The Chicago School Opens Campus in Heart of Nation's Capital
WASHINGTON (July 6, 2010) -- The Chicago School of
Professional Psychology (TCSPP), the nation's largest nonprofit
graduate school focused exclusively on psychology and related behavioral
sciences, will open its newest campus in the heart of the nation's
capital this August. The final step in the new campus approval process
came last week, when the Higher
Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and
Schools (HLC) extended TCSPP's institutional accreditation to its
new D.C. Campus. Classes begin August 30 at the campus at 901 15th St.
NW, just three blocks from the White House.
"Access to quality
mental health services is increasingly critical," said Dr.
Michele Nealon-Woods, president of TCSPP. "Being situated in our
nation's capital allows The Chicago School to extend its leadership to
the policy arena by more regularly contributing to the important
national conversation on mental health, and to train more professionals
to serve local and regional communities on the East Coast."
Dr.
Orlando Taylor, a nationally recognized leader in graduate
education, is the inaugural president for the D.C. Campus. Dr. Taylor's
illustrious career includes more than three decades as a faculty member,
vice provost, dean, department chair and professor at Howard
University, as well as serving on numerous national boards for a variety
of high profile higher education associations and organizations.
"The
opening of the Washington, D.C. campus represents a major milestone in
establishing The Chicago School Model of Education in the nation's
capital," said Dr. Taylor. I fully expect the D.C. campus to integrate
TCSPP's dedication to innovation, diversity, community and service into
its several degree programs as it prepares the next generation of
psychologists for the Washington region, the nation and indeed the
world."
With campuses located in Chicago, Los Angeles, Westwood
and Irvine, California, TCSPP is focused on preparing students to be
outstanding practitioners through curriculum, scholarship, training and
service learning that emphasize the need to understand diversity and the
importance of providing high quality mental health services for all
segments of the population.
Initially, the Washington, D.C.
Campus is offering the following degrees:
- Psy.D. in
Clinical Psychology. Students may choose from concentrations in Child
and Adolescent Psychology, Forensic Psychology,
International/Multicultural Psychology, and General Clinical Psychology.
Graduates are equipped with expert knowledge in theory, research, and
practice in clinical psychology - preparing them to serve as lead
practitioners and/or senior administrators in both educational and
clinical settings.
- M.A. in Counseling Psychology. This unique
program offers students a solid foundation in the principles of clinical
psychology, in addition to the opportunity to gain the essential
diagnostic, therapeutic, and consultative skills they need to be
outstanding counseling psychology professionals working with a range of
clinical populations and a variety of emotional and psychological
conditions. Clinical counselors work in a wide range of settings
including private practice, community agencies, public and private
schools, colleges and universities, hospitals, and other mental health
facilities.
- M.A. in Forensic Psychology. Students will learn to
perform assessments, interventions, and treatment planning for various
problems and populations - preparing them to work in community, legal
and public policy arenas in an ethical, academically informed, and
research-based manner. Forensic practitioners find work in an
ever-expanding range of settings - including child welfare agencies,
forensic units in state mental health facilities, jails and prisons,
community mental health centers, juvenile correctional facilities,
government agencies, family courts, and private practice.
Programs
are offered on a late afternoon and evening schedule to accommodate
working professionals, and some classes will be available in an
online-blended format. All programs are taught by seasoned practitioner
faculty who are leaders in their respective fields.
Consistent
with the values and philosophy of TCSPP, in addition to providing a
superior education to its students, the new campus promises to be a
significant contributor of social services in the Washington-Baltimore
region. The Chicago School is nationally recognized for its community
service; last year the Chicago Campus alone provided over 750,000 hours
of service to local communities. According to Dr. Taylor, the D.C.
Campus will continue to build on that legacy.
"We will measure
our success not only by the accomplishments of our graduates, but by the
impact our faculty and students have on our communities now," said Dr.
Taylor. "I have spent many years in the Washington, D.C. area and have
already begun outreach to develop civic engagement and service learning
opportunities for our students, staff and faculty."
In addition
to building service learning relationships, Dr. Taylor and his team are
identifying local clinical training sites, and have plans to open a
Center for African Psychology within the school this fall.
The
Chicago School's Washington, D.C. Campus is now officially enrolling
students for the fall term. Prospective students with questions can
contact an admissions counselor at 800.721.8072 or visit TCSPP online to
begin and/or complete an application.
About The Chicago School of
Professional PsychologyFounded 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 for exemplary service to disadvantaged
youth. 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. 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.
Contact:
Lynne Baker, 312/379-1635, lbaker@tcsedsystem.org