Forensic Mental Health Leadership, (M.A.)

The Master of Arts in Forensic Mental Health Leadership program prepares individuals to become leaders, consultants and agents for change in forensic mental health and related public safety fields. Students in this program will gain personal and professional growth by learning new skills, strategies, and research driven data for dealing with the contemporary realities of mounting social problems, shifting cultural landscapes, increased public scrutiny, and the growing demand for increased account­ability and transparency from the communities and stakeholders they serve.

In this program, students learn to apply contemporary leadership models and practices, individual, organizational and community based assessment and intervention skills, research and program development, consulting skills, ethical practices, and a foundation in empirically supported policies and principles that will inform your choices as leaders within forensic mental health and related public safety organizations, or as consultants t o such organizations.

Program Objectives

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

1. Forensic Mental Health System Specialist: Perform the duties and responsibilities of a forensic mental health system specialist in a manner that assures ethnically and socially responsible delivery of services and recovery opportunities to the community.
2. Research and Evidence-Based Practice: Apply research principles and methods to formulate research for needs assessment, program development and evaluation, and evidence-based practice in response to diverse system needs in the forensic mental health and public safety field.
3. Leadership Competencies: Establish a leadership philosophy and style that capitalizes on the value of respectful interpersonal relationships and transparent group/team interactions to bring about tangible changes, innovations, and improvements in forensic and public safety organizations.
4. Consultation and Intervention Competencies: Integrate knowledge of theory, and professional literature to guide systemic case conceptual­ization, provide consultation and interventions, and the development of policies and strategies to promote the wellness and effectiveness of forensic mental health and public safety organizations.
5. Community Engagement and Wellbeing: Advocate for evidence-based community level policies and practices to foster community wellbeing.
6. Social, Legal, Ethical and Culturally Responsible Practice: Apply knowledge of the intersection between forensic mental health systems and related public safety agencies, and practice with reference to legal, ethical, and cultural considerations.
7. Social Responsibility/Social Justice: Determine the nature and causes of social problems (social injustices such as poverty, racism, abuse) and gain experience and skills to advocate for systemic change through engagement and leadership in multi-disciplinary, diverse forensic mental health, and related public safety organizations.
8. Adlerian Foundations and Principles: Apply principles of Adlerian Theory in forensic mental health and public safety policies, program and practices, with the goals of improving the well-being of individuals, couples, groups, families, organizations, governmental agencies, and communities.

Instructional Modality

This program is designed to be completed in 16 months on a full-time basis. Part-time student options allow students to complete the program in two to three years. Students seeking a part-time schedule must consult with the Program Director. Courses required for this program are offered in weekday and evening options; some classes are offered in a blended format (which requires students to be on campus two weekends per term).

Minimum Admission Requirements

• A baccalaureate degree earned from a regionally accredited college or university or an equivalent degree from an international college or university.
• A recommended GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale for undergraduate and graduate coursework. Exceptions may be made for applicants who demonstrate outstanding academic performance, academic abilities, and/or outstanding professional achievement in related fields.
• Approved applicants will be invited for an interview with faculty.

Grade Requirements

1. Satisfactory completion of all required courses and seminars.
2. Satisfactory completion of Social Justice Practicum I & II.
3. Completion of Program Capstone Project.
4. A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher and no more than two grades or six credit hours of C.
5. Submission of completed Graduation Application and full payment of all outstanding tuition and fees.
6. Faculty approval for graduation and recommendation to the Board of Trustees for the conferral of the Master of Arts in Forensic Mental Health Leadership

Field Experience

Social Justice Practicum (SJP)

The Social Justice Practicum (SJP) is a first-year, nonclinical and non-discipline specific experiential practicum that occurs during the fall and spring terms. The SJP is an anchor of student learning at Adler University, where our academic institution and community partners unite to educate and equip students with skills to become agents of social change. The purpose of this practicum is twofold: (1) to assist community agencies in their work toward equity for all members of our community, and (2) to enable students to gain knowledge, skills, and perspectives around social justice strategies needed to build a more equitable society.

The SJP is designed to help students learn how to work alongside communities, and it serves as a catalyst for students to develop their own strengths and understand their lifelong responsibility in making a contribution toward social change and social equity. During this practicum student gain, maintain, and strengthen connection to community by developing critical problem-solving skills necessary to be socially responsible practitioners. Students must complete their practicum by the last day of spring term. SJP requirements include: (1) completion of a minimum of 200 hours; (2) attendance at a monthly Campus Community Engagement workshop; and (3) a formal SJP presentation at the Annual Community Engagement Symposium. Students must also receive a grade of “Pass” for the midterm and final evaluation to receive credit for completing the SJP.

The SJP may not be waived and life credit is not admissible to meet this requirement.