Academic Programs at CSFS
The California School of Forensic Studies offers two degree-tracks for students pursuing careers in clinical forensic psychology; PhD and PsyD degrees.
What is Clinical Forensic Psychology?
Guidelines developed by the American Psychology-Law Society (AP-LS) Division 41 of the American Psychological Association (APA) define forensic psychology as: "All professional practice by any psychologist working within any sub-discipline of psychology (e.g., clinical, developmental, social, cognitive) when applying the scientific, technical, or specialized knowledge of psychology to the law to assist in addressing legal, contractual, and administrative matters".
Application of the Guidelines does not depend on the practitioner's typical areas of practice or expertise, but rather on the service provided in the case at hand. These Guidelines apply in all matters in which practitioners provide forensic psychological expertise to judicial, administrative, and educational systems including, but not limited to:
- Examining or treating persons in anticipation of or subsequent to legal, contractual, administrative, proceedings
- Offering expert opinion about psychological issues in the form of amicus briefs or testimony to judicial, legislative or administrative bodies
- Acting in an adjudicative capacity
- Serving as a trial consultant or otherwise offering expertise to attorneys, the courts, or others
- Conducting research in connection with, or in the anticipation of, litigation
- Involvement in educational activities of a forensic nature.
Clinical Forensic Victimology Concentration
Victimology is the study of why certain people are victims of crime and how lifestyles affect their chances of victimization. This concentration examines the commonalities among victims of certain crimes and contributes to identifying the criminals. Victimology examines the relationship between victims and various social groups and law enforcement as well as correctional and court systems.
Four Focus Areas
- Prevention
- Investigation
- Intervention
- Victimology field background
This concentration is available on the Los Angeles, San Diego, Fresno, and Sacramento campuses and is open to both Psy.D. and Ph.D. students.