California School of Forensic Studies

Dean, California School of Forensic Studies:
Eric W. Hickey, PhD
Phone: (559) 253-2226
E-mail: ehickey@alliant.edu

The American Psychology-Law Society (APLS/APA Division 41) defines forensic psychology as professional practice in “any subdiscipline of psychology (e.g., clinical, developmental, social, cognitive) when applying the scientific, technical, or specialized knowledge of psychology to the law to assist in addressing legal, contractual, and administrative matters.”

Students of the California School of Forensic Studies Clinical Forensic PsyD and Clinical Forensic PhD programs receive a foundational education in clinical psychology via course work in fundamental psychological theory; assessment; intervention; ethics; multiculturalism; research design and statistics; biological basis of behavior; cognitive affective basis of behavior; developmental psychology; social psychology; and psychopathology. Additionally, foundational knowledge of the justice system is garnered through coursework that focuses upon legal systems and research, the rules of evidence and discovery, examination and cross-examination, and expert witness testimony. The application of core clinical and forensic principles is advanced through courses which focus on specific content areas such as police stress, addiction, sex offenders, domestic violence, juvenile delinquency, stalking, multiple homicide offenders and victimology. Students also receive more than 3,000 hours of practicum and internship experience to develop their clinical competency in forensic settings, such as correctional facilities and community-based victim services centers.

The PhD in Clinical Forensic Psychology and PsyD in Clinical Forensic Psychology support students to develop competency in 12 core clinical areas that are essential to the practice of professional psychology:

• Professionalism
• Reflective Practice/Self Assessment/Self Care
• Scientific Knowledge and Practice
• Relationships
• Individual and Cultural Diversity Awareness
• Ethical Legal Standards and Policy
• Assessment
• Intervention
• Research and Evaluation
• Supervision
• Management and Administration
• Advocacy

The first two years provide students with opportunities to apply the psychological and forensic principles acquired during their coursework through a first year and/or second year practicum experience. These experiences entail 10-20 hours per week at one of CSFS community training partners, which include adult and youth correctional facilities, department of mental health agencies and community organizations throughout California. Through these experiences, students are introduced to the role of professional psychologists, exposed to a range of populations and mental health issues and are provided with direct experience in clinical interviewing, cognitive and personality assessment and evidenced-informed and based treatment interventions.

Many students also choose the first or second year as a time to fulfill the 30 hours of individual psychotherapy required by the program. This requirement provides students with additional exposure to the application of psychological principles in forensic practice and also furthers the development of self-reflection – a skill that is particularly important to the practice of psychology in forensic settings.

Dissertation proposal development also begins during the second year. The dissertation, required for both the PsyD and the PhD programs, provides students with the opportunity to apply their foundational conceptual and research knowledge to the investigation of a forensic psychology interest area. With the guidance and support of a faculty member, who serves as the student’s dissertation chairperson, as well as the dissertation committee composed of one additional member, the student is guided to complete their dissertation prior to degree award.

During the second or third year, students must pass a competency examination which assesses knowledge and understanding of core concepts such as assessment, intervention, research design and statistics and the theoretical foundations of psychology. Competency exams also expose students in the PhD and PsyD programs to the content and type of examination associated with attaining licensure.

The third, fourth and (for PhD students) fifth years of study build upon the foundational knowledge gained during years one and two. During these years, coursework focuses upon multiculturalism, substance abuse, psychological consultation and advanced social psychology. Students also study advanced issues in forensics, and continue to take courses in application of psychology to forensic issues such as hostage negotiation, homeland security and workplace violence. Beginning in the third year, students also participate in practicum and internship experiences that focus upon clinical intervention, psychological assessment, professional development and lifelong learning, multicultural issues, professional ethics and standards, supervision and consultation and scholarly commitment. During each of these experiences, students work with increasing independence to apply the knowledge and skills gained during the preceding years, supporting their future success as psychologists within forensic arenas. Clinical internships meet or exceed the 1,500 hours of pre-doctoral internship hours required for licensure by the California Board of Psychology.

The California School of Forensic Studies offers three doctoral degrees. The specific programs and degree requirements are detailed below.

Clinical Forensic Psychology Programs: Fresno, Irvine, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego and San Francisco

The California School of Forensic Studies offers the opportunity for pre-doctoral study in forensic psychology.

The programs offered by the California School of Forensic Studies are year-round programs consisting of two full semesters (Fall and Spring) and one shorter (Summer) semester. Students should expect a year-round educational and professional training experience.

Which Program is Right for You?

