CSPP has been an innovator in the delivery of high quality online courses for many years. A team of faculty members from several of our campuses have formed the Systemwide Online Department of CSPP, a group that focuses on the training of faculty members throughout the university. They include Omar Alhassoon, PhD, Associate Professor at the San Diego Clinical PhD Program; Eddie Yu-Wai Chiu, Assistant Professor in the SF Bay PsyD Clinical Program; Cristina Magalhaes, PhD, Associate Professor in the Los Angeles PsyD Clinical Program and Coordinator of the Rockway Graduate Certificate in LGBT Mental Health and Human Services; and Shawn Giammattei, PhD Lecturer at the Fresno Campus and Coordinator of the external Rockway Certificate in LGBT Mental Health and Human Services. Core and adjunct faculty members who choose to teach online have been trained in the delivery of online and active pedagogy, as well as the use of an asynchronous and a live web-based platform for content delivery. They have been mentored by members of the Systemwide Online Department (SOD). Our philosophy about online education combines progressive understanding of technology’s promise and recognition that professional practice gains much from the face to face delivery of classroom instruction and supervision. Depending upon program requirements, students in the clinical PsyD and PhD programs are offered the opportunity to take some of their foundational science courses online (Biological Aspects of Behavior, Cognitive and Affective Bases of Behavior, History and Systems of Psychology, Lifespan or Human Development, and Social Bases of Behavior). A range of electives are offered, which may, with advisor and program director approval, be taken in the place of program electives for clinical psychology and MFT students. Required clinical courses (including assessment and psychotherapy courses), practica, and research and dissertation sequences are completed in the face to face environment.
Students in online courses have the benefit of faculty expertise and peer involvement across all CSPP programs. This cross-state and international experience has provided enriching experiences and, in some cases, formed lasting collegial relationships for students. For example, several PhD clinical students at the Fresno campus have completed their teaching practicum by teaching undergraduate pre-requisites (Abnormal Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Statistics, and Social Psychology) to students awaiting enrollment in our Hong Kong PsyD Program. Clinical students in Los Angeles, San Diego, Irvine, San Francisco, Fresno and Sacramento have taken a course on Bisexuality from an international expert who lives in Europe. These opportunities for enriched education are provided as options to students. In almost every case, students still have the opportunity to take all of their required courses in a face to face classroom environment. Our online education goals at CSPP are designed to create a high standard for the delivery of enhanced academic programming, while developing the technology skills our students and graduates will need in this new millennium.
In order to participate fully in the high quality online courses, students are urged to have access to recent computer equipment and software, with high processing speeds and virtual memory. A high speed internet connection (either DSL or Cable) is essential for web cast courses. Laptops or tablets may be most convenient for the anytime, anywhere nature of these courses. Computers with embedded or detachable web cams will make it possible for you to interact live with your online professors and class mates. A good set of headphones with noise canceling microphone will enhance your experience, but are not required. Please note that Alliant does not endorse any particular technology, but we do use PC technology in all of our classrooms and online platforms. Although other technologies may be compatible, it is possible they will create additional technological problems that the student will need to be able to solve. We are moving to fully integrate all options for students in the near future. Recorded lectures will be downloadable to portable handheld devices for replay within the next year.
Online Certificate Programs and Courses
One of the advantages of offering online electives throughout the Alliant system is the ability to create unique certificate programs that are fully subscribed by students and, therefore, not usually subject to cancellation. These certificates include the Rockway Certificate/Specialization for LGBT Mental Health and Human Services (which is fully online) and the Infant Pre-School Mental Health Certificate (some courses offered online).
Faculty: Online Education
Omar Alhassoon, PhD, Associate Professor
Eddie Yu-Wai Chiu, PhD, Assistant Professor
Shawn V. Giammattei, PhD, Lecturer
Cristina Magalhaes, PhD, Associate Professor
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