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).
I. Criminal Justice & Law Core (22 credits)
Complete all of the following:
II. Psychology Core (26 credits)
Complete all of the following:
III. Program Electives (15 credits)
Complete 5 courses from:
Degree Completion Notes
- Total credits required for a bachelor's degree (minimum): 120 credits
- Completion of required General Education coursework
- 1/2 of major requirements must be completed at Sage
- Cumulative GPA required for graduation (minimum): 2.000
- Minimum major GPA required for graduation (minimum): 2.200
Suggested Program of Study
The following is a general schedule for the Forensic Psychology program. Please consult the Forensic Psychology Program Director regarding changes to the sequence below. Note: for general/open elective courses, students may take additional CRM or PSY courses. Or some students elect to complete a minor in another discipline.
Year 1 - Fall (16 credits)
CRM 111 Crim Justice Functions
CRM 135 Pro-seminar
LAW 101 Intro to law
PSY 101 Intro to Psychology
RSC 101 Thriving at Sage
WRT 101 Writing in Community
Year 1 - Spring (15 credits)
CRM 130 Intro to Forensic Psych
Major Elective course #1
WRT 201 Researching in Community
General Education course
General/open elective
Year 2 - Fall (13-14 credits)
CRM 211/311 Criminology
PSY 202 or PSY 208 Dev. Psychology
PSY 207 Statistics
RSC 201 Intercultural Persp.
Year 2 - Spring (16 credits)
CRM 310 Victims & their Exp.
Major Elective course #2
PSY 233 Research Methods
General Education course
General/open elective
Year 3 - Fall (15 credits)
Major Elective course #3
PSY 308 Abnormal Psychology
PSY 339 Psychology & law
RSC 301 Innovation
General Education course
Year 3 - Spring (15 credits)
CRM 430
PSY 316 Biopsychology
General Education course
General/open elective
General/open elective
Year 4 - Fall (15 credits)
Major Elective course #4
PSY 409 History & Sytems
General/open elective
General/open elective
General/open elective
Year 4 - Spring (15 credits)
CLB 415 Capstone Seminar
Major Elective course #5
General/open elective
General/open elective
General/open elective