Fundamentals of Correctional Psychology with Assessment- Advanced Practice Certificate

Program Description/Overview

The Violence and Safety Institute of 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, medical practitioners, and education professionals.

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

Students benefit from the partnerships CSFS has with various national and international agencies and organizations, including Forensic Linguistics Intelligence, the International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association (ILEETA), and ASIS International. Some courses and certificates are also eligible for continuing education (CE) credit through the American Psychological Association. 

NOTE: Students admitted to this certificate program must be currently enrolled in or have graduated from a doctoral psychology program. 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 evidence-based intervention strategies when working in correctional settings.
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