Fundamentals of Correctional Psychology with Assessment- Advanced Practice Certificate

Program Description/Overview

The California Institute for the Advancement of Forensic Behavioral Science, Public Safety, and Justice at the California School of Forensic Studies is dedicated to providing PRACTICAL forensic education and training to a broad range of professionals, including law enforcement, security professionals, first responders, human resource professionals, mental health professionals and medical practitioners.

The Institute’s Advanced Practice Certificates cover diverse subject areas, yet share a single objective: To support participants to effectively prevent and manage conflict and violence.

Many of the Advanced Practice Certificates are eligible for Continuing Education credit through the American Psychological Association (APA) and credit through the International Law Enforcement Education and Trainers Association (ILEETA). All are offered online by faculty experts who practice in the respective fields, and who bring their experience into the virtual classroom to transform theory into practice.

Certificates are accepted for transfer credit toward select 3-unit courses in CSFS’s Master of Science in Forensic Behavioral Science  or Master of Science in Forensic Leadership and Administration . Up to two certificates can be transferred.

This certificate is designed to support mental health professionals who seek to work within correctional systems to attain the skills, knowledge, and attitudes that support efficacy and safety within the correctional environment. It is also designed to support those already within the system to enhance their knowledge and skillset.

Program Learning Outcomes/Goals

1. Assess the unique dynamics associated with professional practice within the correctional environment.
2. Explore ethical issues particular to the correctional environment and effective methods of engaging in evidence-based ethical decision-making.
3. Analyze major theories on the factors that lead to engagement in criminal behavior.
4. Learn the most common and effective evidenced-based intervention strategies when working in correctional settings.

Students who enroll in the Assessment Certificate will also be supported to:

5. Assess the most appropriate assessment instruments for conducting psychological evaluations in correctional settings.

Professional Behavior Expectations/Ethical Guidelines

Respectful Speech and Actions: As an institution of higher education, the University has the obligation to combat racism, sexism, and other forms of bias and to provide an equal educational opportunity. Professional codes of ethics and the academic code shall be the guiding principles in dealing with speech or actions that, when considered objectively, are abusive and insulting.

Professional Behavior: This program is a graduate-level professional program, and each member of the program, both students and faculty, are expected to engage in professional behavior and conduct. Students should always display empathy, self-control, friendliness, generosity, cooperation, helpfulness, and respect in all of their interactions with other students, staff, and faculty. Students will strive to exemplify professional behavior in all aspects of their participation in this program, to be on time in all engagements, to thoughtfully and diligently complete activities and assignments, and to treat all other program members with respect and dignity.

Credit Units

Total Credit Units: 12

Total Core Credit Units: 12

Total Elective Credit Units: N/A

Total Concentration Credit Units: N/A

Curriculum Plan