CSPP Mission & Philosophy
CSPP Mission & Philosophy | CSPP History | What Makes CSPP Unique | CSPP Accreditation | Continuing Innovation | Psychological Service Centers |
The founders of the California School of Professional Psychology were inspired to forge a new form of psychology education. They were committed to giving their students an integrated education: one that included both learning in the classroom and application of knowledge in a variety of field placements. This was a radical departure from most other psychology education that focused primarily on theory and research. Training Scholars and Practitioners Throughout its existence, what has set CSPP apart is its commitment to integrating academics and practical experience. | CSPP Mission Statement CSPP’s mission is to provide the highest quality education, training, research and service in professional psychology and related human services fields. We strive to improve the quality of life by addressing major contemporary issues in a problem-solving way, by fostering respect for human diversity in a multicultural society and by combating discrimination in all of its forms, especially racism, sexism and heterosexism. CSPP is committed to exhibiting the highest professional and ethical standards, to addressing the needs of individuals and organizations, and to serving those who are underserved. | Many other institutions still require students to focus on theory, practical application and research sequentially in different years. To better prepare students, the CSPP faculty designed a curriculum that weaves those three topics together throughout each year. The result is that theoretical understanding, practical application and research complement and inform one another. Students also have the opportunity to specialize their studies, allowing them to develop a professional focus and that will give them a head start in their careers. | Field Placement Apprenticeship At CSPP, field placements begin shortly after students start their graduate careers. The field placement starts gradually, and with increased efficacy comes increased responsibility. Students are mentored at their field placements and in the classroom, like an apprenticeship. It affords students the opportunity to apply knowledge learned in the classroom to their field placements and knowledge learned in their field placements to classroom understanding. The result is students who know how to deal with real crisis with diverse populations while also being competent scholars and researchers. Courtney Waldorf, recent alumna of CSPP San Diego, says of CSPP’s tight integration of field placement and academics: “It’s worked very well, because that’s what I’ve gotten! I chose CSPP because I wanted this, rather than something more clinical. I think doctoral students at other places sometimes get about 400 hours of field placement, about a third of what we get. But I have always thought that experience was what was going to make me successful in this field. And I’m so proud of my skills! I know that after I graduate – in just a couple weeks now - I will have a huge network of people I can talk to who will help out. If that’s the school’s goal, they certainly accomplished it with me! I have been very happy with the education I’ve gotten here.”
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