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    The Chicago School
   
 
  Oct 03, 2024
 
2024-2025 Academic Catalog and Student Handbook 
    
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2024-2025 Academic Catalog and Student Handbook

Child and Adolescent Psychology Certificate


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Distance Learning

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. Applied 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 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 an institutionally accredited institution and who meets other entrance requirements. Applicants will be judged on their overall ability to do graduate work.  

Factors and materials to be considered for admission will include: 

  • Completed application and $50 application fee  
  • Generally, an undergraduate GPA 2.8 or higher on a 4.0 scale. 
  • Official Transcripts  
  • Students 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 with a cumulative GPA below 2.8 are required to submit additional documentation 

  • Resume/ CV 
  • 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. 

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

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.

The Curriculum


Required Core: 9 credit hours

Certificate in Child and Adolescent Psychology total: 9 credit hours

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