School of Human Sciences & Humanities
INFORMATION AND APPLICATION
Updated November 2013
General Psychology
Master of Art’s Program
Social Issues Sub-plan
Why Social Issues at UHCL?
The Psychology Program at the University of Houston-Clear Lake invites you to experience the applied
approach of the Social Issues Sub-plan. Famous psychologist Kurt Lewin called for social science
researchers to connect theory with real world social problems when he said “there is nothing so practical as a
good theory.” Through coursework exposure to current psychological scholarship on social issues and
application to real world problems, students gain access to strategic approaches for addressing social issues
in research, teaching, community, and non-profit settings. Students will also gain invaluable experience that
will provide guidance in future years of applied social issues work. Students will learn how psychology
research informs social justice action and social policy efforts for challenging group disparities. Some social
issues addressed by the sub-plan include prejudice/stereotyping/discrimination, oppression and privilege,
social forces affecting marginalized groups (e.g., LGBT community, people of color, women), poverty,
conflict mediation, activism and advocacy.
What can I do with the Social Issues Sub-Plan?
After completing this program, students will be better prepared to serve as social justice activists in the
workplace and liberal arts universities, whether immediately after the MA or after pursuing a doctorate. This
sub-plan also prepares students for careers in social service (non-profit or government), research positions
(university, government, or private), or teaching at a community college or liberal arts university.
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Social Issues Internship Partners (sample list)
Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN-Houston)
Bay Area Turning Point
Communities in Schools
Center for Healing of Racism
American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee National
Houston Area Women’s Center
Women’s Resource & Crisis Center
San Jacinto CC
Houston CC
Alvin CC
College of the Mainland
MD Anderson Research
UT Health Sciences Center
Institute of Interfaith Dialogue
M.A. General Psychology/Social Issues Sub-Plan Requirements
Students enrolled in the M.A. General Psychology Program and the Social Issues sub-plan complete
the following requirements:
General Psychology Requirements (15 hours)
PSYC 6036/6037
Research Design & Statistical Measurement I & II (6 hours)
Select 3 of the 4 below
PSYC 6832
Advanced Cognitive Psychology
PSYC 5031
Human Growth and Development
PSYC 5235
Learning Principles
PSYC 6134
Biological Basis of Behavior
Social Issues Requirements (12 hours)
PSYC 5532
Advanced Social Psychology (3 hours)
Theory, methodology and research findings pertinent to the individual in social context.
PSYC 5533
Psychology of Race, Gender, Sexuality (3 hours)
Focus on interconnections among race, class, sexuality, and gender, gender origins, the effects of globalization on
women’s lives, the voices of young women of color, and transgender issues.
PSYC 6035
Social Issues Methods and Analysis (3 hours)
This course will emphasize qualitative methodologies and analysis techniques used to address social issues
with topics such as program evaluation, observation, interviewing, and action research.
PSYC 6012
Social Issues Seminar
Ethics, career options, networking, vita development, grant writing (1 hour class taken every semester
enrolled in the sub-plan; minimum 3 semesters)
Sub-Plan Electives (select 2)
PSYC 5438
PSYC 5137
WMST 5732
SOCI 5035
SOCI 5337
SOCI 5433
CRCL 5131
Development of Gender and Racial Identity
Trauma and Resilience
Seminar in Women’s Studies
Human Rights and Social Justice
Complex Organizations
Social Conflict and Mediation
Gender, Culture, Power (Cannot choose this if you have
already taken the undergraduate course Women in Society)
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Master’s Option
PSYC 6739
PSYC 6939
Graduate Social Issues Internship (6 hours)*
Master’s Thesis on Social Issues (6 hours)
*You will need to take PSYC 5135 Professional Ethics (3 hours). If your internship placement involves
social services, you will also be required to take PSYC 5134 Interviewing & Assessment (3 hours). If outside
social services, you will choose a 3rd elective from the sub-plan electives list.
Total Hours: 39 hours (for thesis students); 45 (for internship students)
Sample Schedule (M.A. Program)
Year 1
Fall
Spring
Research & Stats I, Adv. Social Psychology, SI elective, SI Seminar
Research & Stats II, PSYC 5533, PSYC Core, SI Seminar
Year 2
Fall
Spring
PSYC Core, SI Methods, SI elective, SI Seminar,
(Internship students- Prof. Ethics)
PSYC Core, SI Seminar, (portion of internship students- Int. & Assess.)
