Forensic Psychology (B.S.)

The B.S. Forensic Psychology prepares students for the multi-disciplinary nature of forensic psychology to work in clinical, assessment, treatment, or counseling of criminals or victims, as well as within the court system. Forensic psychologists are invested in the study of criminal behavior and its applications to the justice system. They examine issues, controversies, social problems, psychological states, and other complex phenomenon within the adult, juvenile, civil, and family domains of practice. [63 credits]

Goals
To increase the student’s general understanding of:
1. the scientific, technical, or specialized knowledge of psychology as it applies to the law.
2. examining or treating persons in anticipation of or subsequent to legal, contractual, administrative, proceedings.
3. offering expert opinion about psychological issues judicial, legislative or administrative bodies.
4. acting in an adjudicative capacity.
5. serving as a trial consultant or otherwise offering expertise to attorneys, the courts, or others.
6. conducting and utilizing research of a forensic nature.

Objectives for the Student
1. Gain an understanding of the methods and techniques used in forensic psychology.
2. Understand the expectations of a Forensic Psychologist through internship possibilities.
3. Apply theory or knowledge to practical applications of Forensic Psychology
4. Develop an analytical understanding of the investigative process through the theories, concepts and terminology utilized in basic investigatory functions and evidentiary techniques.
5. Learn rules of evidence and the application of those rules to the criminal trial process
6. Be introduced to the standard statistical methods and assessment utilized in forensic psychology (i.e. psychopathology, cognitive and risk).