May 14, 2025

2012-2013 Argosy University Academic Catalog—Graduate Programs | Volume 3, Issue 4

2012-2013 Argosy University Academic Catalog—Graduate Programs | Volume 3, Issue 4 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Postgraduate Certificate in Forensic Psychology

Offering Campus
Program Overview
Application and Admission Process
Certificate Requirements

Offering Campus

Argosy University, Schaumburg

Program Overview

The Postgraduate Certificate in Forensic Psychology offered by the Illinois School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University, Chicago is designed to provide specialized training in the study of clinical psychology in forensic settings to doctoral clinical psychology degree program students, graduated clinical psychologists, or other postgraduate healthcare professionals with relevant background and training. In recognition of the breadth of this arena and the crucial need for competent clinical psychologists working within the justice system, the Postgraduate Certificate in Forensic Psychology (PCFP) seeks to emphasize the application of clinical psychological skills in the following diverse settings:

The Criminal Justice System

Which includes issues regarding competency and criminal responsibility; psychological damages in civil trials; civil competencies; and child custody and parental fitness.

Correctional Psychology

Which includes issues related to treatment, assessment and consultation in correctional settings.

Allied Treatment Options

Which includes coursework relevant to the most common issues effecting forensic populations on an outpatient basis:

substance abuse, domestic violence, anger management, parenting skills.

Application and Admission Process

The director/coordinator of the certificate program will coordinate all admissions with the assistance of the Forensics Psychology Committee. Eligible doctoral degree program students must be in good standing at the Illinois School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University, Schaumburg and have the approval of their faculty advisor prior to application. For postdoctoral applicants, the admission process will depend on the review/matriculation of the applicant’s previous education and experience.

Certificate Requirements

The Postgraduate Certificate in Forensic Psychology requires the satisfactory completion of 12 semester credit hours distributed as follows: core course requirements, 6 credit hours; advanced electives and seminars requirements, 6 credit hours.

Core Course Requirements — Students Are Required to Take the Following

Core Course Requirements — 6 Credit Hours

Advanced Electives and Seminar Requirements — Students Are Required to Take up to 6 Credit Hours

Psychological Assessment

PP8650 - Assessment and Treatment of Substance Use Disorders (3)
PP8950 - Special Topics Assessment and Treatment of Juvenile Offenders
PP 8950 - Special Topics: Competency Assessment
PP8770 - Assessment of Malingering and Deception (1.5)

Psychological Interventions in Forensic Settings

Special Topics Seminar-Based Special Topics

PP8950 - Post-Mediation Counseling (1-3)
PP8950 - Custody Evaluations (1-3)
PP8950 - Victim based Treatments (1-3)
PP8950 - Court Consultation (1-3)

Advanced Electives and Seminar Requirements—6 Credit Hours

Note:

Courses without numbers are either special topics seminars or courses in the development phase.

Applied Experience Requirements

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology Degree Program Students

Students in the PsyD in Clinical Psychology degree program will complete 500 hours of applied training at sites approved by the Forensic Psychology Committee (made up of the coordinator of the Postgraduate Certificate and faculty with a specialty in forensics) on a case-by-case basis. In addition, those students will be required to complete the practicum seminars under the supervision of one of the Forensic Committee members. These students will also be required to complete their Clinical Research Project in a forensics related topic. PsyD in Clinical Psychology degree program students will also be strongly encouraged to complete an APA approved internship in forensic psychology to help them prepare for professional work and board certification if they desire.

Postdoctoral Applicants

Postdoctoral applicants will be required to undergo a credential review during the application process to determine their qualification for waiver of any coursework. The four core courses cannot be waived unless the applicant can demonstrate equivalency for that particular core course. However, a wide range of forensic electives would be considered for waiver based on the applicant’s needs and future goals. Applied training may also be waived in part. However, postdoctoral students will be required to complete 25 percent of their applied clinical hours in a professional seminar to ensure quality and consistency of training. The Forensic Psychology Committee will review the applicant’s current and previous work history. Those applicants who can demonstrate supervised hours in a forensic setting at the graduate level or above will be considered for waiver on a case-by-case basis. Postdoctoral students without the opportunity to obtain applied clinical hours will be offered the opportunity to complete this component in a one-year seminar that will meet weekly to provide exposure to forensic assessment and treatment. See the Postgraduate Certificate in Forensic Psychology coordinator or program chair for specific requirements and application procedures.