​

The Florida International University (FIU) Department of Psychology's Graduate major in Applied Social and Cultural Psychology (ASCP) is designed to train doctoral-level Psychology students in becoming action scientists prepared to work in a variety of settings in order to understand and transform the social and cultural systems in which humans develop across the lifespan. Students will be provided with advanced training in the application of social and cultural psychological theories and methods to address real-world problems, and to promote optimal life outcomes for diverse populations. Applied social and cultural psychology major, students will use mixed-methods, hands-on, translational methods to understand and intervene on the social and cultural pathways by which health and social disparities emerge. Areas of research can include gender based violence (GBV), reproductive justice, homelessness and poverty, minority stress, global health, and discrimination in educational, workplace, and community settings.

​

The emphasis of the training program will be on understanding and assessing social settings, systems, and policies, to influence social policy and practice. Students will gain an advance understanding of the research examining various forms of diversity and multi- level structural inequalities. Their training will not only provide them with the knowledge to appreciate the pathways through which such disparities emerge, but also the skills for implementing the multi-level strategies needed to ameliorate them. 

 

Toward this end, the practical components of the program prepare students to engage in community-partnered and participatory-action research for public benefit. This will involve collaborating  with local, state, and national organizations and institutions as researchers, and employing communication tools identified as are most effective  and culturally relevant for addressing issues related to individual and community well being.