University of Virginia

Program Information

Degree Offered

Ph.D. - Community Psychology Prevention Research

Program Description:

The community specialization emphasizes an ecological perspective focusing on prevention, law, and social policy related to children and families. Students are expected to become knowledgeable about evaluation and field research methods. Included in the curriculum are required courses in ethnic minority issues; ecological assessment; children, families, and the law; developmental methods and a year long sequence in community psychology and prevention research. Students develop expertise in quantitative methods and at least one other area of psychology, usually developmental psychology. The development and application of psychological knowledge for the formation of public policy is encouraged in conjunction with an interdisciplinary approach.

Examples of current faculty and student research topics include prevention of school dropout and teenage pregnancy; resilient children; preventive interventions' delinquency; minority families; peer influence in adolescent development; gay and lesbian families; impact of welfare reform on families and children; violence against women and children; children in poverty; and law/mental health interactions related to children and families. For students with legal interests, research and course work in law and psychology are emphasized. For further information about the law and psychology option, contact Professor Reppucci.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Financial Aid Offered: No

Format: Campus

Classification: Doctoral/Research Universities - Extensive

Institution Sector: Public

Locale: Small Suburb

Size & Settings: 20,000 and above