Certificate in Fundamentals of Correctional Psychology
Learn to work within correctional systems successfully and safely.
Fundamentals of Correctional Psychology Certificate Overview
The advanced practice certificate, fundamentals of correctional psychology, supports mental health professionals working within, or seeking to work within, correctional systems to attain the skills, knowledge, and attitudes essential to success and safety. It is also designed to support those already within the system to enhance their knowledge and skills.
Program Highlights
Pathway to a Master’s
The credits from this certificate coursework can be applied toward earning your master of science degree in forensic behavioral science or forensic leadership administration.
Offered Online
The program is offered online giving you the flexibility to complete your coursework virtually from a location of your choice.
Explore your Professional Identity
Gain the skills and knowledge to build your professional identity in the field of correctional psychology while mastering evidence-based practices in clinical intervention in correctional settings.
Admissions
Learn About Admissions Requirements
Faculty
Get to Know Our Diverse Faculty
Degree Information
Curriculum Plan
Course One: Developing a Correctional Professional Identity
This course provides an introduction to and overview of the field of correctional psychology, and of the unique relational factors that contribute to or hinder realization of professional identity within correctional settings. In the program you’ll learn about the unique culture of correctional institutions and the health professional’s role as a member of an inter-professional team. You’ll explore the factors associated with successful and intentional development of a solid professional identity, including addressing difficult situations within corrections, common lapses in judgment and missteps that occur in correctional institutions, conditions that lead to burn out, compassion fatigue, vicarious trauma, strategies for self-care, and best practices for conflict resolution in an adversarial environment. Special emphasis will be placed on ethical decision-making in the correctional setting.
Course Two: Developmental Bases of Criminal Behavior
This course explores the major distinctions between normative and criminal human development, including the major theories of personality development as related to criminal behavior. It examines the impact of various factors on criminal behavior, including macro-level factors (culture, media, political context), neuroscientific factors, and major theories of cognitive development, related to criminal behavior.
Course Three: Evidence-based Practices in Corrections
This course reviews the particular impact of common and co-morbid physical, psychological, and environmental conditions on clinical intervention in correctional settings. The impact of institutional resources and priorities on treatment planning is explored. Common treatment interventions used in the correctional environment, including motivational interviewing and various cognitive-behavioral and psychoeducational interventions are reviewed and practiced. The course will also review basic psychopharmacology commonly used in correctional settings. Additional best practices specific to correctional settings, including establishing a therapeutic alliance and the strategies for working with resistant patients; counter transference issues that arise when working within correctional settings; and special considerations, such as screening for and treating suicidality and homicidality.
Links and Downloads
The certificate program is offered online. All classes and coursework can be completed virtually, allowing you flexibility with your schedule.