The California School of Forensic Studies offers several degree options: the Clinical Forensic Psychology PsyD; the Clinical Forensic Psychology PsyD - Forensic Victimology Concentration; and the Clinical Forensic Psychology PhD (clinical track).

PsyD in Clinical Forensic Psychology (Fresno, Irvine, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego and San Francisco)

The Clinical Forensic Psychology PsyD emphasizes the application of clinical and forensic psychological theory and practice in varied settings. These settings may include prison systems, jails, juvenile halls, courts, private practice, hospitals and police departments. The distinction between the Clinical Forensic Psychology PhD and the Clinical Forensic Psychology PsyD is one of career emphasis. The PsyD is a shorter four year program as a result of reduced emphasis on research and policy. The PsyD program prepares students to work as professional, licensed psychologists in forensic settings rather than emphasizing administration. However, research skills are obtained and may comprise a facet of one’s forensic practice. PsyD students will receive training and practical experience working with clients in forensic settings described above.

PhD in Clinical Forensic Psychology, Clinical Track (Fresno)

The Clinical Forensic Psychology PhD is a five year program with a research emphasis, but with additional focus on obtaining clinical licensure and professional practice. In the Forensic Clinical PhD program, students are trained as forensic clinicians, where the focus is on working with forensic populations. Coursework emphasizes an integration between forensic clinical psychology, forensic research, criminology and law.

Forensic Victimology Concentration (Fresno, Irvine, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco)

The Concentration in Forensic Victimology prepares students to work with, and on behalf of, victims of crime. Students apply the 9 elective units included in their core program, plus an additional six units, beginning in the Fall of their second year and continuing through the Fall of their third year (including the Summer session between the second and third years).

Section I of the Program focuses upon Foundational Concepts in Victimology, including its history, relationship to the criminal justice system, and influence upon public policy. Students also learn quantitative and qualitative research methods which will be applied toward the completion of a research effort that will become the basis for a submission to a peer-reviewed journal. At the conclusion of Section I, students will have a working hypothesis for their individual research efforts.

Section II focuses upon Prevention of Victimization. Students gain knowledge of victimization antecedents and develop the skills necessary to conduct threat and suicide assessments in various milieus (public venues, households, the workplace, school campuses). Students will also learn safety planning strategies that potentially prevent victimization. At the conclusion of Section II, students will be expected to have completed the literature review and methodology sections of their research paper. Students in Section II may also begin a 250-hour clerkship, which includes experiential education within a community setting such as a domestic violence shelter, district attorney’s office, emergency medical service team or coroner’s office.

Section III focuses upon the role of victimology in offender identification and apprehension. Students learn how to conduct a comprehensive Victimology Assessment, the role of the victim in judicial proceedings, and approaches to working with Victim-Witnesses. Students are expected to finalize data collection and begin analysis related to their research endeavors during Section III. Those who have not already done so will begin their clerkships during Section III.

Section IV provides students with the knowledge and skills to administer trauma-related screening and assessment tools, as well as to support crime victims through the application of trauma-informed therapies. Additional issues, such as the evaluation of malingering of traumatic symptomology, will also be explored. Section IV will also focus upon possible syndromes affecting victimologists including secondary victimization, vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue. The Concentration in Forensic Victimology is offered in 6, two-day course sessions which typically occur on Fridays and Saturdays. Additionally, students receive individual faculty support for their research and publication project, and one-hour group supervision for the duration of their clerkship. Certain coursework topics are offered as continuing education credit to practitioners within the community, providing students with the opportunity for classroom-based mentorship and networking with professionals in the field.

To be accepted into the program, students must meet the following requirements:

1. Successfully complete all G1 course requirements.
2. Be in good academic standing.
3. Receive the recommendation of their Program Director.
4. Receive the approval from a two-person review committee composed of Victimology Program faculty.

The review will include submission of an essay as well as an interview.

Additionally, students must meet the following Program standards:

1. Complete all four coursework sections.
2. Complete one research endeavor of a caliber appropriate to submission to a peer-reviewed journal.
3. Complete a 250-hour clerkship.

Doctoral Program Information

The policies and procedures herein apply strictly to California School of Forensic Studies students. In cases where CSFS policies differ from those outlined in any Alliant International University catalog, handbook, or brochure, the policies and procedures herein will supersede any general Alliant International University policies or procedures.

Students must refer to Alliant International University guidelines – generally found in the Alliant catalog – for any policies or procedures not specifically addressed herein. 

