Forensic Psychology (Online)

This course examines a variety of statistical methods. Students will apply statistical methods to actual human behavioral topics and issues. Coverage includes descriptive statistics: frequencies, percentages, central tendency, variability, graphing, skewness and kurtosis. Statistical analyses included are probability and inferential statistics, including t tests (one and two sample), ANOVA, Chi square, Pearson r correlation and regression. Basic preparation in mathematics is needed. PREREQUISITE: Preparation in math.

The course is designed to give an overview of legal principles and practices which provide a framework for forensic psychology and the criminal justice system. An analysis of cases and statutes, pertinent to areas under consideration is emphasized together with instruction in fundamental aspects of legal research. Areas covered include investigation, evidence practices, initial appearance, arraignment, preliminary examination, trial, guilty pleas or conviction, sentence and release. PREREQUISITE: None

In this course students will study the criminal mind and behavior. A portion of this course will be dedicated to examining and discussing criminal profiling and serial killers. Another important segment of this course will deal with causes of criminal behavior especially related to child abuse, domestic violence, rape, murder and other violent offenses. Coverage will also include the study of the mind and behaviors of professionals in the courts, corrections, law enforcement, probation and parole. PREREQUISITE: None

The purpose of this course is to provide the student with an understanding of counseling theory and specific skills as they relate to forensic psychology and criminal justice professionals. Topics will include treatment for substance use disorder, anger management, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy and other current subject matter. The focus will be on the use of these skills to as an alternative to incarceration or to reduce recidivism. Emphasis will be placed on rapport development, listening skills and communication skills. Consideration will be given to problem-solving strategies, decision making and stress management. Some attention will be given to a review of vocational tests and interest inventories with emphasis on proper interpretation and use of results. PREREQUISITE: None

A psychological examination of domestic violence and its interaction with forensic psychology and the criminal justice system. Areas of focus include victim advocacy, causative factors, legal issues, substance abuse correlations and behavior modification programs. Particular emphasis will be placed on in-depth chronic offender profiles. PREREQUISITE: None

This course is designed to explore various ethical dilemmas in forensic psychology facing criminal justice professionals. Students will examine and discuss the ethical practice for forensic professionals in the courts, corrections, law enforcement, probation and parole. The content will include applying various theories of moral decision making, including moral rationalism, utilitarianism and Kant’s categorical imperative to real-life and hypothetical situations confronting the criminal justice practitioner. PREREQUISITE: None

This course examines social science research including evaluative methodologies and strategies, types of research, program evaluation, needs assessments, and ethical and legal considerations. Students will link statistical analysis and research methodology so that students may become a sophisticated research consumer as well as research producer. Understanding research strategy and the logic behind the statistical tests for applied purposes is an underlying theme of the course. This course will allow students to understand the nature of empirical research in developing surveys, educational interventions, program evaluations and therapeutic strategies. PREREQUISITE: None

This course includes the identification and diagnosis and mental health treatment planning for abnormal, deviant, or psychopathological behavior and includes assessments and treatment procedures. This course examines disorders in adulthood, adolescence, and childhood with consideration of the relationship between biological, social, psychological and environmental factors, as well as problems in classification and potential behavior systems. The concepts of normal and abnormal will be explored especially when attempting to understand the behaviors of culturally diverse groups. The symptomatological disorders, including borderline personalities and various phobic and obsessive-compulsive syndromes will be studied. The standards for differential diagnosis will be clarified. Conditions relating to dis-compensation, stress, anxiety, and defense mechanisms will be covered. PREREQUISITE: PSY 5417

This course will provide students with information about the various forensic activities in which psychologists and other related professionals currently participate. Activities may include competency evaluations, assessment of violent behavior and dangerousness, child abuse/neglect, treatment issues, court testimony, police psychology and consultation to judges, attorneys and other law enforcement personnel. Students will obtain information about the numerous roles of professionals in the field of forensic psychology and will develop the skills and knowledge base that will prepare them to continue with specialized training in this area. PREREQUISITE: None

This course addresses the physical, cognitive and social-emotional development across the lifespan for children, adolescents, adults and the elderly, including a description of behaviors that are present at the various stages and explanations for those behaviors regarding relative contributions of heredity and environment. The major theories of physical, cognitive, affective and social development across the life span for individuals and families are applied to the understanding of learning, personality development, and mental health counseling practice. The sociocultural and social economic factors that may contribute to a developmental outcome are also considered. PREREQUISITE: None

This course will familiarize students with the particulars of forensic assessment and test administration and will deal with techniques of synthesizing and integrating psychological and practical information into an effective forensic report. Emphasis will be placed on formal and informal assessment techniques, presenting problems, presentation of reports and collaboration with other professionals. Students will develop skills in the assessment and diagnosis of disorders commonly found in forensic settings. PREREQUISITE: PSY5316

The Forensic Psychology Capstone is a culminating experience that allows students the opportunity to demonstrate skills in research, writing, communication, reflecting, critical thinking, and professional proficiencies including ethical and cultural competencies. Students will choose a specific area of interest and connect knowledge acquired during the program to best practices in the field of Forensic Psychology through a review of past coursework, literature review of evidence-based practices and/or any volunteer/work related experience in the field. The capstone project provides students the opportunity to engage in graduate level scientific inquiry focused on an area of specialization within the forensic psychology profession. All forensic psychology topics, broadly defined, will be considered as acceptable.