Ph.D. International Psychology

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CHICAGO • WASHINGTON  D.C. • ONLINE

Doctor of Philosophy, International Psychology

Program Overview

The Chicago School’s Ph.D. in International Psychology attracts passionate and pragmatic learners who want to make an impact in an increasingly diverse and global world. Courses offered in an online-blended format, allow students to have the flexibility to complete a doctoral degree while balancing their personal and professional responsibilities. Students may also choose from two on-ground-blended formats—one in Chicago or Washington D.C. for weekend blended coursework. The International Program—the first of its kind in the nation—prepares graduates to assume leadership positions in multinational organizations or organizations with international missions. The program’s goal of empowering students and faculty to be advocates for international psychology initiatives is renowned and unrivaled.

Graduates are equipped with advanced research and program evaluation skills coupled with a rich appreciation for the individual and group consequences of global events-preparing them to apply psychological principles in the development of policy, to assist individuals and organizations with understanding and collaborating with diverse cultural populations, and to design and evaluate the efficacy of international programs.

Our curriculum offers excellent preparation in the foundation of international psychological study. Students are also welcomed to choose their own specialization to support their personal interests and career focus. Two concentrations are available to specialize in within the field of International Psychology: Organizations and Systems or Trauma Services.

The International Psychology program is taught in online and blended formats. This is a non-licensure, post-masters, 60 graduate semester hour degree, for individuals working in or desiring to work in the international arena. The program is designed for working professionals.

Students enroll in the program with a master’s degree into one of two concentrations: Trauma Services and Organizations and Systems.

Admission Requirements

Application to The Chicago School’s International Psychology doctoral program is open to any person who has earned a master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in psychology, the behavioral sciences, or other field, and who meets other entrance requirements. 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.

It is preferred that candidates have had three or more years of work experience prior to admissions. The Graduate Record Examination is not required for admissions. Letters of recommendation may be required on a case by case basis. Students will be required to write a 500 word personal statement.

Students seeking admissions to the Organizations and Systems concentration must enter with a master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and show evidence of nine semester hours of undergraduate or graduate psychology coursework, plus one course in graduate statistics with a grade earned of “C” or better. Students may, in certain instances, be permitted to take up to two of the prerequisite courses within the first semester/2 terms of the program. This provision extends to the graduate statistics course which can be taken at TCSPP or elsewhere (subject to departmental approval) or pass a statistics competency exam provided by TCSPP. The student must earn a grade of “C” or better in the prerequisite course(s) offered through TCSPP.

Students seeking admission to the Trauma Services concentration enter with a master’s degree in Psychology or a related field such as Counseling Psychology, Pastoral Counseling, Social Work, Psychiatric Nursing, and/or Marriage and Family Therapy from a regionally accredited institution. In addition, at least one course is required in graduate statistics, plus one course in graduate abnormal psychology/psychopathology, AND one course in graduate trauma/crisis intervention, each with a grade earned of “C” or better. Students may, in certain instances, be permitted to take up to two of the prerequisite courses within the first semester/2 terms of the program. This provision extends to the graduate statistics course which can be taken at TCSPP or elsewhere (subject to departmental approval) or pass a statistics competency exam provided by TCSPP. The student must earn a grade of “C” or better in the prerequisite course(s) offered through TCSPP.

Based on the evaluation of these materials, selected candidates will be invited to interview for further consideration of their application. Please see the application for detailed instructions and information regarding application requirements. Applications must be submitted with the $50.00 (USD) application fee in order to be evaluated.

TOEFL or IELTS, International Credentials, and International Students

TOEFL or IELTS: If English is not the primary language, the student must submit official TOEFL or IELTS scores with the application (TOEFL School Code: 7161). International students who received a master’s degree from a regionally 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 residing in the United States may not be eligible to obtain an F-1 visa and, thus, may not enroll in this online program.

Applicant Notification

After the initial review of all application materials, and if the Admission Committee so recommends, the candidate will be invited for an interview either face to face or via electronic means (i.e., telephone, webinar, Skype) with members of the faculty. Interviews are by invitation only and mandatory for full consideration. Post interview, the candidate will be notified of the Admission Committee’s decision regarding his or her application. The Chicago School does not share information or provide any feedback regarding admission decisions.