Professional Conduct

The California School of Forensic Studies holds its students to the highest of standards regarding ethical and professional conduct. These standards may be in addition to or may exceed those detailed elsewhere in the Alliant Catalog or Graduate Student Handbook. The faculty maintains the traditional academic prerogative to grant degrees based on their judgment regarding the candidate’s ability to function professionally and ethically as a psychologist. Likewise, the faculty maintains the prerogative to determine that a student may not be a good match for the California School of Forensic Studies. Students demonstrating unethical or unprofessional conduct, or tendencies toward such conduct, will have their behavior documented in their record and may be dismissed from the program.

Admission Terms

Students are admitted to the California School of Forensic Studies doctoral programs for the Fall Semester. Students are urged to explore their financial aid options prior to planning for admission.

Graduate Program Prerequisites

Applicants to the California School of Forensic Studies’ doctoral programs who hold a degree in a field other than Psychology, must have completed courses in Introductory Psychology, Statistics and Abnormal Psychology. Other courses may be required to meet conditional admissions requirements on a case by case basis. Applicants who hold a degree other than in Criminology, Criminal Justice or Administration of Justice must have completed a course representing an overview of the field.

Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

Applicants to California School of Forensic Studies’ doctoral programs may require GRE general test scores in order to be considered for admission. CSFS does not currently have a minimum requirement but may use the scores as partial indicators of scholastic ability for those who wish to submit their scores. Subject test scores are not required at this time.

Scientific Writing Proficiency

Students may be required, prior to or at any time during their graduate education, to sit for a writing proficiency examination. Should a student not meet specific standards of scientific writing, as determined by the quality of completed coursework or by examination, the student will be required to complete a one-unit course on technical writing for the social sciences.

Academic Standing

Students in the California School of Forensic Studies are required to maintain exemplary academic standing; students must maintain a minimum G.P.A. of 3.0 at all times. Students may receive one grade of C in an academic course without requiring remediation as long as the student’s G.P.A. does not go below 3.0.

A grade of C minus or lower in any academic course will require the student to retake the course the next time it is offered. Two consecutive grades of C or lower within a single semester will require that the student be placed on academic probation and that he or she participate in an individual academic remediation plan. Failure to meet the goals of the remediation plan or to bring his/her GPA up to a minimum of 3.0 within one semester will result in the student’s dismissal from the program.

Serious concern received during a student’s practicum placement will automatically require an individual remediation plan. The remediation plan may include the requirement of additional practicum training, during which time the student will demonstrate the clinical skills expected at that level of training. Other recommendations may be made to assist in remediation of the specific problem area. Failure to meet the goals of the remediation plan based on practicum performance may result in the student’s dismissal from the program.

Grades of Incomplete versus In Progress: Students may receive a grade of Incomplete for a course when severe extenuating circumstances make it impossible for the student to complete the course requirements on time. Students must arrange in advance of the course conclusion for an Incomplete grade with the course instructor and with the Program Director. The Incomplete Grade Form must be submitted for approval to the Assistant Dean and be documented in the student’s official academic record. Students do not re-register in the course; however, the coursework must be completed no later than the end of the following term. Grades of Incomplete that are not removed by the end of the next term will be converted automatically to an “F” grade.

A grade of In Progress (IP) is reserved for cases in which the requirements, usually relating to practicum hours, theses and dissertations, were not expected to be met by the end of the given term. For example: a practicum that is not scheduled to terminate prior to the end of the term will receive an IP at the end of the term. The IP will be converted to a grade once the requirements have been met (within the approved timeframe). The IP carries the understanding that the work to date has been satisfactory unless otherwise documented

Transferring to Another Campus/Program within the CSFS

Transfers to another campus or program within the California School of Forensic Studies will be considered on a case-by-case basis only for those students in good academic, ethical and professional standing. Students must petition for such a transfer and the transfer must be approved by the Program Director and Associate Dean for the program or campus from which you wish to transfer and the program/campus to you wish to transfer.

Comprehensive Exams

All Clinical Forensic Psychology Doctoral students will be required to pass comprehensive competency-based examinations prior to advancing to their third year. Students will be required to pass their comprehensive examinations prior to advancement to doctoral candidacy and prior to applying for internship. Students may sit for the exam a maximum of three times. Failure to pass the examination on the third attempt will result in the student’s immediate dismissal from the program.

Therapy Requirement

Prior to their internship year, students in the Clinical Forensic PsyD Program and the Clinical Forensic PhD Program are required to complete thirty (30) hours of therapy. Personal psychotherapy must be completed with a licensed psychologist, who has obtained their PhD or PsyD. It is the students responsibility to ensure the selected provider meets these criteria prior to starting the required hours. Psychotherapy hours completed with an MFT or LCSW do not meet this requirement. 

