M.A. Forensic Psychology

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CHICAGO ● LOS ANGELES ● WASHINGTON, D.C. ● ONLINE-BLENDED

Master of Arts, Forensic Psychology

Program Overview

The rapidly growing field of Forensic Psychology focuses on the application of the science and profession of psychology to questions and issues relating to law and the legal system. The Chicago School Department of Forensic Psychology offers three distinct tracks: two campus based and one that offers all classes in an online-blended format with a virtual residency component. Each track is designed so that students will gain a mastery of forensic psychology, enabling them to bring psychology into the legal and public policy arenas in an ethical, academically informed, and research-based manner. The three tracks are as follows:

• Licensure Track (Chicago and Washington D.C.)
• Licensure Track LPCC (Los Angeles)
• Non-Licensure Practice Track (Online-Blended/Chicago)
• Thesis Track (Chicago)

The Licensure track is the only track in which students, upon program completion, are eligible to sit for the National Counselor Exam (NCE) and the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Exam (NCMHCE) within the state of Illinois for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), respectively.

The M.A. in Forensic Psychology: Non-Licensure Track does not enable student to sit for licensure.

Admission Requirements

General Admission Requirements

There are separate admission requirements and application procedures for the Licensure and Thesis Tracks and the Non-Licensure Track.  Students interested in the M.A. Forensic Psychology program should inquire about the specific admission requirements at www.thechicagoschool.edu under “Prospective Students” and must apply directly at www.thechicagoschool.edu.   Students interested in the M.A. Forensic Psychology, Non-Licensure Track must apply directly into the Track.

Application to the M.A.Forensic Psychology 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, the admission essay, and letters of recommendation. Generally, an undergraduate GPA of a 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale is required for admission. 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. Please see the application for detailed instructions and information regarding application requirements, application deadlines, and letters of recommendation.

Track Specific Admission Requirements

California LPCC, Licensure and Non-Licensure

Aside from general admission requirements, these campus-based tracks require three specific undergraduate courses (one course in Psychology, Statistics, and Research Methods) that must be completed prior to enrollment with a grade earned of ‘C’ or better (please see the application for course requirements).

Additional Non-Licensure Track and Certificate Admission Requirements

In additional to the admission criteria currently in place, applicants to this track should have three or more years of full-time, related, post-baccalaureate relevant work experience. Because the coursework for this track is offered via distance learning format, students within this track or certificate must have access to a computer that is less than three years old, a broadband internet connection, and the Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, Outlook, and at minimum, the following computing skills:

• A comfort with basic Internet technology
• The ability to open and attach files from and to email
• The ability to send and receive email
• The ability to save documents

Students who do not have the required undergraduate coursework (one course in psychology, one course in statistics or quantitative psychology, and a course in research methods or experimental psychology) but who have relevant work experience may apply for waiver of one or more these requirements for admission.

Standardized Testing

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required; however, students who have taken the exam may submit their scores to enhance their application. Scores should be sent directly to the school (GRE School Code: 1119) for consideration

Application Fees

Degree applications must be submitted with a $50 (USD) application fee to be considered. Certificate applications must be submitted with a $25 (USD) application fee to be considered.

TOEFL or IELTS, International Credentials, and International Students

TOEFL or IELTS: If English is not your primary language, you must submit official TOEFL or IELTS scores with your application (TOEFL School Code: 7161). International students who received a bachelor’s degree from an accredited United States institution are exempt from this requirement. The minimum scores are: TOEFL - 550 paper based, 79 internet based; IELTS - 6.5.

ELS Educational Services, Inc.: The Chicago School is a cooperative member of ELS Educational Services, Inc. which provides intensive English language programs. Students who have successfully completed ELS course 112 may be considered for admission in lieu of the TOEFL or IELTS.

International credentials: Applicants with international credentials must obtain and submit an official “course-by-course” evaluation through an evaluation agency such as World Education Services (www.wes.org) or Educational Credential Evaluators Inc (www.ece.org). In addition to the agency evaluation, all official graduate and undergraduate transcripts must be submitted.