If a student is offered admission and in order to secure a place in the incoming class, a non-refundable tuition deposit of $250 (Online-Blended) and $500 (Chicago) 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.  Information on the Academic Success Program is located under Student Life 

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. 

Residency Requirements (Online Students Only)

Students enrolled in the International Psychology doctoral program must attend two residency sessions at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (campus locations may vary). The two four day residencies (year 1 and year 2) focus on special topics in international psychology, research methodology, and the comprehensive exam (year 2). Both residencies provide in-depth learning and opportunities for face-to-face mentoring for dissertation work and program learning. Residencies are also used to build cohort interaction and support that may serve as a venue for oral presentations in fulfillment of the comprehensive exams. The residencies are required for both concentrations. Failure to complete the two Chicago based Residency requirements will result in a failure to meet all program requirements.

Ethical and Professional Behavior

Students are expected to engage in all graduate work, including but not limited to course work, field placement and scholarship, with a high degree of integrity and professionalism. It is essential that students approach professional working relationships, collegial relationships, and client/partner-contact with respect. Further, students are expected to adhere to the American Psychological Association’s (APA) Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct as well as the “evolving universal code of ethics” (Gauthier, 2005). Students who choose to seek employment in the field of psychology shall not work beyond their level of competence and shall not use titles governed by credentialing statutes and/or regulations unless authorized by the relevant jurisdictional authority. Students who fail to comply with ethical and professional behavior guidelines are subject to department remediation and/or referral to the Student Affairs Committee for disciplinary action and possible dismissal.

The Program

Philosophy

The Department of International Psychology offers a Ph.D. degree in International Psychology with concentrations in: Organizations and Systems, and Trauma Services. The International Psychology Ph.D. degree program espouses the philosophy of psychology as a transformational discipline focusing on broad competencies rather than narrow skills or type of education. Graduates function as scholars, faculty, advocates and consultants in a wide variety of settings and contexts. The program emphasizes theory, research and scholarship from a Global Psychology perspective. The Models of Research and Scholarship that are introduced and encouraged are culturally sensitive, multimodal and reflective of multiple ways of knowing. Program graduates develop cultural competencies, cognizant that behavior cannot be considered apart from specific contexts.

The program concentrations are predicated on the belief that a competent international psychologist must have both a broad knowledge of the scientific and theoretical principles of psychology from a global perspective and the ability to apply that knowledge in culturally sensitive ways and in diverse settings. The curriculum exposes students to a broad range of theoretical principles, international scientific research and relevant practice skills in class assignments and in field placement settings. Finally, the program is structured to be flexible in order to adapt course content to reflect developments in the field and emphasizes critical thinking, social justice, sensitivity to ethical principles, the role of personal values, and cultural diversity.  As change agents, students are expected to be able to critically reflect about their identity, as cultural beings, and to identify and understand their impact on others.  International psychology is a new field that should facilitate psychological theory, research and practice that is context and culture specific

Program Outcomes

1. Research. Graduates will demonstrate competence in qualitative, quantitative and mixed method research design, data analysis, and data interpretation, as well as competence in the critical review and evaluation of the broad  range of research literature relevant to International Psychology. Graduates are knowledgeable about and capable of generating original research and scholarship, and disseminating the results of their research to the profession and broader community and they engage in practice that reflects and is informed by the changing and expanding scientific knowledge base in the field.
2. Diversity. Students demonstrate knowledge of individual differences and diversity (broadly defined to include culture, gender, sexual orientation, disability, etc.) and they demonstrate the ability to design and/or deliver competent psychological services to diverse populations across varied settings and engage in program management, program evaluation and scholarly work that is sensitive to issues of individual differences and diversity.
3. Critical Self-Reflection. Students will thoughtfully and skillfully engage in self-reflection and demonstrate the ability to discover, recognize, describe and manage the behaviors and perspectives that facilitate or impede their effectiveness in communicating with individuals, groups or systems.
4. Critical Psychology. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the intellectual heritage of psychology and the historical and philosophical underpinnings of the different traditions and concepts in psychology, including those with roots outside the United States and Europe.
5. Ethics and Social Justice. Graduates demonstrate an understanding of and a willingness to abide by ethical principles endorsed by the American Psychological Association in the areas of Justice and Respect for People’s Rights and Dignity, and in their scholarly and professional activities demonstrate a deep understanding of social justice issues and a commitment to the development, empowerment, and well-being of all human beings.

