In the classroom at the California School of Forensic Studies

Clinical Forensic Psychology PsyD - Sacramento and San Diego

Students pursuing a PsyD degree in Clinical Forensic Psychology will learn to apply principles of clinical psychology and scientific technique to legal questions. The practioner-scholar program at the California School of Forensic Studies supports students to gain core competency in clinical psychology, forensic diagnostic assessment and evaluation and research through an integrated academic and practical experience.

The emphasis in this program is the application of forensics to clinical psychological theory and practice in individual and group settings. Students will receive training and gain practical experience working with clients from a number of different venues including:

  • Juvenile hall
  • Correctional facilities
  • California Youth Authority
  • Probation
  • Parole
  • Group homes
  • Other forensic settings

Courses focus upon foundational psychological areas, including:

  • Fundamental psychological theory
  • Assessment
  • Intervention
  • Ethics
  • Multiculturalism
  • Research design and statistics
  • Biological basis of behavior
  • Cognitive affective basis of behavior
  • Developmental psychology,
  • Social psychology and psychopathology

Coursework also focuses the application of core psychological principles to issues including:

  • Police stress
  • Addiction
  • Sex offenders
  • Domestic violence
  • Juvenile delinquency
  • Stalking
  • Multiple homicide offenders
  • Victimology

Coursework also emphasizes rules of evidence and discovery, examination and cross-examination, and expert witness testimony.

STUDENT ADMISSIONS, OUTCOMES AND OTHER DATA