MS in Clinical Psychology, Forensic
School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
The Forensic specialization presents master’s learners with a
theoretical and practical foundation of the clinical psychology
profession, with particular emphasis on psychology and the law,
techniques in forensic practice, and issues and trends in forensic
psychology. The specialization curriculum focuses on competencies
aimed at conducting forensic assessments and research with forensic
programs and populations, including incarcerated and recently released
offenders. These specialization requirements are not designed or
intended to meet professional licensure requirements for the
counseling or psychology professions.
Personal Suitability and Fitness for the Profession
Capella embraces the principles and guidelines set forth by the
Council of Chairs of Training Councils (CCTC) related to professional
psychology programs in that the faculty, training staff, supervisors,
and administrators in the MS in Clinical Psychology degree program
have a professional, ethical, and potentially legal obligation to
ensure, insofar as possible, that all learners have the competence to
manage professional relationships in an effective and appropriate
manner and that they possess the emotional maturity, interpersonal
stability, and intellectual judgment required to work with vulnerable
populations. Personal suitability and fitness for the profession
includes but is not limited to demonstration of sufficient
interpersonal and professional competence; selfawareness,
self-reflection, and self-evaluation; openness to processes of
supervision; and resolution of issues or problems that interfere with
professional development or functioning in a satisfactory manner.
Throughout the graduate training of each learner, faculty and staff
are responsible for educating and assessing learners with regard to
their personal suitability and fitness for the profession.
Core courses:
PSY5002 |
Foundations of Theory and Practice for Master’s Psychology Learners †
In this course, learners acquire the ability to navigate the Capella
courseroom and use the resources that support academic success,
including the library and writing center. Learners identify and
practice the academic requirements (including APA style and
formatting) necessary to successfully complete the Master’s degree
program in their chosen specialization; review their specialization’s
requirements, associated professional roles and organizations, and
ethics and professional standards; and articulate a professional
identity based on master’s-level psychology training.
For MS in Psychology and MS in Clinical Psychology learners
only. Must be taken during the learner’s first quarter. Cannot be
fulfilled by transfer.
| 5 quarter credits |
---|---|---|
PSY6095 |
Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy
This course provides an overview of foundational counseling and
psychotherapy theories and research-based practice. Throughout the
course, learners examine various schools of therapeutic intervention;
their underlying theoretical assumptions; and their historical,
cultural, and ethical context, with an emphasis on the application of
current theory in a variety of clinical populations. | 5 quarter credits |
PSY6210 |
Introduction to Psychopathology
In this course, learners examine the assessment, diagnosis, and
treatment of various forms of psychopathology throughout the lifespan.
Learners review the etiology of psychopathology; examine theories and
research of psychopathology; and explore current methods of
psychological interviewing, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment.
Learners also discuss the politics of mental disorders, emerging
diagnoses, and ethical and multicultural issues associated with
psychopathology. | 5 quarter credits |
PSY7610 |
Tests and Measurements
Learners investigate essential concepts, principles, applications, and social and theoretical issues of psychological testing. Learners gain understanding in the construction of tests; analyze the development and use of tests in measuring aptitudes, achievement, attitudes, interests, and personality; and identify underlying theories of various tests. Learners analyze the characteristics desired in psychological and educational tests, with particular emphasis on reliability and validity, and evaluate best practices and professional standards for educational and psychological testing, including test bias and fairness. In addition, learners assess the role of technology in delivery, administration, scoring, and interpretation of tests. | 5 quarter credits |
PSY7860 |
Survey of Research Methods
Learners in this course critically evaluate research in order to gain an understanding of the scientific methods of inquiry and the ethical considerations of research. Learners develop and apply skills needed to become educated consumers and creators of research. Learners also use their research design skills to analyze and apply research methodologies, validity, reliability and other components of scientific research related to their field of interest. Learners may only earn credit for PSY7860 or RSCH7860. | 4 quarter credits |
Specialization courses:
PSY5110 * |
Ethics and Multicultural Issues in Psychology
In this course, learners analyze multicultural perspectives and
factors such as ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and gender, and their
influences on the ethical behavior of psychology professionals.
Learners evaluate and articulate multicultural issues within the
context of different settings and practice applying ethical reasoning
principles and standards within their profession.
Prerequisite(s): PSY5002 or PSY8002.
| 5 quarter credits |
---|---|---|
PSY6092 |
Counseling Skills and Procedures
This course provides an introduction to the fundamental skills and
core conditions associated with effective counseling practice, from
development of the therapeutic alliance through termination.
For MS in Clinical Psychology learners only.
| 5 quarter credits |
PSY6910 * |
Psychology and the Law
Learners investigate the fundamental theoretical, empirical, and ethical bases of forensic psychology and prepares learners for the advanced practical training covered in PSY6920 and PSY6930. Learners develop forensic assessment methodology skills and study psychology’s role in the judicial system, the differences between clinical and forensic psychological practice, and parameters of ethical practice in forensic psychology. Learners also analyze the basic functions of forensic practice in civil, criminal, juvenile, and family law contexts and basic principles of testimony. Prerequisite(s): PSY6210 | 5 quarter credits |
PSY6920 * |
Techniques of Forensic Practice
The primary focus of PSY6920 is on the methodology and mechanics for performing different forensic activities including training in methodology. The course also focuses on practical applications and skill-building in different forensic practice areas. The course presents forensic evaluation methodologies including competency to stand trial, insanity defense, child custody, fitness to parent, mitigating defenses, and recidivism. Evaluating malingering and understanding the guidelines for ethical practice are emphasized throughout the course. Prerequisite(s): PSY6910. | 5 quarter credits |
PSY6930 * |
Current Issues and Trends in Forensic Practice
Learners in this course analyze current forensic psychology issues
and examine appropriate application of scientific methods to forensic
situations. Topics include eye-witness identification, legal decision
making, forensic assessment and reporting, criminal defenses,
profiling, polygraphy, risk assessment, jury composition, scientific
jury selection, and other selected topics of interest to both the
psychology and legal fields.
Prerequisite(s): PSY6210, PSY6910, PSY6920.
| 5 quarter credits |
PSY7864 |
Quantitative Design and Analysis
In this course, learners investigate the fundamental concepts needed to conduct quantitative research. Learners examine and apply quantitative research techniques; appropriate applications of quantitative research; research design, measurement, and analysis, and their associated interdependencies; variable types and levels of measurement; sampling; descriptive and inferential statistics; and hypothesis testing. Learners define the strengths and limitations of descriptive statistics, analyze the quantitative scales of measurement, review the logic of probability and null hypothesis testing, and leverage technology when applicable. Learners also determine the steps necessary to ensure human subjects protection, and consider methodological adaptations when conducting research with vulnerable and diverse populations. Learners may only earn credit for PSY7864 or RSCH7864. | 4 quarter credits |
Total
At least 53 quarter credits
* Denotes courses that have prerequisite(s). Refer to the descriptions for further details.
Learners who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.