International students: International students must submit a completed application by the general consideration deadline. In addition, once accepted, international students must submit the International Student Information form, a copy of their passport, and financial documentation showing sufficient funding for at least one year of study and all living expenses. This documentation must be submitted at least two months prior to the start of the semester in order to allow sufficient time for the school to issue an I-20 for the student to obtain an F-1 visa, if needed. An I-20 visa will not be issued without this documentation.

Applicant Notification

The Chicago School reviews applications on a rolling basis. Once review begins, complete applications will be considered by the Admission Committee and students 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, an intent to enroll form and a non-refundable tuition deposit* of $500 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.

Policies

The following policies are located under Academic Policies and Procedures  : Transfer of Credit, Waiver of Courses, Satisfactory Academic Progress, Grading Scale, Grade Change Requests, Degree Completion, Degree Conferral, Minimum and Maximum Timeframe requirements, and Credit Hours per semester for Financial Aid.

Academic Development Plans

An Academic Development Plan (ADP) is initiated and created by the Department in which the student is enrolled when a student demonstrates deficiencies in competencies that interfere with academic performance, training competence, and/or professional behavior. Academic Development Plans (ADPs) do not constitute disciplinary action, but failure to complete the plan may lead to disciplinary action.

Student Learning Assessment

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (TSCPP) is committed to offering the highest quality graduate and undergraduate completion programs in applied professional disciplines. In order to meet the TCSPP standard for academic quality, all programs will develop overall program competencies, learning objectives, assessment instruments, course descriptions, and course learning objectives. Each of these curriculum components must align in order for students to understand how their program will prepare them for the profession and how they will learn what TCSPP intends. 

All academic programs at TCSPP are required to develop, conduct, and report annual assessments of student learning and program effectiveness in compliance with the processes and procedures established by TCSPP.  These assessments provide reliable and valid information to monitor, maintain, and advance the quality of academic programs.  

Foundations for Scholarship and Practice 

To ensure academic preparedness, a key to success in graduate school, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology requires new students to complete the program Foundations for Scholarship and Practice (Foundations). This program reinforces the skills new students need to achieve their academic goals. Foundations is an integral part of the first term’s curriculum (first and second terms’ curriculum for the Online-Blended Programs) and all students are required to complete the program successfully and in a timely manner.  Failure to complete any element of the program can lead to academic consequences, including dismissal.

Foundations for Scholarship and Practice consists of three elements: 

1.  Academic Focus Program – Academic Focus is an online, self-paced orientation to graduate academics. Completion of these tutorials is required by Friday of the fourth week of the first term. A final  grade of “pass” is considered successful completion of this element of Foundations.

2.  Writing Assessment Process – In this component of Foundations, each student writes an essay in response to an assigned question and submits it for evaluation. Based upon the results of this assessment, , the school may waive the Academic Writing Course requirement (#3, below). Essays are due by Friday of the third week of the first term and essay submission by the given date is considered successful completion of this element of Foundations.

3.  Academic Writing Course (AWC) – This online course is taken before or during the first or second term at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. A final grade of “pass” is considered successful completion of this element. Failure to earn a final grade of “pass” may result in an Academic Development Plan or referral to the Student Affairs Committee. All students are required to take the course, unless they place out through the Writing Assessment Process. Students who place out of the Academic Writing Course may elect to take the course. Based on academic performance concerns, instructors may require AWC completion by a student by creating an Academic Development Plan.

Failure to complete any element of Foundations by the required due date may result in Academic Development Plan or referral to the Student Affairs Committee. 

Preparing for the Academic Writing Course

It is solely the responsibility of the student to make the necessary adjustments to his/her school, work and personal schedules as required for full participation in this course. The Chicago School is not responsible for ensuring that these adjustments are made. Students failing AWC must retake the course in the subsequent semester. The successful completion of AWC is a graduation requirement.

Fees associated with Foundations for Scholarship and Practice

All students incur a one-time fee for their participation in Foundations for Scholarship and Practice. See Tuition & Fees schedule for a full list of applicable course fees.