Program Delivery Options and Learning Format

The Online format offers the program courses online and students in both concentrations will participate in these courses. The two required program residencies focus on research skills, group cohesion and support, and presentation of topical issues in the field. 

The Blended format offered at the Chicago and Washington DC campuses combines both on-ground and online coursework.  On-ground courses in the blended format will be taught on weekends for the convenience of working adults.

Field Experience Requirements

Students engage in two required, minimum nine-day international field experiences; one in year two and another in year three. The second field experience may be an extended field placement for those doing so for the purpose of dissertation and data collection, shared dissertations, and/or dissertation interests with one of our approved academic partners through the liaison office. In an effort to ensure quality to all our Field Experience 2 courses, the Department of International Psychology has determined that students may build their own Field Experience 2 only in those countries in which we have a Liaison Office. This will ensure that students receive on-ground support and guidance with our on-ground organizations and academic partners. This extended field placement replaces the second nine-day experience.

Field Experience I (Year 2)

All enrolled students will participate in a minimum nine day field experience at one international destination. Components of this experience are:

• Up to three of the nine days may be consumed by travel.
• The students will be in country for up to seven nights and they will have five to six full days for the field/service learning experience based on the number of students in the cohort, levels of international experiences and professional interests.
• The Chicago School will arrange an agreement with one or more international organizations in country.
• A minimum of one full time Chicago School faculty member will accompany students during this first international field experience.

Field Experience II (Year 3)

Students will participate in a second minimum nine day field experience with their cohort.

Option 1

 All enrolled students will participate in a minimum nine day field experience at one international destination. Components of this experience are:

• Up to three of the nine days may be consumed by travel.
• The students will be in country for up to seven nights and they will have five to six full days for the field/service learning experience based on the number of students in the cohort, levels of international experiences and professional interests.
• The Chicago School will arrange an agreement with one or more international organizations in country.

A minimum of one full time Chicago School faculty member will accompany students during this first international field experience

Option 2

For those students who have received approval to create their own Field Experience II, you will be registered in an independent study course with no international fee.  You are responsible for the tuition cost and course material. TCSPP will not arrange the logistics and/or pay for flight or any costs associated with your field experience II.  Independent field experiences may only be conducted in a country where TCSPP has a liaison office. This will be your full responsibility.

Comprehensive Examination

Every student is required to pass a Competency Examination (CE).  The aim of this assessment exercise is to evaluate the student’s knowledge of research, diversity, critical self-reflection, critical psychology, and ethics and social justice.  Comprehensive Examinations are conducted during the second year of a student’s doctoral study.  The exam consists of essay and multiple choice formats.  Students must receive a grade of 80% or better to pass the Competency Exam.

A student will be allowed two attempts to pass the comprehensive examination. A student who fails the Competency Exam the first time will be placed on an Academic Development Plan (please refer to the Student Handbook for a description of Academic Development Plans). After two failed attempts, students will be referred to the Student Affairs Committee, which may result in the student being dismissed from the program.

If students pass two of the three Competency Exam sections, they will be allowed to retake the one section they failed before the start of the next semester.  However, this will be considered a second attempt at taking the Competency Exam (see above for consequences if the second attempt is failed).  If the student is successful in this attempt, the points for the one retaken section will be added to the two original completed sections.

If a student fails two of the three sections of the Competency Exam, a grade of “NCR” will be recorded and the student will be required to re-take a new Comprehensive Examination when it is next offered in the program.

More specific information is located in the Program Guidebook.

Dissertation

Completion of the dissertation is an essential aspect of International Psychology students’ academic experience and professional education. It provides the school the opportunity to evaluate the student’s ability to apply International Psychology theory and research and to think critically and creatively about relevant research issues in International psychology.

The International Psychology department feels a strong sense of responsibility to ensure students are the best graduates, effective change agents, and future leaders of our global world.

As such, the International Psychology Department’s expectations for the dissertation are as follows:

1. The dissertation must be international in nature and contribute to the overall international psychology literature (topic to be approved by your Department Chair, Dissertation Lead, and Dissertation Chair).
2.  Psychology (or related field- i.e., social work) peer-reviewed journals must be utilized throughout the dissertation.  Additional journals may be incorporated at the discretion of your Dissertation Chair.

More specific information is located in the Program Guidebook.