Master of Arts in Applied Social Psychology

Understand the intricate relationship between social factors and human behaviour with a Master of Arts in Applied Social Psychology (MAASP) degree. Take your psychology background to the next level and delve into how social influences, perceptions, and interactions impact the mental health and well-being of individuals, groups, and communities. Social Psychology explores how social factors shape human behaviour. It examines how individuals perceive and interpret social information, and how situational variables influence their actions. Key concepts include cognitive biases, heuristics, persuasion, and attribution. The course delves into conformity, obedience, compliance, resistance, and resilience. It aims to apply social psychology to address real-world issues and promote positive social change. Social cognition explores how individuals perceive and understand the social world. Key theories include attribution theory, social schema theory, and social identity theory. This course examines the interplay between automatic and controlled cognitive processes, focusing on social perception, memory, and judgment. It also explores the application of social cognition principles to address societal issues through behavioural interventions. Intersectionality examines how multiple identities (race, gender, class, etc.) intersect to shape experiences and outcomes. Social Identity Theory provides a framework for understanding how individuals acquire and maintain their social identities. This course explores the complexities of intersectionality and social identity, considering their implications for privilege, oppression, and social justice. As the world becomes a more complex place, there is a rising demand for people who are trained to apply psychological principles to real-world issues, such as social justice, organizational behaviour, and public health. Nationally, there is a shortage of social psychologists that is expected to continue through 2031.  

Career Path 

Graduate career path includes Social Psychologist (Applied Research in Human Behavior, Attitudes, and Group Dynamics), Program Evaluator (Assessing Effectiveness of Social, Educational), Market Research Analyst (Consumer Behavior, Advertising, Branding Strategies),Behavioral Scientist (Applied Research in Health, Education, Marketing, or Public Policy), Policy Analyst (Government, NGOs, Advocacy Groups – Social Issues, Public Policy), Community Development Specialist (Designing & Implementing Social Change Initiatives), Organizational Development Consultant (Workplace Culture, Change Management, Team Dynamics), Human Resources Specialist (Employee Relations, Diversity & Inclusion, Organizational Behavior), Public Health Specialist (Behavioral Interventions, Health Promotion), Nonprofit Program Director (Social Services, Advocacy, Community Outreach).