Forensic PsychologyThe Forensic Psychology major is designed for students who are interested in the relationship between the science of psychology and the criminal justice system.
Different from a Criminal Justice major, the Forensic Psychology major focuses on applying the scientific knowledge of psychology in clinical, developmental, social, and cognitive areas to legal situations. Students develop a strong knowledge base in the areas of human behavior, psychological theory, research methods in psychology, and the application of psychological principles to specific areas of the legal system.
By requiring coursework from both the Psychology and Criminal Justice departments, the Forensic Psychology major provides an interdisciplinary background appropriate for students who intend to pursue careers in psychology, social work, law enforcement, juvenile justice, or other criminal justice professions. Students may also go on to graduate, law, or medical school.
A Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Forensic Psychology is available for students.
Traditionally, the Bachelor of Arts degree has been viewed as offering more flexibility with the types of courses the student can take within the major. The Bachelor of Science degree has traditionally been viewed as an option for students who are pursuing post-baccalaureate education and want a stronger background in psychological research and the physical sciences (biology, chemistry, physics) as well.
Required and regularly offered coursework in the curriculum is detailed below. Some additional courses that have been of interest to our majors and extend their learning include Psychology and Treatment of the Juvenile Offender, Juvenile Justice, and Child & Adolescent Psychopathology.
51 credit hours including prerequisites.
Required Courses in Psychology (18 Credit Hours):
PSYC 306 - Social Psychology
PSYC 321 - Psychology and Law
PSYC 324 - Abnormal Psychology
PSYC 325 - Psychology of Criminal Behavior
PSYC 342 WI- Theories of Counseling
Prerequisites (12 Credit Hours):
PSYC 105 - Introduction to Psychology
CRJU 101 - Introduction to Criminology
STAT 213 - Applied Statistical Reasoning for the Sciences
PSYC 215 - Psychology Research Methods
AND (1 of the following are required based on the student's focus -other psychology courses could be taken as electives)
PSYC 203 - Psychology of Gender
PSYC 305 - Life-Span Developmental Psychology
PSYC 332 - Psychological Tests and Measurements
PSYC 343 - Family Counseling
PSYC 360 - Behavioral Pharmacology
Required Courses in Criminal Justice (9 Credit Hours):
CRJU 221 - Criminal Law and Procedure
CRJU 400 - Criminology
SOC 342 -Drugs & Society
AND choice of 1 concentration....
Concentration in Policing (9 Hours):
CRJU 102 - Introduction to Law Enforcement
CRJU 303 - Police Problems and Practices
CRJU 342 - Criminal Evidence and Investigations
OR
Concentration in Corrections (9 Hours):
CRJU 231 - Contemporary Corrections
CRJU 313 - Offender Treatment: Methods and Theories
CRJU 314 -Probation, Parole, & Community Corrections
AND required PSYC 421 -- Internship in Forensic Psychology (3 Hours required - 6 Hours maximum)
52 credit hours including prerequisites.
Required Courses in Psychology (18 Credit Hours):
PSYC 306 - Social Psychology
PSYC 321 - Psychology and Law
PSYC 324 - Abnormal Psychology
PSYC 325 - Psychology of Criminal Behavior
PSYC 342 WI- Theories of Counseling
Prerequisites (12 Credit Hours):
PSYC 105 - Introduction to Psychology
CRJU 101 - Introduction to Criminology
STAT 213 - Applied Statistical Reasoning for the Sciences
PSYC 215 - Psychology Research Methods
AND (1 of the following are required based on the student's focus -other psychology courses could be taken as electives)
PSYC 203 - Psychology of Gender
PSYC 305 - Life-Span Developmental Psychology
PSYC 332 - Psychological Tests and Measurements
PSYC 343 - Family Counseling
PSYC 360 - Behavioral Pharmacology
Required Courses in Criminal Justice (9 Credit Hours):
CRJU 221 - Criminal Law and Procedure
CRJU 400 - Criminology
SOC 342 -Drugs & Society
AND choice of 1 concentration....
Concentration in Policing (9 Hours):
CRJU 102 - Introduction to Law Enforcement
CRJU 303 - Police Problems and Practices
CRJU 342 - Criminal Evidence and Investigations
OR
Concentration in Corrections (9 Hours):
CRJU 231 - Contemporary Corrections
CRJU 313 - Offender Treatment: Methods and Theories
CRJU 314 -Probation, Parole, & Community Corrections
AND required PSYC 421 -- Internship in Forensic Psychology (3 Hours required - 6 Hours maximum)
In addition, Bachelor of Science students must complete the following: Choose one biology course from BIOL 101 or BIOL 103 and 104; CHEM 103, or 105 and 106; CSCI 120; MATH 151 (and MATH 191 is strongly recommended); and choose one physics course from PHYS 110, 160, 203 or 204.
