Community Psychology
The Master Program in Community Psychology aspires to:
Provide a more comprehensive combined level of training in understanding the causes of psychological well-being and unwanted psychological conditions,
To implement a wider range of culturally and socio-politically specific intervention measures and strategies which are needed to promote more positive lives for people, and
To develop clinical and research skills defining health along a broad continuum of mental and physical well-being that extends beyond the simple absence of pathology or disease, but rather places a particular focus on understanding the interactive role of environmental influences on psychological well-being.
- To prepare graduates for the continuation of their education into the doctoral level in psychology and relevant fields.
- To contribute to Birzeit University’s involvement in local community development, well being and empowerment.
- To develop and establish a high quality research program at Birzeit University that combines theory and previous research with context specific issues in Palestine.
- To establish joint community psychology research projects involving Palestinian and international faculty members and graduate students, focusing on the Palestinian context as well as cross- cultural studies.
To graduate psychologists equipped with a multi-disciplinary knowledge and approach, for working in local communities, schools, organizations, and hospitals.
- Supervisors for school counselors.
- Hospitals, community centers, nursing homes, and youth organizations
- Non-government organizations targeting marginalized communities and community intervention.
- Centers for battered women and abused children.
Program Requirements
- Applicants will be required to take a level test in the English language, assessing their need to take a supplementary course for improving their reading and comprehension skills in English.
- If the applicant’s BA degree is not in psychology, the Program Committee has the right to specify one or more remedial courses in psychology to be completed by the applicant.
- The completion of not less than 38 credit hours, divided as follows:
1. Compulsory courses:(24 credit hours)
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Course No |
Course Title |
Prerequisite(s) |
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Introduction to Community Psychology |
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Community Intervention Strategies |
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Quantitative Research Methods |
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Qualitative Research Methods |
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Palestinian Society: Culture and Mental Health |
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Child and Adolescent Development in War Environment |
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Applied Social Psychology |
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Individual and Small Group Interventions |
Note: All students must one of the methodology courses (CPSY632, CPSY633) within the first 15 credit hours they register to.
Elective courses: (6 credit hours)
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Course No |
Course Title |
Prerequisite(s) |
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Educational Community Psychology |
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Psychology and Gender Differences |
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Ethnopsychology |
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Special Topics in Community Psychology |
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3. Compulsory fieldwork and praxis courses: 2 credit hours consisting of the following courses:
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Course No |
Course Title |
Prerequisite(s) |
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Professional Ethics Seminar |
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Practicum 1 |
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Practicum 2 |
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4. Track A / Track B:6 credit hours; either as thesis writing (Track A) or the two following seminars:
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Course No |
Course Title |
Prerequisite(s) |
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Thesis |
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Seminar 1 |
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Seminar 2 |
A Bachelor degree (BA) in psychology, or in a closely related subject of specialization such as sociology, social work, educational counseling and public health, in addition to any specialization with a Minor in psychology. The Bachelor graduation grade should be “Good” (70 or over). Applicants will be invited to a personal interview with the program’s committee to evaluate their suitability for the program and for practicing community psychology after graduation.