Fall & Spring
Internship/Thesis, SI Seminar
Year 3
Applying to the Program
Students wishing to enroll in the Social Issues in Psychology Sub-plan must formally apply. Additional
information can be obtained by contacting the faculty coordinator, Dr. Kim Case (caseki@uhcl.edu).
Application requires both 1 and 2 below be completed.
1. UNIVERSITY ADMISSION
Applicants must complete a university Application for Admission and forward it and all required fees and
documents to the university Office of Admissions. Forms and instructions may be requested from the UHCL
Office of Admissions as listed below. The university application should be completed as early as possible
before the admissions deadline to allow adequate time for the Office of Admissions to process the
application and evaluate transcripts. For further information regarding university admission and to request
the necessary forms contact:
Office of Admissions
University of Houston-Clear Lake
2700 Bay Area Blvd.
Houston, Texas 77058-1098
(281) 283-2500
http://www.uhcl.edu/admissions/index.html
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2. SUB-PLAN ADMISSION
Components to the application for the Applied Social Issues in Psychology Sub-Plan:
1) An application form (below)
2) A Curriculum Vitae (an expanded resume describing previous education; all work experience; relevant course
work and relevant volunteer activities; any honors, presentations, papers, avocations or other relevant life
experiences).
3) A brief (2-4 pages) essay of purpose and goals stating reasons for wanting this degree and how it fits into
career goals.
4) Transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended (including University of Houston-Clear Lake
transcripts). These transcripts are in addition to the transcripts sent directly to the university Office of
Admissions. The applicant should collect all transcripts, scan them into one pdf file, and include them in the
application email.
5) Please mark each electronic document with your name and descriptor. For example: Mayra_Brewer_form;
Mayra_Brewer_vita: Mayra_Brewer_essay; Mayra_Brewer_transcripts
6) Two letters of recommendation, at least one from an academic source. Each recommender should email the
letter directly to Dr. Kim Case at caseki@uhcl.edu. Recommendations from academic faculty and/or work
supervisors who know the applicant well are especially solicited.
ALL DOCUMENTS MUST BE EMAILED IN ONE EMAIL TO:
Dr. Kim Case
caseki@uhcl.edu
(no paper applications please)
3. Additional information regarding Applications:
Applicants should note that admission to graduate status at the university and to the Master of Arts in
Psychology is not equivalent to admission to the Applied Social Issues sub-plan. In some cases, applicants
may be notified of admission to the university and to the M.A. Psychology Program by the School of Human
Sciences and Humanities advising office. Any such communication refers only to acceptance into graduate
status at the university and to the Psychology Master’s degree. Applicants are not admitted into the Applied
Social Issues sub-plan until they receive formal notice from the Applied Social Issues Admissions
Committee that they have been accepted. Students may take master’s courses before being formally
accepted Social Issues sub-plan; however, certain courses (PSYC 6012; 6035) will be restricted to those
students who have been formally admitted into the Applied Social Issues sub-plan Program.
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University of Houston-Clear Lake
PSYCHOLOGY & SOCIAL ISSUES SUB-PLAN
Application for Admission
DATE:
NAME:
ADDRESS:
CITY/STATE/ZIP:
TELEPHONE (cell):
(other):
EMAIL:
Please indicate how you heard about the Social Issues sub-plan:
Did you choose UHCL specifically due to the presence of the Social Issues sub-plan?
YES
NO
1. Indicate what degree(s) you hold or are completing:
Undergraduate
Major ____ degree from _______________________(College or University)
Date (or date expected)_______
Graduate
Major ____ degree from _______________________(College or University)
Date (or date expected)_______
2. Please indicate your last 60 hours GPA.
Undergraduate_____ Graduate_____
3. Please indicate your GRE scores. Also indicate when you took the GRE: Date of Exam ___________
Verbal_____
Quantitative_____
Analytical Writing_____
4. Are you currently enrolled in the UHCL M.A. General Psychology Program? If not, have you submitted a
university Application for Admission and transcripts to the UHCL Admissions Office? [You must apply for
university admission in addition to and separate from this application]
___Yes ___No
5. From whom are you requesting recommendations? Please list names and email information
RETURN FORM ALONG WITH ALL OTHER DOCUMENTS IN A SINGLE EMAIL TO:
Dr. Kim Case
caseki@uhcl.edu
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