Forensic psychology examines the intersection of human behavior and criminal justice, and it applies theories and skills from psychology to the legal system, including areas such as law enforcement, corrections, victim services, and the treatment of offenders. Forensic psychology includes five major subdisciplines — police psychology, investigative psychology, criminal psychology, correctional psychology, and legal psychology — all of which are covered in the course work comprising the 15-unit Certificate in Forensic Psychology.
Forensic psychologists are growing in numbers in judicial systems and law enforcement, working in correctional facilities, law enforcement agencies, police offices, school and university settings, community service agencies, and private practices. In addition to being a springboard to graduate study in Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice, and Criminology, the Certificate in Forensic Psychology complements undergraduate degrees in Psychology, Political Science, Sociology, Anthropology, Urban Studies, Biology and Chemistry.
This program can be completed entirely online.
Certificate in Forensic Psychology
Required Courses: 6 units
Course List
| Code |
Title |
Units |
| Psych 376 | Introduction to Criminology | 3 |
| Psych 377 | Introduction to Forensic Psychology | 3 |
| Total Units | 6 |
Elective Courses: 9 units, chosen from the following:
Course List
| Code |
Title |
Units |
| WGSS 323 | Sex Trafficking | 3 |
| Psych 3251 | Juvenile Delinquency | 3 |
| WGSS 326 | Gender and the Prison System | 3 |
| Anthro 3306 | Introduction to Forensic Anthropology | 3 |
| Psych 368 | Introduction to Psychopathology and Clinical Psychology | 3 |
| WGSS 371 | Gender and Crime | 3 |
| Psych 378 | Crisis Intervention: The Criminal Justice Response to Chaos, Mayhem, and Disorder | 3 |
| Psych 384M | Principles of Forensic Assessment | 3 |
| Psych 385 | Criminal Typologies | 3 |
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This program is offered either mostly or fully online. Students entering the U.S. on an F-1 or J-1 Visa must enroll in a program full time. F-1 students are only permitted to enroll in one online course per semester and J-1 students may only enroll in non-credit online courses that do not count toward their degree program. The School of Continuing & Professional Studies (CAPS) cannot guarantee face-to-face enrollment options each semester of full time enrollment, therefore cannot issue an I-20 or DS 2019 to F-1 and J-1 students for this program. If you are an F-1 or J-1 student and wish to enroll in a CAPS program while here on a Visa, please contact our recruitment team to discuss your options for face-to-face program enrollment. F-1 and J-1 students should not enroll in online courses or programs without first consulting the university’s Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS).