Admissions
This program is not accepting applications as of Spring 2023.
There is a Priority Application Deadline on March 15. Applicants who wish to meet the Priority Deadline should ensure that their applications, including external materials (e.g., letters of recommendation, etc.), are complete and ready for review by March 15. Review of applications by the program's Admissions Committee will commence on that date. Applicants who meet the Priority Deadline will have their application fee waived and receive priority consideration for scholarships or assistantships.
Applications can be submitted anytime after March 15 and will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all available spots are filled.
Students are encouraged to begin coursework in the fall semester because of the timing and sequence of required courses.
Admission Requirements
- To apply online, please go to the Graduate Admissions page.
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. A foreign credential evaluation is required for degrees earned outside of the U.S. (see link: CED Evaluations).
- An undergraduate grade point average of 3.000 or better. At the discretion of the Graduate Admissions Committee, students may be admitted with a grade point average below 3.000 if they have substantive work experience in the field.
- Academic background in psychology or a closely related field. We prefer to see at least 18 credits in psychology or a related field, including at least one course in research methods.
- Two letters of recommendation, one of which must be from a current or former professor. The second letter can be from another professor or from work experience related to community psychology.
- A personal statement. A 500-750 word personal statement explaining your interests in CSP and how you believe the degree will help you meet your career goals. Specifically, please include a description of your:
- Academic background,
- Career aspirations and how completing a degree in community social psychology supports your career goals,
- Relevant experience including undergraduate campus involvement, community-based projects, research involvement and/or relevant paid work experiences that reflect your interest in social justice issues.
- A 250-300 word essay in which you identify and discuss a current social issue of interest to you.
- A resume summarizing education and work experience.
Learn more about the application process
Transfer Credit
Matriculated students in Community Social Psychology are allowed to transfer up to 12 credits of graduate course work completed with a grade of B or better taken in other departments at UMass Lowell or at other accredited universities, provided that such courses are within the content area of community social psychology and do not involve credit for field experience or professional work. Such transfer credit is subject to the approval of the Graduate Coordinator and the Registrar's Office.
Part-time Study & Non-degree Status
While the program in Community Social Psychology provides for full-time study, part-time students are encouraged to apply. Most courses are offered at late afternoon and evening hours to accommodate students who are employed. Students not pursuing an advanced degree or who wish to begin their graduate study without first applying for matriculated status are invited to register as non-degree students for specific graduate courses on a space-available basis.
If a non-degree student later applies for acceptance into the master’s program, his/her application will be treated equally with those of other new applicants, though performance in graduate courses taken on campus may be used as an additional admissions criterion. Non-degree students accepted as matriculated students may apply to transfer a maximum of 12 graduate credits earned at the University of Massachusetts Lowell with a grade of "B" or better toward the master’s degree (but students may be encouraged to formally apply to the program after completing 6 CSP credits).