The Program

Philosophy 

The Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology and its related tracks operate under the framework of the practitioner-scholar model and the National Council of Schools and Programs of Professional Psychology (NCSPP) Core Competency model of training in clinical psychology. These models are predicated on the belief that a competent practitioner must have both a broad knowledge of the scientific and theoretical principles in the clinical practice of psychology and the ability to apply that knowledge to specific clinical situations. Additionally, the program reflects the educational goals and competencies adopted by the National Invitational Conference on Education and Training in Law and Psychology: the Villanova Conference. The curriculum exposes students to the theoretical principles, scientific research, and practice skills of clinical psychology that enable students to apply the science and practice of psychology to issues of law and the legal system and to assume professional responsibilities in a variety of forensic settings. The master’s program emphasizes critical thinking, sensitivity to ethical principles, the role of personal values, and cultural diversity and endeavors to be flexible in order to adapt course content to reflect developments in the field.  In addition, the licensure track program incorporates the eight content areas outlined by the National Board of Certified Counselors to prepare those students seeking Professional Counselor licensure and desiring to begin professional practice at the master’s level. For on-ground students, The Chicago School Forensic Center offers service-learning opportunities to educate students to become competent and civically engaged forensic mental health practitioners. 

Ethical and Professional Behavior

Students are expected to adhere to the ethical and professional behavior guidelines as set by the American Psychological Association’s (APA) Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct, the American Counseling Association’s (ACA) Code of Ethics, and the Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychologists (American Psychology - Law Society/Division 41 APA). Acceptable student conduct is derived in large part from these sources of information.

All students are expected to demonstrate the highest form of academic integrity. This applies to all graduate work, including but not limited to course work, field placement, and scholarship. It is equally important that all students approach professional working relationships, collegial relationships, and client-contact with the highest level of professional integrity and respect.

As mental health practitioners, our primary responsibility is to the public we serve. Therefore, students are expected to be professionally suited for the fields of psychology and counseling. Professional suitability is defined in part by the school, the fields of psychology and counseling, and society at large. At any time, should a student show signs that he or she is likely to cause harm to those we serve, swift action will be taken to mitigate said risk of harm. Such action could range from requiring additional education and remediation to disciplinary action. Students who fail to comply with ethical and professional behavior guidelines or despite remediation efforts fail to demonstrate the appropriate ethics or competencies required for practice in the field of professional psychology or counseling are subject to department remediation and/or referral to the Student Affairs Committee for disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from the school. Likewise, should a student’s ability to engage in professional practice change, for example through conviction of a crime that prevents licensure, the department may determine that completion of the program is not possible and refer the student to the Student Affairs Committee with a departmental recommendation for dismissal from the school.

No student shall obtain part-time or full-time employment that is beyond the scope of their cumulative training in the field of psychology. In accordance with state law, no student may serve under the title of “psychologist,” “forensic psychologist,” “clinical psychologist,” or any closely related title or job function until granted an appropriate license by the state. A student shall not perform any function that exceeds his/her level of training. Prior to commencing in any clinical practice, students shall ensure that the appropriate malpractice insurance is in effect.

Students may not establish or continue psychotherapy with any department or affiliate faculty member under any circumstances or with any adjunct faculty member while registered in his or her course or while under his or her supervision. Any preexisting therapeutic relationship with a faculty member should be resolved prior to program matriculation.

Program Outcomes

1. Students will develop and maintain effective professional relationships with clients, peers, supervisors, faculty, and other professionals.

2. Students will demonstrate fundamental knowledge of psychometric theory, assessment techniques, and forensic literature to evaluate various dimensions of human experience, outcomes of interventions, and psycholegal issues.

3. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the research methods in the social and behavioral sciences, the benefits and limitations of research, and the scientific and professional literature relevant to the field of forensic psychology.

4. Students will recognize and respect individual and group differences as well as practice with cultural competence.

5. Students will organize professional activities by ethical and professional codes, standards, and guidelines; statutes, rules, and regulations; and relevant case law.

6. Students will integrate a basic knowledge of theory, research, and professional literature to guide interventions and promote optimal mental health and well-being.

Professional Development Group and Academic Advisor Assignment

All campus-based track students are required to enroll in Professional Development Group during their first semester in the program. A student’s Professional Development Group instructor serves as his/her academic advisor throughout their duration in the program. Students wishing to change academic advisors may petition to do so upon completion of their first semester in the program. 

