Curriculum
Specialized coursework and
hands-on practica.
Forensic Psychology Curriculum
The M.A. Counseling, Specialization in Forensic Psychology is a 64 credit hour program that includes coursework and a training practicum. Successful completion of this program includes the courses listed below. Course descriptions can be found in the Adler School Catalog.
- PCO-210 Professional Development Seminar (0 credits)*
- PCO-211 Community Service Seminar I (1 credit)*
- PCO-213 Community Service Practicum I (1 credit)*
- PCO-212 Community Service Seminar II (1 credit)*
- PCO-214 Community Service Practicum II (1 credit)*
- PCO-337 Group Psychotherapy (3 credits)
- PCO-350 Community Psychology (3 credits)
- PCO-402 Introduction to Adlerian Psychology and Psychopathology (3 credits)*
- PCO-438 Introduction to Addictive Disorders (3 credits)
- PCO-472 Basic Skills for Psychotherapy (3 credits)*
- PCO-497 Research Methods (3 credits)
- MACF-502 Test & Measures in Forensic Psychology (3 credits)
- MAC-505 Professional Development, Issues and Ethics (3 credits)*
- MACF-506 Roles & Directions in Forensic Psychology (3 credits)
- MACF-507 Treatment in Forensic Populations (3 credits)
- MACF-508 Violence, Aggression & Social Deviance (3 credits)
- MACF-509 Trauma, Victimology, Theory, Practice & Skill Building (3 credits)
- MACF-510 M.A. Practicum Seminar I (1 credit)
- MACF-511 M.A. Practicum Seminar II (1 credit)
- MACF-512 M.A. Practicum I (1 credit)
- MACF-513 M.A. Practicum II (1 credit)
- MACF-514 Practicum Seminar Continued (2 credits)
- PCO-520 Theories of Psychotherapy (3 credits)*
- PCO-569 Lifestyle and Career Development (3 credits)
- PCO-610 Practicum Continuation (0 credits)
- PCO-623 Life Span Development (3 credits)
- PCO-647 Biopsychosocial Bases of Health and Dysfunction for Counselors (3 credits)*
- MAF-662 Overview of Marriage and Family Therapy Models (3 credits)
- MAC-679 Counseling Multicultural and Marginalized Communities (3 credits)
- MACF-995 Master’s Clinical Qualifying Examination (0 credits)
Total credit hours: 64
* = Required before beginning counseling practicum
Practicum
An integral part of all master's programs at the Adler School is supervised field placements. Ongoing involvement in clinical activities at professional training sites, including Adler Community Health Services, provides an opportunity to apply and further develop the knowledge, skills, values, and competencies gained in coursework.
In your first year, the Community Service Practicum focuses on developing skills for community-based interventions, advocacy, social justice, and systemic interventions that benefit human welfare and well-being. You’ll spend eight to ten hours per week over the course of six months at an approved site while concurrently enrolled in required coursework. A minimum of 200 clock hours of practicums is required.
In your second year, the practicum focuses on developing competencies required for entry-level practice upon graduation. Expect to spend at least two days per week over the course of at least nine months at an approved site while concurrently enrolled in two semesters of practicum seminars. You must complete a minimum of 700 total clock of clinical practicums.
At least one of the following courses must be taken concurrently with Community Service Practicum I & II:
- Community Psychology and Mental Health (350)
- Professional Development, Issues and Ethics (505)
- Introduction to Adlerian Psychology and Psychopathology (402)
- Social Psychology and Individual Differences (641)
The Director of Master's Counseling Training and the Director of Community Engagement will work with you to identify and approve clinical experiences. Because the focus is on integrating master's-level education with master's-level clinical training, the Adler School does not grant transfer credit for practicum credits earned elsewhere. Please refer to the Practicum Handbook for detailed information.