Community psychology is an important area of study for students interested in psychology-oriented careers. Community psychology is an important subfield of the overall discipline, and it underpins many psychology professions and academic pursuits.
Coursework in community psychology is central to various specialized online Applied Psychology programs, such as the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Applied Psychology – Clinical Psychology program offered by Florida Institute of Technology. Prospective students can explore this psychology subfield to get an idea of undergraduate program content as well as potential career tracks.
The History and Focus of Community Psychology
The history of community psychology began in the 1960s, as clinical psychology’s limitations in addressing social and mental health issues began to frustrate a group of psychologists. These psychologists recognized the need to focus on social change and community broadly as a means of addressing mental health.
As with most psychology fields, the majority of early theorists and known figures in community psychology were white men. However, the 1970s saw broader populations of practitioners entering the field pushing the discipline to better reflect the greater population.
Community psychology aims to address social and mental health issues at both individual and systemic levels through public and private interventions and research. The overarching goal is action to improve communities. The social emphasis expands the practice of community psychology from an individual-based discipline to one that focuses on mental health, support systems and potential barriers within individuals, groups, organizations and communities.
How Does Community Psychology Differ From Other Disciplines?
Similar to clinical psychology, community psychology focuses on action. However, instead of advocating for an individual change, community psychology champions health systems in the community and pushes for social change. Community psychology is also distinct from social work with its research-based roots and specific emphasis on mental health.
In addition to its professional and scientific nature, community psychology also focuses on the broader assessment of all systems that comprise an environment. Community psychology aims to address not only theory but also practical application, social environment and community culture.
What Does a Community Psychologist Do?
Community psychologists examine the relationship between people and society. They often focus on vulnerable populations. Core goals include empowering people within communities, advocating for both individual and community well-being, promoting diversity, fostering positive change, and preventing adverse mental health issues. To help communities achieve these goals, community psychologists may work at both an individual and system level, including:
- Establishing programs designed to help people manage stressful aspects of their community
- Promoting individual change and preventative measures
- Providing immediate intervention when needed
- Equipping those who have been labeled “deviant” to contribute to the community
- Assessing community needs and teaching people how to address those needs
- Consulting with organizations to better address social problems
- Building relationships in the community
- Analyzing existing systems to understand and improve them
Community psychologists can work in a variety of environments, including universities, health and human services departments in governments, non-profit organizations, consulting groups, evaluation firms, and private practices. Often, the application of community psychology means a professional may encounter several different environments through the course of treating the community. For example, advocating for a new social program may entail attending a city council meeting, evaluating a hospital and educating at a community center.
Applying Community Psychology in the Real World
With a perspective rooted in research and a goal of direct action, community psychologists partner with community members in promoting change and implementing new approaches. Practically, this may mean understanding social issues in minority groups or serving disadvantaged populations in their communities.
Community psychology often moves from theory to problem identification to solution development at the community level. For example, a community psychologist may aspire to work on reducing recidivism rates and help populations re-enter society after incarceration. To successfully support this, they must equip not only the former prisoner but also the community they will rejoin. Community psychology practices are holistic in nature, integrating research, theory, systemic and individual change, and direct action.
What Is the Career Outlook for Community Psychologists?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not track specific data on community psychologists. However, BLS projects that employment of psychologists as a broad occupational group will increase by 7% between 2023 and 2033, faster than the average growth rate of all occupations.
BLS reports that psychologists earned a median annual salary of $94,310 in 2024. Salaries may vary according to factors like a psychologist’s state of residency, experience, education, specific position and regional job market conditions. Job seekers should conduct their own research to determine accurate career prospects.
Community Psychology Education Requirements
To become a community psychologist, aspiring professionals must first earn a bachelor’s degree. Most psychology positions require graduate-level education as well, although entry-level support positions may be available to candidates with only a bachelor’s. While some specialized community psychology programs are available, many students first earn an interdisciplinary or generalist degree with an emphasis in psychology coursework.
For example, bachelor’s and associate degree options like Florida Tech’s online Applied Psychology programs prepare students for community psychology careers through curricula that emphasize a combination of theory, research methods and the application of those methods to practice. Community psychology is a practical, action-oriented field, so an educational focus on applied psychology can be crucial for success in the job.
Learn more about Florida Tech’s online Applied Psychology programs.
