written reports.


Social Psychology Careers

  • Position in Advertisement Agencies
  • Personnel Manager
  • Government Consultant
  • Corporate Executive
  • Architectural/Engineer Researcher
  • Education Programmer
  • Researcher
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