All students enrolled in the M.A. Forensic Psychology program or the Certificate of Applied Forensic Psychology program will be provided with an advisor throughout the duration of the program. Students enrolled in the M.A. in Forensic Psychology: Applied Forensic Services program will be provided with an Applied Research Project instructor that will support the student throughout the length of the project. 

Tracks

All students in the campus-based tracks must officially declare a track during the first semester of study. This declaration will then outline the course of study for each subsequent semester. Within each track, students have the option of selecting a concentration in Corrections or Sex Offenders. In these concentrations, students take a two- or three-course sequence, respectively, that includes a law course and course work relative to the subject matter (e.g., correctional psychology or evaluating and treating sex offenders). Each concentration affords students a broader perspective concerning public policy, legal issues, and the nuances of working with each population. Note that these concentrations increase the total track credit hours by three semester hours.

Licensure Track (Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington D.C.)

The Licensure Track is a 60-credit hour option that includes a practicum/internship experience. This track is intended for students who wish to provide professional counseling and mental health services in areas that state law typically require licensure as a master’s-level mental health professional (e.g., individual/group counseling or evaluations). Through this track, students complete the academic course work and clinical training necessary to take the National Counselor Exam (NCE).

More specific information is located in your Program Guidebook.

Non-Licensure Track (Online-Blended/Chicago)

This 37-credit-hour track is designed for students who are employed in related field in the legal and public policy arenas and where law integrates with psychology. Students must complete an applied research project that integrates and applies program learning to an authentic workplace situation.

More specific information is located in your Program Guidebook.

Practicum/Internship for Licensure Track Students

Students in the Licensure Track must express their intent to apply for practicum/internship (see the Office of Applied Professional Practice Forensic Training Manual). Faculty reviews each student’s progress in the program to inform decisions regarding student’s readiness to apply to practicum/internship.

More specific information is located in the Program Guidebook.

Forensic Competency Examination (FCE)

Students who complete a practicum/internship  are required to pass the FCE, which is completed during the spring term of the student’s practicum/internship seminar, in order to fulfill program requirements for the Master of Arts Degree in Forensic Psychology. The paper will be reviewed and evaluated by the student’s practicum/internship seminar group instructor on a “High Pass,” “Pass,” “Pass with Revisions,” or “Fail” basis.

The objective of the FCE is for the student to demonstrate the ability to apply psychological theory, empirical literature, assessment, and intervention to a case formulation, program proposal, or program project. In addition, the aim of the FCE is for the student to demonstrate an understanding of professional practice (e.g., ethical behavior), clinical dynamics (e.g., client/therapist relationship), broader systems (e.g., family, school, community, court, political, other treatment professionals/programs), and areas of diversity and difference (e.g., race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic status) as contextual variables.

More specific information is located in the Program Guidebook.

Thesis Track (Chicago only)

The Thesis Track is a 48-credit-hour option for students who are interested in conducting research and/or pursuing careers in non-clinical areas in forensic mental health (e.g., jury selection, program evaluation, public policy). The Thesis Track will not qualify students to sit for the National Licensure Exam. Students who choose this track will complete a research-based project that should make a contribution to the field of forensic psychology and be of a quality that would merit submission to a scholarly journal or to a professional conference. In addition to 37 credit hours of required course work, students select at least 11 credit hours from a variety of electives to meet individualized educational and professional goals. After a student has chosen to select the Thesis track, he/she must meet with the Forensic Thesis Track Director on two occasions before approval will be granted for entrance into this track.

More specific information is located in the Program Guidebook.

Applied Forensic Psychology Certificate (Online-Blended)

The Chicago School offers a three-course certificate program in Applied Forensic Psychology that focuses on the application of knowledge about psychology and mental health to questions and issues relating to law and the legal system. The program consists of three graduate-level courses. Participants will earn nine graduate-level credits and a certificate of completion.

Students will develop mastery to:

• Establish effective relationships with clients through skilled interviewing and consideration of cultural differences
• Identify manifestations, symptoms, and patterns of abnormal behavior
• Discuss appropriate management of and interventions with mentally ill individuals in a variety of forensic settings

Designed for professionals seeking to broaden and add depth to their ability to apply knowledge about forensic psychology to their careers.