Multi-Cultural Psychology

The Multicultural Psychology Program allows students to complete classes toward their degree, taught in English, as they study how culture influences our understanding of ourselves and others. In addition to their work in the classroom, students experience various experiential learning opportunities that offer insight into the role of cultural norms and values in shaping human behavior and interactions.

Why Study Psychology in Perugia?
This program is not limited to Psychology majors. Students of any major who study psychology at the Umbra Institute examine human development as influenced by similarities and differences between people and across cultures. Such a knowledge base is a useful tool when preparing for careers in counseling, education, research, social work, and many other professions. Through specific coursework, students can delve into organizational behavior and behavioral change, intercultural communication, critical disabilities, art therapy and numerous other topics, all from a multicultural perspective. In addition, by studying at the Umbra Institute, students have the opportunity to witness firsthand the interplay between different people and cultures as they explore Perugia, an international university city that offers a unique blend of cultural influences.

Not only do students study psychology, but they are also required to take an Italian language course (available from introductory to advanced levels). This language study provides further insight into the interplay between culture and identity, since even a basic understanding of Italian can help students begin to understand how linguistic expression influences how we think, behave, and interact with others.

Students may design their own semester and freely choosing courses from our offerings. Students interested in the MPP CERTIFICATE program must take core course PSYC 300 Experiencing Multicultural Psychology and at least three (3) additional courses in psychology or approved courses in related subjects.

Many students have received credit for their major for their MPP coursework. Contact the ISI Abroad office or the Director of The Umbra Institute, Zachary Nowak ([email protected]) for more information. For those students interested in possible graduate work: part of the program’s co-curricular offerings is an optional workshop “How To Get Into Grad School.”

Research Opportunities

Independent Research Course (IR 297/397/497) is a student-centered learning experience in which students engage in advanced research on their selected topic with the support of a faculty mentor. It is ideal for students who have previously studied a particular topic and would like to continue exploring it in more depth through individual research. Independent Research courses may vary depending on student interests and needs. Independent Research Courses in psychology are assigned to the PYSC disciplinary code and are set at the appropriate academic level depending on the nature of the specific research project.

A minimum of one month prior to the beginning of the semester, students must submit a detailed research proposal to the Umbra Academic Director and the Coordinator of the MPP. Once approved, an appropriate faculty member will then be identified as the advisor. During the first two weeks of the semester, a more detailed proposal, bibliography, and project design will be submitted to the faculty advisor for approval, and a project timeline will be established. Throughout the semester, students work independently and meet weekly with their advisor to discuss their progress.

Approximately two weeks before the end of the semester, students give a short, oral presentation to their advisor and submit the first draft of their study. They then submit the final draft of the research project and participate in the Special Academic Events Week to present the final results to the Umbra community.