The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

The M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) program at The Chicago School's downtown Chicago Campus prepares students to provide high-quality mental health services to a diverse clientele in a variety of community settings. Our master's program is a 60 credit hour, on-ground counselor education training program that provides strong preparation in clinical mental health counseling competencies including ethics, research, evaluation, diagnosis, theories, career assessment, and counseling interventions.

The Chicago School's Clinical Mental Health Counseling master’s program combines rigorous coursework with supervised clinical training that provide opportunities to put theory into practice in real-world settings. Graduates will be prepared to provide counseling services to individuals, families, couples and groups, and will have the skills to help clients work through a wide variety of issues including depression, anxiety, grief, low self-esteem, stress, relationship difficulties and suicidal impulses.

Our master's program incorporates the thirteen content areas required by the State of Illinois for licensure, and the eight content areas outlined by the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) to prepare those students seeking professional counselor licensure and desiring to begin professional practice at the master’s level.

Through its M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, the Counseling Department embraces this commitment through the integration of multicultural education and diversity across its curriculum; successful students demonstrate an appreciation for and competency in this area. Likewise, the faculty reflects experience in graduate level teaching and counseling practice with diverse clinical populations. 

The program seeks to serve a diverse student body from throughout the Midwest, and the country, and from a number of international countries.

A master’s degree in Forensic Psychology will open doors to a variety of professional opportunities that apply the art and science of psychology to the understanding and functioning of legal and related fields.

Students obtain a solid understanding of a range of issues, such as juvenile delinquency, criminal behavior, child custody, domestic violence, substance abuse, trauma, victimology, insanity and competency to stand trial, sexual offenders, violence and risk assessment, and expert testimony.

Students in the program have the opportunity to take advantage of the school’s proximity to key agencies important to study in this field—organizations such as the FBI, NCIS, Saint Elizabeth’s Hospital, the Supreme Court, the U.S. Department of Justice, and the Virginia Department of Corrections. Through a range of community partnerships, faculty members integrate the resources of such agencies through site visits, courtroom observations, field research, internships, and distinguished speakers. Students also benefit from a variety of applied learning experiences rarely available at other schools and are prepared to practice forensic psychology in an ethical, academically informed, and research-based manner.

Many companies rely on I/O psychology professionals to gain a competitive edge. Professionals who can identify what motivates individuals and teams to meet organizational goals continue to be in high demand in the world of business.

Students in the M.A. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology program study a variety of applied I/O coursework topics including personnel selection, performance appraisal, training, leadership, and motivation. The Chicago School's Industrial and Organizational Psychology: Internship/Thesis master's program prepares graduates to apply principles of psychology and business to effectively guide organizations and individuals to success. Students benefit from exceptional theoretical classroom training coupled with opportunities for a broad range of real-world learning experiences.

The program faculty of the I/O and Business Psychology Department is comprised of business and psychology professionals. By design, our faculty members cross disciplines and are diverse in education and experience, representing the areas essential to our conceptualization of business psychology. Distinguished faculty members have diverse backgrounds and degrees in I/O psychology, business, clinical psychology, and organizational development. Blending their multidisciplinary perspectives and approaches provides for more integrated learning across fields.

Applied Behavior Analysis is the ethical design, implementation and evaluation of environmental changes to produce socially significant improvements in behavior. At the master’s level, the Applied Behavior Analysis program incorporates the content areas and practicum requirements to make graduates eligible for national board certification by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® in addition to providing a solid foundation in clinical psychology skills. The aim is to prepare students for a rewarding career in the rapidly growing field of Applied Behavior Analysis. Graduates may work in residential, school, and community-based settings with a wide variety of clients including children, adults, and seniors. Clients may have no diagnoses (e.g., school children in a regular education class or teachers seeking to be more effective) or may have diagnoses such as autism, behavioral difficulties, developmental disabilities, mental illness, and a variety of geriatric conditions. Doctoral graduates are lead practitioners and researchers in educational, clinical, and business settings who can successfully respond to the diverse needs of consumers of behavioral interventions and therapies.

Students studying Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) learn to affect socially significant behavioral changes in individuals with developmental disabilities—from those in regular educational settings to those who wish to improve performance or master skills in a variety of ways. Using a natural science approach, ABA professionals systematically collect and analyze data to validate incremental changes in observable behavior.

Students in the D.C. Campus' ABA master's program gain experience and exposure in a wide variety of ABA applications and specialties, including instructional design, precision teaching, and verbal behavior. Our program is distinctive in that students receive a solid foundation in the principles of clinical psychology, in addition to thorough training in ABA techniques—preparing them to work with a range of populations in both clinical and business/industry settings.

