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Behavioral Sciences

Certificate in Child and Adolescent Psychology

A Child and Adolescent Psychology student works on their laptop
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  • Online
  • Full-Time
  • 5 Months

Geared toward professionals in youth and family service settings, The Chicago School’s Child and Adolescent Psychology Certificate program provides students with the opportunity to enhance their skills and advance their careers by helping young people who are struggling with mental health issues.

Guided by practitioner faculty, Child and Adolescent Psychology Certificate students will learn about the biological, psychological, and social factors that impact children and adolescents. Coursework includes psychopathology and behavior disorders, trauma and crisis intervention, and evidence-based programs.

By helping children, adolescents, and their families resolve conflicts in a variety of clinical, educational, and nonprofit settings, graduates will be able to address the following issues:

  • Peer pressure
  • Body image
  • Drugs and alcohol
  • Relationships
  • Sexuality
  • Parental divorce or death

Online Child and Adolescent Psychology Certificate Program: Student Experience

Through the convenience of The Chicago School’s online programs, your life remains intact. Our online Global Student Dashboard is where you will find all of the components to successfully complete your program. There, you’ll find your coursework and assignments, interact with fellow students, and are ask questions from your instructor.

Preview an online class 

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Psychology of the Life Span

This developmental psychology course examines normal childhood development from infancy through advanced age, focusing on the development of perceptual and cognitive processes, psychosocial roles, and familial interpersonal processes. Current clinical approaches are examined from diverse theoretical viewpoints and in view of recent research findings. Cultural diversity and individual differences are integral to this course. (3 credits).

Trauma and Crisis Intervention

This course will examine the comprehensive impact of trauma on individuals, support networks, and communities. Particular consideration will be paid to the multiple forms of trauma and crisis commonly presented for the child and adolescent population, and a survey of the most current research, evidence-based practices, and national organizations will expand student’s understanding of this field. (3 credits)

Family Systems and Family Therapy

This course introduces students to the major models of family systems. Basic assumptions, major issues, primary theorists, and techniques of each model will be considered including working with diverse families. This course recognizes the primary role of the family unit for its impact on the development of child and adolescent. (3 credits)
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For information on where The Chicago School of Professional Psychology meets, does not meet, or has not determined if the program meets licensure eligibility requirements for the state in which you wish to be licensed, please visit: https://staging.thechicagoschool.edu/admissions/licensure-disclosures/.

Send materials to:

Admissions Operations
c/o The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
203 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 1900
Chicago, IL 60601

Students applying to the Child and Adolescent Psychology Certificate program must submit the following:

  • Application
  • Application Fee: $50
  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae
  • Essay – Please answer the following question within three double-spaced, typed pages (approximately 500-750 words). Essay must specifically address the program/specialization for which you are applying.
    • Psychology is a vast discipline with many career options. In an essay format, please describe:
      • Why you chose this particular program/specialization. Cite specific experiences and examples.
      • Why it is important to you to study this discipline at a school that emphasizes cultural awareness, competence, and understanding of diversity.
      • Your professional career goals as they relate to this specialization.
      • Why you believe this program will assist you in reaching these goals.
  • Official College/University Transcripts
    • Students must submit official transcripts from all schools where degrees have been earned. The Chicago School requires that all schools be regionally accredited higher education institutions. Official transcripts may be sent directly from the institution or with your application for admission as long as they are official, sealed, and signed across the envelope flap when they arrive.
  • Previous Coursework
    • A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.

International Application Requirements
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A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution

The Chicago School is dedicated to keeping our professional degree programs accessible to anyone regardless of financial status. In addition to the scholarships that may be available, our Financial Aid Department will help provide you with information to determine what financial arrangements are right for you.

Learn more

Read the program’s Gainful Employment Disclosure.

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