Forensic Psychology and Criminal Justice

Program Overview

This multidisciplinary program explores criminal behavior, law, and the criminal justice system through the lenses of psychology, criminology, child and youth studies, and political science. It prepares students for careers in law, policing, criminology, policy analysis, advocacy, and counseling, with a focus on experiential learning and international opportunities.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This program takes a career-focused and multi-faceted approach to criminal behavior, law, and the criminal justice system. It offers an opportunity to study criminal behavior and criminal justice in a uniquely diverse way, using the tools and perspectives of psychology, criminology, child and youth studies, and political science to learn about the individual, social, cultural, and systemic factors that influence criminal and aggressive behavior, and the institutions that make up the criminal justice system.

Outline:

The program's content covers a range of topics, including:

• Criminal psychology: the study of the psychological factors that contribute to criminal behavior.
• Criminology: the study of crime as a social phenomenon.
• Child and youth studies: the study of children and youth, with a focus on their development, well-being, and protection.
• Political science: the study of politics, government, and public policy.
The program's structure includes a combination of lectures, seminars, and practicums. Students will take a variety of courses in each of the four disciplines mentioned above, as well as a number of interdisciplinary courses that combine perspectives from multiple disciplines.

Assessment:

The program uses a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning. These methods include:

• Exams: written exams that test students' knowledge of the course material.
• Quizzes: shorter, less formal assessments that test students' understanding of specific topics.
• Papers: written assignments that require students to research a topic and present their findings in a clear and concise manner.
• Presentations: oral presentations that allow students to share their knowledge and understanding of the course material with their classmates.
• Practicum: a field placement that provides students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in a real-world setting.

Teaching:

The program is taught by a team of experienced and dedicated professors who are committed to teaching and research. The faculty members use a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, and practicums, to engage students and help them learn. The program also offers a number of unique approaches to teaching, including:

• Experiential learning: students have the opportunity to gain real-world experience through practicums and other experiential learning opportunities.
• International opportunities: students can study abroad or complete a research project in another country.
• Law Plus: students can combine their studies in forensic psychology and criminal justice with a law degree.

Careers:

The program prepares students for a variety of interesting and engaging careers, including:

• Law: students can pursue a career as a lawyer, prosecutor, or judge.
• Policing/corrections: students can work in law enforcement or corrections, such as a police officer, probation officer, or parole officer.
• Criminology: students can pursue a career in criminology, such as a researcher, policy analyst, or advocate.
• Policy analysis and administration: students can work in policy analysis or administration, such as a policy advisor, researcher, or manager.
• Advocacy/counseling: students can work in advocacy or counseling, such as a social worker, counselor, or victim advocate.