Through firsthand exposure to the therapeutic process, students have the opportunity to view psychotherapy from a different perspective. This experience provides students with increased awareness of their own behavior in a supportive environment.

Competencies

By the time our doctoral students reach graduation, they should demonstrate a mastery of knowledge-based, research-based and practice-based competencies appropriate to their educational speciality.

I. Knowledge-based competencies:

Students are expected to have knowledge of the basic concepts and principles of the substantive content areas appropriate to their chosen specialty and to have the ability to evaluate these concepts and principles.

II. Research-based competencies:

The capstone of the PhD degree is an independent scholarly work representing an original contribution to knowledge. Students are expected to develop sufficient knowledge and the empirical skills needed to conceive and carry out independent scholarly investigation.

The PsyD program incorporates similar foundations of research and statistical competency and trains students to be discriminating consumers of research. All students must demonstrate an understanding of scientific inference, the knowledge and skills necessary for the formulation of hypotheses, the systematic gathering of data, and the selection of suitable quantitative methods for the analysis of data. Research competency includes knowledge of the techniques and methods of inquiry available to the professional psychologist. The dissertation is the highest competency-based product reflecting the development and application of these skills.

III. Practice-based competencies:

Students are expected to become practitioners who demonstrate commitment to the intellectual and scholarly enterprise of psychology. They are expected to have knowledge about human behavior (normal and abnormal human development) including intrapersonal, interpersonal, small group and community or organizational behavior. Students are expected to demonstrate specific skills related to their specialty areas such as psychological diagnosis and assessment, intervention procedures and strategies, consultation, supervision and program development and evaluation. Beyond effective functioning in settings reflecting their chosen professional specialty, they must be able to demonstrate the application of their skills to a range of problems with sensitivity to multi-cultural and international issues.

Each student is required to develop competencies in working cooperatively with a range of groups including professionals, paraprofessionals and community groups or businesses which may vary in ethnic, socioeconomic, or other demographic dimensions. In addition, students develop skills that help them provide consultation and supervision to human service personnel.

Finally, graduates must demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to ethical standards of psychology as defined by the APA. They must be able to apply this orientation to their interpersonal transactions, specific problems in practice, teaching, and research. Graduates must manifest mature self-awareness, including demonstrated sensitivity to their own motivations and impact on others, especially clients and colleagues. In addition, they must demonstrate capacity for and commitment to self-review, continuing education and professional development.

Credit for Previous Graduate Work

For applicants to the CSFS Clinical Forensic Programs, a maximum of 30 units of graduate level transfer credit is allowed. The units must have been earned as part of a graduate degree curriculum in psychology, criminology, law, or other related field; completion of the degree is not required for transferring units. These credits must have been completed with a grade of “B” or better and must be from a regionally accredited institution. No transfer credit will be allowed for courses that were taken more than seven years prior to admission.

Transfer credits will be denied for courses the California School of Forensic Studies considers central to our curriculum. Some of the courses that are NOT eligible for transfer credit:

• FOR 6425 Introduction to Forensic Psychology  
   
• FOR xx Any Psychological Assessment course
   
• FOR xx Any Clinical Practicum
   
• FOR xx Any Dissertation Proposal Development or Dissertation course
   
• Any course over seven years old
   
• FOR 6500 Ethical and Legal Issues in Professional Practice
    
   
• FOR 8200 Specialty Topics in Forensic Psychology
    or FOR 8410 Elective Course

All other courses for potential transfer credit will be considered on a case-by-case review basis. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the program, as well as the specialized focus of much of the curriculum, the review will focus on how well this interdisciplinary character was developed in the course(s) proposed for transfer credit. The degree to which the course content or field of study has changed substantively since the course was originally taken will also factor into the decision to allow transfer credit. Transfer credit cannot be considered without appropriate course outlines or syllabi.

Transfer credits allowed in the Clinical Forensic Psychology Program may reduce the number of units a student must complete in order to obtain the degree. Regardless of the number of transfer units allowed, a student must complete all requirements remaining in the program for which transfer credit was not allowed.

Deadlines for Transfer Credit Submission

All requests for transfer credit and supporting materials must be submitted as soon as possible upon admission into the program. Any delay in providing transfer credit requests or the supporting documentation may have a profound negative impact on your enrollment, your curriculum sequence and your tuition. The burden for timely submission is on the student.

Requests or supporting materials received by the Academic Advisor’s Office after the add/drop deadline of the student’s first semester of enrollment WILL NOT be considered for transfer credit.

