The Chicago School of Professional Psychology's Unique Ph.D. in International Psychology: Global Skills to Meet Growing International Challenges

Distinctive Degree Program Expands to On-Ground Option

CHICAGO, Oct. 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Global connectivity, conflicts, and other crises throughout the world have exponentially increased the need for professionals with international and cross-cultural expertise. The global need for psychology has never been greater—to heal wounds, foster diplomacy, and cultivate cooperation and peace. In response, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (TCSPP) developed its International Psychology Ph.D. program for working professionals—the first degree of its kind in the world. This unique program—which launched in 2009 in an online-blended format—will now be offered in an on-ground format at the school's Chicago Campus beginning with the January 2011 semester.

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"The dynamics of the world have changed and international psychology is well positioned to ask the right questions, engage in cross-cultural and cross-disciplinary collaboration and research, and propose creative and unique solutions to our common challenges," said Azin Nasseri, a counselor and therapist currently living in China who is in his second year of TCSPP's online-blended International Psychology doctoral program. "TCSPP's International Psychology program has given me the skills and confidence to move forward in my profession as I work to advance mental healthcare here in China."  

The on-ground International Psychology Ph.D. program is a 60-credit post-master's program designed for working professionals, with coursework on weekends and evenings. Students participate in two required field experiences at international sites, and also benefit from the activities and resources of the Center for International Studies and the Center for Multicultural and Diversity Studies at the Chicago Campus, plus a variety of research and community-based hands on learning opportunities throughout the Chicago area.

The program offers two concentrations: Organizations and Systems, and Trauma Services.

• The Organizations and Systems concentration is designed to prepare graduates to design, evaluate, and lead international programs for multinational corporations, international NGOs, faith-based organizations, the United Nations, and other governmental agencies.
• The Trauma Services concentration is designed for educators, medical personnel, and mental health professionals who are involved with organizations that provide first response and direct client care to populations affected by natural disaster, conflict, and other trauma. Graduates might assist organizations and agencies in developing prevention and preparedness training, launch grass-roots initiatives to provide mental health support services in the aftermath of traumatic events, advocate for increased awareness of and support for international mental health needs, and/or work with immigrant and refugee populations at home and abroad.

Interest in international psychology has been growing rapidly, but there had not been a Ph.D. program focused exclusively on the field until The Chicago School developed its online-blended program in 2009.

"We are looking at a new kind of professional who is uniquely qualified to apply psychological principles to address the challenges of an increasingly interconnected, diverse, and rapidly changing world," said Dr. Amanda Kim, lead faculty for the on-ground International Psychology Ph.D. program. "As psychologists, we have an opportunity to make a positive global impact not just on individuals, but on communities, systems, and policy. Students who enroll in the program have the commitment—and can now gain the skills sets—to do so."

For more information on the International Psychology Ph.D. program, attend the upcoming International Psychology- Chicago Information Session on November 3, 2010, at the Chicago Campus, and visit our website. Click here to apply to join the inaugural class of the on-ground program beginning in January 2011.

About The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Founded in 1979, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (TCSPP) is the nation's leading nonprofit graduate school dedicated exclusively to the applications of psychology and related behavioral sciences. The school is an active member of the National Council of Schools and Programs of Professional Psychology, which has recognized TCSPP for its distinguished service and outstanding contributions to cultural diversity and advocacy. The school's community service initiatives have resulted in three consecutive years of recognition on the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, including the additional "With Distinction" honor in 2010. In 2009, the school was named to The Chronicle of Higher Education's annual list of "Great Colleges to Work For." Campuses are located in Chicago; in Los Angeles, Westwood, and Irvine, California; and the newest campus in Washington, D.C. Doctoral psychology programs and masters psychology programs are offered on-ground and in an online-blended format.

For more information about The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, visit www.thechicagoschool.edu. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/gradpsychology. Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thechicagoschool.

SOURCE The Chicago School of Professional Psychology