Why Study Psychology, Health, and Community?
On this Path you’ll explore behavior and consciousness, study how people are influenced by social and cultural contexts, and learn integrative health practices as essential capacities for insight, healing, and community engagement. You will examine how creative and imaginative processes help people make meaning, strengthen resilience, and envision new possibilities for individual and collective wellbeing.
Interdisciplinary programs draw upon psychology, public health, education, anthropology, sociology, community studies, and community‑based learning. Through interdisciplinary perspectives supporting mental, physical, ecological, and community health, you will develop the flexibility and relational awareness needed to participate in transformational change.
Human health and wellbeing are shaped at every level of interaction—from biological processes to families, social groups, institutions, and the environments where people live. Strategies for prevention and wellness at each of these levels are more crucial than ever for creating equitable and sustainable solutions that serve our communities.
You will also explore the many dimensions of identity—including how people understand aspects such as race, gender, sexuality, ability, and the ecological self as part of a fluid and evolving sense of self across different experiences, relationships, and environments—within broader social, historical, and ecological contexts.
The interdisciplinary knowledge, skills, and abilities you learn here will prepare you for careers in the social sciences, psychology, and health professions that require an understanding of how individuals are nested within larger social, political, historical, and environmental systems.
Join the Psychology, Health, and Community Path
By joining this Path, you will receive advising opportunities specific to this Path.
Contact an Advisor to Get Started
Affiliate with the Psychology, Health, and Community Path
Follow This Path
The Psychology, Health, and Community Path will help you develop a multidimensional understanding of psychology and health. Programs in this Path emphasize integrative and diverse approaches to human development and wellbeing, exploring how systems, experiences, biology, and culture influence the vitality and resilience of individuals and communities.
Getting Started
Get Involved with Psychology, Health, and Community
Whether you are a new student or just new to this Path, check out the New Student Handbook to learn how to get started at Evergreen and find your people on campus.
- Meet students and faculty in your path by attending path events
- Get guidance on your academic journey and career goals by meeting with an Academic Advisor or Faculty member
- Take a First-year program to explore a variety of subjects and disciplines
- Engage in campus culture by attending club meetings and campus events like lectures, films, and performances
- Attend the Academic Fair to meet faculty and learn about upcoming programs
Years 1 - 2
Try new things and explore all your options
- Take an entry level program associated with the Psychology, Health, and Community Path, this will prepare you for intermediate and advanced study later
- Take the time to explore, your Evergreen experience should be your own, we recommend taking an additional interdisciplinary program outside the path (like math, science, or art) for at least one quarter
- Consider a single-subject language course or taking a program with a language component to prepare you for global learning
- Stay in touch with your faculty and get support and mentorship by attending their office hours
Year 3
Dig deep and strengthen your connections
- Now that you have a few years under your belt, it’s time to take intermediate and intermediate-to-advanced level programs that incorporate individual projects and out-of-class experiences
- This is a good time to study quantitative reasoning, including statistics and research methods
- Activities to consider:
- Setting up a volunteer or internship with the Center for Community-Based Learning and Action or Internships Office to gain experience working in the community
- Applying for a full-time Legislative Internship Program with Washington State’s lawmakers during the annual legislative session
- A study abroad experience through a program or other exchange opportunity
- Applying for the summer paid Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship to gain advanced research experience in your fields of study
- Taking a Summer program
- Plan your final year by connecting with your faculty and Academic Advisor to plan your capstone, your final programs, and what you may need for careers or graduate school
- If you’d like to apply to graduate school, meet with faculty in your field to discuss the application process and graduate school prerequisites
Year 4
Finish strong and get ready for your next steps
- Complete your Senior Capstone, either in year-long programs that incorporate Capstones or through an Independent Learning Contract or Internship
- If you are applying to graduate school, meet with faculty in your field to discuss the application process and graduate school prerequisites
- Speak to your faculty about letters of recommendation and request them several months in advance
- Meet with Academic and Career Advising for help with your resume
- Apply to graduate school or for jobs in your field
- If you have room to take a few extra credits, consider registering for a single-subject course to round out your schedule
Capstone
A Capstone is a final project or experience, usually done in your final year, created to demonstrate your knowledge and abilities in your chosen skill area.
Your capstone will demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities you have gained at Evergreen and is a great way to showcase what you have learned in a way that matters to you.
Capstone Design
Like everything else at Evergreen, your capstone experience is yours to customize. In the Psychology, Health, and Community path capstones most often take the form of Individual Study or Internship.
Planning Your Capstone
Your faculty will provide guidance on how best to blend subjects, academic and creative experiences, and your personal academic journey.
- Capstone opportunities are offered through the full-year program, “Psychology Capstone: Clinical and Counseling” offered every other year
Faculty Mentorship and Support
Faculty are always excited to talk about their fields and welcome students during their office hours to discuss your interests and answer questions about their Field of Study.
Faculty mentorship is a key piece of an Evergreen education. Your faculty are ready to support you not just through your course work, but through any experience you want to explore. Faculty act as mentors and advisors in many capacities and will be valuable resources throughout your academic journey and beyond.
We have a wide variety of faculty covering a range of disciplines ready to support you during your time at Evergreen.
Experiential Learning
Community Empowerment
Evergreen has countless ways to help you show up for social justice in the real world. From student-run clubs to service centers that can help you find internships or jobs, you’ll connect with other people who are passionate about making the world a more just place.