The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (in Chicago,
Southern California, and Online) is the world's oldest and
largest graduate university focused exclusively on psychology and
related behavioral sciences. As a professional school, our focus
is not strictly on research and theory, but on preparing students
to be extraordinary practitioners, providing direct service to
help individuals and organizations thrive. We prepare our
students with superior theoretical knowledge—coupled with a
wholly unrivaled range of real-world training experiences;
opportunities to build their multicultural and global
sophistication; and ongoing personal and professional mentorship
from faculty who are active leaders in their fields. Our students
graduate with both the knowledge and the practical skills they
need to make an impact in the world and achieve their goals.
The Chicago School is accredited by the Higher Learning
Commission and an active member of the National Council of
Schools and Programs of Professional Psychology, which has
recognized The Chicago School for its distinguished service and
outstanding contributions to cultural diversity and advocacy. In
addition, The Chicago School recently became the only
professional psychology school named to President Obama's Higher
Education Community Service Honor Roll, the highest federal
recognition a school can achieve for its commitment to service.
In keeping with our mission to embrace diverse and underserved
populations, our Los Angeles campus is located in the heart of
the most diverse city in the most diverse state in our nation.
Perhaps best known for Hollywood celebrities, Universal Studios,
world-class shopping, and incredible nightlife, Los Angeles also
boasts unmatched ethnic, cultural, political and social
diversity–providing an unsurpassed range of opportunities
for personal enrichment and professional training. This urban
campus is located in the city's downtown business district, in
the historic "617 building," with its incredible barrel ceilings
and gleaming brass elevators—that open into our
ultra-contemporary campus with exposed duct work, concrete
floors, dramatic lighting, and state-of-the-art technology. The
campus is just steps from the metro train station and public
parking, and a short drive from the 110, 101, 5, and 10 freeways.
Applied Behavior Analysts systematically measure specific client
behaviors, and then analyze how changes in the environment (such
as specific arrangements of stimuli and consequences) can alter
and positively influence those behaviors.
Graduates of our Applied Behavior Analysis graduate programs are
prepared to determine experimentally the cause(s) of problem
behavior, develop humane and effective interventions, validate
their approach to each client, and assess outcomes.
MA in Clinical Psychology - Marital and Family Therapy
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Like many mental health practitioners, marital and family
therapists (MFTs) provide therapeutic services to help their
clients overcome a wide range of mental, emotional, and
behavioral issues. MFTs view their clients in the context of
relationships—assuming that every individual influences and
is influenced by people in his/her life in a systemic fashion.
Marital and family therapy is one of the fastest growing
disciplines in the mental health field and MFTs apply their
skills in many different work settings, including private
practice, social service agencies, inpatient psychiatric
facilities, hospitals, community mental health centers, schools,
and even courts and prisons.
MA in Industrial & Organizational Psychology
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Business is one of the fastest-growing areas for the application
of professional psychology as organizations increasingly
recognize the impact that human factors can have on overall
organizational effectiveness. Industrial and organizational (I/O)
psychologists apply the principles of both psychology and
business to effectively guide organizations and individuals to
success.
Students gain a foundation in research and statistical methods,
enabling them to approach problems critically in an applied
setting, develop and implement surveys, design interventions, and
create selection and performance management systems.
PsyD in Applied Behavior Analysis
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Applied Behavior Analysts systematically measure specific client
behaviors, and then analyze how changes in the environment (such
as specific arrangements of stimuli and consequences) can alter
and positively influence those behaviors.
Based on the work of B. F. Skinner, this therapeutic system has
become known as the only effective treatment for helping children
and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities
improve their social, motor, verbal, and reasoning skills. In
addition, Applied Behavior Analysis is increasingly being used in
business and industrial settings (to teach precise job skills,
enhance performance, and improve safety) and in educational
environments (to teach basic academic skills, verbal reasoning,
physical movement, social skills, and more).
Over several decades of research, the field of Applied Behavior
Analysis (ABA) has developed a wide range of ethical and
empirically validated techniques for teaching new behaviors and
skills, while eliminating those that may get in the way of
learning and overall quality of life.
Applied Behavior Analysts work in group homes, schools, mental
health agencies, hospitals, businesses, and as independent
consultants.
The following concentrations are offered:
- Developmental Disabilities
- Instructional Design
- Supervision & Consulting
PsyD in Business Psychology
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Business is one of the fastest-growing areas for the application
of professional psychology as organizations increasingly
recognize the impact that human factors can have on overall
organizational effectiveness. Business psychologists apply the
principles of both psychology and business to effectively guide
organizations and individuals to success.
Students gain advanced knowledge of theory and application to
prepare them for practice in rightsizings, mergers and
acquisitions, strategic repositioning, project management, change
consultation, and executive succession planning.
PsyD in Clinical Forensic Psychology
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Graduates of the forensic psychology graduate programs offered at
The Chicago School are equipped with the requisite academic
foundation to become head practitioners and senior administrators
in both educational and forensic settings, and to conduct
criminal competency evaluations, criminal responsibility
evaluations, forensic child interviews, fitness for duty
evaluations, risk assessments, and clinical interventions for a
broad range of disorders and populations.
Forensic psychology is one of the fastest growing areas of
psychology and practitioners find work in an ever-expanding range
of settings—including child welfare agencies, forensic
units in state mental health facilities, jails and prisons,
community mental health centers, juvenile correctional
facilities, government agencies, family courts, and private
practice.
PsyD in Clinical Psychology
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The Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) is the highest-level degree for
those who wish to apply their knowledge as practicing clinicians.
Clinical psychologists are highly trained in various theories,
tools, and intervention techniques, and often work with clients
who have experienced severe trauma or serious mental illness such
as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or phobias. They conduct
clinical interviews and psychological testing, create treatment
plans, consult and collaborate with physicians and other
professionals, and provide multiple forms of therapy to alleviate
mental illness, behavioral problems, and emotional distress.
Many clinical psychologists choose to work in private practice,
while others work in hospitals, school counseling centers,
substance abuse treatment facilities, mental health clinics, or
residential facilities. Some join comprehensive treatment teams,
collaborating with a range of physicians and other
specialists—such as those working in rehabilitation
settings providing care to patients coping with spinal cord
injuries, chronic pain, or various neurological conditions.
Some clinical psychologists focus strictly on providing clinical
services, while others extend their professional work to become
higher education professors and administrators, supervisors and
administrators in clinical settings, as well as advocates for
mental health and social change.
The following concentrations are offered:
- Child and Adolescent Psychology
- Forensic Psychology
- Geropsychology
- Sports Psychology
