PhD in Psychology - Community in Atlanta United States | Georgia State University

The Community Psychology program oversees a concentration in Community Psychology (COR) and co-administers (with the Clinical program) a concentration in Clinical-Community Psychology (CLC). The program also manages a dual M.P.H./Ph.D. degree program in partnership with Georgia State's School of Public Health.

Through these programs, doctoral students receive education in designing and implementing social interventions across various contexts. Social intervention refers to research, initiatives, or policies that influence the resources available to communities and individuals. Students and alumni apply psychological theories and empirical research, along with insights from related fields, to create, execute, assess, and champion impactful social interventions that enhance well-being for diverse populations both domestically and globally. Our training philosophy is built on three core principles: (1) Evidence-based approaches, (2) Cross-disciplinary learning, and (3) Partnership-driven work.

Faculty members bring psychological expertise while drawing from complementary fields like education, public health, sociology, and gender studies. We focus on transforming resources, societal norms, and policies that shape individuals and their environments (including institutions, neighborhoods, and families). Our work spans local, state, national, and international levels, partnering with community groups and government agencies to develop, test, and refine social interventions using diverse methodologies—from controlled experiments to in-depth qualitative analyses. We engage in collaborative evaluations with community stakeholders to enhance existing programs.