Point Park University Online

Department of Community Engagement Low-Residency Community Engagement Degree, Ph.D. in Community Engagement

Point Park University's low-residency doctorate in community engagement is a unique social lab designed for working professionals who want to improve their effectiveness as leaders while gaining a broad understanding of public policy, program development, community psychology, and best practices in leadership and engagement.

The community engagement program prepares leaders for outreach and partnership work in civic, business, and community organizations. Students can expect to complete the program's coursework in two years, followed by a dissertation. The cohort takes two online courses per semester. Courses are offered during three terms a year: fall, spring, and summer. Students will participate in a four-day residency in Pittsburgh, Pa., every August for three years.

Upon completion of your PhD in community engagement, you will be able to:

Explore sociological, business, communication, and environmental factors that contribute to a community's success.

Demonstrate the ability to apply ethical leadership principles to community-based issues.

Demonstrate the ability to utilize public policy to bring about social change.

Develop and evaluate programs for use in business, government, or nonprofit sectors.

Explore the psychological and sociological factors that impact communities.

Utilize theory and research to guide community change and progress.