Child and Adolescent Psychology Certificate

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Overview

Students in the Child and Adolescent Psychology certificate program learn approaches to helping young people who are struggling with mental health issues and other challenges, such as peer pressure, body image, drugs or alcohol, relationships, sexuality, trauma, or difficult life changes like parental divorce or death. They learn to enhance their psychological knowledge and understanding of issues faced by children and adolescents across a variety of settings and applications. 

The Child and Adolescent Psychology certificate program is geared toward professionals in a variety of roles in educational, support and service settings who want to enhance their skills and gain the practical experience necessary to work with children and adolescents. Coursework addresses such topics as psychopathology and behavior disorders, trauma and crisis intervention, and evidence-based programs for children and adolescents. Graduates are equipped with knowledge of the biological, psychological, and social factors that impact children and adolescents’ mental health while learning to develop practical approaches to well-being for this young population.

Students may complete the certificate in Child and Adolescent Psychology and apply the courses towards a M.A. Psychology degree, or the non-degree seeking student may take nine credits in order to enhance their knowledge and expertise in the field.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this certificate program students will be able to:

• Demonstrate acquired knowledge and respect for the psychological bases of behavior and developmental issues across the lifespan.
• Demonstrate knowledge of psychological theory and assessment techniques to evaluate various dimensions of human experience across a range of contexts.
• Integrate knowledge of psychological theory, research, and professional literature to choose activities that promote optimal health and well-being in individuals, groups, and systems.

Admission Requirements

For information on where The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is currently authorized, licensed, registered, exempt or not subject to approval, please visit https://www.thechicagoschool.edu/why-us/state-authorization/

Application to the Child and Adolescent Psychology Certificate program is open to any person who has earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and who meets other entrance requirements. Applicants will be judged on their overall ability to do graduate work. Factors that are considered in admission are GPA from undergraduate and any graduate schools, successful work history after completion of the baccalaureate degree, and the admission essay.  Generally, an undergraduate GPA of a 2.8 or higher on a 4.0 scale is required for admission. Applicants must submit official transcripts from all schools where a degree was earned. It is recommended that transcripts are submitted from all schools where credit was received to enhance their applications. 

Applicants to the Child and Adolescent Psychology Certificate must submit the following:

• Completed Application
• Application Fee: $50
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae 
• Essay - Please answer the following question within three double spaced typed pages (approximately 500-750 words). Essay must specifically address the program/specialization for which you are applying.
  • Psychology is a vast discipline with many career options. In an essay format, please describe:
    • Why you chose this particular program/specialization * Cite specific experiences and examples.
    • Why it is important to you to study this discipline at a school that emphasizes cultural awareness, competence, and understanding of diversity (see our Commitment to Diversity statement).
    • Your professional career goals as they relate to this specialization.
    • Why you believe this program will assist you in reaching these goals.
• Official College/University Transcripts

• • Students must submit official transcripts from all schools where credit a degree has been earned. It is recommended that transcripts are submitted from all schools where credit was received to enhance their applications.  The Chicago School of Professional Psychology requires that all schools be regionally accredited higher education institutions.

Applicant Notification

The Chicago School reviews applications on a rolling basis. Once review begins, complete applications will be considered by the Admission Committee and applicants will be notified regarding the admission decision. The Chicago School does not share information or provide any feedback regarding admission decisions.

If a student is offered admission, in order to secure a place in the incoming class, a non-refundable tuition deposit of $250 will be required by the deposit deadline indicated in the offer of admission. The non-refundable deposit will be applied in full toward the student’s tuition upon enrollment.

Articulation Agreements

• Child and Adolescent Certificate to MA Clinical Mental Health Counseling  
• Child and Adolescent Certificate to MA Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy  

Policies

The following policies are located under Academic Policies and Procedures : Academic Calendar, Admissions Requirements, Attendance, Satisfactory Academic Progress, Service Learning, and Transfer Credit/Course Waiver. Click the link above for detailed information.