Psychology professionals can work in several capacities and spaces, making a psychology degree versatile and widely applicable. Those who want to break into the psychology field might ask, “What’s the difference between studying a bachelor of arts in community psychology and a bachelor’s degree in psychology?” or “How can you choose the best option?”
This article explores community psychology, what comprises a degree in community psychology and how it differs from a typical psychology degree. The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology – Community online program from Southeastern Oklahoma State University offers the foundational knowledge individuals need to enter the field and the specialized knowledge to work with certain populations.
What Is Community Psychology?
As Very Well Mind notes, community psychology emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s as a response to the limitations of traditional psychology in working with social and community issues. Community psychology looks beyond an individual’s mental health to consider the social, economic and environmental factors that affect community well-being. Instead of focusing solely on individual issues, community psychologists aim to improve overall community health by addressing broader social challenges.
In essence, community psychologists use a “clinical” approach to work with communities and address larger social problems. Early pioneers like Seymour Sarason and Julian Rappaport emphasized community-based interventions, participatory research methods and community empowerment. They advocated for collaboration among psychologists, community members and other professionals to identify and address the root causes of social problems. Over the years, community psychology has continued to evolve and adapt. It now incorporates insights from sociology, public health and other disciplines to better understand the factors influencing community well-being.
One article published in “The Community Psychologist” notes that this growing interdisciplinarity is required, explaining that “Community Psychology is a calling to develop a unique, interdisciplinary skillset so that one can partner with and amplify the voices of marginalized communities.”
What Social Challenges Does Community Psychology Address?
Community psychology is, before anything else, a versatile field. This means that it combines knowledge from different subjects, such as environmental science and clinical psychology, to address an even more variable number of issues, including:
- Mental Health Stigma: One of the primary focuses of community psychology is reducing the stigma associated with mental health issues and making the world a friendly space for those who are struggling. By promoting awareness, education and advocacy, professionals in this field work to create more supportive and inclusive communities where individuals feel comfortable asking for help.
- Poverty and Economic Inequality: Community psychologists address social issues such as poverty and economic inequality and understand how these factors affect mental health on an individual level.
- Substance Abuse and Addiction: Substance abuse is a common issue that affects both individuals and communities in different ways. Community psychologists work to address and prevent substance abuse by implementing educational programs, supporting recovery efforts and advocating for policies that address the underlying factors contributing to addiction.
- Domestic Violence and Abuse: Community psychology plays a crucial role in addressing domestic violence and abuse by providing support services, raising awareness and promoting healthy relationship dynamics. Professionals in this field collaborate with community organizations, law enforcement agencies and healthcare providers to create comprehensive strategies to make sure victims have the resources to identify violence and ask for help to get out of that situation.
- Environmental Justice: Environmental issues, such as pollution and climate change, have significant implications for community well-being, according to Very Well Mind. Community psychologists advocate for environmental justice by promoting sustainable practices and empowering communities to take collective action to protect their environment.
How Is Southeastern’s Degree Program Different Than a Typical Psychology Bachelor’s?
A Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a community focus is an undergraduate degree program that combines principles of psychology with a focus on community-level interventions and social change. Students with this degree learn everything about the psychological factors that influence individuals in the context of communities while also acquiring resources to drive social change.
Both a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – Community and a typical psychology degree cover fundamental psychological principles and research methods, with a focus on individual behavior, such as mental processes and clinical practice. The B.A. in Psychology – Community expands this individual focus to examine the interplay between individuals and their communities. It emphasizes the importance of understanding how social systems, cultural contexts and environmental factors impact psychological well-being. To complement this focus, community psychology students are trained in basic program evaluation and grant writing.
In Southeastern’s online B.A. in Psychology – Community program, students engage with real-world issues through internships, research projects and community outreach programs. This hands-on approach allows students to apply their knowledge in practical settings and develop the skills needed to become effective community advocates.
How Southeastern’s Program Helps You Address Social Issues
A B.A. in Psychology – Community program, such as that offered online from Southeastern, provides a unique opportunity for students to positively impact society by addressing pressing social issues. By combining psychological principles with a focus on community-level interventions, this program prepares graduates to be effective advocates for change.
Learn more about Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – Community program.