TCSPP has established partnerships with local public and private schools to provide students with the unique opportunity to gain professional preparation by applying what they have learned about ABA technologies to special education diagnoses and school administration. Opportunities to gain real-world experience provide graduates with valuable skills to take with them into the work force.

The ABA course sequence is approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® and graduates are eligible to sit for national certification by the Behavior Analysis Certification Board®.
 

The Business Psychology (Consulting Track) Ph.D. is a post-master’s doctoral program that trains doctoral-level psychologists for a career in academic research as well as for corporate, consulting, and other work settings. The curriculum is a unique blend of clinical and organizational psychology integrated with business courses that prepares Chicago School students to conduct empirical research with a multi-disciplinary approach that contributes to the body of knowledge referenced to solve individual, group and organizational problems in business environments. The program combines research skills with psychological theory to help graduates succeed in their roles as academicians, organizational leaders, or consultants.

The Business Psychology program (I/O Track) Ph.D. trains doctoral-level psychologists for a career in academic research as well as for corporate, consulting, and other work settings. The student first earns a Master of Arts degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology during the first two years of the program, which a substantial base of knowledge for doctoral curriculum. The doctoral curriculum is a unique blend of clinical and industrial/organizational psychology integrated with business courses that prepares Chicago School students to conduct empirical research with a multi-disciplinary approach that contributes to the body of knowledge referenced to solve individual, group and organizational problems in business environments, The program combines research skills with psychological theory to help graduates succeed in their roles as academicians, organizational leaders, or consultants.

The field of counseling thrives on life-long learning and professional development for counselors to continue to provide ethical and effective mental health services to the larger community. The Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision program prepares students with a strong grounding in the theoretical and practical aspects of counseling. The curriculum integrates client assessment and diagnoses to generate best practices and enhance the practice of counseling. Students benefit from extensive engagement in qualitative and quantitative research with the highest level of professional and ethical standards. They learn how to analyze learning outcomes and design teaching methods relevant to counselor education.

Graduates will be prepared to select, implement, and supervise educational methodologies for counselor education that meet a wide variety of individual, group and organizational needs—including those offered in nonprofit, institutional, and non-institutional settings. The Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision program prepares professionals to be educators and leaders in the field of counseling and apply the principles of counseling psychology, education, and supervision in addressing the needs of specific populations. 

Businesses, large and small, increasingly recognize the critical distinction between a manager and a leader. A leader is someone who paints a vision and inspires employees to work effectively toward achieving it. In an increasingly global environment, today’s organizations are looking for value-based, visionary leadership. The Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership program prepares leaders of tomorrow with coursework in human diversity and ethics, research strategies, strategic change management, teambuilding, organizational interventions, interpersonal dynamics, leadership methodologies, and a range of electives to support each student’s individual career goals.

Chicago School’s Clinical Psy.D. program, is based on a practitioner-scholar model of training, which focuses on providing students with a broad knowledge of scientific and theoretical clinical psychology principles that can be applied with a variety of clinical disorders in diverse populations. The Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) is the highest degree for those who wish to apply their knowledge as practicing clinicians. Doctoral students will choose from concentrations in Child and Adolescent Psychology, Forensic Psychology, International/Multicultural Psychology, and General Clinical Psychology.

Graduates are prepared to conduct clinical interviews and psychological testing, create treatment plans, consult and collaborate with physicians and other professionals, and to provide multiple forms of therapy to alleviate mental illness, behavioral problems, and emotional distress. They will be qualified to serve as lead practitioners and/or senior administrators in both educational and clinical settings.

Students may petition to be awarded a master's degree midway through the program, after completing 50 semester hours of required coursework, including three semesters of practicum. After completing the remaining coursework, comprehensive exam, dissertation, and pre-doctoral internship, graduates of this program will be prepared to pursue positions as licensed clinical psychologists, provided they pass the appropriate licensure examination and complete any state-required post-doctoral residency requirements. Outside agencies control the requirements for taking and passing certification/licensing exams and are subject to change without notice to this campus.

The doctor of psychology, Psy.D., is the highest-level degree for those who wish to apply their knowledge as practicing clinicians. Clinical psychologists are highly trained in various theories, tools, and intervention techniques, and often work with clients who have experienced severe trauma or mental illness. They conduct clinical interviews and psychological testing, create treatment plans, consult and collaborate with physicians and other professionals, and provide multiple forms of therapy to alleviate mental illness, behavioral problems and emotional distress.

