Dr. Kurt Organista

Professor

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Biography

Kurt Organista is a leading expert in social work practice within the Latino community. His research primarily focuses on addressing psychosocial problems affecting Chicano and Latino communities, specifically in areas such as acculturation, adjustment of ethnic minorities in American societies, minority mental health, cognitive behavioral therapy, and depression, especially among Latinos involved in HIV prevention efforts. He holds the Harry Riva Specht Chair in Publicly Supported Social Services and has authored the influential book "HIV Prevention Latinos: Theory, Research Practice," which is the first collection of texts on HIV prevention among diverse Latino populations. His innovative work addresses the complexities of HIV risk within the Latino experience. Organista has served as the principal investigator on NIH-funded projects aimed at developing structural-environmental models for HIV risk prevention, particularly among migrant day laborers in San Francisco and Berkeley. Currently, he teaches courses that cover social problems, psychopathology, and stress coping within social work practice tailored to Latinx populations. In recognition of his contributions to the field, he was named a Fellow of the American Academy of Social Work and Social Welfare in 2021 and received several teaching and mentoring awards.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

2006-01-01 — Present

University of California, Berkeley • Berkeley, CA

Teaching social work practice and research focusing on underserved Latino communities.

Awards

#

Fellow

2021-01-01
#

Excellence in Teaching Award

2020-01-01
#

Leon Henkin Citation

2018-01-01

Courses

Social Problems Psychopathology Stress Coping in Social Work Practice

Requirements for University of California, Berkeley

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
GRE Subject
Overall Score
Required:500
Overall
Required:500
TOEFL
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree or recognized equivalent Preparation comparable to undergraduate major at Berkeley in Mathematics or Applied Mathematics 2 full years lower-division work (Calculus, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, Multivariable Calculus) 8 one-semester upper-division courses (Real Analysis, Complex Analysis, Abstract Algebra, Linear Algebra)
Application Checklist
  • Graduate Application
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Personal History Statement
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Unofficial Transcripts
  • C.V./Resume
  • Course and Textbook List
Specialization Notes

The Mathematics Subject GRE is required for the Fall 2026 admissions cycle. General GRE is optional.