Psychology B.A. (Forensic Psychology Option)

College of Liberal Arts

The Forensic Psychology track is offered to the students who are interested in learning how theories and principles of psychology, criminal justice, and legal systems work together to understand human criminal behavior. The specialized courses offered in this track would help students better understand the criminal mind, the motives that trigger antisocial and criminal behavior. Students in this track, other than statistics, research methods, and other core courses, will also familiarize themselves with the philosophy of law, philosophy of punishment, forensic assessment in the justice system, psychological constructs of particular importance to forensic psychology, ethics, correctional psychology, and issues in working in the juvenile justice system.

B.A. Psychology (Forensic Psychology Option) Four-year Plan

Major (Core) Required Courses

  • Abnormal Psychology
  • Lifespan Developmental Psychology
  • Social Psychology
  • Forensic Psychology
  • Physiological Psychology

Knowledge and Skills Students will Grasp during the Study

Students enrolled in a forensic psychology track develop skills to understand criminal behaviors and the motives and determinants of that behavior. They gain knowledge about criminal justice, legal, and law enforcement, and social services agencies. Students would also learn deductive and problem-solving skills and develop an analytical mindset. This track will help them hone their communication and networking skills required for liaising with different agencies.

Career Prospects

  • Criminal justice expert
  • Social worker – Ability to work with Juvenile offenders, sex offenders, and individual involved in family violence
  • Court liaison personnel —working with criminal offenders and assessment of eyewitness testimony
  • Counselor for officers as well as victims
  • Social psychology researcher
  • Crime analyst—analyze crimes to help law enforcement offices identify patterns, trends
  • Public policy research (e.g., helping to design prisons and other correctional facilities)
  • Psychometrician – Developing better tests to determine mental capacity of individuals to stand trial