Students develop essential diagnostic, therapeutic, and consultative skills through rigorous coursework, challenging practicum and internship experiences, and an applicable dissertation. They graduate equipped with expert knowledge in theory, research, and practice in clinical psychology, and prepared to serve as lead practitioners and/or senior administrators in both educational and clinical settings.

Clinical psychology students in the program may apply to complete their clinical training hours at one of our own community counseling centers, two of Southern California's largest and most well-respected community counseling centers.  Students learn marketing and operations related to running a private practice, provide individual and group psychotherapy services, and graduate with critical skills and connections, preparing them to sit for licensure and launch successful careers.

Graduates of this program will be prepared to pursue positions as licensed clinical psychologists provided they pass the appropriate licensure examination and complete any state-required post-doctoral residency requirements. Outside agencies control the requirements for taking and passing certification/licensing exams and are subject to change without notice to this campus.

The Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis is designed to provide working professionals—including current behavior analysts or professionals in psychology, education, child care, speech and language pathology, and social services—a mastery of behavior analytic theories and procedures.

The M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) program at The Chicago School's downtown Chicago Campus prepares students to provide high-quality mental health services to a diverse clientele in a variety of community settings. Our master's program is a 60 credit hour, on-ground counselor education training program that provides strong preparation in clinical mental health counseling competencies including ethics, research, evaluation, diagnosis, theories, career assessment, and counseling interventions.

The Chicago School's Clinical Mental Health Counseling master’s program combines rigorous coursework with supervised clinical training that provide opportunities to put theory into practice in real-world settings. Graduates will be prepared to provide counseling services to individuals, families, couples and groups, and will have the skills to help clients work through a wide variety of issues including depression, anxiety, grief, low self-esteem, stress, relationship difficulties and suicidal impulses.

Our master's program incorporates the thirteen content areas required by the State of Illinois for licensure, and the eight content areas outlined by the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) to prepare those students seeking professional counselor licensure and desiring to begin professional practice at the master’s level.

Through its M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, the Counseling Department embraces this commitment through the integration of multicultural education and diversity across its curriculum; successful students demonstrate an appreciation for and competency in this area. Likewise, the faculty reflects experience in graduate level teaching and counseling practice with diverse clinical populations. 

The program seeks to serve a diverse student body from throughout the Midwest, and the country, and from a number of international countries.

A master’s degree in Forensic Psychology will open doors to a variety of professional opportunities that apply the art and science of psychology to the understanding and functioning of legal and related fields.

Students obtain a solid understanding of a range of issues, such as juvenile delinquency, criminal behavior, child custody, domestic violence, substance abuse, trauma, victimology, insanity and competency to stand trial, sexual offenders, violence and risk assessment, and expert testimony.

Students in the program have the opportunity to take advantage of the school’s proximity to key agencies important to study in this field—organizations such as the FBI, NCIS, Saint Elizabeth’s Hospital, the Supreme Court, the U.S. Department of Justice, and the Virginia Department of Corrections. Through a range of community partnerships, faculty members integrate the resources of such agencies through site visits, courtroom observations, field research, internships, and distinguished speakers. Students also benefit from a variety of applied learning experiences rarely available at other schools and are prepared to practice forensic psychology in an ethical, academically informed, and research-based manner.

Many companies rely on I/O psychology professionals to gain a competitive edge. Professionals who can identify what motivates individuals and teams to meet organizational goals continue to be in high demand in the world of business.

Students in the M.A. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology program study a variety of applied I/O coursework topics including personnel selection, performance appraisal, training, leadership, and motivation. The Chicago School's Industrial and Organizational Psychology: Internship/Thesis master's program prepares graduates to apply principles of psychology and business to effectively guide organizations and individuals to success. Students benefit from exceptional theoretical classroom training coupled with opportunities for a broad range of real-world learning experiences.

The program faculty of the I/O and Business Psychology Department is comprised of business and psychology professionals. By design, our faculty members cross disciplines and are diverse in education and experience, representing the areas essential to our conceptualization of business psychology. Distinguished faculty members have diverse backgrounds and degrees in I/O psychology, business, clinical psychology, and organizational development. Blending their multidisciplinary perspectives and approaches provides for more integrated learning across fields.

