Ph.D. in Community Psychology: Research and Lead Social Change

Develop the research, leadership, and advocacy skills to address social problems at the community level, in a 69 to 72 credit doctoral program with dissertation, internship, and faculty who bring real community psychology experience to every class.

  • Research-Driven Doctoral Program
  • Dissertation and Internship Included
  • 6 Named Faculty Experts
  • Rooted in NLU's Community-Impact Mission

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Why Choose NLU for the Ph.D. in Community Psychology?

Research-Driven
Research woven in from your first semester

You start doing meaningful research early, not just at the dissertation stage.

6 Faculty Experts
Named community psychologists who practice what they teach

Mentorship from scholars working with nonprofits, agencies, and communities.

Thesis Optional to Start
Applicants without a master's thesis are still considered

A thesis-equivalent pathway removes a common barrier to applying.

$78,240
Median, social and community service managers (BLS, May 2024)

One of several paths; Ph.D. holders also qualify for psychologist and faculty roles.

Applied Impact
Internship, consultation, and dissertation

Three applied experiences that turn research into community change.

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Program at a Glance

How long?
69 to 72 SH
Doctoral program with dissertation
What faculty?
6 Experts
Named community psychology faculty
What growth?
6%
Social and community service managers (BLS, 2024-2034)
What focus?
Community Impact
Research, advocacy, and leadership

What You'll Learn

  • Design and lead community-based research
  • Organize and develop equitable community plans
  • Analyze policy and its impact on communities
  • Write grants and evaluate programs
  • Consult with community organizations
  • Complete an original dissertation

Full Course List

Foundations
The theory and practice of working for change at the community level.
Prevention
Designing prevention-focused responses to community challenges.
Methodology
Rigorous research design across both quantitative and qualitative traditions.
Organizing
Building relationships, organizations, and equitable community plans.
Policy
How policy and politics shape community outcomes.
Grant Writing
Writing the proposals that fund community work.
Consultation
Applied consultation experience with community organizations.
Dissertation
Original research that contributes to the field and to communities.

Next start: September 21, 2026 — seats filling fast.

Admissions Requirements

  • A master's degree in psychology or a related field
  • Online application at nl.edu with official transcripts
  • Three professional letters of recommendation
  • A personal statement and an 800-word research interest statement
  • A completed master's thesis or thesis-equivalent (a pathway exists if you do not have one)
Request Info
Research From Day One

Research is woven in from your first semester through the dissertation, so you build strong skills while addressing real community problems.

Mentored by Practicing Community Psychologists

Six named faculty who work with nonprofits, agencies, and communities mentor you and supervise your dissertation.

No Master's Thesis? Still Welcome

Applicants without a master's thesis are considered, with a thesis-equivalent pathway, removing a common barrier to applying.

Where Will Your Doctorate Take You?

18,600
Annual openings, social and community service managers (BLS)
University Researcher or Professor
Nonprofit Director
Policy Analyst
Community Organizer
Program Evaluator
Social Services Administrator

The Ph.D. in Community Psychology prepares graduates for careers at the intersection of research, advocacy, and community leadership, in academic settings as researchers and professors, and in social service agencies, government, research centers, and nonprofits.

Social and community service managers earn a median salary of $78,240 with about 18,600 openings projected each year (BLS, May 2024); Ph.D. holders also qualify for psychologist and faculty roles. As attention to community-level interventions grows, demand for doctoral-level community psychologists continues to expand.

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How to Apply in 3 Simple Steps

  1. Request Information

    Submit the form above. An NLU advisor will reach out within one business day to discuss faculty research interests and the application process.

  2. Build Your Application With an Advisor

    Your advisor helps you prepare your personal statement, 800-word research statement, letters of recommendation, and thesis materials.

  3. Interview and Start Classes

    Submit your application at nl.edu with no fee. Qualified applicants complete a faculty interview. Next start: September 21, 2026.

Get Started

Take the First Step

No commitment required. An NLU advisor will reach out within one business day to discuss the program and your research interests.

Take the First Step
  • Research-Driven Doctoral Program
  • Dissertation and Internship Included
  • 6 Named Faculty Experts
  • Rooted in NLU's Community-Impact Mission

*Salary and job outlook: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Social and Community Service Managers (SOC 11-9151), May 2024. Ph.D. holders may also qualify for Psychologist roles (SOC 19-3039).

**Curriculum and faculty: National Louis University Ph.D. in Community Psychology program page and SmartCatalog (nl.edu and nl.smartcatalogiq.com).