Community Psychology: Graduate Diploma
Community psychologists make a difference in the world with their unique approach that has demonstrated effectiveness in creating social change. Whether you focus your career around a particular population such as refugees, individuals with mental or physical health concerns or street children; or a particular issue such as poverty, health equity, drug abuse, housing or women’s rights; or a skill set such as coalition building, prevention, program evaluation or public policy, a degree in community psychology will serve you well. Community psychologists bring their unique perspective and skills to a variety of job settings, including:
- National and international nonprofit organizations
- Multilateral organizations such as the United Nations (UN) or World Health Organization (WHO)
- Government offices, focusing on mental or physical health, education, development, women or families
- Social research firms
- Corporate social responsibility offices
- Donor and grant-funding agencies
- Universities and educational institutions
- Private consultation
Courses in the graduate diploma prepare students to work with communities, schools, governments, international or multilateral organizations, and non-governmental organizations to develop, implement and evaluate psychosocial interventions that promote psychological and physical health and well-being. The program exposes students to community psychology practices that are ethically responsible and culturally appropriate to Egypt and the region.
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The diploma is designed to be completed over one year (and occasionally in two years on a part-time basis). It targets professionals with at least two years of relevant experience, graduate students, and postgraduate alumni from related fields who wish to add the diploma to complement their experiences and training. The program emphasizes experiential learning and intensive mentoring.
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The community psychology graduate diploma requires the completion of 18 credit hours (6 courses total) to be taken over one year, three courses each semester.
12 credits Required / 4 courses
And 3 courses from the following options:
- PSYC 525/5253 - Consultation to Non-Profit Organizations (3 cr.)
- PSYC 530/5233 - Program Evaluation (3 cr.)
- PSYC 535/5243 - Prevention and Intervention in Communities (3 cr.)
- PSYC 000/5203 - Community Collaboration and Assessment (3 cr.)
Students should take two additional electives that best meet their professional goals, with approval from the graduate advisor and the department in which the course is offered. Students will be encouraged to take a course related to research methodology if they have not already completed a graduate-level research course. For further information, kindly check the AUC Catalog
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At a minimum, applicants must meet at least one of two requirements:
- Have at least two years of relevant full-time work experience
- Have completed or are about to complete a master’s degree in a related discipline
Candidates are expected to have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in previous academic studies and/or current academic studies if they are currently enrolled in a graduate program as well as abide by all admission requirements. Admission is competitive and dependent on a successful interview. Applicants can learn more about how to apply through AUC graduate admissions.
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How do I apply for the diploma?
First, check the graduate admissions checklist for the required application materials
For further information on all details, visit Graduate Admissions
There are usually three application deadlines, one in fall, one in winter, and one in spring. Any completed application outside of a deadline will be transferred to the next deadline for review.
Our programs only start in the fall, in September, no spring admissions are possible.
What will my schedule look like and what are my time commitments?
Graduate classes take place in the evenings during weekdays (Sunday-Thursday) starting at either 5 pm or 7:45 pm. A graduate class is two and a half hours long and is held once a week. A typical schedule of two or three classes will require your attendance and commitment on two evenings a week.
What is the duration of the diploma?
The community psychology graduate diploma is a one-year program that requires the completion of six courses (18 credit hours).
I am already working, what will this diploma add?
Your work will be complemented by theoretical and experiential learning which will enhance your ability to be more effective and potentially expand your role in your current position or a new setting.
What are the costs to attend graduate school?
Note that each course equals three credit hours, and students pay per number of courses/credit hours they are registered in any given semester. For further details, visit Graduate Tuition Fees
Is there any way I can get financial support?
Graduate diploma-seeking students are not eligible to apply for institutional fellowships.
If you are looking for financial support, there are opportunities to apply for financial aid.
For further information, visit Financial Aid