Solutions for a Complex World
An inclusive approach to solving social problems
Meeting the Moment
The School of Social Ecology’s innovative programs and world-class research address criminal justice, mental health, urban development, climate and environmental sustainability issues.
“We are the only School of Social Ecology in the nation because we are hard to imitate. Our inclusive approach to solving social problems connects students to the American dream and creates changemakers. A majority of our students are first generation, coming from historically disadvantaged communities, and they graduate fully prepared to enter the 21st century workforce and implement workable solutions.” — Dean Jon Gould, UCI School of Social Ecology
Sustainable Solutions Social ecologists are exploring practical, workable solutions for implementation in our communities.
Livable Cities
Climate and Urban Sustainability
Water is Life
Poverty Alleviation
Livable Cities Lab brings together scholars in criminology, psychology, and urban planning to study and solve complex problems in urban life. Among the LCL’s pioneering studies is research on the effects of affordable housing on Orange County property values and crime.
California and the West are facing an increasingly uncertain water future with the challenges of climate change, growing population densities and increased demand on an already overburdened water infrastructure. Water UCI convenes researchers from across the campus to work with policymakers and practitioners addressing these deepening threats.
Mental Health
Climate and Urban Sustainability Program researchers study and develop solutions to urban environmental problems such as maintaining coastal health, reducing flood risk, providing access to clean water, and creating and maintaining safe communities and dignified housing.
The Blum Center for Poverty Alleviation houses research, education and service programs focused on the challenges facing the most vulnerable communities in California and abroad. Key areas of research include climate change impacts, human trafficking and the science of service and stewardship.
Breaking the Cycle of Crime
We are facing an onslaught of complex mental health challenges like healthy aging, coping with traumatic events, dealing with parenting stress, finding happiness and regulating depression and anxiety. Social Ecologists are exploring the solutions for implementation in our communities.
One of the most effective interventions for reducing recidivism is higher education, and through LIFTED (Leveraging Inspiring Futures Through Educational Degrees), we are doing just that. The initiative is the first in-prison B.A. program offered by the University of California system, enabling incarcerated students to prepare for a more productive life upon release.
Youth and Technology
Youth and Criminal Justice
Our children are being raised in an increasingly digital world and we’re left to fret about their health and safety. Our psychological science faculty examine the effects of technology on the mental health of young people to understand and improve their lives. .
Our innovative Young Adult Court is turning first-time felony offenders into productive members of society through a twoyear program of intensive rehabilitation, restitution, counseling and work apprenticeships, breaking the cycle of recidivism and keeping communities safe.
Clinical Psychology
Mental illness is a critical problem being addressed by our new clinical Ph.D. program, which is training the next wave of psychologists.
socialecology.uci.edu
We all need to work together to find solutions for our communities. We would love your participation! Contact us today to learn more about partnership and support opportunities with the School of Social Ecology.
5300 Social and Behavioral Sciences Gateway Irvine, CA 92697-7050 secomm@uci.edu socialecology.uci.edu