CSFS Student Learning Outcomes – Forensic Psychology Doctoral Programs
I. Knowledge-based Competencies
Systemic and Theoretical Foundations:
Students are expected to acquire 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. They are expected to acquire and demonstrate knowledge of human behavior (normal and abnormal human development) including intrapersonal, interpersonal, small group and community or organizational behavior. Additionally, students are expected to gain an understanding of the variation of these principles and foundational concepts between global, general clinical and forensic populations.
Legal and Policy Foundations:
Students are expected to acquire knowledge of the basic concepts and principles guiding mental health laws and mental health related organizational policy. Additionally, students are expected to acquire knowledge of how mental health concepts, assumptions and principles guide law- and policy-making.
Relationships:
Students are expected to acquire and demonstrate knowledge of working relationships, ramifications of behavior and communication within those relationships, and insight pertaining to the dynamics of those relationships. 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.
Multicultural Competence:
Students are expected to demonstrate knowledge of diverse cultural and sub-cultural populations and insight pertaining to the expression of values, biases and assumptions.
| Knowledge-based Competencies |
Type of Applicability to Program |
Learning Outcomes
|
PsyD |
PhD, Clinical |
PhD, Policy and Justice |
| Students will identify, critically evaluate and describe, and apply foundational knowledge, systems knowledge and theory in psychology to diverse populations within and outside of the forensic realm. |
Knowledge and Global Application |
Knowledge and Global Application |
Knowledge and Global Application |
| Students will develop, articulate, and maintain constructive, culturally sensitive and supportive working relationships with clients, colleagues, supervisors, and others with whom they interact professionally. |
Knowledge and Global Application |
Knowledge and Global Application |
Knowledge and Global Application |
| Students will examine and critically evaluate laws and policies that govern issues related to mental health and will examine the relationship between psychological principles and legal decision-making |
Knowledge and Limited Application |
Knowledge and Research/
Non-clinical Service-centered Application |
Knowledge and Research/
Non-clinical Service-centered Application |
Students will recognize and reflect upon their world view, biases, values, and assumptions; appreciate and respect others’ cultures and world views; understand the psychological
impact of differing views; and use this awareness in the provision of psychological services and/or research endeavors. |
Knowledge and Service-centered Application |
Knowledge and Research/Service-centered Application |
Knowledge and Research/Non-clinical Service-centered Application |
II. Practice-based Competencies
Knowledge and Skills Application:
Students are expected to become practitioners who demonstrate commitment to the intellectual and scholarly enterprise of psychology within and outside of the forensic arena. They are expected to apply 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, program development and evaluation, and policy analysis. Beyond effective functioning in settings reflecting their chosen professional specialty, students must be able to demonstrate the application of their skills to a range of problems.
Professional Roles:
Students must demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to the 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, and teaching and research. Students 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.
| Knowledge-based Competencies |
Type of Applicability to Program |
Learning Outcomes
|
PsyD |
PhD, Clinical |
PhD, Policy and Justice |
| Students will evaluate, conceptualize, characterize, predict, and articulate clinically relevant aspects of clients (e.g., character, behavior, strengths, challenges, symptoms, relationship quality, functioning) in general clinical and forensic context. |
Service-centered Application |
Research/Service-centered Application |
Limited Knowledge-based application to Research/Non-clinical Service |
| Students will utilize assessment tools and diagnostic criteria to evaluate clients and to determine, and apply, appropriate intervention |
Service-centered Application |
Research/Service-centered Application |
Limited Knowledge-based application to Research/Non-clinical Service |
| Students will conduct themselves ethically and legally in all educational and professional activities. |
Global Application |
Global Application |
Global Application |
| Students will apply the basic skills associated with consultation, education, management, and supervision in a multicultural professional forensic environment. Students will communicate (orally and in writing) in a clear, accurate, and professional manner. |
Service-centered Application |
Research/Service-centered Application |
Research/Non-clinical Service-centered Application |
III. Research-based Competencies
Students are expected to develop sufficient knowledge and the empirical skills needed to conceive and carry out independent scholarly investigation. Each program incorporates 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.
| Knowledge-based Competencies |
Type of Applicability to Program |
Learning Outcomes
|
PsyD |
PhD, Clinical |
PhD, Policy and Justice |
| Students will comprehend, critically evaluate and describe research pertaining to all areas of psychology. |
Global Application |
Global Application |
Global Application |
| Students will conduct a systematic and culturally relevant mode of inquiry involving problem identification, selection of appropriate methodology, analysis and interpretation of data, and clear and accurate communication of findings pertaining to psychologically relevant phenomena. |
Dissertation |
Master’s Thesis and Dissertation |
Projects, practice, Master’s Thesis and Dissertation |
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