Applied Behavior Analysis is the ethical design, implementation and evaluation of environmental changes to produce socially significant improvements in behavior. At the master’s level, the Applied Behavior Analysis program incorporates the content areas and practicum requirements to make graduates eligible for national board certification by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® in addition to providing a solid foundation in clinical psychology skills. The aim is to prepare students for a rewarding career in the rapidly growing field of Applied Behavior Analysis. Graduates may work in residential, school, and community-based settings with a wide variety of clients including children, adults, and seniors. Clients may have no diagnoses (e.g., school children in a regular education class or teachers seeking to be more effective) or may have diagnoses such as autism, behavioral difficulties, developmental disabilities, mental illness, and a variety of geriatric conditions. Doctoral graduates are lead practitioners and researchers in educational, clinical, and business settings who can successfully respond to the diverse needs of consumers of behavioral interventions and therapies.

The Business Psychology (Consulting Track) Ph.D. is a post-master’s doctoral program that trains doctoral-level psychologists for a career in academic research as well as for corporate, consulting, and other work settings. The curriculum is a unique blend of clinical and organizational psychology integrated with business courses that prepares Chicago School students to conduct empirical research with a multi-disciplinary approach that contributes to the body of knowledge referenced to solve individual, group and organizational problems in business environments. The program combines research skills with psychological theory to help graduates succeed in their roles as academicians, organizational leaders, or consultants.

The field of counseling thrives on life-long learning and professional development for counselors to continue to provide ethical and effective mental health services to the larger community. The Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision program prepares students with a strong grounding in the theoretical and practical aspects of counseling. The curriculum integrates client assessment and diagnoses to generate best practices and enhance the practice of counseling. Students benefit from extensive engagement in qualitative and quantitative research with the highest level of professional and ethical standards. They learn how to analyze learning outcomes and design teaching methods relevant to counselor education.

Graduates will be prepared to select, implement, and supervise educational methodologies for counselor education that meet a wide variety of individual, group and organizational needs—including those offered in nonprofit, institutional, and non-institutional settings. The Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision program prepares professionals to be educators and leaders in the field of counseling and apply the principles of counseling psychology, education, and supervision in addressing the needs of specific populations. 

The Chicago School’s Ph.D. in International Psychology attracts passionate world learners who want to make an impact in an increasingly diverse and global society. The International Program—the first of its kind in the nation—prepares graduates to assume leadership roles in multinational organizations or organizations with international missions. The program’s vision of empowering students and faculty to be advocates for international psychology initiatives is renowned and unrivaled.

Graduates are equipped with expert research and program evaluation skills coupled with a deep appreciation for the individual and group consequences of global events—tools that prepare them to apply psychological principles in the development of policy, to help individuals and organizations better understand and collaborate with diverse cultural populations, and to design and evaluate the efficacy of international programs.

Our curriculum offers excellent preparation in the foundation of international psychological study. Students are encouraged to choose their own specialization to support their personal interests and career focus. Two concentrations are available within the field of International Psychology: Organizations and Systems, or Trauma Services. 

Each student works closely with a designated faculty mentor who offers guidance on potential career paths and international networking opportunities.  Through faculty mentorship, opportunities for student to engage in scholarly activities are promoted, such as conference presentations and publications.

Businesses, large and small, increasingly recognize the critical distinction between a manager and a leader. A leader is someone who paints a vision and inspires employees to work effectively toward achieving it. In an increasingly global environment, today’s organizations are looking for value-based, visionary leadership. The Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership program prepares leaders of tomorrow with coursework in human diversity and ethics, research strategies, strategic change management, teambuilding, organizational interventions, interpersonal dynamics, leadership methodologies, and a range of electives to support each student’s individual career goals.

The doctor of psychology, Psy.D., is the highest-level degree for those who wish to apply their knowledge as practicing clinicians. Clinical psychologists are highly trained in various theories, tools, and intervention techniques, and often work with clients who have experienced severe trauma or mental illness. They conduct clinical interviews and psychological testing, create treatment plans, consult and collaborate with physicians and other professionals, and provide multiple forms of therapy to alleviate mental illness, behavioral problems and emotional distress.

Students develop essential diagnostic, therapeutic, and consultative skills through rigorous coursework, challenging practicum and internship experiences, and an applicable dissertation. They graduate equipped with expert knowledge in theory, research, and practice in clinical psychology, and prepared to serve as lead practitioners and/or senior administrators in both educational and clinical settings.

Clinical psychology students in the program may apply to complete their clinical training hours at one of our own community counseling centers, two of Southern California's largest and most well-respected community counseling centers.  Students learn marketing and operations related to running a private practice, provide individual and group psychotherapy services, and graduate with critical skills and connections, preparing them to sit for licensure and launch successful careers.

Graduates of this program will be prepared to pursue positions as licensed clinical psychologists provided they pass the appropriate licensure examination and complete any state-required post-doctoral residency requirements. Outside agencies control the requirements for taking and passing certification/licensing exams and are subject to change without notice to this campus.