The Community Psychology program area administers a concentration in Community Psychology (COR) and jointly administers (with the Clinical program area) a concentration in Clinical-Community Psychology (CLC). In addition, the Community Psychology program area administers a dual degree M.P.H./Ph.D. program in collaboration with Georgia State's School of Public Health.
Across these offerings, doctoral students obtain training in the science and practice of social intervention in diverse settings. Social intervention is defined as research, programs, or policies that impact the resources accessed by communities and/or individuals. Our students and graduates use theory and empirical research from psychology and related disciplines to develop, implement, evaluate, and advocate for effective social interventions that promote the well-being of diverse populations, in diverse settings, in the United States and internationally. The training we provide is guided by the following values: (1) A research informed perspective, (2) Interdisciplinary scholarship, and (3) Collaborative relationships.
Our faculty share a common perspective as researchers rooted in psychology and informed by related disciplines, such as education, public health, sociology, and women's studies. We share an emphasis on changing resources, social norms, and public policies that affect individuals and the contexts surrounding people's lives (e.g., social institutions, neighborhoods, families). We are involved at the local, state, national, and international levels and work with community and governmental organizations to design, implement, and investigate the efficacy of social interventions using a variety of research methods ranging from rigorous experimental designs to qualitative case studies. We collaborate with community partners to evaluate and improve existing programs.