Advancement to Doctoral Candidacy

Students will be considered for Advancement to Candidacy after meeting the following requirements:

• Completion of first two years of coursework (for 4-year programs) or three years of coursework (for 5-year programs) with a G.P.A. of 3.0 or higher
   
• Passing comprehensive examinations
   
• Preliminary oral defense of dissertation
   
• Demonstration of professional competency in practica
   
• No negative SERC (ethics committee) findings

Dissertation Defense Deadlines

Students are strongly encouraged to perform their preliminary dissertation defenses as early as possible in the semester in which they are due. All PsyD and PhD students are required to pass their preliminary dissertation defense prior to applying for internships. The absolute deadline for passing the preliminary defense is November 1st.

Students are encouraged to be mindful of the quantity of other students attempting to set preliminary defense dates. Waiting until the last minute is ill-advised and could negatively impact your chances for an internship.

In addition, the California School of Forensic Studies mandates that students not be allowed to start their internships until a date is set for their final dissertation defense.

Licensure

Many forensic careers do not require licensure. Clinical Forensic psychologists who work in the legal and public policy arenas, for instance, or who apply research to solving problems in the justice system may not need clinical licensure. However, many students who enter the program may wish to seek clinical licensure after graduating from the program. All students who, upon graduation, plan to offer direct service to the public for a fee must be licensed by the state in which they practice. The Clinical Forensic PsyD and Clinical Forensic PhD programs are designed to meet many of the course requirements required for licensure in the State of California, among others. Students are responsible for ascertaining and meeting state licensing requirements.

All psychologists who offer direct services to the public for a fee must be licensed or certified by the state in which they practice. Each state has its own requirements for licensure. Therefore, it is essential that all California School of Forensic Studies PsyD and PhD students who plan to apply for licensure in states other than California contact the licensing board in the applicable states for information on state requirements (e.g., coursework, practicum and internship hours, supervision, nature of the doctoral project or dissertation). Students should plan ahead to ensure they meet all state requirements. In general, the CSFS doctorate enables a graduate to apply for admission to state psychology licensing or certification examinations once the graduate has completed any postdoctoral experiential requirements that individual states may impose.

Candidates for licensure as a psychologist are required to sit for an objective written examination. Individual state boards may also require an oral and/or essay examination for licensing. Many states (including California) require continuing education work as a criterion for re-licensure. Applicants for licensure in the state of California must hold an earned doctoral degree in psychology (or related field) from a regionally accredited or state-approved institution. They also must have completed 3,000 hours of supervised professional experience (of which 1,500 must be postdoctoral). 

For further information on licensure in California or other states contact:

Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards
P.O. Box 241245
Montgomery, AL 36124-1245
(334) 832-4580, asppb@asppb.org

California Board of Psychology
1422 Howe Avenue, Suite 22
Sacramento, CA 95825-3200 

Office of Professional Affairs American
Psychological Association
750 First Street NE
Washington, DC 20002-4242

Doctoral Programs: Course Information

Course Requirements

All courses must be taken in-sequence, unless specific approval is granted by the Clinical Forensic Psychology Program Director and Associate Dean.

All doctoral students are required to take a core curriculum that includes the following courses:

• Introduction to Forensic Psychology
    
• Psychopathology
   
• Research Design and Data Analysis
    
• Biological Bases of Behavior
   
• Cognitive-affective Bases of Behavior
   
• Professional Ethics
   
• Developmental Bases of Behavior
   
• Advanced Social Psychology

Each program also has additional specialized coursework and electives, as outlined by the program requirements listed below.

Course Prerequisites

Please see course descriptions  for information pertaining to course prerequisites.

Practicum Requirements

PsyD and PhD Clinical students are required to participate in a minimum of 2000 hours of supervised clinical practicum (field placement) training. Students are strongly encouraged to exceed the minimum standard as much as possible. For more information, please contact the Office of Professional Training on your campus.

Third year clinical practica for Fresno students will occur at the Psychological Services Center.

Practicum Prerequisites

The California School of Forensic Studies requires that all doctoral students complete their first year of course work with a GPA of 3.0 or higher prior to placement in a practicum (field work) setting. The first year of course work must include at least the following courses, as required by most practicum sites and the Office of Professional Training:

• Treatment I: Introduction to Therapy
   
• Ethical and Legal Issues in Professional Practice
   
• Psychopathology
   
• Psychological Assessment I: Cognitive and Intellectual Functioning
   
• Psychological Assessment II: Socioemotional and Personality Testing
   
• Introduction to Forensic Psychology

Master’s Thesis/Non-Terminal Master’s Degree

All Clinical Forensic Psychology doctoral students have the option to apply for a Master of Arts Degree in Forensic Psychology.  Students should contact their Academic Advisor and Program Director for eligibility information.