Every year, more than 450 million people around the globe suffer from a mental health condition, but in many places less than 10% have access to mental health services. International psychology professionals seek to bridge that gap through understanding, education, and outreach.
They may work in a variety of organizational environments and cultural settings, conducting research to better understand socio-cultural differences; developing and applying culturally competent organizational practices; supporting mental health services to underserved populations or to those suffering from the results of cultural crisis or natural disasters; launching grassroots initiatives to improve access to services; advocating and raising awareness about international mental health needs; and working with immigrant and refugee populations at home and abroad.
Ph.D. in International Psychology
- Offered in Chicago and in an online-blended format.
- A post-master’s program for individuals who work or wish to work in the international arena.
- Offered in a choice of three formats: full-time on campus, part-time on ground, and in an online-blended format.
Ph.D. in International Psychology at the Chicago Campus
- Offered on site at The Chicago School campus (3 years) with an option for an accelerated track.
- A post-master’s program for individuals who work or wish to work in the international arena.
- The on-campus program is full-time, but is scheduled to accommodate working students (classes are offered evenings and weekends).
- Classes are held one weekday evening and Saturdays, in a blended format.
- Uniquely developed opportunities to apply knowledge and skills within Chicago based organizations with an international population or mission.
- Opportunities to join team-based research projects with dissertation opportunities, grant writing experience and joint publications with faculty and peers.
They may work in a variety of organizational environments and cultural settings, conducting research to better understand socio-cultural differences; developing and applying culturally competent organizational practices; supporting mental health services to underserved populations or to those suffering from the results of cultural crisis or natural disasters; launching grassroots initiatives to improve access to services; advocating and raising awareness about international mental health needs; and working with immigrant and refugee populations at home and abroad.
Field Experiences and externships
- Students engage in field experiences and externships in preparation for the international capstone project.
- Partnerships with Chicago based, national and international universities, Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) and governmental agencies.
- The International Center and the Multi-Cultural Center are rich resources on campus that will be integrated into the curriculum.
- Students may take advantage of the Chicago Campus faculty mentorship in a face to face context and the global initiatives of TCS.
Students chose one of two concentration tracks with specialized courses
- Organizations and Systems: Provides graduates with the cultural competence and collaboration skills to design, evaluate, and lead international programs in corporations, governmental and non-governmental organizations, and health- and faith-based organizations with international missions.
- Trauma Services: Provides graduates with the skills and understanding necessary to assist individuals and organizations in developing prevention and preparedness training and designing sustainable support services in the aftermath of traumatic events. Facilitating culturally sensitive programs to address mental health issues related to traumatic experience in a variety of contexts.
The International Psychology program is particularly appropriate for professionals who work or desire to work for multinational corporations, international organizations, or faith-based organizations with international missions, including educators, spiritual leaders, medical personnel, mental health professionals, first responders, members of the media, and social service professionals. This new and innovative field of psychology also addresses global issues of ecology, climate change and the “greening” of organizations internationally.
Graduates are equipped with advanced research and program evaluation skills coupled with a rich appreciation for the individual and group consequences of global events—preparing them to apply psychological principles in the development of policy; assist individuals and organizations with understanding and collaborating with diverse cultural populations and all levels of international organizations and functional systems; and design and evaluate the efficacy of international programs.
Online-blended Programs
- Completed in three years (nine semesters).
- Online-blended students take one course at a time, progressing through the program in a “cohort” fashion (i.e., with the same group of fellow students in each of their classes for the duration of the program).
- Students engage in two nine-day international field experiences (one in year two and another in year three) as well as two required weekend residencies that focus on research and dissertation preparation.
Students choose one of two concentrations:
- Organizations and Systems: Provides graduates with the cultural competence and collaboration skills to design, evaluate, and lead international programs in corporations, governmental and non-governmental organizations, and health- and faith-based organizations with international missions.
- Trauma Services: Provides graduates with the skills and understanding necessary to assist individuals and organizations in developing prevention and preparedness training and designing sustainable support services in the aftermath of traumatic events.
Program is particularly appropriate for professionals who work or desire to work for multinational corporations, international organizations, or faith-based organizations with international missions, including educators, spiritual leaders, medical personnel, mental health professionals, first responders, members of the media, and social service professionals.
Graduates are equipped with advanced research and program evaluation skills coupled with a rich appreciation for the individual and group consequences of global events—preparing them to apply psychological principles in the development of policy; assist individuals and organizations with understanding and collaborating with diverse cultural populations and all levels of international organizations and functional systems; and design and evaluate the efficacy of international programs.
